Celtic Love and Brittany

CELTIC MUSIC MAGAZINE
http://www.celticmp3s.com/
The Home of Indie Celtic Music Online
December 2012 -- 21,000+ subscribers

SUPPORT OUR *NEW* SPONSOR - Irish Shop.com
http://www.celticmp3s.com/irishshop/
Irish jewelry, made in Ireland, Irish Online Shopping Portal for Celtic & Irish Jewelry, Clothing, Personalized Irish Gifts and More!

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Greetings Celtic music lovers,

I'm pleased to welcome new writers for our monthly newsletter. Stay tuned for a ton of new content in 2013. If you'd like to join our team, contact our new Chief Editor, Mattie, at editor@celticmp3s.com

Without further adieu...

Slainte!
Marc Gunn


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"Love is like playing the piano. First you must learn to play by the rules, then you must forget the rules and play from your heart". ~Unknown Author

Watch out for cupid's flying arrows as we take venture into Brittany, France. The Celtic language, (Breton), is still spoken there. Brittany has its own Celtic ruins. The cultural scene of its capital, Rennes, is largely based on the minifestivals that pop up nearly every weekend. You shall find anything from improvisational jazz shows to frequent festoù-noz, traditional Celtic-tinged Breizh dance parties. Imagine every weekend a Celtic music festival in your own neighborhood.

February is marked for Valentine's Day. Celtic Music Magazine shall bring to your attention things that reflect the perfect Celtic Love. Love of music, love of family, love of country, love of the arts, and lovely gifts for your beloved one.

Celtic Music Magazine has an exclusive interview with Mike McDaniel, who is launching a new concept in tees for Celtophilia Tee Company.

The podcast has some really exciting music this month, as always, that you can listen to while eating chocolates! Yes, let them eat chocolate!

"Love is a canvas furnished by nature and embroidered by imagination". ~Voltaire ~ François Marie Arouet (1694-1778).

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Support the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast and Celtic Music Magazine
Join our fan club at http://songhenge.com/

***

Celtic Music Magazine in January

January began with a holiday wrap-up: Light, A Venezuelan Christmas Vol. 2 by Gaelica, which fuses South American and Celtic sounds, with what reviewer Romana Guilotte describes as almost a gypsy flair.

Managing editor Mattie Dalton carried the theme for January was Scotland, tribute to the birthday of Scottish National Poet Robert Burns (1759-1796) on January 25th, and in honor of the upcoming Celtic Invasion of Scotland form Celtic Invasion Vacations! Magazine highlights for the month include a recipe for haggis--along with Burns' poetic tribute to the quintessential Scottish dish--and description of the activities that commemorate `Rabbie' Burns' birthday.

MP3 downloads this month include downloads of "Adner's Fancy" from Caelic by Beth Patterson and Patrick O'Flaherty, "Against the Odds" from the CD Sonic Travels by Star Edwards with KingBeat, "Black Rogue" by the new Texas-based Irish band Flashpoint from their CD Jammed, and "Johnny O'Brady's Lea" by Staggering Jack from the CD The Sailor's Daughter. Download the free MP3s, and if you like what you hear, purchase the CD or pass the links along to promote and support great Celtic music!

The feature this month was a history of the Edinburgh-based band "Silly Wizard" and a history of the "British Folk Revival" of the `sixties and `seventies, by Lahri Bond. It features many of the most prominent names in Celtic music--De Danaan, Clannad, and The Chieftains--into a very thorough discussion of the rise of Celtic folk and Celtic folk rock. If you have not yet enjoyed all of January's features, look, listen, and learn about the Celtic music we love, and join us through February for MP3s, features, and the celebration of Celtic Love! 

Check out our MP3s and feature articles on our website at
http://www.celticmp3s.com/

If you love Celtic Music Magazine, you will also be excited about two new episodes of the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast: show #134 - Top 20 Best Celtic Music of 2012 and show #135 - Celtic Music Inspiration. What better way to start the year than with a recap of all that was great in 2012? Show #134 is one you will want to listen to again and again. Show #135 - Celtic Music Inspiration invites all who love Celtic music to get a little better acquainted--start a band, pick up an instrument, or just sing along with some great songs, and make Celtic music a part of you. Remember to cast your votes for your favorite songs in each show.

Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
http;//www.celticmusicpodcast.com/

Finally, January 17th marked the release of Marc Gunn's CD Not Every Day is St. Patrick's Day, and witnessed a successful chart climbing effort! Check out the CD, purchase an MP3, and enjoy the latest from Marc.

Marc Gunn's homepage
http://www.marcgunn.com/


Celtic Music Happenings

Celtic Invasion of Scotland - If you have always wanted to go to Scotland--or even if you've just thought of it, and it sounds like an experience you'd like to have--there's no better time than the present! Join Marc Gunn as Celtic Invasion Vacations presents the Celtic Invasion of Scotland, June 15 - 22, 2013!

Since 2009, Marc has been organizing vacation tours of Celtic destinations worldwide, focusing on the camaraderie of travel and love of things celtic, and this year, his destination is the Highlands of Scotland. The itinerary is ready, but because of the friendly, small-group atmosphere of the trip, there is room for flexibility! In brief, here is what you can expect when you go to Scotland with Celtic Invasion Vacations:

Day 1- Meet Marc Gunn at the Historic Edinburgh Airport. Transport provided to Inverness with a stop to visit William Bruce's Kinross Estate and Gardens (built in 1560) and enjoy the beauty of the Scottish summer.

Day 2- A day of exploring. Highlights include the Aikey Brae stone circle and the Sunhoney Stones at Aberdeenshire, an opportunity to lunch on your own, and a possible visit to Cawdor Castle followed by good food and good music at the local pub with Marc Gunn.

Day 3- Outdoor adventure activities in Cairngorms National Park - possibilities include hiking, climbing, biking, and looking for the rare Scottish wildcat, with a steam train ride on the Strathspey Clansman with dinner and fabulous scenery.

Day 4- Shopping and exploration of Inverness, a central location in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander book series. Lunch will give an opportunity to sightsee on your own, while the evening will bring you by train to Inverness to enjoy the music and night life with Marc Gunn.

Day 5- On the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomand--and also Loch Ness: The getting there is as much an experience as the destination on the scenic A9--one of the most picturesque routes in Scotland. The trip south will also include lunch, tea and souvenirs at the Urquart Castle ruins, before heading to lodgings near Stirling.

Day 6- For Braveheart fans: In the Stirling area, a visit to the Wallace Monument and Museum, features the history of the great William Wallace. In the village of Dunblane, look forward to Dunblane Cathedral and Duane, the modest castle of Month Python and the Holy Grail fame. Outdoor adventurers might explore Trossachs Trail, made famous by Rob Roy and his band of Celtic thieves. After dinner, more music with Marc Gunn at the local pub.

Day 7- Shopping!--the culmination of many a fine trip. Stirlingshire is a brief train ride to Edinburgh, or a good stretch of the legs. Explore the area at your leisure before dining in Edinburgh in the evening. Time permitting, a tour of Closes in the evening followed by a pint at the World's End Pub (mentioned in Diana Gabaldon's novel Voyager as an 18th Century haunt of Jamie Fraser), with Marc to sing us "Slàinte mhòr agad!" ("Great health to you!") . 

Day 8- Last breakfast in Scotland, and then to the airport to return home with memories of a wonderful time!

The deadline is rapidly approaching to sign up for this amazing vacation experience! Deposits are due by February 20, 2013, so don't delay! 

For more information, visit http://celticinvasion.com/itinerary/scotland-2013/.



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Celtophilia Tee Company
http://www.celtophiliateecompany.com

Celtophilia Tee Company has announced its Kickstarter campaign! Kickstarter campaigns are a great opportunity to support independent ventures that speak to you--and generally to reap a reward in the process! Basically, when you preorder a shirt from Celtophilia Tee Company's hand-printed line of Irish & Celtic Music-inspired T-shirts, you pledge the money necessary for the initial run of some fabulous new designs!

Celtophilia has licensed designs for Marc Gunn, The Celtfather, the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast, the Brobdingnagian Bards, and many more, so go check out there designs and support their 2013 Launch!


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Additional Support

We are pleased to announce new partnerships with a number of Celtic businesses. If you are interested in advertising or sponsoring the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast and Celtic Music Magazine, please contact Marc Gunn at music@celticmusicpodcast.com for details.

Sherwood Celtic Music Festival
http://sherwoodcelticmusicfestival.com
The Sherwood Celtic Music Festival is a celebration of Celtic music, history and heritage. Our particular event does not focus on a specific time period; rather, we celebrate the entire arc of Celtic history from ancient times to the present.

Things Celtic
http://www.thingsceltic.com/
Fine Celtic Gifts. Based in Austin, Texas. Shipping worldwide!


