| ALSO FEATURING Traditional Blend Tammy Wilcox Queen's Gambit John Imes Teresa Black Doug Stevenson Pipers Emerald Flame Eric Herndon Scottish Dancers McTaggert Irish Dance On Stage Sessions |
Boru's Ghost
The sound of Boru’s Ghost is an eclectic mix of acoustic rock, Celtic and folk
music. While comparable to time-honored Celtic music, it is a refreshing and
multifaceted blend. BG combines intelligent arrangements, driving rhythms,
superb musicianship and complex vocal harmonies with diverse rock
influences. Although the band has its roots deeply embedded in Celtic music,
one may not even immediately recognize traditional music performed by this
band. The Ghost’s energetic performances include inspired original
compositions interspersed with thoughtfully arranged traditional Celtic songs.
All are comprised with a distinctive style that is known among band mates and
fans of BG as "Boruasizing.” Boru’s Ghost uses many instruments while
performing including but not limited to guitars, fiddle, bouzouki, mandolin,
hammered dulcimer, Irish whistles, keyboard, bass guitar, bodhran, doumbek
and a good old-fashioned trap set. Boru’s Ghost has performed at fairs, coffee
shops, bookstores, pubs and larger festivals most notably the 2006/7 North
Texas Irish Festival, the 2006-8 Oklahoma Arts Festival and the 2007
Oklahoma Celtic Heritage Festival.
The sound of Boru’s Ghost is an eclectic mix of acoustic rock, Celtic and folk
music. While comparable to time-honored Celtic music, it is a refreshing and
multifaceted blend. BG combines intelligent arrangements, driving rhythms,
superb musicianship and complex vocal harmonies with diverse rock
influences. Although the band has its roots deeply embedded in Celtic music,
one may not even immediately recognize traditional music performed by this
band. The Ghost’s energetic performances include inspired original
compositions interspersed with thoughtfully arranged traditional Celtic songs.
All are comprised with a distinctive style that is known among band mates and
fans of BG as "Boruasizing.” Boru’s Ghost uses many instruments while
performing including but not limited to guitars, fiddle, bouzouki, mandolin,
hammered dulcimer, Irish whistles, keyboard, bass guitar, bodhran, doumbek
and a good old-fashioned trap set. Boru’s Ghost has performed at fairs, coffee
shops, bookstores, pubs and larger festivals most notably the 2006/7 North
Texas Irish Festival, the 2006-8 Oklahoma Arts Festival and the 2007
Oklahoma Celtic Heritage Festival.
Performers
| The Oklahoma Celtic Heritage Association is pleased to announce a variety of talented performers for the 2009 Oklahoma Celtic Music and Heritage Festival. Please find below a partial list of the performers that will be included at this year's festival. Please be sure to check in often for updated performer information and additions to the performer line-up. If you are interested in performing at next year's festival, please contact Roger and Carol Graham at celticgraham@sbcglobal.net. |
Arabesque
Arabesque is a musical duo that has been mesmerizing audiences since 2003
with their unique blend of Celtic, Arabic, Judeo-Spanish, Turkish, and other
world folk traditions. Any given song can be a vehicle to take the musicians
and the listeners to new places, creating spontaneous and heartfelt
expressions through the blending of musical forms, ornaments, and styles.
Their performances are an intelligent mix of instrumental music, storytelling,
history, humor and hands-on fun. Both hail from Norman, Oklahoma, where
Miranda teaches World Music at the University of Oklahoma and Steve does
archaeological survey work.
They have performed at fairs, festivals, contra dances, workshops, schools,
universities, and private functions throughout Oklahoma and neighboring
states. Come take a magic carpet ride around the globe with Arabesque as
this unique pair unveils the mysteries and enchantments of the world's
diverse musical cultures, marrying lilting Irish reels and jigs to the sensuous
and evocative melodies of the East.
Arabesque is a musical duo that has been mesmerizing audiences since 2003
with their unique blend of Celtic, Arabic, Judeo-Spanish, Turkish, and other
world folk traditions. Any given song can be a vehicle to take the musicians
and the listeners to new places, creating spontaneous and heartfelt
expressions through the blending of musical forms, ornaments, and styles.
Their performances are an intelligent mix of instrumental music, storytelling,
history, humor and hands-on fun. Both hail from Norman, Oklahoma, where
Miranda teaches World Music at the University of Oklahoma and Steve does
archaeological survey work.
