Greetings my friends

Yesterday, I released the final episode of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast for 2015. It featured funny Irish and Celtic songs as a fun way to finish up an incredible record-setting year. I looked at the stats, and we had 630,000 more downloads than last year. That's more downloads than we've ever had since the show was released, even during the heyday of podcasting.

I could go into details, but why should? I have a whole blog about the awesome statistics for 2015 for the podcast. Check it out!

Now it's time to start planning for 2016. I want to make this year better than ever. For that to happen, I need your help. The success and popularity of Celtic music is entirely up to each of us. I want to see a return of the Celtic Tiger. But for that to happen, we need to work together to push those many different styles to the forefront of the public's eye.

Will you help me make it happen?

Join the Irish & Celtic Music Club on Facebook or just keep reading this newsletter. Let's talk and share and our ideas on how to promote our beloved music style. Maybe by the end of the year, we'll see our numbers double and see Celtic music expand even further around the world!

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK -- Call 678-235-8763 or record an MP3 on your phone and email it to me at music@celticmusicpodcast.com. And please post a review on iTunes or Stitcher.

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC NEWS

1. It’s New Year’s Eve. Let’s laugh and party on the very last day of 2015 with funny Irish and Celtic songs from Legacy with Jim Flanagan, The Molly Maguires, Jim Brannigan, Trinity River Whalers, The Dregs, Seamus Kennedy, Ed Miller, Merry Wives of Windsor, The Irish Rovers, Brobdingnagian Bards, Marc Gunn, Ceann, Hair of the Dog, Black 47, The Poxy Boggards, The Stubby Shillelaghs, Wild Mountain Thyme, Claymore.
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2. The Book of Kells is now viewable in the library's new digital collections respository. Big thanks to the Library of Trinity College Dublin where the book currently resides.

3. Did you see the busking video from Grafton Street? A bunch of famous musicians like Bono, Glen Hansard and Sinead O'Connor went there in Dublin and played to thousands of people over the Christmas holiday.

4. I was watching the new Star Wars movie and was struck with a thought, "That looks familiar. That's gotta be Ireland". Lo and behold, I just learned it was Skellig Michael. Learn more about Skellig Michael here.

5. I just learned that Andy M. Steward of the band Silly Wizard and a fantastic Scottish songwriter passed away on December 27, 2015. He wrote such songs as "The Ramblin' Rover", "Golden, Golden", "The Queen of Argyll" and "The Valley of Strathmore". He also rocked the song "Donald McGillavry as you'll see in this video. He was just 63 years old.

Today’s show is brought to you by Celtic Invasion Vacations

Every year, I take a small group of Celtic music fans to exotic locations around the world. We don’t travel in big tour buses and see everything. Instead, we stay in one area. We get to Know the region through its culture, history, and legends. Plus, I bring you some great Celtic music by me and other Celtic artists. We’re going to Cornwall in 2016. Subscribe to the mailing list to join the invasion at celticinvasion.com

BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST

The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast exists due to the generosity of our Patrons. Special thanks to our newest Patrons: Lissa, Nick, Craig, David, Rebecca.

When you donate as little as $1 per episode, you help pay for the production of the podcast and help me make a partial living as a professional podcaster. Because of our Patrons' generosity, I'm planning a 2-Hour Celtic Harp Music Special. Want to help plan the next two-hour special? Become a Patron of the Podcast today! celticmusicpodcast.com/patreon.

NEW CELTIC CDS

Every week, I release my full list of New Celtic CDs that are out this week. You can find the complete list on our website at http://celticmusicpodcast.com/NewCelticCDs. Take a moment and listen to my Top 4 Picks.

Nice as Apple Pie
by Celtica
Infectious fun -- this is music that will leave your toes tapping and your ears wanting more.
Genre: Folk: Celtic Folk
Release Date: 2015

Sweet Mischief (Impropriety, Vol. 5)
by Roguery
Enjoy the improvisatory interplay across a variety of styles and moods, from raucous to serene and points in between, with original and traditional tunes inspired by the dance music of the British Isles.
Genre: Folk: Contra Dance
Release Date: 2015

When I Was a Young Man
by Patrick Penta
O'Carolan and other Irish & Scottish folk tunes arranged and performed on the steel-string guitar.
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2015

The Colorado Military Taptoo 2015
by The Colorado Military Taptoo
LIVE! Recording of the 2015 Colorado Military Taptoo at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs, CO.
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2015

January 1, 2016

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

Do your friends love Celtic music? Invite them to join the Celtic Music Magazine today! They too will get 34 Celtic MP3s when they subscribe. And it's FREE!

Send them to http://celticmusicpodcast.com/subscribe/

#CelticMusicMagazine - www.celticmusicpodcast.com
Copyright 2000-2016 Marc Gunn

Happy New Year my friends

I kicked off the first Irish & Celtic Music Podcast of 2016 with a 2-hour special of Celtic Harp Music. It's a beautiful episode. Please go listen and share!

I am extremely excited about what is to come this year. If you saw the statistics last week, you know that we have lots of room to grow. There are still plenty of Celtic musicians who are not yet on the podcast. I want to get more on the show. If you know any, tell them to contact me or to submit using this form.

With Christmas past, the next big holiday is, you guessed it, St. Patrick's Day. I started thinking about the St. Patrick's Day Internet Music Festival I started two years ago. I really don't have time to organize an event like I did last year. So this year, we're doing something different. Celtic bands will submit videos starting in March, to be added to this year's festival playlist. And if any Celtic artist does an online concert from March 1-17, I will promote it through the magazine. So ATTN Artists, start sending me your music. Or just let me know you plan to join the festival.

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK -- Call 678-235-8763 or record an MP3 on your phone and email it to me at music@celticmusicpodcast.com. And please post a review on iTunes or Stitcher.

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC NEWS

1. PODCAST: We hit another major Milestone for the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast back in November. Because of the generosity of the Patrons of the Podcast, I now bring you two hours of amazing Celtic Harp Music from Sarah Marie Mullen, The Duplets, Harpnotic, Claire Roche, Scott Hoye, Leah Jorgensen, Donna Germano, Margaret Davis, Daphne Quigley-Freund & Tom Bradfish, Seasons, Allyson Adair, Oona McOuat, Ashley Davis, Ramsay & Black, Ciara Considine, Jenneth Tollin, Sora, Avalon Rising, Allison Girvan, Catriona McKay, Darren Raleigh, Dublin Harpers, Faery Dae, Mark Davies, Rachel Hair Trio, Nick Hennessey, Sara Hillis, Thomas “Doc” Grauzer, Julia Lane.
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2. ARTICLE: I am also please to share my pick of the Top 20 Most-Played Celtic Bands of of 2015. It was a fascinating list to create using AskStephen.net, who keeps track of all of the music played in all of the Celtic podcasts. I was actually surprised with some the results. Who were your favorites were in 2015?

3. VIDEO: Haven't had The Canny Brothers Band on the podcast in a while. So check out this video of their song "William O'Connor".

4. BANDS: The Gothard Sisters got a great feature in Fiddler Magazine. Read it here.

5. TRAVEL: This is an interesting article on 7 Uniquely Scottish Experiences. The Hot Tub in Heather made me smile.

6. JOIN IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC CLUB: to suggest new bands to be featured in the podcast, see an Irish harper in 1910, Listen to Albannach pipes & drums, and find out what do you call a bunny in a kilt?

Today’s show is brought to you by Celtic Invasion Vacations

BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST

The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast exists due to the generosity of our Patrons. Special thanks to our newest Patrons: Albert and Patricia.

When you donate as little as $1 per episode, you help pay for the production of the podcast and help me make a partial living as a professional podcaster.

Plus, when we hit our next Milestone of $350 per episode, I will start planning a two-hour Celtic music special highlight indie Celtic bands from Canada. There's a lot of great music North of us. Want to hear it?Become a Patron of the Podcast today! celticmusicpodcast.com/patreon.

NEW CELTIC CDS

Mostly Melodeon
by Dan Possumato
This compilation CD contains selected tracks of Irish traditional music from Dan's previous albums, and as the title implies, the one-row melodeon is featured on most tracks. Dan's music has been described by reviewers in Ireland, the UK and the USA as being 'well arranged,” "warmly played," and "simply gloriously grounded traditional music." Dan is joined by some of today's top players in traditional Irish Music.
Genre: Folk: Irish Traditional
Release Date: 2016

Connection
by Jason Whelan
Folk-Rock from Newfoundland Canada melding various styles and influences.
Genre: Folk: Folk-Rock
Release Date: 2016

Totally Nautical: Pirate Songs of the Spanish Main
by California Celts
Totally Nautical... is island music from the North Sea to the Caribbean or Celtic Rocksteady if you please. This is the third cd from the California Celts and the follow up disc to their Grammy nominated cd "Take Me Away.
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2016

My Love Is Like a Red Red Rose
by Marion Martin
Marion Martin's sublime voice, amazing versatility and dynamic style weaves twelve classic songs, including Scottish gems and world famous love songs, into new and exciting life.
Genre: Folk: Scottish Traditional
Release Date: 2015

January 8, 2016

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

Do your friends love Celtic music? Invite them to join the Celtic Music Magazine today! They too will get 34 Celtic MP3s when they subscribe. And it's FREE!

Send them to http://celticmusicpodcast.com/subscribe/

#CelticMusicMagazine - www.celticmusicpodcast.com
Copyright 2000-2016 Marc Gunn

Greetings my friends

It's tough running a podcast and having a music career. I try to organize and record the podcast at beginning of each week. Consequently, my music career suffers. I run out of time to do simple things, like mixing the album I promised my fans back in October. Sigh...

Because of that I'm attempting to hire a babysitter once a week. I'm terrible at managing people, be they virtual assistants or babysitters. But alas, it needs to be done.

I want to thank all of my patrons who help me afford a babysitter, and who also inspire me to keep the show on schedule no matter what. Thank you!