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About Celtic Music Magazine
http://www.celticmp3s.com/
Celtic Music Magazine is a monthly publication of Celtic music, news and culture by Marc Gunn. The magazine promotes Celtic musicians worldwide, and you can help these artists:

1. Visit the links provided
2. Download the music
3. Order a CD, write, or donate to the band
4. Forward this ezine to THREE friends
5. Ask them to subscribe and help Celtic music grow

Copyright 2000-2013 Marc Gunn

 

Help Victims of Irish Music Top the Charts

CELTIC MUSIC MAGAZINE
The Home of Indie Celtic Music Online
March 2013 -- 21,000+ subscribers

Support Our Sponsor - Irish Shop .com
http://www.celticmp3s.com/irishshop/
Irish jewelry, made in Ireland, Irish Online Shopping Portal for Celtic & Irish Jewelry, Clothing, Personalized Irish Gifts and More!

Greetings Celtic Music Lover,

St. Patrick's Day is just one week away. All our preparations are coming along brilliantly. We have some new reviews and P3s coming soon. On March 13th, I will email you our annual "17 Free Celtic MP3s for St. Patrick's Day" article. You'll get a full album of indie Celtic music from some amazing Celtic groups this year. This our seventh year publishing this article. You're gonna love it. It's a wonderful sampler of what you can expect as a member of Song Henge, the fan club of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.

17 Celtic MP3s for St. Patrick's Day
http://celticmp3s.com/category/st_patricks_day_mp3s/

Speaking of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, I released our second St. Patrick's Day special for the year. There's one more coming that will highlight the bands in this year's article.

#138 – Top 20 Celtic Bands of 2012 for St. Patrick's Day Playlist
http://celticmusicpodcast.com/2013/irishcelticmusic-138/
St Patrick's Day music from the top 20 Celtic Bands of 2012 featuring Irish Celtic music from Hawp, The Triskells, Lachlan, Colleen Raney & Colm MacCarthaigh, Brobdingnagian Bards, Peter Daldry, SlipJig, Vintage Wildflowers, Hayley Griffith, Tullamore, Stout Pounders, Samantha Gillogly & Tim Maurice, Sons of Malarkey, Susan Kidney and Donna Germano, Sisters of Murphy, First Highland Watch, Hair of the Dog, Shillaly Brothers, Ockham's Razor, Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones.

#137 – St Patrick's Day Playlist
http://celticmusicpodcast.com/2013/irishcelticmusic-137/
St Patrick's Day playlist with Irish Celtic music from Duncan Ross Cameron, The Tea Merchants, Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer, Ed Yother, The Washington Square Harp and Shamrock Orchestra, Shishonnah, Beerside Scoundrels, BOWI, Damh the Bard, Sprag Session, The Langer's Ball, Sons of Malarkey, The BordererS.


Join the fan club of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
http://www.songhenge.com/
Sign up in March and save 20%, use coupon code CELTICMARCH



Help Victims of Irish Music Top the Charts… Again
http://marcgunn.com/2013/help-victims-of-irish-music-top-the-charts-again/
I just published a "Where are they now?" article called "Victims of Irish Music Seven Years Later". I first released the album in 2006. It continues to be one of our top-selling albums. But every year around St. Patrick's Day, it drops on the charts as new albums are released. That's fine, but I want to see it top the charts again for our St. Patrick's Day music holiday. It's a great time for Irish songs and Irish music.

Victims of Irish Music Seven Years Later
http://celticmp3s.com/2013/victims-of-irish-music-six-years-later/

On March 10th, I'd like to ask you to buy one song off the album. Here are the top 5 tracks:
1. "Congress Reel" by Poitin
2. "Lannigan's Ball/Rambling Pitchfork/Tar Road Sligo" by Cady Finlayson
3. "Sleeping Under The Tables Set" by Kennedy's Kitchen
4. "Cooley's Set (Reels: Cooley's Reel,/Sporting Paddy/Toss The Feathers)" by Wild Clover Band
5. "Polkas and Slides" by The Tea Merchants

Buy one of these tunes for yourself on iTunes or Amazon. If you already own it, buy it for a friend. On March 13th, I'll send you an album of free St. Patrick's Day MP3s.




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About Celtic Music Magazine
Celtic Music Magazine is a monthly publication of Celtic music, news and culture by Marc Gunn. The magazine promotes Celtic musicians worldwide, and you can help these artists:

1. Visit the links provided
2. Download the music
3. Order a CD, write, or donate to the band
4. Forward this ezine to THREE friends
5. Ask them to subscribe and help Celtic music grow

Copyright 2000-2013 Marc Gunn

 

The Emerald Isle

CELTIC MUSIC MAGAZINE
http://www.celticmp3s.com/
The Home of Indie Celtic Music Online
March 2013 -- 21,000+ subscribers

Support Our Sponsor - Irish Shop.com
http://www.celticmp3s.com/irishshop/
Irish jewelry, made in Ireland, Irish Online Shopping Portal for Celtic & Irish Jewelry, Clothing, Personalized Irish Gifts and More!

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Greetings Celtic Music Lovers,

Tis a beautiful sight mine eyes do behold, rainbows everywhere with fairies delight, as pots of gold twinkle in the light.

'Twas Guinness, Bushnell's, Killian's and Jameson too, ah....for the love of the wonderful brew.

Now it is time to celebrate what it is that best we do.

The St. Padraig's Day Podcast is the finest podcast of Irish & Celtic Music available, anywhere. It shall surely get your heart singing and your feet to moving along. I know you will want to visit the Podcast party line:http://stpatricksdayparty.net/podcast.shtml .

Did you know that the very first St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City was in 1762? It was held on lower Broadway by a band of homesick Irish ex-patriots and Irish military who served with the British Army stationed in the American colonies. While marching they decided to march right into the local tavern! Tis the truth, no Blarney here!

When was the first parade and where? Kissing the Blarney Stone, what is the story of that? Why such a fuss over St. Patrick? Where is Danny Boy?

There are many fine stories and traditions we shall uncover in Ireland. Maybe even a leprechaun. For sure a pint of brew!

At Celtic Music Magazine the ceili is on. We are about to have a craic'n good time! Be certain to bring your Shillelagh for the walk home.


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Support the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast and Celtic Music Magazine
Join our fan club at http://songhenge.com/
Sign up in March and save 20%, use coupon code CELTICMARCH

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Celtic Music Magazine in February
http://www.celticmp3s.com/2013/02/
Did you feel the love last month? We did. We're still fine tuning the Celtic Music Magazine, but we kicked off the month of love with a feature on Brittany and a great article on jewelry and Chocolate done Celtic-style. We chatted with the Celtophilia Tee Company about their exciting new business working with indie Celtic bands. And we learned a little about the challenges faced by those same bands. 

We have a few new album reviews that were featured last month by The Bog Hoppers, Staggering Jack, Cooke Park, plus, some Celtic love songs. We will also release some new free MP3s in March. Plus, don't miss our annual article "17 Free Celtic MP3s for St. Patrick's Day" coming out right before our cherished holiday.

Speaking of Celtic love, that was the feature of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast's latest show. The Podcast has a new sponsor as well--Irishop. They offer a huge selection of Celtic gifts and jewelry. Be the hit of the parade or party with this FREE Shamrock Bracelet with all orders of $59.95 or more, this week only!http://www.celticmusicpodcast.com/ 

The deadline for the Celtic Invasion of the Highlands of Scotland ended on February. However, we do still have space available. Want to see Scotland? The Highlands? Inverness? Stirling? It's gonna be awesome! Check out the itinerary and come join Marc Gunn for a vacation of the lifetime. http://celticinvasion.com/itinerary/scotland-2013/full-itinerary.shtml


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Additional Support

We are pleased to announce new partnerships with a number of Celtic businesses. If you are interested in advertising or sponsoring the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast and Celtic Music Magazine, please contact Marc Gunn at music@celticmusicpodcast.com for details.

Sherwood Celtic Music Festival
http://sherwoodcelticmusicfestival.com
The Sherwood Celtic Music Festival is a celebration of Celtic music, history and heritage. Our particular event does not focus on a specific time period; rather, we celebrate the entire arc of Celtic history from ancient times to the present.

Things Celtic
http://www.thingsceltic.com/
Fine Celtic Gifts. Based in Austin, Texas. Shipping worldwide!

Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers
http://www.catdrinkingsongs.com/
Combine Cats and Celts and you have Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers, a CD for the wonderfully demented kitty cat fanatic. Listen to music you've heard on St. Patrick's Day. Then laugh as all your favorite Irish Drinking Songs are rewritten with lyrics about cats.