They have performed at fairs, festivals, contra dances, workshops, schools,
universities, and private functions throughout Oklahoma and neighboring
states. Come take a magic carpet ride around the globe with Arabesque as
this unique pair unveils the mysteries and enchantments of the world's
diverse musical cultures, marrying lilting Irish reels and jigs to the sensuous
and evocative melodies of the East.
All
About Irish
The “All About Irish” Performance Troupe from the “All About Irish” School of
Dance, was started by Diana Rodgers in the spring of 2004. The dancers in the
performance troupe range in age from 10 to adult and are from Tecumseh,
Shawnee and Meeker. The Performance Troupe has performed at various
events and festivals throughout Oklahoma, including the Iron Thistle Festival,
the Oklahoma Celtic Festival in Stillwater and the Scottish Festival in Tulsa,
just to name a few. The Performance Troupe has also participated and served
in various community service opportunities.
Each member of the performance troupe is encouraged by the Director to
choreograph dances and/or contribute their ideas. Many have accepted the
challenge, which has resulted in excellent show of their talents and skills. The
performance troupe dances to a wide variety of music and incorporates a
unique variety of dance steps.
Members of the “All About Irish” Performance Troupe are: Alyssa Johnson,
Daniel Roberts, JoAnna Roberts, Timothy Roberts, Kadie Rodgers, Kendra
Rodgers, Kirstyn Rodgers, Kali Wagoner and Tyler Woodhouse.
The “All About Irish” Performance Troupe from the “All About Irish” School of
Dance, was started by Diana Rodgers in the spring of 2004. The dancers in the
performance troupe range in age from 10 to adult and are from Tecumseh,
Shawnee and Meeker. The Performance Troupe has performed at various
events and festivals throughout Oklahoma, including the Iron Thistle Festival,
the Oklahoma Celtic Festival in Stillwater and the Scottish Festival in Tulsa,
just to name a few. The Performance Troupe has also participated and served
in various community service opportunities.
Each member of the performance troupe is encouraged by the Director to
choreograph dances and/or contribute their ideas. Many have accepted the
challenge, which has resulted in excellent show of their talents and skills. The
performance troupe dances to a wide variety of music and incorporates a
unique variety of dance steps.
Members of the “All About Irish” Performance Troupe are: Alyssa Johnson,
Daniel Roberts, JoAnna Roberts, Timothy Roberts, Kadie Rodgers, Kendra
Rodgers, Kirstyn Rodgers, Kali Wagoner and Tyler Woodhouse.
Dustin Cooper
Dustin Cooper is an Oklahoma City musician who plays early and traditional
music on the hammered dulcimer. He also plays the Celtic harp, Greek
bouzouki and various middle-eastern percussion (Egyptian riq, Arabic tubla
and the tar).
Dustin's repertoire consists of medieval, renaissance, middle-eastern,
Japanese, Scandinavian and Celtic songs. During performances, the historical
background of the music is often discussed in between tunes. Dustin is also
currently playing percussion for the Bohemian Tribe belly dancers.
Dustin has been a valuable asset to the Oklahoma traditional music scene for
many years. His contributions are too many to list here. If there is traditional
world music within earshot, look around, Dustin is probably there.
Dustin Cooper is an Oklahoma City musician who plays early and traditional
music on the hammered dulcimer. He also plays the Celtic harp, Greek
bouzouki and various middle-eastern percussion (Egyptian riq, Arabic tubla
and the tar).
Dustin's repertoire consists of medieval, renaissance, middle-eastern,
Japanese, Scandinavian and Celtic songs. During performances, the historical
background of the music is often discussed in between tunes. Dustin is also
currently playing percussion for the Bohemian Tribe belly dancers.
Dustin has been a valuable asset to the Oklahoma traditional music scene for
many years. His contributions are too many to list here. If there is traditional
world music within earshot, look around, Dustin is probably there.
Flowers
of Edinburuogh
The
Flowers of Edinburgh is a family group featuring twin sisters, Laura and
Rachel Bennett, on fiddle and their mother, Malia Bennett, on guitar. The
trio performs traditional jigs, reels, polkas and other tunes representing
their Celtic heritage, which includes ancestry from Ireland, Scotland and
Wales. Laura and Rachel began studying both classical violin and Celtic
fiddle when they were fourth-graders. Malia has also played with Oklahoma
City based Celtic groups Suspicious Contra Band and As the Crow Flies, and
has performed with Tulsa area Celtic bands The Four Fiddlers of the Apocalypse
and Timothy O’Brian’s Celtic Cheer. The Flowers of Edinburgh
play in festivals throughout Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma Celtic Music
and Heritage Festival in Stillwater; Iron Thistle Scottish Festival in Yukon;
The Oklahoma Scottish Festival in Tulsa; The Bricktown St. Patty’s
Day Block Party in Oklahoma City as well as playing at Sean Cummings’
Pub and St. Patrick’s Day Festival. The Flowers also made their debut
this year at the North Texas Irish Festival.