As I start planning for this year's St. Patrick's Day Internet Music Festival and realize I'm probably over-commiting myself, I thought it might be a good time to seek a couple assistants for the promotion of the festival. You job would be pretty simple. All you need to do is contact bands and add videos to the new playlist when it goes online.

Don't get me wrong. I could probably find other work for you, if you want it. But for now, HELP WANTED! :)

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK -- Call 678-235-8763 or record an MP3 on your phone and email it to me at music@celticmusicpodcast.com. And please post a review on iTunes or Stitcher.

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC NEWS

1. PODCAST: This week on the podcast, we have Irish Celtic music from Caladh, Blackwater, Amelia Hogan, Earl’s Chair, An Taisdeal, Laurent Leemans, Beltaine, Dublin 4, Ellis Island, Doug Folkins, Shishonnah, Lenahan, Alizabr and Ann Sannat with Faun, Burning Bridget Cleary.
celticmusicpodcast.com/240

2. WANTED: CELTIC BANDS FOR ST. PAT'S DAY FESTIVAL. I am once again organizing the St. Patrick's Day Internet Music Festival. I'm looking for Celtic bands or musicians located anywhere around the world who are interested in joining. This year will be easier than ever. Visit the website for more details. Listen to The Celtfather on iTunes or the website for added details.

3. VIDEO: Here's Coyote Run performing "When I Go and Battle of the Kings" from one of their farewell performances.

4. BANDS: Burning Bridget Cleary has received some new reviews of their new album, "These Are the Days". Read about it.

5. TRAVEL: Learn more about Cornwall's Celtic culture. This is a nice historical glimpse at this Celtic nation that we're heading to this summer. Is travel a priority in your life?

6. JOIN IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC CLUB: Come join me and share and hear a song by Niamh Parsons and watch a video by my band Kilted Kings.

Today’s show is brought to you by Celtic Invasion Vacations

BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST

The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast exists due to the generosity of our Patrons. Special thanks to our newest Patrons: Paul, as well as a big shoutout to Bryan Blake and Chris Cooper, our new Celtic Superstars!

When you donate as little as $1 per episode, you help pay for the production of the podcast and help me make a partial living as a professional podcaster.

Plus, when we hit our next Milestone of $350 per episode, I will start planning a two-hour Celtic music special highlight indie Celtic bands from Canada. There's a lot of great music North of us. Want to hear it? Become a Patron of the Podcast today! celticmusicpodcast.com/patreon.

NEW CELTIC CDS

Makem & Span - Four Pounds a Day

Four Pounds a Day
by Makem and Spain
The best in the Irish Ballad Tradition
Genre: Folk: Irish Traditional
Release Date: 2016

Life of Their Own
by Tim Ball and Sophie Orzechowski
Straight-ahead, powerful dance music from the New England fiddle tradition.
Genre: Folk: Contra Dance
Release Date: 2016

The Poet
by Paul Dunworth
This debut album pays homage to the Poet Michael Harnett and is filled with soulful open tuned acoustic guitar melodies and strong vocals. A must for any guitar loving folk, contemporary folk, Irish inspired Celtic music fans.
Genre: Folk: Celtic Folk
Release Date: 2016

The Road Home
by Alex Basile
Pop music born from the Celtic and folk tradition.
Genre: Folk: Irish Contemporary
Release Date: 2016

January 15, 2016

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

Do your friends love Celtic music? Invite them to join the Celtic Music Magazine today! They too will get 34 Celtic MP3s when they subscribe. And it's FREE!

Send them to http://celticmusicpodcast.com/subscribe/

#CelticMusicMagazine - www.celticmusicpodcast.com
Copyright 2000-2016 Marc Gunn

Greetings

For the past nine years or so, I have asked you to vote for your favorite songs in the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. The following years, I compiled a list of your Top 20 Celtic songs into one Best Of edition of the show. I am excited once again to share with you the best Celtic songs of 2015.

Votes were a little slow last year. That was to be expected because I now require you to vote each and every week. I know. That can be tough. But as you will hear. The results are well worth it. There were a LOT of great bands to choose from. I hope you the result as much as I am.

One of my first big new year goals is to have the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast reach 500 ratings on iTunes, before St. Patrick's Day. Ratings and reviews are important for the show to top the charts on iTunes. So I would like you to do me a BIG favor and rate the show on iTunes. If you want to leave a comment as well about where you listen to the show, I'd love to read it in the podcast as well.

Finally, James McDaniel II sent me the design for the 2016 Irish & Celtic Music Podcast t-shirts. In the past, shirts were primarily for Song Hengers. So I priced them high to keep them exclusive. This year I want everyone to have one. But since you are subscribed to the Celtic Music Magazine, I'm gonna save you 10% off the shirt price. Just scroll below to the news for more information and to see how cool they look. I love James' work!

Thanks again for all your support of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK -- Call 678-235-8763. What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Please post a comment on iTunes or Stitcher or in the podcast shownotes.

Get your 2016 Irish & Celtic Music Podcast T-Shirt today!

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC NEWS

1. PODCAST: It's time, once again, to celebrate the Top 20 Best Celtic songs of 2015. We had a lot of great music last year as I found out when I compiled all of your votes. That's right. YOU get to vote for the best Celtic music of the year. Today, you're gonna hear the Best Celtic music from Emerald Rose, The Flying Toads, Clandestine, Appalachian Celtic Consort, The Gothard Sisters, Count 4dB, Full Gael, Heather Alexander, Breabach, Kailyarders, Jesse Ferguson, The Rogues, The Blarney Rebel Band, Runa, Patsy O'Brien, Whiskey Sunday, The Elders, Wild Colonial Bhoys, Bourbon & Shamrocks, Carolina Ceili. celticmusicpodcast.com/241

3. VIDEO: Here's one by Daimh called "Dhannsamaid le Ailean" which was recorded live at Celtic Connections in 2016.

4. SONG: Glenn Frey of the Eagles was one of many people who passed away this month. It turns out he also recorded a version of "Wild Mountain Thyme". Give it a listen!

5. BANDS: Burns Day is on this Monday, January 25. Appalachian Celtic Consort will feel the burns when they perform for an event in West Virginia. Kailyarders are almost ready to release their new CD "The Black Well". Jesse Ferguson is learning another classic ballad collected by Child. And Whiskey Sunday has t-shirt showing up from Colorado to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

6. NEW CELTIC T-SHIRTS: Do you want an awesome-looking, non-obtrusive way to show your love for the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast and get people talking about it? Well, then get your 2016 Celtic T-Shirt. Make any donation of $25 or more and it is yours! As a subscriber of the Celtic Music Magazine, you will save 10% on any order when you use the coupon code: SAVE10IN2016

Today’s show is brought to you by Celtic Invasion Vacations

BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST

The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast exists due to the generosity of our Patrons. Special thanks to our newest Patrons: Rachel and JoJoTheCactus!

When you donate as little as $1 per episode, you help pay for the production of the podcast, help me make a partial living as a professional podcaster, and you also help Celtic non-profits.

Plus, when we hit our next Milestone of $350 per episode, I will start planning a two-hour Celtic music special highlight indie Celtic bands from Canada. There's a lot of great music North of us. Want to hear it? We are currently $21 away from that next goal. Become a Patron of the Podcast today! celticmusicpodcast.com/patreon.

NEW CELTIC CDS

Yet We Sing
by Cara
Cara's fifth studio album, featuring a collection of songs and tunes.
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2016

From Soil to Soul
by Celtibeerian
Folk metal band from Spain that mixes traditional music, modern music inspired in traditional and its own way of metal music. Lyrics are normally inspired in a mixure of tales and legends of different european traditions.
Genre: Folk: Celtic Folk
Release Date: 2016

Bywater
by Elias Alexander, Eamon Sefton, Kathleen Parks, Patrick Bowling
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2016

Home of the Sails - Penn Cove
by Shifty Sailors
This is the sixth CD of the Shifty Sailors, a twenty-voice male singing group from Whidbey Island, Washington. Dedicated to presenting maritime music, they have spent the last 22 years singing their music world-wide.
Genre: Folk: Sea Shanties
Release Date: 2015

January 22, 2016

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

Do your friends love Celtic music? Invite them to join the Celtic Music Magazine today! They too will get 34 Celtic MP3s when they subscribe. And it's FREE!

Send them to http://celticmusicpodcast.com/subscribe/

#CelticMusicMagazine - www.celticmusicpodcast.com
Copyright 2000-2016 Marc Gunn

Greetings

Let me start by saying thank you to everyone who rated the show on iTunes last week. We're just 12 ratings away from the 500 I want by St. Patrick's Day! This week's podcast features several of those glowing reviews in the show.

Those of you on the East coast, I hope you're doing well after Snowzilla. While you were getting snowed in, my family and I had a fun adventure chasing snow. We drove to Tennessee to find a good place to go sledding. What can I say, I love winter. It probably comes from spending most of my life living in the South. Ah well.

There are some gems in this week's podcast. So don't forget to vote for your favorite songs in each episode.

Thanks again for all your support of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK -- Call 678-235-8763. What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Please post a comment on iTunes or Stitcher or in the podcast shownotes.

Get your 2016 Irish & Celtic Music Podcast T-Shirt today!
Save 10% when you use the coupon code: SAVE10IN2016

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC NEWS

1. PODCAST: Last week, we featured the best Celtic music of 2015. This week, we’re gonna catch up with the newest Celtic music that has come into my inbox. You’ll hear great indie Celtic music from Avourneen, Black Market Haggis, Aul’ Grey Whistle, Bonnie Rideout, Pandora Celtica , Dublin Harpers, Beltaine, SaltyPaws, Smithfield Fair, Good Foot, Steel City Rovers, LQR, Mairi Morrison & Alasdair Roberts, Haggis Rampant, Burning Bridget Cleary.
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2. VIDEO: The 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising in Dublin is being featured on Google with a Virtual Tour of the event. It's a fascinating history.