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About Celtic Music Magazine
http://www.celticmp3s.com/
Celtic Music Magazine is a monthly publication of Celtic music, news and culture by Marc Gunn. The magazine promotes Celtic musicians worldwide, and you can help these artists:

1. Visit the links provided
2. Download the music
3. Order a CD, write, or donate to the band
4. Forward this ezine to THREE friends
5. Ask them to subscribe and help Celtic music grow

Copyright 2000-2013 Marc Gunn

 

17 Celtic MP3s for Your St Patrick's Day 2013

CELTIC MUSIC MAGAZINE
The Home of Indie Celtic Music Online
March 2013 -- 21,000+ subscribers

Support Our Sponsor - Irish Shop.com
http://www.celticmp3s.com/irishshop/
Irish jewelry, made in Ireland, 
Irish Online Shopping Portal for 
Celtic & Irish Jewelry, Clothing, 
Personalized Irish Gifts and More!

***

Become a fan of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
http://songhenge.com/
Sign up in March and save 20%
Use coupon code CELTICMARCH

***

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I play a lot of drinking songs, but I don't spend a lot of time drinking. That's because St. Patrick's Day is not just about drinking. It's about the music. Some of the best Celtic music explodes across the airwaves, in pubs, and at festivals as we celebrate our united Celtic heritage and the music that we love.

It's your lucky day...



Free St. Patrick's Day Music

I'm pleased to share more Celtic music with the seventh annual edition of "17 Celtic MP3s for St. Patrick's Day". I dug through the archives of bands who submitted music over the past year and compiled a fantastic list of great Irish and Celtic music for you to enjoy. Best of all, the songs you will download are 100% free and legal.

My hope is that you will find a song that you love so much that you will find a new favorite band. You will visit their webpage. You'll buy a CD. And you might even share this free album with other Celtic music fans. 

That's it. No catches. Just listen and enjoy!

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather



How to Download Your Free Celtic MP3s for St. Patrick's Day

The music is all easily compiled into one large ZIP file. To download, right-click the link below. "Save as" to the folder you choose. Then unzip the file.

Download: 17 Celtic MP3s for St Patrick's Day 
http://traffic.libsyn.com/bellobard/20130311-SongHenge-Vol-071.zip
(ZIP file, 86.9 MB)

Listen to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast St Patrick's Day specials for more great St. Patrick's Day music.http://celticmusicpodcast.com/

If you enjoy the music, please show your support of the bands you enjoy. See their shows. Buy their CDs and swag. You can also download music from all of these artists from Amazon, iTunes or CD Baby.



17 Celtic MP3s for Your St Patrick's Day 2013

"Scholar" by Poitin 
http://www.reverbnation.com/poitin
from Bofiguifluki

"Scotland the Brave" by The Rogues 
http://www.therogues.com/
from Live from Canada, Eh?

"Dark Eyed Sailor" by Rambling Sailors 
http://www.ramblingsailors.com
from Ports of Call

"Willie's Auld Trews/Fionnghuala/Tam Lin" by IONA 
http://www.ionamusic.com
from Silver

"Club 2 da Pub" by The Stubby Shillelaghs 
http://www.thestubbies.net
from Whiskey Business

"Hunter's Purse" by Dave Hum 
http://www.davehum.com
from Celtic and Bluegrass 5 String Banjo Vol 2

"Medley (Rare Old Mountain Dew & Hills of Connemara)" by Wolfhound
http://www.wolfhoundband.com/
from Demo

"Martin Wynne's Set" by Flashpoint
http://www.facebook.com/flashpointirish
from Jammed

"Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye" by Feckless Fear Dearg
http://reverbnation.com/fecklessfeardearg
from Feckless Fear Dearg

"Oro Se Do Bhaetha Abhaile" by Beth Patterson and Patrick O'Flaherty
http://www.bethpattersonmusic.com 
http://www.poflaherty.com
from Caelic

"Fortune" by Staggering Jack
http://www.staggeringjack.com/
from The Sailor's Daughter

"Whiskey In the Sauna" by Sliotar
http://www.sliotarmusic.com
from Fine Friends

"Drunken Sailor" by Marc Gunn
http://www.marcgunn.com/
from Not Every Day Is St. Patrick's Day and Best Irish Drinking Songs

"Step It Out Mary" by BOWI
http://www.bowiband.com/
from Dry Land

"Living In The Heart Of Ireland" by Brendan Loughrey
http://www.bluestackmusic.com
from To Those Who Fell

"The Tower" by Sora
http://www.soramusic.ca
from Scorpion Moon

"Johnnie Cope" by Jasper Coal
http://www.jaspercoal.com/
from Drowning the Shamrock

Marc Gunn "The Celtfather" is an award-winning acoustic Celtic folk musician. He riotously combines Irish drinking songs and Sci Fi fanaticism into a satirical jam session between Weird Al and The Clancy Brothers. It's Celtic music, the Traditional and the Twisted. Gunn hosts the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, the most-popular Celtic podcast online. He also Chief Editor of the Celtic Music Magazine. Find out more at www.celticmp3s.com. His newest CD is Not Every Day Is St. Patrick's Day which features many songs from his Best Irish Drinking Songs compilation.



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About Celtic Music Magazine
http://www.celticmp3s.com/
Celtic Music Magazine is a monthly publication of Celtic music, news and culture by Marc Gunn. The magazine promotes Celtic musicians worldwide, and you can help these artists:

1. Visit the links provided
2. Download the music
3. Order a CD, write, or donate to the band
4. Forward this ezine to THREE friends
5. Ask them to subscribe and help Celtic music grow

Copyright 2000-2013 Marc Gunn

 

Back to Scotland

CELTIC MUSIC MAGAZINE
The Home of Indie Celtic Music Online
April 2013 -- 21,000+ subscribers

***

Become a fan of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
http://songhenge.com/
This is the official fan club of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. You can join the secret club and gain free access to Song Henge, our online archive of Celtic music downloads. Please join today... Because. We are changing the way you hear Celtic music. 



Poem.....
'suddenly spring...
'suddenly spring -
my heart and the river,
full to bursting
Alan Spence Professor at 'University of Aberdeen'

We did take a swift turn back up to Scotland as the Tartan Day did warrant our return. We noticed a few "other" Scottish tidbits to report in Celtic Music Magazine this month.

Interview with 'Enter The Haggis', an awesome band.

Some 'left-over' St. Patrick's Day podcasts for your pleasure.

News of a new "kickstart" program.

Reviews and articles of interest to the Celtic community. Rumor has it some Pirates are around.

Save Moore Street. An Irish plea for help to save a National Monument.

Festivals are gearing up and some are already in the thick of it.

We cannot give away all of our surprises....come take a look and a listen.

Please support the musicians who earnestly work to bring you listening pleasure.

"Celtic Music Magazine is changing the way you hear Celtic music".
http://www.celticmp3s.com/


Latest Irish & Celtic Music Podcasts
http://www.celticmusicpodcast.com/
- #140 – Thursday Celtic Music
- Vote: What are your favorite songs from Show #140?
- #139 – Best St. Patrick's Day Playlist of 2013
- Vote: What are your TWO favorite songs from show #139?
- #138 – Top 20 Celtic Bands of 2012 for St. Patrick's Day Playlist
- Vote: What are your TWO favorite songs from show #138?
- #137 – St Patrick's Day Playlist


Marc Gunn Kickstarts Scottish Songs of Drinking & Rebellion

On Friday, April 12th, Marc Gunn launched a Kickstarter campaign for his next album Scottish Songs of Drinking & Rebellion. The album reached its goal of $3700 in just five days. With 27 days to go, he is reaching for his first stretch goal. He will release two CDs side-by-side when reaches $5280. That's just a thousand dollars away. Can he do it?

Whether you support the idea or not, you can own a full digital copy of the album when you sponsor the Kickstarter campaign for just $1. That's all it takes to enjoy about twenty of the greatest Scottish songs ever.

Visit http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/marcgunn/marc-gunn-cd-scottish-songs-of-drinking-and-rebell and join the rebellion today!


Marc Gunn's Pub Songs Podcast
http://www.pubsong.com/
- #116 – Scottish Songs
- #115 – St Patrick's Day Pub Songs Playlist
- #114 – St Patrick's Day Pub Songs Playlist


Celtic Music Headlines
http://www.celticmp3s.com/
- Featured Video – Coole Park "Lower the Sails"
- The Tartans's Are Coming
- MP3: "Paddy West" by Ed Yother
- Playlist: Post-St. Patrick's Day Blues
- St Patrick's Day Message from Black 47
- 17 Free Celtic MP3s for St. Patrick's Day 2013
- Marc Gunn, This is Your Life!
- MP3: "Cliffs of Moher" by Free Range String Band
- St Paddy's: St. Patty's Day: A Brief Guide to A Classy, Sans Plastic Day
- MP3: "Rolling Home" by BOWI
- Irish Car Bomber Cupcakes
- St Patrick's Day with The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
- I've Been Away Too Long! by Jed Marum
- Victims of Irish Music Six Years Later
- MP3: "The Ballad of Colonel John Macintosh" by Rathkeltair
- The Ravishing Genius Indeed


***

About Celtic Music Magazine
http://www.celticmp3s.com/
Celtic Music Magazine is a monthly publication of Celtic music, news and culture by Marc Gunn. The magazine promotes Celtic musicians worldwide, and you can help these artists:

1. Visit the links provided
2. Download the music
3. Order a CD, write, or donate to the band
4. Forward this ezine to THREE friends
5. Ask them to subscribe and help Celtic music grow

Copyright 2000-2013 Marc Gunn

 

Bagpipes Rock!