As
The Crow Flies
As the Crow Flies features Allison Taylor on fiddle and vocals and Malia Bennett on guitar. Allison studied violin at William Jewell College, the University of Oklahoma and Central State University where she earned her undergraduate and graduate degree in violin performance. In addition to playing Celtic fiddle, Allison also performs regularly with the Enid Symphony and performs in classical trios and quarters in the Oklahoma City area as well. Malia Bennett, who also plays guitar with the Flowers of Edinburgh, began playing music with Allison in the summer of 2009. The duo performed at this year's St. Patrick's Day festivities at Bricktown and perform reguarly at Sean Cumming's Irish Pub in Oklahoma City. This is their first year to play
Since
January 2009, Tulsa-based Crossroads
has developed an enthusiastic legion of fans with their vibrant
blend of Celtic harp, Irish flute, fiddle and vocals. Mix in bits
of mandolin, whistle, guitar, concertina, bodhran, banjo and shruti
box and you have an idea of what its like to spend an evening with
these women. In their first few months together, Crossroads opened
the 2009 Summerstage Festival with a sold out performance at the
Tulsa Performing Arts Center, headlined the Midwest Harp Festival,
performed at the O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat and debuted
at the North Texas Irish Festival. Their February 2010 performance
at the University of Tulsa featured a standing room only crowd overflowing
the concert hall into the lobby and hallways of the building. In
March 2010, the group was featured on Public Radio Tulsa's Folk
Salad with Scott Aycock and Richard Higgs. They gave an "in
studio" performance, which highlighted the release of their
debut CD, "The Upstairs Sessions". Crossroads takes audiences
on a journey from Appalachia to the Celtic lands and beyond, where
music is more than art, it is a reflection of the language, landscape,
and way of life of the people.
at the Oklahoma Celtic Music and Hertiage Festival.
Jean Hill's School of Irish Dance
At Hill Irish Dance School (formerly called Irish Arts Oklahoma), we strive to
help students get the most out of their Irish dancing experience, whether that
means learning a few basic steps and some easy ceili dances, or training to
become an advanced Irish dancer. We have students as young as five years
old and we welcome adult dancers.
The top performing group at Hill Irish Dance School is the Cailin Rua Troupe
(pronounced "colleen roo-ah", it means "red-haired girl" in Irish Gaelic).
Composed of award-winning upper level dancers, this talented group
practices intensively for specific high-profile performances such as
Oklahoma City Opening Night and half-time shows at O.U. basketball games.
Please contact director, Jean Hill, to arrange a spirited Irish dance show for
your next event! Your audience will clap along with the irresistible lilt of Irish
fiddles and bagpipes as they enjoy the colorful costumes, precise formations
and graceful athleticism of these Irish step dancers.
At Hill Irish Dance School (formerly called Irish Arts Oklahoma), we strive to
help students get the most out of their Irish dancing experience, whether that
means learning a few basic steps and some easy ceili dances, or training to
become an advanced Irish dancer. We have students as young as five years
old and we welcome adult dancers.
The top performing group at Hill Irish Dance School is the Cailin Rua Troupe
(pronounced "colleen roo-ah", it means "red-haired girl" in Irish Gaelic).
Composed of award-winning upper level dancers, this talented group
practices intensively for specific high-profile performances such as
Oklahoma City Opening Night and half-time shows at O.U. basketball games.
Please contact director, Jean Hill, to arrange a spirited Irish dance show for
your next event! Your audience will clap along with the irresistible lilt of Irish
fiddles and bagpipes as they enjoy the colorful costumes, precise formations
and graceful athleticism of these Irish step dancers.
The Merry Sisters
With a repertoire of raucous reels, jivey jigs, and ethereal airs, the Merry
Sisters captivate the listener with their harmonies, musical styling and
incredible gifts of talent.
The Merry Sisters are Kathy Dagg of Norman, Gileigh McDonald of Shawnee,
and Shanda McDonald of Shawnee.
Kathy performs rhythm with exquisite skill on Cittern, Bouzouki, Guitar and
Banjo. Her rich alto voice evokes imagery through ancient songs of love, loss,
magic, and wonder.