3. SONG: They call it The oldest Welsh Lullaby: Dinogad's Smock. I'm no historical expert, but it's pretty.

4. BANDS: There's a benefit concert in North Carolina with Carolina Ceili and Tuatha Dea called "Helping to Heal the Heart of Humanity", An evening of Folk, Americana, & Celtic Music. Tickets now available for the March event. Chaz Kemp of Pandora Celtica started a Patreon page for his Steampunk artwork. Dublin Harpers are wintering in Austin with occasionl gigs. The DCP Theatre in Telford, PA is using Burning Bridget Cleary music as soundtracks for their upcoming production, "The Tin Woman". The show opens February 5th and plays for three weekends in a row.

5. ARTICLE: "Will 2016 be the Turning Point for the Irish harp?" If that's true, then our Celtic Harp Music special was well planned!

6. TRAVEL: Irish Fireside made their pick of Destinations to Watch in 2016.

7. MISC: If you want to find out more about the artists featured last week in the Celtic Top 20, I posted a blog on my website. And last week's Best of 2015 episode last week, was awesome. So if you haven't listened to it. Go listen!

Today’s show is brought to you by Celtic Invasion Vacations

BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST

Thanks to the Patrons of the Podcast. Your kind and generous support keeps this show running every week. Become a Patrons at celticmusicpodcast.com/patron. Special thanks to our newest Patrons: Katharine

When you donate as little as $1 per episode, you help pay for the production of the podcast, help me make a partial living as a professional podcaster, and you also help Celtic non-profits.

Plus, when we hit our next Milestone of $350 per episode, I will start planning a two-hour Celtic music special to highlight indie Celtic bands from Canada. We are currently $19 away from that next goal. Become a Patron of the Podcast today!

NEW CELTIC CDS

Songs of Place and Dislocation
by Dorocha
Celtic ballads about place
Genre: Folk: Celtic Folk
Release Date: 2016

Sona
by Kim Perkins
Allow this dynamic and delicate debut recording to take you on a journey of the Celtic Harp as Kim Perkins showcases the tender grandeur and nuance of this magical instrument.
Genre: Folk: Celtic Folk
Release Date: 2016

Over Burns and Braes
by Rebecca Wright & Donald McKay
Traditional Scottish and contemporary Australian folk with warmth and heart
Genre: Folk: Scottish Traditional
Release Date: 2016

Wild Attraction
by Ailsa Villegas
Superb vocals, uplifting harmonies and profound lyrics make this contemporary folk album a must for those who enjoy wish to relax and chill out.
Genre: Folk: Scottish Contemporary
Release Date: 2015

January 29, 2016

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

Do your friends love Celtic music? Invite them to join the Celtic Music Magazine today! They too will get 34 Celtic MP3s when they subscribe. And it's FREE!

Send them to http://celticmusicpodcast.com/subscribe/

#CelticMusicMagazine - www.celticmusicpodcast.com
Copyright 2000-2016 Marc Gunn

Greetings

I was in the mood for something a wee bit different this week. So I pulled out a bunch of fun Contemporary Celtic songs for the podcast and mixed them up in a not-so-traditional format. It made an awesome listening experience. Grab a pint. Relax. Enjoy!

Thanks again for all the new ratings on iTunes. We are just 4 ratings away from 500. I guess I will easily meet my goal. But keep those reviews coming in. This is gonna be the biggest and best St. Patrick's Day show ever!

Thanks again for all your support of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK -- Call 678-235-8763. What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Please post a comment on iTunes or Stitcher or in the podcast shownotes.

And don't forget to vote in the Celtic Top 20.

Get your 2016 Irish & Celtic Music Podcast T-Shirt today!
Save 10% when you use the coupon code: SAVE10IN2016

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC NEWS

1. PODCAST: I was an interesting interesting mood this week while picking songs for the podcast. So I bring you an extra fun episode that leans towards a little more contemporary Celtic music from Finvarra, John Byrne Band, Jamie Smith’s MABON, Cluan, MacTalla Mor, Patrick Penta, Bill Grogan’s Goat, John McLean Allan, Poitin, Ockham’s Razor, Greenwich Meantime, Sprag Session, Carbon Leaf, Cara Dillon.
celticmusicpodcast.com/243

2. VIDEO: Before Clannad started playing more New Age music, they were a much more traditional band as you'll see in this video from 1978. They sang a lot of Gaelic songs.

3. VIDEO: SeaStar recorded a video for NPR Music's Tiny Desk Contest, just like I did. Watch them here.

4. BANDS: Finvarra were nominated for Best Live Band in Belgium 2015. Results will be posted in March. John Byrne Band was nominated in the Homey Awards for 93.7 WSTW. You can vote for his newest album until February 7th. Jamie Smith's MABON were the Artist of the Month on FolkRadioUK. Poitin is back in the studio. Cara Dillon has a ton of concerts planned in the UK in the next few months.

5. ARTICLE: February 1st is St. Bridget's Day, also known as Imbolc or Brigid's Day, is also the start of Celtic spring. Learn more about it here.

6. TRAVEL: Slieve League cliffs voted most impressive visitor attraction. I think I'll agree. They are pretty fantastic!

7. MISC: I posted a Celtic Music Spotlight on An Taisdeal on The Celtfather podcast. Also, I've decided to migrate all of the Celtic Interviews podcasts to my Celtfather podcast. Stay tuned.

Today’s show is brought to you by Celtic Invasion Vacations

BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST

When you donate as little as $1 per episode, you help pay for the production of the podcast, help me make a partial living as a professional podcaster, and you also help Celtic non-profits.

NEW CELTIC CDS

Carry the Day
by Aoife Scott
Dublin Folk Singer with Traditional Roots - Aoife Scott - releases her long awaited debut Album 'Carry The Day'. "This album and Aoife both deserve major attention. This woman can sing!" -- LiveIreland.com
Genre: Folk: Irish Traditional
Release Date: 2016

My Bleeding Heart
by Jacob Davis
This is the heart of my music. No serious effects, just bar bones acoustic guitar, vocals and bass. This is great addition to soaking sessions, road trips and the like. Expect to be drawn into folk, blues and punk worship. May you be blessed.
Genre: Folk: Celtic Folk
Release Date: 2016

Wherever You Are
by Soltre
Genre: Folk: Irish Traditional
Release Date: 2016

Fish out of Water
by Bounding Main
Beautiful Harmonies with a Maritime Flair!
Genre: Folk: Sea Shanties
Release Date: 2016

February 5, 2016

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

Do your friends love Celtic music? Invite them to join the Celtic Music Magazine today! They too will get 34 Celtic MP3s when they subscribe. And it's FREE!

Send them to http://celticmusicpodcast.com/subscribe/

#CelticMusicMagazine - www.celticmusicpodcast.com
Copyright 2000-2016 Marc Gunn

Happy Valentine's Day

We did it! We broke 500 ratings on iTunes. I guess I underestimated your love of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. I should've gone for 550 or 600. hehe.

Our work is not yet done though. St Patrick's month approaches. I want to see this podcast hit #1 on the Music charts. It's very possible. But to make it happen, we will need you posting lots of ratings and reviews in March. That's when the big fun begins.

In the meantime, I want to ask a small favor. Could you contact your favorite Celtic musician and ask them to join the St. Patrick's Day Internet Music Festival? It's easy to join. All they need to do is release one live video starting March 1st. They can find all the details on our website at stpatricksdayparty.net.

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK -- Call 678-235-8763. What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Please post a comment on iTunes or Stitcher or in the podcast shownotes.

And don't forget to vote in the Celtic Top 20.

Get your 2016 Irish & Celtic Music Podcast T-Shirt today!
Save 10% when you use the coupon code: SAVE10IN2016

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC NEWS

1. PODCAST: Happy Celtic Valentine’s Day! I’m happy to share with you a bunch of Celtic love songs and tunes which show the Celts know as much as about love as anyone, some even more passionately so. You’ll enjoy great Celtic music from Mithril Duo, Tullamore, The Makem & Spain Brothers, Battlefield Band, Colleen Raney & Colm Maccárthaigh, Marc Gunn, Scott Hoye, Seamus Kennedy, Steel Clover, The ShamRogues , The McCabes, Celtic Cross, Carbon Leaf, Finbar Furey.
celticmusicpodcast.com/244

2. VIDEO: I created a playlist for this year's St. Patrick's Day Internet Music Festival. There's only one intro video I created. Please watch and share it. Then go watch Finbar Furey on the Uillean Pipes. This parrot likes dancing to Irish music too.

3. BANDS: Colleen Raney is about to head off on tour of Japan where she'll be playing St. Patrick's Day. Makem & Spain have a new album out called "Four Pounds a Day". Read more about Battlefield Band's new album in this review. Someone on Twitter asked me about Manx music. Scott Hoye recorded a tune and shared it on SoundCloud. The ShamRogues are about to release a new album.

4. ARTICLE: Here's some Love poems from some of the great Irish writers.

5. TRAVEL: Top 10 Nature Trails in Ireland. Do you have a favorite?

6. WHO IS JOINING THE ST PATRICK'S DAY INTERNET MUSIC FESTIVAL THIS WEEK: Jim Sharkey

Today’s show is brought to you by Celtic Invasion Vacations

BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST

When you donate as little as $1 per episode, you help pay for the production of the podcast, help me make a partial living as a professional podcaster, and you also help Celtic non-profits.

Plus, when we hit our next Milestone of $350 per episode, I will start planning a two-hour Celtic music special to highlight indie Celtic bands from Canada. We are currently $6 away from that next goal. Become a Patron of the Podcast today!

NEW CELTIC KICKSTARTERS

This week, we were kinda low on new Celtic CDs. So I decided to list some Celtic Kickstarters.