CELTIC MUSIC MAGAZINE
The Home of Indie Celtic Music Online
June 2013 -- 21,000+ subscribers
Celtic Music Magazine is the official newsletter of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. It is a monthly publication of Celtic music, news and culture by podcast host, Marc Gunn.

Join the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast Fan Club
http://songhenge.com/
Song Henge is the official fan club of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. You can join the secret club and gain free access to Song Henge, our online archive of Celtic music downloads. Please join today... Because. We are changing the way you hear Celtic music.



Greetings Mo Chara,

Summer is upon us. The weather in Alabama is getting hotter and nastier every day. In two weeks, I will enjoy a reprieve when I lead a small group of excited Celtic Invaders into the Highlands of Scotland (http://celticinvasion.com/ ). My vacations are nothing short of spectacular. I am ready to escape the weather and immerse myself once again in Scotland.

In the meantime, news has been light on the Celtic Music Magazine. I've been a bit swamped with shows since St. Patrick's Day. So I'll have to get back to motivating my writers so we can get some more reviews, MP3s and more. If you'd like to help, please drop me an email.

Our Facebook page is now connected with a TON of Celtic musicians. If I haven't Liked your band, please let me know. I'm using it to share occasional news from some of the bands that are featured in the podcast.

I should have a new episode of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast out soon. It's been far longer than I prefer. Though the Bagpipes Rock episode successfully blew people away.

I received a number of comments that the voting form does not work. So I am reopening the polls to 2013 episodes. You can now post your votes directly in the comments section of each show for as long as it is open (usually about a month). If you have a favorite from the Bagpipes show, go cast your vote!

Thank you as always for all your support. And Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

Oh! Song Hengers get ready for TWO albums of Celtic MP3s to be released in the next few days.

Oh!! Thanks also to everyone who donated to my Scottish CD Kickstarter. I reached my goal and am finishing up the album now.



Latest Celtic Podcasts
- Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #141: Bagpipes Rock
- Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #140: Thursday Celtic Music
http://www.celticmusicpodcast.com/
- Marc Gunn's Pub Songs Podcast #117: Top Three Tips for New Parents, Plus Awesome Comedy Music from Manic Mondays
- Marc Gunn's Pub Songs Podcast #116 – Scottish Songs
http://www.pubsong.com/

Celtic Music Headlines
http://www.pubsong.com/
- Review: "The Ferryman" by The Hooligans
- Dougie MacLean: Music, Live Streaming, Whiskey and The Queen
- "Just Tinkin'" A Celtic Music Blog By Jim O'Connor of Boston Blackthorne- A Lament for Boston
- Easter Rising of 1916
- Featured Video – Kilmaine Saints "Streams of Whiskey"
- Son of Rogues Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs & Chanteys by Various Artists
- Featured Video: Jesse Ferguson – "The Wayfaring Stranger"


Support the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast and Celtic Music Magazine
Join our fan club at http://songhenge.com/

***

Support the Celtic Music Magazine
Here are 3 ways you can support the magazine, podcast and indie Celtic musicians:

1. Visit the links provided
2. Buy a CD or MP3s, write or donate to the band
3. Forward this ezine to THREE friends and ask them to subscribe!

Copyright 2000-2013 Marc Gunn

 

Scotland in Review/Songs of Irish Immigration

CELTIC MUSIC MAGAZINE
The Home of Indie Celtic Music Online
July 2013 -- 21,000+ subscribers
Celtic Music Magazine is the official newsletter of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. It is a monthly publication of Celtic music, news and culture by American Celtic musician and podcast host, Marc Gunn.

***

Become a fan of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
http://songhenge.com/
This is the official fan club of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. You can join the secret club and gain free access to Song Henge, our online archive of Celtic music downloads. Please join today... Because. We are changing the way you hear Celtic music.
Save 20%, use the coupon code: JULY2013 (good thru July 31st)

***

Greetings Mo Chara,

Scotland is AWESOME!!!

Every year, I take a handful of Celtic music lovers on a Celtic Invasion Vacation. Last month, we spent a week in the Highlands of Scotland. It was amazing! We arrived in Ediburgh, drove North up to Aviemore in the Cairngorm Mountains. We used that as our base for venturing out into the Highlands riding on a Steam Train, visiting standing stones, and castles, hiking thru rainy valleys, past incredible vistas. The weather was cool. The drinks were warming. The people were happy. It was an absolutely brilliant trip.

I tried to capture the beauty and fun with some of the pictures I took. They are now posted in the Celtic Invasion Vacations facebook group. You can check it out at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.543389152394026&type=1

It was so much fun that I already started looking at where we are gonna go in 2014 when we invade Wales. If you'd like to join us, subscribe to the Celtic Invasion Vacations mailing list at http://celticinvasion.com/ .

Oh! And make sure you check out some of the videos I took from the invasion. I think there's still one more I need to post... http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW2ZqJYHA7BASNYRSa3faN5GSO6smie6n

Last week, I finally posted a new episode of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. This one celebrates Songs of Irish Immigration. It is extra long with a lot of incredible songs. So listen and share it with your Celtic music loving friends. Enjoy!

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

***

SUPPORTING SPONSOR - LIVING THE TRADITION
Support the new project "Living the Tradition", a series of
unique short music documentaries featuring cellist Ilse de
Ziah who, together with filmmaker Maarten Roos, travels
all over Ireland to perform and to search for the origins of
ten Irish Airs. Be part of it and support us before 30 July.
http://www.igg.me/at/living-the-tradition

***

Latest Celtic Podcasts

- Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #143: Songs of Irish Immigration

- Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #142: Banish Misfortune

- Marc Gunn's Pub Songs Podcast #118: Why You Should Travel (on a Celtic Invasion Vacation)


Celtic Music Headlines

- Irish Confederate at Gettysburg

- Featured Video – The Gothard Sisters "Willow's Waltz"

- Review: "The Bare Cove Demos" by Jillie Mae Eddy

- Irish Immigration and Marc Gunn CDs On Sale

- Brainstorm With Me: CeltiCon


***

Support the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast and Celtic Music Magazine
Join our fan club at http://songhenge.com/

***

Support the Celtic Music Magazine
Here are 3 ways you can support the magazine, podcast and indie Celtic musicians:

1. Visit the links provided
2. Buy a CD or MP3s, or donate to a band
3. Forward this ezine to THREE friends

Copyright 2000-2013 Marc Gunn

 

Celtic Influence on Popular Culture

CELTIC MUSIC MAGAZINE
The Home of Indie Celtic Music Online
Septmeber 2013 -- 21,000+ subscribers
Celtic Music Magazine is the official newsletter of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. It is a monthly publication of Celtic music, news and culture by American Celtic musician and podcast host, Marc Gunn.

***

Become a fan of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
http://songhenge.com/
This is the official fan club of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. You can join the secret club and gain free access to Song Henge, our online archive of Celtic music downloads. Please join today... Because. We are changing the way you hear Celtic music.

Save 20% on a Sainted Membership, good thru September 30th (no coupon code needed)

You'll also get a Celtic Podcast t-shirt, and a "Not Every Day Is St. Patrick's Day" coffee mug (for a limited time)

***

Greetings my friends,

August was another busy month. Jamie Haeuser and I finished recording and started mixing the Gunns & Drums debut album "How America Saved Irish Music." It sounds fantastic. I even featured a track in the "Songs of Irish Immigration" edition of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. I have another mix of tracks from that album in my inbox. I'll give it a listen when I finish writing this newsletter.

Later in the month, I performed at two of the biggest Sci Fi conventions around: GenCon in Indianapolis and DragonCon in Atlanta. The later featured my old band, Brobdingnagian Bards. We had a wondeful, fun reunion filled with wacky, Celtic comedy. It was such a great time that I think DragonCon may well be the one show we do together each year. Yup, we are already planning on being back in 2014.

Visiting those two conventions resparked an idea I've been mulling over for a while. The idea is called CelticCon. It's a mashup between sci fi conventions and Celtic festivals. A lot of Celtic culture and music ends up in Sci Fi books, movies, TV shows. Heck, the number of people wearing kilts or the amount of Celtic knotwork and artwork found in dealer's room is astounding.

What if I took it a step further and created a convention to celebrate the Celtic influence in the sci fi world. What do you think of that idea? Does that sound like something cool to you?