Gileigh lays down a rockin' rhythm, alternating djembi, bohdran and bass . As
the group's youngest, her style adds a modern tribal twist to the Sister's
Sound.
Shanda's Celtic fiddle interpretations occasionally transcend to cosmic
realms. She has been known to lose herself in fits of slip jig euphoria
With a repertoire of raucous reels, jivey jigs, and ethereal airs, the Merry
Sisters captivate the listener with their harmonies, musical styling and
incredible gifts of talent.
The Merry Sisters are Kathy Dagg of Norman, Gileigh McDonald of Shawnee,
and Shanda McDonald of Shawnee.
Kathy performs rhythm with exquisite skill on Cittern, Bouzouki, Guitar and
Banjo. Her rich alto voice evokes imagery through ancient songs of love, loss,
magic, and wonder.
Gileigh lays down a rockin' rhythm, alternating djembi, bohdran and bass . As
the group's youngest, her style adds a modern tribal twist to the Sister's
Sound.
Shanda's Celtic fiddle interpretations occasionally transcend to cosmic
realms. She has been known to lose herself in fits of slip jig euphoria
Song: Irish Washerwoman/Swallowtail Jig, Traditional Irish. Performed by Boru's Ghost.
Oklahoma Academy of Irish Dance
Oklahoma Academy of Irish Dance is dedicated to offering quality Irish
dance training at affordable prices. We strive to bring out the best in
each student by offering small class sizes, private lessons, and
performance opportunities for all ages and levels.
Team work is encouraged through group dances, and self confidence
is boosted through solo dances. We enforce good work ethic and focus
intently on technique. At Oklahoma Academy of Irish Dance, we believe
dance is a beautiful art form and should be an exciting experience for
both the audience and the dancer.
Oklahoma Academy of Irish Dance is dedicated to offering quality Irish
dance training at affordable prices. We strive to bring out the best in
each student by offering small class sizes, private lessons, and
performance opportunities for all ages and levels.
Team work is encouraged through group dances, and self confidence
is boosted through solo dances. We enforce good work ethic and focus
intently on technique. At Oklahoma Academy of Irish Dance, we believe
dance is a beautiful art form and should be an exciting experience for
both the audience and the dancer.
Ballet Flamenco Espanol Co.
Ballet Folclorico Mexico Co. is a not-for-profit touring/performing company
dedicated to the preservation of Spanish Dance, the promotion of education and
literacy and the prevention of cruelty to children and animals. Programming
includes representations of the five provinces of Spain, the four schools of
Spanish Dance including the oldest Celtic nation in the world, (The Kingdom of
Galiz) and all 33 States of Mexico with wooden shoes, castanets and swords.
Included in programming are historical explanations of the dance and costuming.
Dances to be performed at the OK Celtic Fest are traditional dances of the Celts of
Northern Spain. The music closely resembles Irish jigs and reels, but is
influenced by the 'processional' music of Christian traditions. The dance more
closely resembles Breton dancing. The company and organization is
registered/recognized by King Juan Carlos of Spain and the Spanish Consulate in
its’ cultural exchanges. They are a member of the Oklahoma Arts Council and a
recognized Celtic dance troupe by the Oklahoma Celtic Heritage Association.
Ballet Folclorico Mexico Co. is a not-for-profit touring/performing company
dedicated to the preservation of Spanish Dance, the promotion of education and
literacy and the prevention of cruelty to children and animals. Programming
includes representations of the five provinces of Spain, the four schools of
Spanish Dance including the oldest Celtic nation in the world, (The Kingdom of
Galiz) and all 33 States of Mexico with wooden shoes, castanets and swords.
Included in programming are historical explanations of the dance and costuming.
Dances to be performed at the OK Celtic Fest are traditional dances of the Celts of
Northern Spain. The music closely resembles Irish jigs and reels, but is
influenced by the 'processional' music of Christian traditions. The dance more
closely resembles Breton dancing. The company and organization is
registered/recognized by King Juan Carlos of Spain and the Spanish Consulate in
its’ cultural exchanges. They are a member of the Oklahoma Arts Council and a
recognized Celtic dance troupe by the Oklahoma Celtic Heritage Association.
Anam Crónán
Dana Fitzgerald Maher on Celtic harp and Melissa Schiavone on flutes and
whistles are the Celtic duo Anam Crónán . They first met years ago while
pursuing Bachelor's Degrees in classical music at the University of Tulsa.
Dana holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano and Master of Music in Piano
Performance, both from the University of Tulsa. Melissa has a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Flute and a Master of Music in Music Theory from the University
of Tulsa. They reconnected in 2003 and soon discovered their mutual
obsession with Celtic music; they've been performing together ever since.