Bi-Lingual Comic book in Irish Gaelic and English Languages
A story, in both Irish and English languages, of two men reliving their past sporting glories while watching the Championship on TV

Reviving The Lost Flavours of Irish Whiskey
Reviving the lost art of Irish Whiskey bonding to create a small portfolio of innovative Irish whiskies with unique cask finishes.

Scottish Tweed Design with Contemporary Letterpress Prints
Haggart's Classic cheviot tweed with hand-printed letterpress and woodblock linings. Scottish heritage with unique contemporary design.

Get 'Alba' to the Edinburgh Fringe
A new Scottish musical Journeying to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014.

Connla Album
Hi everyone! We are Connla, a modern Trad band from the north of Ireland and we need your help to fund our debut album!

Crazy Cats Café will be the only cat café in Dublin!
Cuddle with kitties and fall in love with our very adorable furries! It is the purrrrfect place to chill and have a cuppa

February 12, 2016

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

Do your friends love Celtic music? Invite them to join the Celtic Music Magazine today! They too will get 34 Celtic MP3s when they subscribe. And it's FREE!

Send them to http://celticmusicpodcast.com/subscribe/

#CelticMusicMagazine - www.celticmusicpodcast.com
Copyright 2000-2016 Marc Gunn

Greetings my friends

It's less than one month until St. Patrick's Day. My team is sending out word to Celtic musicians everywhere to join this year's St. Patrick's Day Internet Music Festival. The response is slow. I think it's only us media people who actually think a month or more ahead of time. But that's okay. I hope to have about 20 musicians lined up for this year's festival. If you know anyone who might be interested, tell them to drop me an email.

This weekend, I return to my home state of Texas to perform at the Sherwood Forest Faire. I'm there all weekend. And next weekend, I'll even have a couple reunion shows with my band, Brobdingnagian Bards. If you're in the area, come see me or us perform. Or just stop by and chat. Lets grab a beer or something.

Oh! Two hours of Canadian Celtic music is official! We hit the latest Milestone of $350 per episode. I've already been sending out emails to bands to get some new Celtic music from Canada. I'm planning the show for a week or two after St. Patrick's Day. I want to send out a super special thanks to my Celtic Superstars: Peter Tilghman, Bryan Brake, Chris, Ockham's Razor, John Sharkey White II, Theresa Sullivan, Brendan Nix, John Bilderback, Rian P Kegerreis, Samual Hill, Johnny Berry, and Shawn Cali.

Thanks again for all your awesome support.

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK -- Call 678-235-8763. What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Please post a comment on iTunes or Stitcher or in the podcast shownotes.

And don't forget to vote in the Celtic Top 20.

Get your 2016 Irish & Celtic Music Podcast T-Shirt today!
Save 10% when you use the coupon code: SAVE10IN2016

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC NEWS

1. PODCAST: The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast is not your typical Celtic radio program. Most play the same Celtic artists promoted by the top record labels. We focus on indie Celtic bands, the ones who don’t get played but are just as good. You’ll find them living in your town if you go looking. Great indie Celtic music from Nine-8ths Irish, Harpnotic, David Nigel Lloyd, Aisling, New Shilling, Kailyarders, Adamh, Emerald Dawn, Perkelt, Jim Sharkey, The Elders, Don Gabbert, Barleyjuice, O’Hanleigh.
celticmusicpodcast.com/245

2. BANDS: Pandora Celtica calls it quits. Get their albums while you can. New Shilling is getting ready for St. Patrick's Day with a community concert. Kailyarders are considering releasing their new album The Black Well on vinyl. The Elders are playing a fundraiser for autism on March 19. I once thought about starting a Celtic Music DJ Service. I didn't have much success, but perhaps this guy will. Here's a video from Nine-8ths Irish.

3. ARTICLE: Pirates to land in New Orleans for 'NOLA Pyrate Week'. Here's another interesting one shared by Cathie Ryan--Has Folk Forgotten Feminism?

4. TRAVEL: Merlins Face Revealed at Tintagel Castle.

5. WHO IS JOINING THE ST PATRICK'S DAY INTERNET MUSIC FESTIVAL THIS WEEK: Jim Sharkey

Today’s show is brought to you by Celtic Invasion Vacations

BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST

When you donate as little as $1 per episode, you help pay for the production of the podcast, help me make a partial living as a professional podcaster, and you also help Celtic non-profits.

Thanks to all of my wonderful patrons for making this show rock!!!!!

NEW CELTIC CDs

Ireland: Crossroads of Art and Design, 1690 - 1840 The Music
by Various Artists
This CD was crafted as a companion to the historic art exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago entitled IRELAND: Crossroads of Art and Design, 1690-1840 and it features a mixture of period pieces of music as well as original compositions by Liz Carroll.
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2016

Factor 3
by Friday Frolics
We play music, we play with the music. Friday Frolics second album is full of Celtic/Folk music made in Spain with a contemporary and different approach.
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2016

2 Quirky
by Quirky Jade
Scottish singing trio, Quirky Jade have been singing their harmonies for over 10 years, mostly acapella but songs from all cultures and styles. Scottish: Burns, Tannahill and Gaelic but also Elvis Costello, & Robyn, and Venezuela and Argentinan folk.
Genre: Folk: Scottish Traditional
Release Date: 2016

A Different Road
by Tarbolton
The new sound of an ancient world - taking Celtic music to the next level and beyond.
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2016

February 19, 2016

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

Do your friends love Celtic music? Invite them to join the Celtic Music Magazine today! They too will get 34 Celtic MP3s when they subscribe. And it's FREE!

Send them to http://celticmusicpodcast.com/subscribe/

#CelticMusicMagazine - www.celticmusicpodcast.com
Copyright 2000-2016 Marc Gunn

Passing Train to St. Patrick's Day

Greetings my friends

I have a lot planned for the days leading up to St. Patrick's Day. In fact, I have seven new artists who have joined the St. Patrick's Day Internet Music Festival. And it's still growing.

In just a few days you're gonna find a bunch of videos of Celtic bands performing music. If you want to help out the indie community, next week, I'm gonna ask you too to share the URL stpatricksdayparty.net/festival and the YouTube page.

My hope is that we will attract a ton of attention for these awesome artists AND the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. Plus, you will get a few hours of additional awesome music to enjoy for the season. It'll make a nice companion for my St. Patrick's Day specials which I kick of next week.

If you'd like to watch me perform. I have three St. Patrick's Day internet concerts starting on March 1st. You can see the full schedule here.

Thank you for being a part of our Celtic community.

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK -- Call 678-235-8763. What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Please post a comment on iTunes or Stitcher or in the podcast shownotes.

And don't forget to vote in the Celtic Top 20.

BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST

Your kind and generous support of this podcast keeps it coming out each and every week. For as little as $1 per episode, you help pay for the production of the podcast, help me make a partial living as a professional podcaster, and you also help Celtic non-profits. Special thanks to our newest Patrons of the Podcast: Thomas and Patrick.

When we hit a Milestone, you get a special 2-hour episode. Thanks to our Patrons generosity, you're gonna get a bonus episode of Celtic Canadian music at the end of March. Thank you for making this show awesome. Become a Patrons at celticmusicpodcast.com/patron.

Get your 2016 Irish & Celtic Music Podcast T-Shirt today!
Save 10% when you use the coupon code: SAVE10IN2016

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC NEWS

1. PODCAST: We’re less than a week away from Irish Music Month. I thought I’d share a bunch of new indie Celtic music from Heidi-Jane Schwabe, Athas, Abby Green, Jonathan Milton, Myddle Earth, Dearest Home, Avourneen, Nessa, Saby O’, La Unica, Stephen Kern, The Tomfooligans, Niteworks, and Lady Moon that was recently submitted before we jump full force into lots of St. Patrick’s Day music specials. I have some incredible shows planned. So tell a friend!
celticmusicpodcast.com/246

2. BANDS: Athas has a bunch of shows planned for St. Patrick's Day. Abby Green explains the difference between Irish and Gaelic. Niteworks is performing at Knockengorroch Festivals this year.

3. ARTICLES: Learn about the "Women Who Made Aran Sweaters". Take a journey through Ireland with W.B. Yeats. Finally, "Unpicking myths and lies of tartans".

4. VIDEO: Cady Finlayson posted a video of "O'Dowd's Favorite Reel" with video from New York.

5. NEW TO ST PATRICK'S DAY INTERNET MUSIC FESTIVAL THIS WEEK: Drones n Drums, Dublin Harpers, Jesse Ferguson, The Bard of Cornwall, Abby Green, Avourneen, The Selkie Girls, and LQR.

Today’s show is brought to you by Celtic Invasion Vacations

NEW CELTIC CDs

Feis Music 3: It's About Time
by Sean O'Brien
The third album in the widely acclaimed 'Feis Music' series, from one of the world's leading exponents of Irish Dance Music, Sean O'Brien. This volume is for the championship level dancer, with each track over 10 minutes in length!
Genre: Folk: Irish Traditional
Release Date: 2016

From Mountain to Mountain
by Mary McPartlan
A singer who sings with passion, with a natural, lifting, clarity; a rare, innate register of tunefulness, strong and tender; kind to the song and the listener.
Genre: Folk: Irish Traditional
Release Date: 2016

Let Me Fly
by Paula Ryan
Irish Singer-Songwriter using Marimba, Guitar, Bodhran, Bazouki & Djembe to accompany songs which are powerful and insightful as well as entertaining.
Genre: Folk: Singer/Songwriter
Release Date: 2016

Echoes
by Byrne and Kelly
Driven by solid vocal harmonies, the Irish duo seamlessly combines genres like traditional Irish and Americana to create a fresh Celtic folk sound.
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2016

February 26, 2016

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

Do your friends love Celtic music? Invite them to join the Celtic Music Magazine today! They too will get 34 Celtic MP3s when they subscribe. And it's FREE!