Right now, I'm seriously thinking of giving it a test run, maybe even with just my own fans. Perhaps one day it could touch on a side of our Celtic heritage that I believe is missing at Celtic festivals. Let me hear your thoughts.

Thanks as always for your incredible support of Celtic music and musicians. I hope you take a moment to tell others about YOUR favorite music group. Help indie Celtic musicians. Spread the love. Let's watch our community grow!

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

***

Irish & Celtic Music Podcast


Marc Gunn's Pub Songs Podcast

I recently turned my podcast into a live weekly show. Come join me for good food, good drink, and good company.


Celtic Music Headlines


***

Support the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast and Celtic Music Magazine
Join our fan club at http://songhenge.com/

***

Support the Celtic Music Magazine
Here are 3 ways you can support the magazine, podcast and indie Celtic musicians:

1. Visit the links provided
2. Buy a CD or MP3s, or donate to a band
3. Forward this ezine to THREE friends

Copyright 2000-2013 Marc Gunn

 

Celtic Christmas on Kickstarter, Celtic Artists You Might Like

The Home of Indie Celtic Music Online
September 2013 -- 21,000+ subscribers
Celtic Music Magazine is the official newsletter of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.  It is a monthly publication of Celtic music, news and culture by Celtic musician and podcast host, Marc Gunn.

***

Become a fan of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
This is the official fan club of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.  You can join the secret club and gain free access to Song Henge, our online archive of Celtic music downloads.  Please join today...  Because.  We are changing the way you hear Celtic music. 

Save 20% on a Sainted Membership, good thru September 30th (no coupon code needed)
You'll also get a Celtic Podcast t-shirt, and a "Not Every Day Is St. Patrick's Day" coffee mug (for a limited time)

***

Greetings Celtic music lover,

The weather is cooling down here in Birmingham. I went for a walk yesterday. A lone leaf fell in my path on the street. I realized fall is on its way. Then I got a phone call from my dad who drove up to Maine where it dropped into the 30s one night. Christmas is just around the corner.

I know it's still a little early to be talking about Christmas, but my next compilation CD is called "A Celtic Christmas". The album features 17 Christmas songs and tunes by indie Celtic musicians you've heard on my Irish & Celtic Music Podcast as well as on the Celtic Christmas Podcast. I started a Kickstarter last week to fund the production and promotion of the album. Yesterday, we reached our target goal.

A Celtic Christmas

Now I'm looking at the first stretch goal. If we can reach the $5,700 goal, you could get a one-year membership to Song Henge. Best of all, I plan to hire a publicist to do some serious promotion of this CD to news and radio.

I started the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast with the hope to promote indie Celtic musicians. I want to give them the recognition that they deserve. That $5700 goal is extremely important to me for that reason. 

If you love Celtic music, if you love Christmas, please take a minute to make a pledge. Any kind amount will help. If you donate $50 or more and we meet our stretch goal, then you will get a one-year membership to Song Henge and experience even more great indie Celtic music.

Thank you for all your generous support.

Slainte!
Marc Gunn

***

Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

#145: Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day


Marc Gunn's Pub Songs Podcast

I recently turned my podcast into a live weekly show. Come join me for good food, good drink, and good company.
#124: Pub Songs, Celtic Christmas and Gunn Runner Community
#123: Sea Shanties and Monday Morning Update


Celtic Music Headlines

- The Celtic Music Magazine website is experiencing technical difficulties. I'm trying to get it resolved. But it may be a while before the magazine is back online.
- Halloween/Samhain Podcast Special: Do you have any favorite song suggestions for Halloween or Samhain?
- Nominations for 9th Annual Podcast Awards Open Oct 1st 2013. Please nominate the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast for Best Podsafe Music 

Elders

Celtic Artists You May Like

Mithril - http://www.mithril.us 
Mithril's unique progressive style has its roots in traditional Celtic music but moves far beyond that, weaving such diverse influences as American folk, classical, and Middle Eastern melodies in...to their full tapestry of sound.

The Elders - http://www.eldersmusic.com/ 
Their music has been dubbed as “Ameri-Celt,” a cross-pollination of styles that is high octane and progressive, yet rooted in tradition. The Elders are not a “traditional” act, so they are at liberty to pick and choose from among the catchiest bits and pieces of their rather diverse, collective musical past. The result is a skillful mix of amped-up Americana roots rock with a strong Celtic twist - featuring powerful vocals, blazing instrumentals and top-notch song writing.

Heather Dale - http://heatherdale.com/ 
Canadian recording artist and touring musician Heather Dale writes songs for ‘modern dreamers’: witty, fun-loving, imaginative people who aren’t afraid to be different. Heather’s original songs tap into legends, mythology, history and fantasy.

John McGaha - http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/JohnMcGaha
John McGaha is a multi-genre composer, singer, and song-writer with over thirty years of musical experience. The McGaha’s are a musical family, descended from Scottish and Irish immigrants. John McGaha was first introduced to music by his grandfather, and began playing fiddle with his father’s bluegrass band at the age of four.

George Papavgeris - http://folk4all.net/ 
The most prolific of creative men; the grandest of hearts and maker of songs that sear into the soul, George is unique, to say the least. His lilting accent lends a fantastic clarity to his delivery that is matched by deceptively simple guitar work. Few have written so many songs that demand your full attention and then insist, in the finest of ways, on staying with you forever. (Graham Searle)

***

Support the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
and Celtic Music Magazine
Join our fan club at http://songhenge.com/

***

Support the Celtic Music Magazine

Here are 3 ways you can support the magazine, podcast and indie Celtic musicians:

1. Visit the links provided
2. Buy a CD or MP3s, or donate to a band
3. Forward this ezine to THREE friends

Copyright 2000-2013 Marc Gunn

 

Killer Celtic Halloween, New Podcast Store, Celtic Christmas CD Now On Sale

CELTIC MUSIC MAGAZINE
The Home of Indie Celtic Music Online
October 2013 -- 21,000+ subscribers

Celtic Music Magazine is the official newsletter of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.  It is a monthly publication of Celtic music, news and culture by Celtic musician and podcast host, Marc Gunn.

Subscribe to the Celtic Music Magazine here!

 

Celtic Music Magazine

Editor's Note

Greetings Celtic Music Lover!

I was a latecomer to Celtic holidays. I never celebrated Samhain growing up, but halloween...? I loved it then. I love it more now... especially since I became a father.

So on Saturday, we celebrated my daughter's 3rd birthday with a Halloween costume party. Kenzie was dressed as Curious George. Gwen was Dr Wiseman (from the tv show, of course). I was the man in the yellow hat. I made a fun playlist of Halloween music, with both Halloween favorites and Celtic ghost songs.

It was easy to compile since I a few days earlier I released a Celtic Halloween special on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. You'd be suprised by the awesome comments I'm getting. That's one of the reasons why I decided to make bonus halloween show for Song Hengers.

Anyway, I hope you have a safe and happy halloween or Samhain. I'd love to see your Halloween pumpkins, costumes, or whatever. Send the pictures, or you can share them up on Facebook.

Slainte!
Marc Gunn

 

New Celtic Podcasts

ICMP=Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, PSP=Marc Gunn's Pub Songs Podcast

- ICMP#147: Celtic Halloween

- PSP#125: Changing the Way You Hear Celtic Music News

Next on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast is a special feature on Celtic musicians on the West Coast of the United States.

 

Curious George and The Man in the Yellow Hat

Join Song Henge, Get A Celtic Christmas CD and Save 10%

Song Henge is the official fan club of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. When you join, you gain access to Song Henge and hours of Celtic music downloads. It's a really cool service and I'm doing my best to make it better every month.

I'm really excited about the changes and updates I made to Song Henge over the past month. I hope you find them just as cool.

- The Song Henge Podcast is now available to ALL Song Hengers. There's a new Celtic Halloween special, plus, five more shows, exclusive to members.

- Subscribe from now until December 10th and I will send you a digital copy of A Celtic Christmas, my newest compilation CD. You can choose to have it delivered via iTunes or Amazon. (Email me once you sign up, for details)

- I setup a new Irish & Celtic Music Podcast store on the Song Henge website. I put together a nice gift pack there that includes a t-shirt, the CD, and the Celtic Christmas ornament.

- Core Song Hengers now save 20% off all items in that store.

- Join in before December 10th and save 10% on any membership level. Use the coupon code: NOVEMBER13SAVE

Thank you so much for your kind support of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. If you haven't joined Song Henge, sign up today at http://songhenge.com

 

A Celtic Christmas

Celtic Music Headlines

- A Celtic Christmas Fully Funded on Kickstarter. Albums go in the mail this week.

