Where the music happens!

Recent House Concerts in the Wee Ceili Room

Notes from some friends on the concerts:

Concert Notes from the Wee Ceili Room
By Carin Lyons

Leo Mac Namara and Aurora Burd proved a winning combination for Octobers’ 2009 concert in the Wee Ceili Room. AICS members Sam Keator and Aine Doherty were hosts to the Seattle, Washington based musicians, who traveled down to Tualatin, Oregon to conduct workshops in the afternoon followed by an evening house concert. The audience was treated to a lovely three part concert, each musician playing separately and then finishing up the evening with a combined set.
Leo, a flute and whistle player who hails from County Clare Ireland began the evening with some wonderful tunes and was quick to share a bit of musical history and some personal stories of his own experiences with such legendary musicians as P.J. Hayes, Paddy Canny and Peadar O’Loughlin just to name a few! Both Leo and Aurora have a very easy going and down to earth manner and displayed the surety and confidence of first rate musicians.
Aurora’s fiddle set paid large tribute in the selection of tunes and the style of playing to the Clare tradition. Having competed in the All-Ireland Fleadh this year and placing second in the Slow Air competition it was more than obvious that she has an affinity for the music. Her bow style had a beautiful economy to it, being full and fluid and without excess.
In a lovely nod to Sam Keator, Leo dedicated a fun tune called Spoil the Dance to his host. And of course, after the concert, the dancing was anything but spoiled as those who were up to getting their feet moving were treated to a Fairy Reel and Haymakers Jig courtesy of Leo and Aurora. And as an added treat for the musicians in attendance, Leo and Aurora hosted a session after the concert which went into the wee hours of the night.
For those who have had the good fortune to attend a concert in the Wee Ceili Room you know what a rare and superior experience it is, and the concert with Leo Mac Namara and Aurora Burd was one to add to that exclusive list.

 

Sam and Aine, We LOVED the concert last night. We've been Kevin Burke fans for years but never thought we'd get any closer than about the 10th row in a typical venue. As a 4th grade teacher I use the Trail Band music in my classroom with the study of Oregon History, so meeting Cal was something I wasn't expecting - didn't know that he was the Cal from the Trail Band! Your special room is phenomenal. This troubled country could use more house concerts - we'll be back! Thanks again for all of the e-mails.

Jean Schifferns and Steve Nussbaum

 

Morning ,you guys---I just wanted to let you know that I thought last night was one of the best concerts you two have presented. They are all good, but I don't know if it was the closeness of the musicians, the enthusiasm of the Circled by Hounds or the large crowd. I always enjoy Hanz--even Bud was on his best behavior!!

Thanks--

Cousin Margaret

 

RE:Jim Malcolm
Sam,
Thank you so much for you and your wifes amazing hospitality last night. My husband, Dante, and I have never been to an in home concert like that and it was wonderful. It fed my soul to get to see my old friend from college again and to hear some great music.
Take care.
Margie
 

RE: Rebecca Lomnicky
Thank you, Sam and Anne, for another great concert! Sad that it is the last of the season, but I'm looking forward to the next year as always.
Rebecca, David and Cary are all such first rate musicians. It's hard to believe that Rebecca is only 17years old - truly amazing talent. The tunes were fabulous from start to finish! I've had the good fortune to hear them all play before at one time or another so I knew ahead of time that it would be a great night of music.
I love the wee ceili room concerts and I know you put a lot of effort and commitment into making them all happen, so thank you! very much for all that you do.
~ Carin


 

Aine Doherty and I invite you to our home for a house concert!

Our intention is for support of Traditional Irish Music and dance only with the exception at times for old time music. Concerts are only October through May each year,

1. We are located 12 miles south of downtown Portland, Oregon in the SW suburb of Tualatin. Easy access on off freeway I-5.
    
2. Our new, wee ceili room addition is 500 sq. ft. acoustical great!
    
3. Max we would want at the concerts would be 50 chairs. Otherwise you deserve a bigger venue that I can arrange!
    
4. Plenty of street parking, it's the burbs.
    
5. All monies for admission and sales of cd's to the musicians minus any costs.
    
6. Acoustically, the room is grand! Ask Kevin Burke, Noel Hill, Leo Mac Namara, Tom Creegan, Jim Malcolm, Cal Scott, Daithi Sproule, Johnny Box Connolly, Randal Bays, Dale Russ, Aurora Burd, Finn MacGinty, Caoimhin O Raghallaigh, Eddie Parente, Mikey Beglan, Hanz Araki, Nancy Curtin, Rebecca Lomnicky, David Brewer, Joey Abarta, Kira Ott, Kellam Throgmorton, Danny O'Hanlon, Cary Novotny, Bob Soper, Matty Sears, Franz Sanger, Susan Frances, Andre Marchand, Lisa Ornstein, Hanneke Cassel, Christopher Lewis, Ariel Friedman, Mike Saunders, Dave Marshall, Aine Meenaghan, Kathryn Claire, Matthew Hayward-McDonald, Sarah Dee, Vash, Colleen Raney, Lissa Schneckenburger, Bethany Waickman and Dave Cory and they will all agree.

You may email me or call for consideration for us to host you and your group.


Lovely audience!

 

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