Wednesday, December 13, 2017

 
CHRISTMAS WITH THE CELTS
CITY WINERY NASHVILLE, TN
DECEMBER 12, 2017
 
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU!


 
     Most, if not all, of us know by now that our delicious bluegrass music got an early start in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and England...with influences from France and Germany (and many other places) for good measure!
     That said, we need to remind you about just how haunting and beautiful the tunes and reels are that are still being played today in small groups and before large audiences all around America and in those home countries.
     We recently learned that "Christmas with the Celts" was going to come to the amazing City Winery in Nashville, TN. With deep roots in Scotland and Ireland, we knew we needed to see and hear "Christmas with the Celts". The group of singers, instrumentalists, and dancers just blew us away! Irish step-dancing is fast and definitely not easy! Five lovely dancers showed us how it's done in the fashion of "Riverdance". Younger children from a local school were dressed in their Christmas finery and joined in the merriment with singing and clapping to the insistent Celtic drumbeat. It was busy on that stage and the time just flew by.
     We will introduce The Celts by name and instrument. And because our Gaelic accent left the family 300 or more years ago when they migrated to America, we will tell you what is on the "Christmas with the Celts" CD. The CD is available at www.TheCeltsMusic.com, along with several others and a DVD or two.
     The Celts are: Ric Blair (guitar, vocals, piano, bodhran), Eimear Arkins (fiddle, vocals), Fiachra O'Regan (uillean pipes), Sean Cunningham (flute), Patrick Martin (bass, vocals), and Matthew Burgess (percussion).
     "Christmas with the Celts" CD: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen/Joy to the World; Balulalow; Christmas Eve; Little Drummer Boy; Da' Day Dawis; O Holy Night; Baloo Lammy; The Wexford Carol; What Child Is This/Irish Reel Set; The First Noel; O Come, O Come Emmanuel; The Greatest Gift; Drowsie Maggie/Rakish Paddy; Silent Night; and in addition the group included: John Lennon's incredible 1971 classic, So This Is Christmas, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town and the finale on this particular evening was Jingle Bells.
     Now, we will show you photos from the amazing "Christmas with the Celts" presented by the City Winery in Nashville. Catch the Celts soon, and by all means visit the City Winery at 609 Lafayette in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee. www.citywinery.com/nashville