Send them to http://celticmusicpodcast.com/subscribe/

#CelticMusicMagazine - www.celticmusicpodcast.com
Copyright 2000-2016 Marc Gunn

St Patrick’s Day Playlist for Irish American Heritage Month

Greetings my friends

Happy Irish American Heritage Month! Obama officially named it such. But March is more than Irish American month. It's a month for ALL the Celts: Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Cornish, Manx, Breton, and Galician. It is now time to celebrate the holiday with lots of Celtic music.

Right now, I have three St. Patrick's Day shows planned for the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast The first came out yesterday and is already gaining steam as it starts to climb the iTunes charts.

I want the podcast to be the #1 Music Podcast for the next couple weeks. And you can help me make that happen. Head on over to iTunes. Listen to the latest episode. Then rate and write a short review of it, even if you've already done one in the past. I probably won't be able to read them all in the show. But if we can score 50 new ratings and reviews, the show WILL be #1 by St. Patrick's Day. Will you help?

Finally, don't forget to watch the St. Patrick's Day Internet Music Festival videos at stpatricksdayparty.net/festival. I'm gonna try and post new videos every few days.

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK -- Call 678-235-8763. What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Please post a comment on iTunes or Stitcher or in the podcast shownotes.

And don't forget to vote in the Celtic Top 20.

BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST

Victims of Irish Music
Download this compilation on iTunes to Support the Podcast or get it on Amazon

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC NEWS

1. PODCAST: President Obama declared March to be Irish American Heritage Month. Of course for me, March is the month of all the Celts as we gather to celebrate the musical and culture of the Celtic nations running all the way up to St. Patrick’s Day. I have a ton of great episodes planned for the next few weeks starting today with an extra-long St Patrick’s Day special featuring the indie Celtic music of Friday Frolics, Wicked Tinkers, Fiddlinda: Linda Relph, Michael Black, Anne Roos, Michael DeAngelis, Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer, Slipjig, Merry Wives of Windsor, Sons of Malarkey, Ginger Ackley, Aisling, Barleyjuice, Hanz Araki, Jed Marum with Hugh Morrison and Mason Brown, Jameson’s Revenge, Sgian Dubh, Ed Miller, Fromseier Rose, Skelpin, Searson, Ren.
celticmusicpodcast.com/247/

2. BANDS: Wicked Tinkers will perform at the Sonora Celtic Faire. Michael Black is performing with The Black Brothers at Occidental Center for the Arts tomorow night. “Winds of Samsara” wins the Grammy® Award for Best New Age Album at the 57th Annual Awards! Harpist Anne Roos performed on track #8, “Eyes of Wonder”. International Bagpipe Day is March 10th. Vicki Swan video taped herself as a trio with a set of bagpipe tunes. Merry Wives of Windsor are releasing a new album. Jed Marum's album Calla's Waltz is goes on sale soon. The Gothard Sisters have a new single called "Hummingbird".

3. ARTICLES: Obama delcares March to be Irish American Heritage Month, Rebirth of a 'sleeping' language: How Nova Scotia is reviving its Gaelic culture, and Irish Potato and Leak Soup.

4. NEW TO ST PATRICK'S DAY INTERNET MUSIC FESTIVAL THIS WEEK: Poitin and Eddie Biggins

Today’s show is brought to you by Celtic Invasion Vacations

NEW CELTIC CDs

Tanaman Dùl
by Tanaman Dùl
The Brazilian-American Irish punklore quintet select 12 hits and dusties from the Irish pub jukebox and sing about kissing, drinking, dancing, roving, fighting, mugging, betraying, dying, fish mongering, and being a goddam hero (plus two instrumentals).
Genre: Folk: Irish Traditional
Release Date: 2016

Calling Home
by Ian Gould
Ian Gould is a guitarist and singer-songwriter from Belfast, Northern Ireland who shares Irish wit and his striking voice with audiences.
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2016

Home on the Horizon
by Anna & Jordan
Indie-Folk-Pop
Genre: Folk: Contemporary Celtic
Release Date: 2016

Bitter Ale, Bitter Heart
by Rusty Nail
Alternative Celtic Rock
Genre: Rock: Celtic Rock
Release Date: 2016

Get your 2016 Irish & Celtic Music Podcast T-Shirt today!
Save 10% when you use the coupon code: SAVE10IN2016

March 4, 2016

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

Do your friends love Celtic music? Invite them to join the Celtic Music Magazine today! They too will get 34 Celtic MP3s when they subscribe. And it's FREE!

Send them to http://celticmusicpodcast.com/subscribe/

#CelticMusicMagazine - www.celticmusicpodcast.com
Copyright 2000-2016 Marc Gunn

17 Celtic MP3s for St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Okay. It's still one week away, but that's why I wanted you to have this article "17 Free Celtic MP3s for St. Patrick's Day". The article doesn't go live on the website until March 14th. But you can read and download the entire album right now!

Today, I published the third of five St. Patrick's Day episodes. This is a record number for this podcast. I'm excited to share all of this great Celtic music. I hope you can keep up with it. On Monday, you can enjoy a special feature on Poitin's latest album "Wish". And then on March 17th, I will release the final St Patrick's Day episode (unless I can get it done in time for the 16th. ;)

In addition to all the podcasts, I'm doing something new on Facebook. It's called Facebook Live. I recorded two of my St. Patrick's Day specials before a live audience. That makes it sound more exciting than it probably is. But you be the judge. The videos are preserved on our Facebook page. I'd love your feeback. I'm also thinking about doing some special events in the future... But I don't think I can pull anything off until St. Patrick's Day is over.

The podcast climbed to #19 this week on the iTunes Music Podcast charts. I'm still hopeful to hit #1. But I need your ratings and reviews. Go to iTunes to rate the show now.

Finally, some personal news. I'm playing my own St. Patrick's Day show tonight on Concert Window. I'm gonna play fun Celtic songs both traditional and inspired by my geeky fandoms. If you'd like to enjoy the show, it's at 8 PM Central Standard Time, tonight, March 10, 2016. On March 18th, I'm heading back to Marietta, Georgia to perform at Johnnie MacCracken's Celtic Pub. Come visit with me.

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK -- Call 678-235-8763. What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Please post a comment on iTunes or Stitcher or in the podcast shownotes.

And don't forget to vote in the Celtic Top 20.

BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST

Oh! I also set a new Milestone!

Victims of Irish Music
Download this compilation on iTunes to Support the Podcast or get it on Amazon

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC NEWS

1. PODCAST: The St. Patrick’s Day music playlists continue with 17 St Patrick’s Day songs and tunes from some of the best indie Celtic bands including: Chief O’Neill’s Mixed Flock, The Gothard Sisters, The Selkie Girls, Los Paddys de Las Pampas, Abby Green, The Ne’er Duwels, John Byrne Band, Mason Brown, Bard & Company, Burning Bridget Cleary, The Fire Inside, The Fretless, Stout Pounders, The Killdares, Redhill Rats, Ockham’s Razor, Noel Nash and Danny O’Flaherty.
celticmusicpodcast.com/249/

2. PODCAST There's a bonus show of my album "Not Every Day is St. Patrick's Day" that you can listen to at celticmusicpodcast.com/248/. Another one will be out this Monday.

3. REVIEW: Abby Green posted a good review of the Duolingo app on her blog. If you're looking to learn some Irish, she'll tell you if you should use it.

4. BAND PODCAST. The Sorries are a Scottish band witha great podcast highlighting the history and stories of some traditional Irish song. It's called The Scottish Song Guide. Check it out.

Today’s show is brought to you by Celtic Invasion Vacations

17 CELTIC MP3s FOR ST PATRICK'S DAY

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Every St Patrick's Day for the past eleven years, I've published an awesome article called "17 Free Celtic MP3 Downloads for St. Patrick's Day" (see past issues here). I'm happy to say, "It's back!"

This article is dedicated to the indie Irish and Celtic bands. There is a LOT of great Celtic music around the world. Some of it is in your backyard, and you may not even know about it. That's why I started the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. I want to help the little guys be heard, and I want to help you find them.

Traditional Irish Music in Dublin

The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast shares Celtic music from artists you will probably not hear on most radio programs. That's because they don't have the budget to hire a publicist to get their music featured on big radio stations or on most Celtic radio programs either. Instead, they do it themselves. They contact individual programs and say, "Hey! I play Celtic music. Will you play me?" Some say yes. Others listen and say, "You're not 'Celtic' enough!"

That's what I ran into when I first started playing Celtic music. I sang some great traditional Irish and Scottish songs, but because I play an autoharp, I was snubbed. I don't want that ever to happen to artists. I want to give every one who is making good music an opportunity to be heard. That's what I do each and every week through my podcast. And we've done great things.

I say "we" because I'm not alone. I have a team of Celtic music fans who help me create the many articles, newsletters, and reviews I publish. I also have ALL of my listeners and Patrons of the Podcast. Every one of you is essential to the success of this show.

Because of you, the podcast has spent the past eleven years at the top of the iTunes Podcast Music Charts. We've won twice in the Podcast Awards for Best Podsafe Music. We have thousands of likes on our Facebook page and subscribers to the Celtic Music Magazine.

We have Celtic music fans telling other Celtic music fans just how awesome the show is. You inspire me and encourage me to make each and every show great while still staying to true to my mission of sharing independent Celtic music. So thank you!

Special Thanks to All the Bands for the Celtic MP3s

I also want to thank all of the bands who submit their music to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. Many of them give me permission to share their MP3s to my Song Hengers, exclusive patrons of the podcast. It's because these bands are so generous with their music that you are getting this exclusive article. They have given me permission to share their MP3s freely with you.

Of course, it's not entirely free. Yes, you are welcome to download the MP3s, but it is with the hope that if you love the music, you will buy an MP3, an album, swag, or just join the mailing list of one of the artists you hear.

Musicians today, more than ever, rely on the generosity of people like you to support our art. Each time you find music you love, consider supporting the artist in some way, if you want to see it continue. Because with declining CD sales and proliferation of streaming services that pay only a fraction of a cent for each listen, we are at a crossroads. We need your support.