- Celtic Halloween

- Playlist: Dying to Celebrate a Celtic Halloween

- Concert Review: The Waterboys and Freddie Stevenson

- Free Celtic MP3s: Pipedance, Sons of Malarkey, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer, Jasper Coal, Cheers!, Banna de dha, The Willis Clan, Celtic Reggae Revolution

- Announcing a new Irish & Celtic Music Podcast Store! You can now support the podcast by buying compilation CDs, t-shirts, and of course your membership to Song Henge. It's all in one location with quick access to placing your orders.

 

Iona

Celtic Artists You May Like

banna de dhá (Band of Two) - http://bannadedha.com
Banna de dhá features the duo of Tom Morley on fiddle and Hazel Ketchum on guitar and vocals. The name is a very loose ‘American meets Irish’ translation for “band of two,” but the musical whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Taking their inspiration from great Irish Traditional music duos, banna de dhá uses the repertoire of Irish instrumental and vocal music as their starting point, while keeping it all fresh and unique with unexpected improvisational turns.

Jed Marum - http://jedmarum.com
Singer songwriter and performer Jed Marum brings American and Celtic Folk music to festival, club and concert stages around the country. Since 1999 he has published over a dozen albums, licensed music to film and TV projects and works over 150 shows each year all over the US.

The Gleasons - http://thegleasonsmusic.com
Fiddles, flutes, guitars, percussion and rich harmonies define the sound where Celtic and Pop music meet. That sound is The Gleasons. A mix of Celtic stylings and down home country soul, The Gleasons will take you on a musical journey leaving you smiling and stomping your feet. Formed in 2003, The Gleasons have been performing at festivals and pubs throughout Wisconsin.They are currently assembling songs for their 3rd CD.

Rathkeltair - http://rathkeltair.com
Rathkeltair is one of the most talked about bands on the North American Celtic festival circuit.   Unique, exciting arrangements of traditional music along with compelling original material  performed by multi-instrumentalists from Ireland, England and America who play together with incredible energy, intensity and dynamics make Rathkeltair a must-see.

Pandora Celtica - http://pandoraceltica.com
Pandora Celtica is a 5-piece, dark faerie, acapella band. They sing traditional Celtic tunes, the occasional cover, and lots of original pieces in Celtic style.

Iona - http://ionamusic.com
IONA was founded in 1986 by lead singer/bouzouki/bodhran player, Barbara Tresidder Ryan & flute/whistle player/vocalist, Bernard Argent. One of the first & foremost pan-Celtic bands (performing music & dance from all the European suspects as well as their transplants in America), IONA tours internationally with 11 albums to date.



Support the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
and Celtic Music Magazine
Join our fan club at 
http://songhenge.com/

 

Irish & Celtic Music Podcast on Facebook

Support the Celtic Music Magazine

Here are 3 ways you can support the magazine, podcast and indie Celtic musicians:

1. Visit the links provided
2. Buy a CD or MP3s, or donate to a band
3. Forward this ezine to THREE friends

Want Your Music Featured?
Submit You Group


New to the Celtic Music Magazine?
Read "How to Get Your Celtic MP3s Through This Magazine".

Copyright 2000-2013 Marc Gunn

 

Spark the Celtic Christmas Lights With a Two for One Deal

CELTIC MUSIC MAGAZINE
The Home of Indie Celtic Music Online
November 2013 -- 21,000+ subscribers

Celtic Music Magazine is the official newsletter of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.  It is a monthly publication of Celtic music, news and culture by Celtic musician and podcast host, Marc Gunn.

Subscribe to the Celtic Music Magazine here!

 

Celtic Music Magazine

Editor's Note

Greetings Celtic Music Lover!

We are one day away from the big event. What event am I talking about? I'm talking about the big Top the Charts event for A Celtic Christmas!

Tomorrow, I'm asking you to buy a copy of A Celtic Christmas on iTunes and/or Amazon. If we get 100 people buying it all on the same day, that album could hit #1 on the holiday charts. Can you imagine how cool that would be?

Close your eyes and imagine that you are in a indie Celtic band. Your music doesn't top the charts normally. You might have a big, dedicated fan base, but you can't compete with big record label budgets like Josh Groban, Nat King Cole, or Bing Crosby, or even big Celtic artists like Enya, Celtic Thunder or Celtic Woman. Those artists or their record labels have a LOT of money to promote their Christmas albums. You don't. You may never top the charts...

But wait! There is one way you could do it. If you and I and everyone we know buy this CD on one day, Saturday, November 16h. We could possibly hit #1. Last year, we pushed Irish Celtic Music to #3 on the World music charts. We can do it again!

It's easy to do. All it takes is about ten bucks. Buy the album for yourself or for send it as a gift to a friend. Each sale will mean the album will climb the charts higher and higher. Can it hit #1 on the Holiday charts? We will find out on Saturday.

Now you may be a little tight in your budget. I understand that. That's why I'm offering you two albums for the price of one.

Yup! Once you order the album on Saturday, email me the receipt and I will send you a second digital compilation featuring MP3s from almost all of the bands on A Celtic Christmas. Heck, if you want to gift it to someone else, I'm happy to send it to them too.

This is an awesome deal!

Oh! And let's not forget that a portion of the sales go to benefit our Celtic cultural community. So it's for a good cause too.

So please mark your calendars. And place your order first thing in the morning on Saturday. If you need a reminder, join the Top the Celtic Charts mailing list.

Thanks as always for ALL of your support.

Slainte!
Marc Gunn

PS. Today is the last day to vote in the Podcast Awards. Cast your vote for Irish and Celtic Music under Podsafe Music. Thanks!

 

New Celtic Podcasts

- ICMP#147: Celtic Halloween

- #126: Vote Celtic Music in the Podcast Awards

Next on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast is a special feature on Celtic musicians on the West Coast of the United States.

ICMP=Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, PSP=Marc Gunn's Pub Songs Podcast

 

Irish Christmas Cards

Join Song Henge, Save 10% and Get Christmas Cards to Share with Your Friends

Song Henge is the official fan club of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. When you join, you gain access to Song Henge and hours of Celtic music downloads. It's a really cool service and I'm doing my best to make it better every month.

- Subscribe from now until December 10th and I will send you a digital copy of A Celtic Christmas, my newest compilation CD. You can choose to have it delivered via iTunes or Amazon. (Email me once you sign up, for details)

- Become a Core Song Henger and you will also get 10 Celtic Christmas greeting cards that you can send to friends and family.

- Join in before December 10th and save 10% on any membership level. Use the coupon code: NOVEMBER13SAVE

Thank you so much for your kind support of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. If you haven't joined Song Henge, sign up today at http://songhenge.com

 

A Celtic Christmas

Celtic Music Headlines

- Capercaillie’s 30th anniversary CD gets At The Heart of It All

- Coyne and Drever Map a second set of Stories

- Enda Seery & John Byrne on Geantraí

- Esotero Sampler

- Have you heard of Morenn?

- Free Celtic MP3s: David Nigel Lloyd, The Young Dubliners, Jamie Smith's MABON, Pipedance, Sons of Malarkey, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer

 

CeltFest 2007 

Celtic Artists You May Like

Boston Blackthorne - www.bostonblackthorne.com
Celtic and Irish-influence original music in a driving style with 3 part harmonies and traditional Irish instrumentation. The group's second album, County Kerry to Kerry Park is inspired by one family's emmigration from Dingle Ireland to Holyoke MA as featured in their original songs.

Brobdingnagian Bards - www.thebards.net
Scottish and Irish folk songs combined with the Lord of the Rings music and a wee bit o'Celtic fun. The Brobdingnagian Bards (pronounced brob-din-nahg-EE-en) are The Original Celtic Renaissance music duo. It's great Celtic music from Austin, Texas. Their unique brand of folk music on the autoharp, recorder, and mandolin made them one of the most-popular Celtic groups online.

The Malarkeys - www.themalarkeys.com
Contemporary Canadian Celtic rock popsters, noted for their live performance Celtic mash-ups that throw traditional Irish pub songs into unlikely medleys with more modern rock songs.

The Brigands' Folie - www.brigandsfolie.com
Brigands' Folie is an exciting acoustic duo playing traditional Irish, Scottish, English, and colonial American music together around the Midwest since 2005. The band's mission is to educate the public about the lives and stories of 18th & 19th Century settlers, soldiers, and sailors through music of the period.

The Gothard Sisters - www.gothardsisters.com
The Gothard Sisters are three young Celtic and classical musicians who write new arrangements of traditional celtic and christmas favorites. They are emerging young artists and dancers from the pacific northwest and play several instruments each, creating a warm sound of acoustic progressive celtic-classical folk.



Support the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
and Celtic Music Magazine
Join our fan club at 
http://songhenge.com/

 

Irish & Celtic Music Podcast on Facebook

Support the Celtic Music Magazine

Here are 3 ways you can support the magazine, podcast and indie Celtic musicians:

1. Visit the links provided
2. Buy a CD or MP3s, or donate to a band
3. Forward this ezine to THREE friends

Want Your Music Featured?
Submit You Group


New to the Celtic Music Magazine?
Read "How to Get Your Celtic MP3s Through This Magazine".