Performances often become a family affair as the duo are joined on stage by
Melissa's husband Don (accordion and keyboards) and Dana's husband Brian
(guitar) and son Quinn (fiddle and mandolin). Since 2008, Dana and Melissa
have also been part of a Celtic trio called Crossroads with fiddler Julia Harris.
To learn more about Crossroads, visit www.crossroadsceltic.com.
Dana Fitzgerald Maher on Celtic harp and Melissa Schiavone on flutes and
whistles are the Celtic duo Anam Crónán . They first met years ago while
pursuing Bachelor's Degrees in classical music at the University of Tulsa.
Dana holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano and Master of Music in Piano
Performance, both from the University of Tulsa. Melissa has a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Flute and a Master of Music in Music Theory from the University
of Tulsa. They reconnected in 2003 and soon discovered their mutual
obsession with Celtic music; they've been performing together ever since.
Performances often become a family affair as the duo are joined on stage by
Melissa's husband Don (accordion and keyboards) and Dana's husband Brian
(guitar) and son Quinn (fiddle and mandolin). Since 2008, Dana and Melissa
have also been part of a Celtic trio called Crossroads with fiddler Julia Harris.
To learn more about Crossroads, visit www.crossroadsceltic.com.
Jigsaw
Kevin Alewine and Peggy and Ken Fleming have played together for nearly
two decades as a trio beginning with Waifs & Strays and presently under the
name JIGSAW. Their spirited performance of traditional Irish music has
always been their mainstay and, the three are considered among the best
traditional players in the region.
Instrumentally, JIGSAW is talent rich, blending a large variety of instruments
and vocal harmonies. Kevin plays flute, guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo, whistle
and sings. Peggy plays fiddle and remains the lead vocalist of the group while
husband Ken plays button accordion, Anglo concertina, tenor banjo, guitar,
mandolin, whistle and also sings. As the name implies, JIGSAW interlocks
multiple talents to form one of Texas’ finest ensembles playing traditional
Irish music.
Whether the venue is a concert, pub, festival, wedding or special event,
JIGSAW is an audience pleaser.
Kevin Alewine and Peggy and Ken Fleming have played together for nearly
two decades as a trio beginning with Waifs & Strays and presently under the
name JIGSAW. Their spirited performance of traditional Irish music has
always been their mainstay and, the three are considered among the best
traditional players in the region.
Instrumentally, JIGSAW is talent rich, blending a large variety of instruments
and vocal harmonies. Kevin plays flute, guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo, whistle
and sings. Peggy plays fiddle and remains the lead vocalist of the group while
husband Ken plays button accordion, Anglo concertina, tenor banjo, guitar,
mandolin, whistle and also sings. As the name implies, JIGSAW interlocks
multiple talents to form one of Texas’ finest ensembles playing traditional
Irish music.
Whether the venue is a concert, pub, festival, wedding or special event,
JIGSAW is an audience pleaser.
William Allen Ellis, age 11, has studied violin for four years in a homeschool
group class as well as privately with Dr. Karén Khanagov of Armenia. He
started out with the Suzuki method. During the last year, he has played
second violin in Academy Sinfonia orchestra.
He has performed at various functions such as United Scottish Clans of
Oklahoma, Oklahoma Genealogical Society, and Daughters of the American
Revolution, along with various churches. He received an Outstanding score
at the Assembly of God FunArts contest in 2006 and was chosen to perform
for the awards ceremony. He performed his first personal recital in 2006. He
has composed several original songs.
He is the son of Rachel and Joseph Ellis and grandson of Michael and La Nell
Shores. He is in the 6th grade and is home schooled, a fine artist, and
computer gamer (when his mother lets him). He is of the Clan Mackinnon.
group class as well as privately with Dr. Karén Khanagov of Armenia. He
started out with the Suzuki method. During the last year, he has played
second violin in Academy Sinfonia orchestra.
He has performed at various functions such as United Scottish Clans of
Oklahoma, Oklahoma Genealogical Society, and Daughters of the American
Revolution, along with various churches. He received an Outstanding score
at the Assembly of God FunArts contest in 2006 and was chosen to perform
for the awards ceremony. He performed his first personal recital in 2006. He
has composed several original songs.
He is the son of Rachel and Joseph Ellis and grandson of Michael and La Nell
Shores. He is in the 6th grade and is home schooled, a fine artist, and
computer gamer (when his mother lets him). He is of the Clan Mackinnon.