Of course, if you don't have money right now, don't sweat it. It's not just about money. It's about becoming a fan for life and supporting the music for years to come. I hope some of the music you download today will become a big part of your Celtic music catalog.

Oh! And if you want even MORE FREE CELTIC MP3s, make sure you subscribe to our Celtic Music Magazine. You'll get 34 more!

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

Let’s get started. 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 Free Celtic MP3s for St Patrick’s Day 2016 (ZIP file, 107 MB)

That’s it! Download and listen. Make sure you save this article so you can find out more about the bands. And don't forget to visit their websites for more information and how to buy their music.

Oh! Get last year's 17 Free Celtic MP3s while you can.

The Selkie Girls - Parting Glass

17 Free Celtic MP3s for St. Patrick's Day (plus a bonus one)

"The Echo of Carrowkeel/The Cock & The Hen/Hardiman the Fiddler" by Chief O'Neill's Mixed Flock from The New Blackthorn Stick
"Lon-Duhb" by The Selkie Girls from Parting Glass
"2 Jigs For Sure" by Los Paddys de Las Pampas from Come Home
"Juice of the Barley" by Abby Green from Why Should I?
"Crossing The Atlantic" by The Ne'er Duwels from The Ne'er Duwels
"Mountain Fey" by Emerald Rose from Sunwise
"Star of the County Down/Tam Lin" by Carolina Ceili from 50 Shades of Green
"Motherland" by Bard & Company from Bard and Whistler
"Whiskey For My Mates" by Emerald Dawn from Demo
"Lament for Bridget O'Donnel: A Victim of Famine (Live)" by Jim McKenna Uilleann Piper
"Tha mi Sgith" by Burning Bridget Cleary from These Are the Days
"Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore" by The Fire Inside from Spark
"Enchanted Glade" by Myddle Earth from Days of the Weasel
"Goblin's Inn" by Redhill Rats from Cape Wolf
"The Fisherman's Song" by Count 4dB from Rylander: There Can Be Only One
"Don't Go Blamin' Whiskey" by Stout Pounders from Thirst
"Grace O' Malley" by The Gothard Sisters from Mountain Rose
BONUS SONG: "Johnny Jump Up" by Marc Gunn from Celtic Geek

I sincerely hope you enjoy all of this great music that we all share with you. If you do, again, show your support for the artists. Tell your friends about this free album of awesome Celtic music. Because these indie Celtic musicians need your support!

Get your 2016 Irish & Celtic Music Podcast T-Shirt today!
Save 10% when you use the coupon code: SAVE10IN2016

March 9, 2016

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

Do your friends love Celtic music? Invite them to join the Celtic Music Magazine today! They too will get 34 Celtic MP3s when they subscribe. And it's FREE!

Send them to http://celticmusicpodcast.com/subscribe/

#CelticMusicMagazine - www.celticmusicpodcast.com
Copyright 2000-2016 Marc Gunn

St Patrick's Day Top 20 Celtic Bands

Greetings my friends

Happy St. Patrick's Day. Tomorrow is the big day, though there are still a lot of Paddy's Day events happening this weekend. In fact, I'm playing at Johnnie MacCracken's in Marietta, GA on Friday, March 18th. If you're in the area, come visit me.

The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast has seen a lot more success this year than it has in the past few years. We've been at the top of the iTunes Music Charts, climbing as high as #9. We're getting a lot of new subscribers to this 'zine. But we're not done yet. I still want to hit #1 on iTunes. There are two things you can do to help make this happen:

#1. Go to iTunes and rate the show! If you'd like to post a review while you're there, that'd be awesome. But if we can get 25 ratings in the next two days, I am certain we will hit number one on iTunes. Will you please help?

#2. Listen to the shows in iTunes. iTunes loves it when people use their podcatcher to listen. Listen to all 5 St. Patrick's Day episodes today and tomorrow and that'll help push us up the charts.

Of course, if you're not on iTunes this doesn't apply to you. But there is still something you can do to make the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast more popular than ever.

#3. Share on Social Media. Whatever social site you use, share the latest podcast. Heck! Do it a few times during the course of the day. You can share different episodes if you like. You'll find them all on our Facebook page.

#4. Play the shows loud for St. Patrick's Day! Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. So crank up the music and let the world hear some great Celtic music for the holiday!

#5. If you're on Facebook, I have started using Facebook Live to promote recent episodes of the show. Each event is about 3-8 minutes long during which I talk about the artists in the show and other Celtic music news. I should have a new one online this morning for the final St. Patrick's Day episode. Plus, there's several more from last week. Oh! And when you watch live or share the finished show, you will also help promote the podcast. So go watch and then post your feedback. What do you think of the show? How can I improve it?

Finally, I want to thank all of my Patrons of the Podcast for supporting the show. You're EXTRA AWESOME!

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK -- Call 678-235-8763. What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Please post a comment on iTunes or Stitcher or in the podcast shownotes.

And don't forget to vote in the Celtic Top 20.

BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST

Victims of Irish Music
Download this compilation on iTunes to Support the Podcast or get it on Amazon

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC NEWS

1. PODCAST: Happy St. Patrick’s Day. I am excited to share our 5th St. Patrick’s Day music special for the holiday. This one highlights all of the Top 20 Celtic Bands of 2015 as featured earlier in the year, but with completely different songs. You will enjoy amazing indie Celtic music from Carolina Ceili, Runa, Clandestine, The Flying Toads, Marc Gunn, Emerald Rose, Full Gael, The Gothard Sisters, Heather Alexander , Appalachian Celtic Consort, Jesse Ferguson, Breabach, The Blarney Rebel Band, Kailyarders, The Rogues, Whiskey Sunday, Wild Colonial Bhoys, Bourbon & Shamrocks, The Elders, Patsy O’Brien.
celticmusicpodcast.com/251/

2. PODCAST: Here’s another St. Patrick’s Day music treat for you. The Czech Republic’s most-prominent Celtic music group is Poitin. They’ve won numerous Celtic music awards and have been a favorite on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast since nearly the beginning. We are honored to share their latest CD “Wish” in its entirety.
celticmusicpodcast.com/250/

3. NEW TO ST PATRICK'S DAY INTERNET MUSIC FESTIVAL THIS WEEK: LQR, Beltaine, Jesse Ferguson. Go watch the videos!

4. DOWNLOAD: Would you “17 Free Celtic MP3s for St. Patrick’s Day“. Every year, I publish an article with that title on my website and Celtic bands from around the globe donate tracks to share with you.

5. PODCAST: I published a brand new episode of the Pub Songs Podcast. It features St. Patrick’s Day Pub Songs by me and other Celtic artists.

6. COOL APP: Celtic Radio has a new app for iTunes and Android. You can listen to their many streaming Celtic radio programs. They also are running the Celtic Radio Music Awards. Several of the artists you’ve heard on this podcast are up for awards. Go vote them!

7. FREE ALBUM: I have a free album that you can download. It’s called “Celtic Geek” and it features 21 tracks from my first 20 solo albums. To get a copy, just subscribe to my mailing list.

8. VIDEO: Celtic Music Journal released a brand new episode of their popular video show. I am featured in this edition. The Gothard Sisters were in the last one.

9. BANDS: Carolina Ceili and Tuatha Dea are helping to health the heart of humanity on March 26th in North Carolina. Clandestine is back the Mucky Duck in Houston for St. Patrick's Day. Marc Gunn has also started doing Facebook Live events on Marc's Facebook page where you can see his Celtic Geek influences. Jesse Ferguson posted a Drinking Songs playlist on YouTube. Breabach are performing a short acoustic set on Fopp Fopp Union Street in Glasgow today! Whiskey Sunday are performing at the Celtic Faire in Pomona, CA this weekend.

Today’s show is brought to you by Celtic Invasion Vacations

NEW CELTIC CDs

Irish Concertina Ensemble - Zero

Zero
by Irish Concertina Ensemble
Irish Concertina Ensemble (ICE( are a collection of 5 of the best concertina players to come from Irish music. Padraig rynne, Michael O'Raghallaigh, Tim Collins, Edel Fox and Caitlin Nic Gabhainn combine challenging original and traditional material.
Genre: Folk: Irish Traditional
Release Date: 2016

Spirited Lads
by The Spirited Lads
Traditional Irish classics with acoustic string instruments, whistle and crisp vocal harmonies
Genre: Folk: Irish Traditional
Release Date: 2016

Highs and Bellows
by Mick McAuley W / Colm O Caoimh
An acoustic album of Irish traditional music from long-time Solas accordionist and singer Mick McAuley. "...Instrumental prowess and delightfully stirring vocals." - IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE
Genre: Folk: Celtic Folk
Release Date: 2016

Songs from My Father
by Brian Houston
Classic Irish Folk songs refreshed and updated by Belfast's own Brian Houston. 100% Authentic Irish music, recorded and produced in the Emerald Isle. This album will have you dancing on the table & crying in your guinness. Perfect for St Paddies Day!!!
Genre: Folk: Celtic Folk
Release Date: 2016

Get your 2016 Irish & Celtic Music Podcast T-Shirt today!
Save 10% when you use the coupon code: SAVE10IN2016

March 16, 2016

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

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Post-St Patrick's Day Blues

Greetings Celtic Music Lovers!

I hope you had a fantastic St. Patrick's Day with lots of Celtic music and joy. Of course, if you listened to the podcast, then you had PLENTY of music to choose from. The toughest thing about it was trying to decide which episodes to play.

That makes me wonder. What are you favorite episodes of all time? I would love your thoughts. In fact, will you vote in the best episodes poll?

Now the big question I'm getting is did we hit #1 on the iTunes Podcast Music charts on St. Patrick's Day. First, I was not able to closely watch the charts on the 17th. But from what I did see, I think the answer was no.

That said, we had a huge uptick in downloads of all our St. Patirck's Day shows. And I learned a lot from the promotion. Lesson #1 is the same lesson I should've learned from my Top the Celtic Charts promotions, which is--have everyone download the podcast and post reviews on the same day. That makes a big difference.