Copyright 2000-2013 Marc Gunn

 

Celtic Cyber Monday: Save 30% on Swag, New Celtic Christmas Playlist and Podcast

CELTIC MUSIC MAGAZINE
The Home of Indie Celtic Music Online
December 2, 2013 -- 21,000+ subscribers

Celtic Music Magazine is the official newsletter of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.  It is a monthly publication of Celtic music, news and culture by Celtic musician and podcast host, Marc Gunn. Changing your world through Celtic music!

Subscribe to the Celtic Music Magazine here!

 

Celtic Music Magazine

Editor's Note

Greetings,

My Christmas tree is up! I took my family out to a Christmas tree farm with some friends. It was a chilly day which made the event seem all the more Christmasy.

You take what you can get when you live in the South and only dream of seeing a white Christmas. The cold weather amplified the merry feeling as we listened to A Celtic Christmas on the CD player.

#Guinness for #cat lovers for #Thanksgiving. Mmmm.We headed home. My three-year old daughter decorated the tree. My wife and her dad drank spiked eggnog while I drank spiked hot cider. We roasted chestnuts as the Christmas lights twinkled on the tree.

Our Thanksgiving holiday was relaxed and wonderful. I am extremely blessed and thankful to have such a wonderful family.

I also want to thank You for being a part of my life, reading my newletters, listening to my podcasts, and some of you also enjoy my music. I am very fortunate. So thank you for being part of my Indie Celtic community.

Thanks also for supporting last month's Top the Charts event on iTunes and Amazon. We didn't hit #1 on the holiday charts, but we did hit #1 on the smaller charts. You can read all about it on our website.

The album is still charting fairly well. It spent some time featured as one of the Top Celtic holiday albums on iTunes. It still is one of the top-selling Seasonal albums on CD Baby. The physical CD is now on sale over there.

I want to thank everyone who bought the album and spread the word. You're giving indie Celtic music a Voice and helping all of these bands to be heard.

So thank you for thirteen years of great indie Celtic music. Yes, this month is our 13-year anniversary. Thank you!

Slainte! Nollaig Shona Duit!
Marc Gunn

PS. You can now read past editions of the Celtic Music Magazine online right here.

 

New Celtic Podcasts

The Celtic Christmas Podcast is back online with brand new episodes. I hope to put out one or possibly two more shows before Christmas. So subscribe on the website. And check out the most-recent shows which highlight songs from the new Celtic Christmas compilation CD.

- Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #148: West Coast Celtic Music

- Celtic Christmas Podcast #33: Best Irish & Celtic Christmas Music Online

- Celtic Christmas Podcast #32: Top Celtic Christmas Music Online

- Pub Songs Podcast #126: Vote Celtic Music in the Podcast Awards

Next on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast is a special feature on the bands featured on the new Celtic Christmas compilation CD.

 

Awesome Celtic Christmas Playlist

Indie Celtic Christmas on Spotify

Whenever I find a band or an album that I want to know something about, I turn on Spotify.

As a musician, Spotify is not my favorite music service. They pay indie musicians a lot less than major label musicians. So I prefer buying music through iTunes or Amazon. But as a music lover and as the podcaster and editor of the largest Podcast and Ezine of Celtic music online, I can't help but subscribe to Spotify to learn more about Celtic music.

Recently, I've been listening to a lot of Celtic Christmas CDs. I compiled a list of some of the best Celtic Christmas music that you can buy on Amazon.

Now I'm creating playlists on Spotify. My latest is the Indie Celtic Christmas playlist. It features a bunch of awesome Celtic Christmas songs from my podcast and is a great way to sample music you might want to buy. I'd love your suggestions for what songs/tunes should be added to this Indie Celtic Christmas playlist. Email me.

Oh! I also made a Celtic Christmas Songs playlist featuring some of my absolute favorite Christmas songs by Celtic musicians. There aren't many songs on there, but it's a great list.

If you're not a member of Spotify and want to try it out, feel free to sign up using this link. It'll help pay for my continued membership. Thanks!

 

2014 Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
The 2014 Podcast Shirt fundraiser design
Get it free is a Sainted Member of Song Henge!

Celtic Cyber Monday: Save 30% Today Only!

Today is Cyber Monday. I hadn't planned on holding any sales. But I got an email this morning from some random business with that big bold text reading "CYBER MONDAY". I'm such a tool. I got excited, even though I didn't buy anything.

I got excited because this day was made for indie businesses like mine. Sorta like Small Business Saturday. But my entire career, my entire life, was built around the internet. I don't know what I would be doing if it wasn't for the internet, podcasts, ezines, CD Baby, and my own websites. The internet allowed me to quit my day job in 2005. I never looked back.

Anyway, I thought, "maybe podcast fans would like to save some money on some of our swag". Thus was born this year's Cyber Monday sale. Today only, you will save 30% on all Irish & Celtic Music Podcast swag in our store.

Buy any swag in the store and you'll save 30%.

That does not include memberships, but you can save 10% on those until December 10th. Just follow the instructions below.

PLUS, you will still get a digital copy of A Celtic Christmas from iTunes or Amazon (your choice). Once you place your order reply to the email with that info.

Oh! If you're a Brobdingnagian Bards fan, you can also save 20% on all our physical CDs in the Celtic Music CD Store until December 3rd.

 

Irish Christmas Cards

Join Song Henge, Save 10% and Get Christmas Cards to Share with Your Friends

Song Henge is the official fan club of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. When you join, you gain access to Song Henge and hours of Celtic music downloads. It's a really cool service and of course, it helps to pay the ample monthly bills of the podcast.

- Subscribe from now until December 10th and I will send you a digital copy of A Celtic Christmas, my newest compilation CD. You can choose to have it delivered via iTunes or Amazon. (Email me once you sign up, for details)

- Become a Core Song Henger and you will also get 10 Celtic Christmas greeting cards that you can send to friends and family.

- Join in before December 10th and save 10% on any membership level. Use the coupon code: NOVEMBER13SAVE

Thank you so much for your kind support of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. If you haven't joined Song Henge, sign up today at http://songhenge.com

 

Patrick K Ahern

Celtic Music Headlines

- Types of Celtic Christmas Music

- The Celtic Influences of Thanksgiving

- Review: Jerry McLean by Jerry McLean

- A Celtic Christmas Tops the Charts Online

- Celtic Christmas Music on iTunes

- The Challenge with Making Christmas Songs for Kids

- Scottish Songs and Burns Supper

- Wanted: Celtic Christmas Song Lyrics for Kids

- Music Marketing for Solo Musicians (not quite Celtic-related, but this is some important info for Celtic musicians who might be reading this list)

- Free Celtic MP3s: Patrick Keith Ahern, New Shilling, Tallymoore, The Secret Commonwealth, Vintage Wine

 

New Shilling 

Celtic Artists You May Like

Patrick Keith Ahern
www.facebook.com/patrickkahern1
Patrick Keith Ahern’s music ranges from rock to rock ballads and Christmas music to singer/songwriter easy listening. He was influenced by all styles of music from U2 to the Pogues. His dad, a musician himself, also had a huge influence in his musical style as his dad was in bands such as The Arrivals and The Dukes of Jazz..

New Shilling
http://www.newshilling.com/
New Shilling plays traditional Celtic music with a modern groove – from heart-breaking ballads to classic pub tunes, from tender love songs to jigs and reels that will make you want to get up and dance. New Shilling’s soaring fiddle and stirring pipes, laid against an energizing rhythm, make this band a Northwest favorite.

Tallymoore
http://www.tallymoore.com/
Comprised of five members, each one brings something different to the table. Backgrounds musical theater, classical violin, the members of Tallymoore have joined with pints of enthusiasm as they bring their own, new interpretation to Irish folk music. This melding of different techniques has given birth to a fresh, modern sound to some of the classics of Irish folk standards. From traditional classics, to mash-ups of pub favorites, this clan of five is excited to bring some “craic” to friends both old and new.

The Secret Commonwealth
http://www.tscband.com/
The Secret Commonwealth, for more than two decades, has combined originals, traditionals, and covers in the Celtic style but with sidetrips into blues, Americana, and the folk styles of Sweden, France and Latin America. The music is mostly upbeat, sometimes eerie, with all members taking turns as lead vocalist. In 2002 TSC released a Halloween-themed album called “Uninvited Guest”.

Vintage Wine
http://www.vintagewine.cz/
Vintage Wine describes their music as “Celtic trash-folk”. No matter if they play traditional music or their own, it’s always very energetic and powerful.