I also feel I asked for those reviews a little early. Instead, I should've started reminding people to post them on March 17th. Of course, with podcasting, a delayed on-demand medium, you have to start early.

Even though we didn't reach our goal, I am excited about all the cool comments and the increased traffic the podcast received. And we still charted in Top 20s. I'm excited about all the new readers of the Celtic Music Magazine (and I welcome you aboard!). And I'm even starting to plan some new Celtic music promotions to be done in the future.

In fact, I am looking for 2-3 Celtic music lovers to help me with these plans, including some brainstorming of promotion ideas. If you're interested in joining the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast team, please email me. And let's promote Celtic music together!

Thank you so much for your incredible support of the podcast and Celtic music.

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather
March 25, 2016

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK -- Call 678-235-8763. What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Please post a comment on iTunes or in the shownotes.

And don't forget to vote in the Celtic Top 20.

BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST

Each week, 149 people pledge $1 or more per episode to help pay for the production of the podcast and to support Celtic non-profits. Whenever we hit a Milestone, you get an extra-long episode of Celtic music. There’s a new Milestone posted. In the meantime, our next feature is two hours of Celtic music from Canada on April 7th. You can Become a Patron of the Podcast. Special thanks to our newest Patrons: Scarlett Letter and Peter.

Support the podcast!
Buy Victims of Irish Music on iTunes or Amazon

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC NEWS

PODCAST: What do you when St. Patrick’s Day is over and the green begins to disappear? Keep the music going with the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast of course. We’re still here each and every Thursday with the best indie Celtic music from Burning Bridget Cleary, Flashpoint, John Byrne Band, Jonathan Milton, Alizbar & Ann’ Sannat, The Persephone Pickers, Karan Casey, Mithril Duo, West of Eden, Cliudan, The Mighty Regis, LQR, Tuatha Dea, The Whiskeydicks, The Tea Merchants.
celticmusicpodcast.com/252/

BANDS: Burning Bridget Cleary got a great review of their new CD in Celtic Life Magazine. Dallas Observer picked Flashpoint as one of the top Irish bands in Texas. You may recognize other names like The Rogues, Blaggards, and The Killdares. John Byrne's latest album "The Immigrant & The Orphan" was reviewed in in Minor 7th. The Mithril Duo of Tom & Andra performed Joanie Madden's great jig "The Cat's Meow" inspired by the performance with Cherish the Ladies & Mobile Symphony Orchestra last weekend. The Tea Merchants may be no more, but Chris Buckley has started a new band with Rob Forkner, Niamh Fahy, and Joseph Carmichael called The Here & Now. Tuatha Dea are part of The Green Album, a compilation album that is raising money for Rainforest Trust. The Album is currently in the making and is set to be released and available for the first time during Caldera Fest in Georgia, May 2016!

ARTICLE/TRAVEL: Easter marks the 100 year anniversary of the Easter Rising in Dublin. There are a bunch commemorative events happening over the weekend.

VIDEO: "The Story of Dingle" The story of Dingle featuring stunning video of the town and peninsula, set to Celtic music by Arlene Faith.

* I'd love for you to join me on a Celtic Invasion Vacation in 2017!

NEW CELTIC CDs

Jed Marum - Calla's Waltz

Calla's Waltz
by Jed Marum
This album tells a story from start to finish! It is a beautiful collection of recordings with orginal and traditional songs performed by seasoned and by up-and-coming acoustic music maestros in American and Celtic Folk styles
Genre: Folk: Celtic Folk
Release Date: 2016

Tilly's Jig
by Beltaine
Celtic Fusion combining original and traditional music with jazz, rock, blues, folk, and classical influences - instrumentation including hammered dulcimer, guitar, accordion, flute, marimbula, and vocals.
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2016

Till Now.
by Mary Tulin
Celtic folk: traditional songs made new with a dash of pop, rock and jazz.
Genre: Folk: Celtic Folk
Release Date: 2016

A Drunker Shade of Green
by A Drunker Shade of Green
High energy blend of traditional Celtic, folk, and contemporary styles.
Genre: Folk: Celtic Folk
Release Date: 2016
In Reel Time
by Castletown
Energetic Celtic Folk Rock
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2016

Get your 2016 Irish & Celtic Music Podcast T-Shirt today!
Save 10% when you use the coupon code: SAVE10IN2016

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

Do your friends love Celtic music? Invite them to join the Celtic Music Magazine today! They too will get 34 Celtic MP3s when they subscribe. And it's FREE!

Send them to http://celticmusicpodcast.com/subscribe/

Totally Trad Irish Music… or Is it?

Greetings Celtic Music Lovers!

Irish American Heritage Month was too short. I guess we'll just have to celebrate our Celtic culture year round, with some great toe tapping traditional Irish music, and maybe a touch of Celtic comedy thrown in.

That's the plan for this week's Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, show #253. I thought about doing an April Fools' joke with it. But I lost my taste for those a decade ago when my band, Brobdingnagian Bards, did an April Fools joke that led to a horde of angry emails. Ah well.

It's a good show. But is it your favorite? Vote in the best episodes poll? I made this poll because I want to know what your favorite episodes of the podcast are so I can send newbies to those episodes first. So which ones do you love the most? Please vote.

I found an infographic this week that said that Amazon will give special features to books if they have 50+ reviews. I want to see if that is the same with music...

Will you do me a big favor? You should own a copy of Best of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. I sent it to you when you subscribed to this newsletter. If you don't have it, download it here.

Will you please go and post a short review of it on Amazon? We have 22 reviews. If we can get 28 more, we're in business! This could mean a ton of new subscribers to the podcast!

Oh! I'm also testing this for my album Don't Go Drinking With Hobbits. You can listen to my entire hobbit album on show #128. And if you want to help me out, review it as well.

Thank you so much for your incredible support of the podcast and Celtic music.

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather
April 1, 2016

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK -- Call 678-235-8763. What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Please post a comment on iTunes or in the shownotes.

And don't forget to vote in the Celtic Top 20.

BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST

Each week, 151 people pledge $1 or more per episode to help pay for the production of the podcast. Whenever we hit a Milestone, you get an extra-long episode of Celtic music. Next week, I’m planning our next feature which is two hours of Celtic music from Canada on April 7th. You can Become a Patron of the Podcast. Special thanks to our newest Patrons: James and John.

Support the podcast!
Buy Victims of Irish Music on iTunes or Amazon

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC NEWS

PODCAST: We’ve had a wide mix of Celtic music over Irish American Heritage Month. So much so that I think we should play totally Trad Irish Celtic music. Don’t you? So that’s the plan! Awesome, serious, indie Celtic music from Rattle the Boards, SloanWolfe, Sligo Rags, Trinity River Whalers, Ceann, Brobdingnagian Bards, Whirly Jig, Emerald Rose, Stout Pounders, Battlelegs, Beatnik Turtle, Doug Folkins, Paddy’s Pig, McFlooseys.
celticmusicpodcast.com/253/

BANDS: Pandora Celtica released their final CD and played their final concert together this past weekend. You can watch Sligo Rags perform twice a week at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. Brobdingnagian Bards may not be performing much since they split a few years ago, but you can listen to their latest podcast right now. Stout Pounders are at The Kells Seattle, WA on April 1st. Paddy's Pig are at Newhall Jam Session on April 7th.

ARTICLE/TRAVEL: Gunrunners and front-line fighters: The women of the 1916 Rising.

ARTICLE: What is Dilisk? You can find the answer to that on The Celtfather. I interviewed Patrick Maloney on top of the cliffs of Slieve League in Donegal, Ireland last summer. I finally shared the interview in this week’s podcast.

VIDEO: Song for Ireland by Dick Gaughan. Love this song!

* I'd love for you to join me on a Celtic Invasion Vacation in 2017! Where would you like to go?

NEW CELTIC CDs

Catalpa - Rise

Rise!
by Catalpa
Irish Ballads and Folk Music - eight original songs of Ireland
Genre: Folk: Celtic Folk
Release Date: 2016

Dragonfly
by Giulia Haible & Caroline Dressler
Traditional and contemporary celtic music, infused with original ideas and compositions that bring varied combinations of fiddle, cello, and piano to new grounds.
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2016

Origin
by Rebecca Gilbert & Kellswater Bridge
Debut album fusing traditional and modern Celtic styles. Instrumentation includes voice, guitar, fiddle, tin whistle and bodhrán.
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2016

Gone Eatin' Pizza
by Celtic Mayhem
Genre: Folk: Contemporary Celtic
Release Date: 2016

Get your 2016 Irish & Celtic Music Podcast T-Shirt today!
Save 10% when you use the coupon code: SAVE10IN2016

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

Do your friends love Celtic music? Invite them to join the Celtic Music Magazine today! They too will get 34 Celtic MP3s when they subscribe. And it's FREE!

Send them to http://celticmusicpodcast.com/subscribe/

2-Hours of Canadian Celtic Music

Greetings Celtic Music Lovers!

It's here at last! Two-hours of awesome Celtic Canadian music that will get your toe tapping and her head bobbing. Go to your podcast feed and download it now. Or listen on the website.

It's interesting listening to this random selection of Celtic music from Canada. While we all play Celtic music, there seems to me a very subtle difference between Canadian Celtic vs American Celtic vs Irish Celtic vs Scottish Celtic. It's fascinating. This, of course, is a small sampling, but I think it's a good one. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic.

You may notice that many of the bands you requested were not on the show. My apologies. It's not for trying. In fact, I feel quite proud that I attempted to contact each and every band that you suggested. Most did not respond. Some said they would submit but didn't or didn't in time or forgot to send music. That's okay. We will try again next time. Hopefully, we can get more of these awesome bands on the show.

If you want to help, email a band. Tell them about the podcast and that you'd love to hear their music on our show. Then send them this short url where they can submit their music: 4celts.com.

Thanks to everyone who posted a short review of Best of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast on Amazon. I really appreciate it. We are still 23 reviews away from my goal of 50. Keep those reviews coming.

I saw one reviewer posted a 5 star review and said the album was really a 3 star album. Let me be clear. I want you to be 100% honest. If the album is a 2 star or 5 star, post it. This isn't a case of "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say it." No, I want you to just post a review so we hit 50, even if it's not a great one. I want potential listeners to know that you are offering your honest opinion of the album.

Again, if you don't have it, download it now. Listen to it. Find the songs you love, or don't. And then post a review.

Thank you for your support!

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather
April 8, 2016

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK -- Call 678-235-8763. What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Please post a comment on iTunes or in the shownotes.

And don't forget to vote in the Celtic Top 20.

BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST

Each week, 150 people pledge $1 or more per episode to help pay for the production of the podcast. Whenever we hit a Milestone, you get an extra-long episode of Celtic music. Next week, I’m planning our next feature which is two hours of Celtic music from Canada on April 7th. You can Become a Patron of the Podcast. Special thanks to our newest Patrons: Dave and Patrick

Huge shoutout to our Celtic Superstars: Peter Tilghman, Bryan Brake, Chris, Ockham’s Razor, John Sharkey White, II, Theresa Sullivan, Brendan Nix, John Bilderback, Rian P Kegerreis, samual hill, Johnny Berry, Shawn Cali!

Support the podcast!
Buy Victims of Irish Music on iTunes or Amazon

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC NEWS

PODCAST: There’s a lot of great Celtic music in Canada. Today, I want to introduce you to some of the hottest indie Celtic bands to cross the Canadian border to be heard around the globe with awesome Celtic music from The Fretless, NUA, Coole Park, Bonhomme Setter, Duncan Cameron, Kailyarders, Dust Rhinos, Sora, Chrissy Crowley, Madd Paddy, Jesse Ferguson, Rant Maggie Rant, The Irish Rovers, The Rolling Kings, Gillian Boucher, Bodh’aktan, The Malarkeys, Heather Dale, The Sheridan Band, Oona McOuat, Cod Gone Wild, Brad Reid, The Mudmen, Bang on the Ear, Keelhaul, Searson, Ennis, Hawp.
celticmusicpodcast.com/254/

BANDS: The Fretless are on tour in British Columbia, Canada. Nua announced the name of their upcoming CD. It's called FLOW. Dust Rhinos are at the Lamplighter Lounge on April 16th. Chrissy Crowley is playing with the band Coig out of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Jesse Ferguson added a new video blog to his YouTube page on Murder Ballads. Rant Maggie Rant is performing on April 30th at Imperial Theatre w/Sarnia School of Irish Dance. The Irish Rovers now have their music and a presence on Bandpage which was recently acquired by YouTube. The Rolling Kings are at the Shamrock City Pub in Clarenville, Newfoundland on April 15th and 16th.

Gillian Boucher is teaching Celtic Fiddle online via skype. Bodh'aktan are performing in St. Jerome on April 9th. Heather Dale has a podcast featuring stories inspired by her music. Get her free album Perpetual Gift from her website. The Sheridan Band are performing at Glanworth Gatorfest in Belmont, Ontario on May 7th. Not quite Celtic, but Brad Reid can be heard playing flute, clarinet, and soprano/tenor saxophone in the pit band for Shrek the Musical, at Neptune Theatre, running March 29 to May 29, 2016! The Mudmen have a new album out called On a Train, available on their website. They have a heavy tour schedule for 2016. Searson are playing in Rockland, Maine on April 22 at Strand Theatre. The Ennis Sisters just got off tour with Cherish the Ladies. They are next at Stewart Park Festival in Perth, Ontario in July.

ARTICLE: Irish Dancer breaks the mold by wearing pants to the world championship. See 6 stunning images of Ireland in Spring. A 1914 Handbook of Irish Dances was digitised by Irish Traditional Music Archive. Garrett Barry's Reel is the latest tune available from TheSession.org. James Connolly, leader of the Irish Citizen Army, disappeared on January 19, 1916. When he returned four days later his only comment was, "I have been through hell." In BLOOD, a play first produced in 1992, Larry Kirwan explores the relationship between Connolly and Padraig Pearse/Sean MacDiarmada of the IRB and how he came to join them in the 1916 Uprising.
BLOOD can now be read at www.black47.com. 1880s Irish farmers fough evictions with boiling water and bees. The Union of Students in Ireland is calling for a change in the way Irish is Taught in School

* I'd love for you to join me on a Celtic Invasion Vacation in 2017! Where would you like to go?

NEW CELTIC CDs

Cuig - New Landscapes

New Landscapes
by Cuig
Cutting edge Irish Music.
Genre: Folk: Irish Contemporary
Release Date: 2016

Drive
by Tallymoore
Contemporary Irish Folk
Genre: Folk: Celtic Folk
Release Date: 2016

Two Trees
by Ashley Broder
Layers of mandolin, electric mandolin, fiddle, and cello shape Ashley's beautifully crafted original melodies.
Genre: Folk: Modern Folk
Release Date: 2016

Soft Whispers
by Dearbhail Finnegan & Robin Slater
Inspired by the Holy Land's overpowering presence of tranquility and peace, Dearbhail and Robin produced this cd to share their unforgettable adventure to Israel with with you.
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2016

Get your 2016 Irish & Celtic Music Podcast T-Shirt today!
Save 10% when you use the coupon code: SAVE10IN2016

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

Do your friends love Celtic music? Invite them to join the Celtic Music Magazine today! They too will get 34 Celtic MP3s when they subscribe. And it's FREE!

Send them to http://celticmusicpodcast.com/subscribe/

Celtic Music for a Cloudy Day

Greetings Celtic Music Lovers!

April showers, bring May flowers. Right now, it's raining in Birmingham, Alabama. So I guess we can expect a lot of flowers next month. It's kinda sleepy weather. I thought an episode of the podcast that captured that cloudy weather feel might be kinda nice. But don't expect that there won't be some toe tapping involved. I think I captured the Celtic Music for a Cloudy Day.

What bands/musicians would you like to hear on the podcast in the future?

What bands do you follow who have new CDs?

I'd love to know! Email me.

Oh! And we are just 20 reviews shy of 50 for the Best of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast on Amazon. Got a moment? Please go post a review now.

Thank you for your support!

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather
April 15, 2016

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK -- Call 678-235-8763. What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Please post a comment on iTunes or in the shownotes.

And don't forget to vote in the Celtic Top 20.

* VIDEO HELP WANTED. YouTube is one of the largest search engines. So I want to get podcast episodes back up there like I used to. I want you to convert podcast episodes to video. You can use a single stand alone picture with the music, then upload the video to YouTube. A fast computer helps. Would you be willing to help? Reply now!

BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST

Each week, 148 people pledge $1 or more per episode to help pay for the production of the podcast. Whenever we hit a Milestone, you get an extra-long episode of Celtic music. Next week, I’m planning our next feature which is two hours of Celtic music from Canada on April 7th. You can Become a Patron of the Podcast. Special thanks to our newest Patrons: Dave and Patrick

Support the podcast!
Buy Victims of Irish Music on iTunes or Amazon

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC NEWS

PODCAST: It was overcast and threatening to rain when I put together this week’s Irish & Celtic Music Podcast featuring some amazing indie Celtic music from Sarah Marie Mullen, Brian O h’Uiginn, Hanz Araki, New Shilling, Slan, Ed Yother, Bret Blackshear, Jil Chambless & Scooter Muse, Dublin Harpers, Judith Weikle, Boston Blackthorne, Amadan, The Canny Brothers Band, Staggering Jack, Lothlorien.
celticmusicpodcast.com/255/

BANDS: Sarah Marie Mullen is performing at Scarborough Faire in Texas for the next few weeks. Hanz Araki is on tour with Colleen Raney this month. Ed Yother started up a new Irish music session at Nine Irish Brother in West Lafayette, Indiana on Thursdays as of April 7th. Bret Blackshear is playing at Stogies Cigar Bar in St Augustine, FL on Saturdays. Chambless & Muse will join John Taylor and Ed Miller at Rural Hill Scottish Festival in Huntersville, NC this weekend, April 16-17. Look for The Canny Brother Band at Kings County Memorial Day Benefit in The Salty Dog in Brooklyn, NY. Find links to all these bands in this week's shownotes.

VIDEOS: Want to learn more about the Uillean Pipes? Why every man should wear a kilt?

* I'd love for you to join me on a Celtic Invasion Vacation in 2017! Where would you like to go?

NEW CELTIC CDs

We Banjo 3 - Happiness

Happiness
by We Banjo 3
The gold standard of Irish and American roots music. Frontrunners of the affectionately coined "Celtgrass"
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2016

Adroneline
by Homebound
Homebound is a seven-piece fusion world music band, blending music from several cultures with the linking element of the drone.
Genre: World: Celtic
Release Date: 2016

Matter of Time
by Dallahan
A unique blend of traditional and contemporary music from Ireland, Hungary and elswhere, littered with influences from classical, jazz, funk and balkan.
Genre: Folk: Irish Traditional
Release Date: 2016

Jonathan Schultes
by Jonathan Schultes
A collection of traditional American and Celtic tunes, with a few original pieces inspired by both, all on mountain dulcimer.
Genre: Folk: Appalachian Folk
Release Date: 2016

Don't miss this week's Celtic Music for a Cloudy Day episode of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.

Get your 2016 Irish & Celtic Music Podcast T-Shirt today!
Save 10% when you use the coupon code: SAVE10IN2016

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

Do your friends love Celtic music? Invite them to join the Celtic Music Magazine today! They too will get 34 Celtic MP3s when they subscribe. And it's FREE!

Send them to http://celticmusicpodcast.com/subscribe/

Back to Celtic Music Magazine Archives