Support the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
and Celtic Music Magazine
Join our fan club at 
http://songhenge.com/

 

Irish & Celtic Music Podcast on Facebook

Support the Celtic Music Magazine

Here are 3 ways you can support the magazine, podcast and indie Celtic musicians:

1. Visit the links provided
2. Buy a CD or MP3s, or donate to a band
3. Forward this ezine to THREE friends

Want Your Music Featured?
Submit You Group


New to the Celtic Music Magazine?
Read "How to Get Your Celtic MP3s Through This Magazine".

Copyright 2000-2013 Marc Gunn

 

Merry Celtic Christmas

CELTIC MUSIC MAGAZINE
The Home of Indie Celtic Music Online
December 19, 2013 -- 21,000+ subscribers

Celtic Music Magazine is the official newsletter of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.  It is a monthly publication of Celtic music, news and culture by Celtic musician and podcast host, Marc Gunn. Changing your world through Celtic music!

Subscribe to the Celtic Music Magazine here!

 

Irish blessing

Editor's Note

Merry Christmas!

Christmas vacation starts tomorrow for my family. Before I head out on our exciting journey to visit family, I want to take a moment to thank you each and every one of you for listening to my Celtic podcasts and helping to promote A Celtic Christmas this season.

This was one fantastic year. I made a lot of big changes to my websites and how I promote the show. It's particularly awesome that you can now listen to the show on YouTube. You get to hear music from your Celtic heritage and experience lots of great music, all for free. Best of all, we're continuing to give indie Celtic bands a voice in an overcrowded music world.

I can't wait for the new year to begin so we can continue to show the world what Celtic music is all about. I hope you will continue to be with me on this grand journey.

Thank you for being a part of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. I look forward to many, many more years of great Celtic music with you.

Have a Merry Celtic Christmas and a happy new year!

Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

 

New Celtic Podcasts

I have several new Celtic podcasts to share with you including three new Celtic Christmas Podcasts and the final Irish & Celtic Music Podcast of the year. Enjoy!

- Irish & Celtic Music Podcastn #149: Celtic Christmas Miracle

- Celtic Christmas Podcast #36: Best Celtic Christmas Music Online

- Celtic Christmas Podcast #35: Celtic Christmas with the Grinning Beggar Celtic Music Podcast

- Celtic Christmas Podcast #34: Celtic Christmas Eve

- Pub Songs Podcast #128: Christmas Pub Songs

- Pub Songs Podcast #127: A Semi-Celtic Christmas

 

 

Secret World of Celtic Rock

Join Song Henge to Celtic Rock

Song Henge is the official fan club of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. When you join, you gain access to Song Henge and hours of Celtic music downloads. It's a really cool service and of course, it helps to pay the ample monthly bills of the podcast.

- Become a Core Song Henger and subscribe from now until January 31st and I will send you

   -- a digital copy of Marc Gunn's CD Scottish Songs of Drinking & Rebellion. You can choose to have it delivered via iTunes or Amazon. (Email me once you sign up, for details)

   --- a physical copy of The Secret World of Celtic Rock.

Thank you so much for your kind support of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. If you haven't joined Song Henge, sign up today at http://songhenge.com

 


Celtic Music Headlines

- Best Celtic Christmas Music Online

- The New Celtic Music Community for the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

- First Visit to Ireland

- Free Celtic MP3s: Patrick Keith Ahern, New Shilling, Tallymoore, The Secret Commonwealth, Vintage Wine

Related Celtic Christmas articles:

 

Irish Music Live/ June 18, Thursday @Failte 

Celtic Artists You May Like

NUA -  http://www.trionua.com
NUA is an innovative new trad trio, bringing a fresh and unique sound to traditional music, creating their own distinctive flavour with both original and traditional compositions from Ireland and Scotland. Based in Toronto, Canada, NUA consists of three award-winning members: fiddle player James M Law, guitarist Graeme McGillivray and bodhrán player Jacob McCauley.

Whiskey Bay Rovers  https://www.facebook.com/whiskeybayrovers
A mix of pirate songs, traditional sea shanties, Irish drinking songs, and other songs of the sea; some done a cappella with up to six part harmonies, some with guitar, drum, penny whistle and recorder accompaniment.

Martyn Wylde  http://www.martynwylde.com
With an extensive repertoire derived from the rich folk traditions of Ireland, England and Scotland along with his own original songs, Martyn Wylde continues the legacy of the Bards of old. Accompanying himself on guitar, bouzouki and mandolin, Martyn's pure tenor voice and three octave range combine with his multi-instrumental talent to form a truly unique folk instrument, bringing new life to material which is sometimes hundreds of years old.

Baroque & Hungry  http://baroqueandhungry.com
Baroque & Hungry is a Celtic fusion trio, incorporating rock, jazz, classical, and latin styles into traditional Celtic folk.

Get Up Jack  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Get-Up-Jack/564387543609889
This is a 40 year retrospective filled with bluegrass, Celtic and folk influenced songs.  This is the debut cd from three former members of "Hair of the Dog"

Bourbon & Shamrocks  http://www.bourbonandshamrocks.com
Bourbon & Shamrocks is a band founded on fun music and good times. Most of the members have been jamming together for the last 10 to 15 years. One day, things changed and they got a chance to go public at a small local pub. They love the music they play, and they love to share it with their audience.  Many of their tunes are up-beat and full of energy. When mixed in with a few traditional celtic songs and ballads, they create a well rounded package for the music lover. As their motto plainly states in Gaelic, “ Ceoil agus Craic aneas!”, you can count on “Music and Fun from the South!”

The Fire Inside  http://www.thefireinsideceltic.com
The Fire Inside plays full-spectrum Celtic music with heel-clicking intensity. They are a seven-piece powerhouse of jigs, reels and singing from the heart. The Fire Inside performs throughout the Greater Seattle area, entertaining folks with their foot stomping jigs and reels to those lovely slow airs that make you smile, plus hilarious songs, well known sing-alongs and more.

Earl's Chair  http://henrylebedinsky.com
Michael Albert and Henry Lebedinsky have been performing together since 1996, when they met in Maine while pursuing careers as classical musicians, Michael as an oboist, violinist, and countertenor, Henry as a harpsichordist and organist. Their common love for Celtic music from a variety of traditions brought them to Boston, where they helped found the North Shore-based band The Beggar Boys in 2001. Michael and Henry's original tunes pay tribute to their New England roots as well as the many threads of Celtic music that weave in and out of their lives. They round out their debut album with a few of their favorite traditional tunes and some by Celtic greats Martin Wynne and Jerry Holland.

Gwilym Morus  http://welshmythology.com
Gwilym Morus started singing Welsh folk ballads as a child with his mother. As such he is influenced mainly by the folk ballad tradition of his native Wales. But as a student of Welsh literature, particularly medieval bardic literature, he also makes use of the strict meters that are a feature of classical Welsh bardic culture. His style could probably be called contemporary folk, with influences from other kinds of folk music including English, Irish and American.

Lachlan  http://www.lachlan.nl
Irish and Scottish Folk on different instruments and original songs based on mythological and celtic music tradition.

The Rolling Kings http://therollingkings.com
The Rolling Kings, a five-piece Celtic Rock ensemble, took its name from the lyrics of the old shanty, “South Australia”.  Hailing from St. John’s, the band draws influence from the roots music of Newfoundland and Ireland, but also from rock, folk, and countless other genres when writing and arranging their songs.

Burning Bridget Cleary  http://burningbridgetcleary.com
Once called “the Allman Brothers of Celtic fiddle bands, only prettier,” Burning Bridget Cleary features the remarkable musical talents of Rose Baldino and Deirdre Lockman, who lead the band with high-energy and tightly woven harmonies in both fiddle and vocals. The driving rhythm and bass end is supplied by Philadelphia native, Lou Baldino on guitar, and percussionist, Peter Trezzi, on djembe drum. Founded in 2006, “BBC” has produced four albums and played hundreds of performances throughout the East, South and Mid-west, including a 2011 tour through Ireland.  Their second production, “Everything is Alright”, was named “2009 Album of the Year” by Boston-based CelticRadio.net. Their newest CD, “Pressed for Time,” received 5 Star reviews and hit #1 on the Roots Music Folk and Roots charts. Battlefield Band founder, Brian McNeill, commented, “The recording is pervaded by an overwhelming air of musicians who know how to let serious music speak, and when to let rip a bit and just have fun.



Support the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
and Celtic Music Magazine
Join our fan club at 
http://songhenge.com/

 

Irish & Celtic Music Podcast on Facebook

Support the Celtic Music Magazine

Here are 3 ways you can support the magazine, podcast and indie Celtic musicians:

1. Visit the links provided
2. Buy a CD or MP3s, or donate to a band
3. Forward this ezine to THREE friends

Want Your Music Featured?
Submit You Group


New to the Celtic Music Magazine?
Read "How to Get Your Celtic MP3s Through This Magazine".

Copyright 2000-2013 Marc Gunn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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