It's not really his birthday. Well, not yet. That's officially on Sept 22. But I wanted to tell you about my latest music promotion idea. That's to say, "Happy Birthday".

I've long had a love of birthdays. So much, in fact, I keep writing birthday songs. If I don't watch out, I'm gonna be known as the Happy Birthday guy. Guess there's worse things to be...

Anyway, after talking to my friend Voltaire about Myspace, I finally decided to get on the Myspace promotion bandwagon. I'm not a huge fan of myspace, but as a promotional tool, it seems powerful. So when Myspace started emailing me lists of people having birthdays, I decided it was time to get back to promoting at least one of my happy birthday songs.

This one was designed for Bilbo Baggins. The cherished hobbit of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings fandom. It's a simple song with a simple melody that ANYONE can sing to their hobbit-y friends.

It's called "Happy Birthday, Dear Hobbit & Friend" or more simply, "The Hobbit Happy Birthday Song". It was inspired by our Lord of the Rings music CD, Memories of Middle Earth. I would love to make it a LOTR favorite, but I guess I need to slap it on a CD at some point to make that happen.

Meantime, listen to it and share it with your friends. It's free!

Wandering the wee hours of the morning with Voltaire, the Goth-Father. So tired and non-coherant.

Andrew and I went to New York City to see a few sites. We made it up into the Empire State Building and saw the city. Then gave one of my favorite Goth musicians, Voltaire, a call. We met up at a Japanese restaurant in The Village, ate some incredible food and drank sake. Then we went to some Fondu place and met up with Voltaire's girlfriend and drank wine. They already had plans to see The Libertine. We did our best not to spoil it for them and tell them the movie wasn't good. Then they took us over to McSorley's. I drank dark beer until our friend Chelsea arrived.

With Chelsea, we drank then walked to the Hudson River. Then walked back and met up with Voltaire and his girlfriend again. Went to the Cakehouse and then some other bar. It was a full night of drinking when we left at 3am back to Queens to sleep.

I'm not used to partying so hard. I need more practice. Guess I'll need to go Goth to make that happen.

I just got a phone call from some SEO "expert" regarding my Celtic weddings website. Normally, when someone calls or emails about Celtic weddings sites, I ignore them or flag them as spam. But their intro email was good. I thought it might be worthwhile to give it a shot for a "free article". But the guy sucks. All he did was inspire me to write articles on Celtic weddings that are keyword-rich like I'm doing with this one.

What's the Celtic wedding website?

Originally he called about our main Celtic weddings website to promote the Brobdingnagian Bards. However, I directed him over to my Celtic weddings website, because it has its own URL and also has more content on Celtic wedding stuff.

The CD's ultimate goal is to sell our CD, A Celtic Renaissance Wedding which is doing well, but is not high-enough in the search engines. We used to sell a lot more CDs, but when my Bards Crier Music Marketing and Promotion Ezine website slipped in the search engines so to did my Celtic wedding website. Now we only get a few CD sales a month, which is a shame, because the Celtic CD is one of the best out there for people who Celtic music for their wedding. EVERYONE who's bought one loves our Celtic wedding music CD.

Alright, that's all the jabbering for now about Celtic weddings and Celtic wedding music. Find out more at our Celtic Weddings - Celtic Wedding Songs & Music.

One of my latest promotional ideas is recording Station IDs for podcasts who play us via the Podsafe Music Network.

In today's batch, I had a podcaster from Greece. The problem is the show, VryPannet Radio, is in Greece. Sure he's playing us singing in English, but what good is an English version of "Hi. This is Marc Gunn of the..." So I asked him how to say it in Greek.

I just hope I didn't say anything bad. ;)

So wanna hear? :)

Listen Now!

Love? Okay, maybe not. But they did play my music. It's being played fairly regularly. Well, between my music and the Brobdingnagian Bards. But when there's meowing involved, what do you expect?

As an extra cool aspect, I was played on Adam Curry's Daily Source Code. That kicks major booty! It helps that there are very few Celtic bands on podcasts at present. Here's the most-recent list:

• Life Science Nexus Podcast - "The Night That Paddy Murphy Died"
  
• LoveHouse Radio - "Wild Kitty"
• Tea Lovers Room TeaCast - "The Lady of Setliff Manor"
• Xens Show - "Middle Earth Bragging Song"
• The Gigcast - "Wild Kitty", "The Parting Glass"
• Paul and Lynn Show - "Wild Kitty"
• The Write Stuff - "The Holy Ground", "The Leprechaun", "Middle Earth Bragging Song"
• Team K Online - "The Night That Paddy Murphy Died"
• The Bears Grove - "Titania, Wake My Sweet Queen"
  
• Dear Sigmund, Don't Panic - "The Night That Paddy Murphy Died"
• Antecubital Liposuction - "Middle Earth Bragging Song"
• Daily Source Code - "The Leprechaun"
• Get Jacked - "The Leprechaun"
• Procrasticast - "Middle Earth Bragging Song"
• New Age Podsafe Music - "The Leprechaun"
• Pod Playlist - "The Leprechaun"

Slainte!

A Podcast for St. Patrick's Day
Wanted to give you a heads-up: we put a story about your St. Pat's show on our home page today: http://www.podcastingnews.com/. Hope this steers a couple extra folks over to your podcast. "Johnny Jump Up" is one of my favorite old songs. Our kids think that a song about getting drunk on cider is hysterically funny.

St. Patrick's Day in Austin - Two Days of Green
About.com's feature on the 2006 St. Patrick's Day events.

St. Patrick's Day Flash Game
I found your music on the podsafe music network, and followed the link to your website. I read your limited license and so decided to use part of one of your mp3s in a little silly flash project for st. patrick's day. here is the link, in case you would like to see: the audience for this project is just my friends, family, and coworkers, but who knows, it may give you a teensy tiny bit of exposure. best wishes, kathryn

Everybody's Irish tomorrow
Featuring the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine.

Kilts HQ
Everything Kilts, from 21st Century Kilts to Wrapping Great Kilt.

Happy St. Patrick's Day
An entry from Dave Barry's official blog that mentions my cat CD.

Free Stickers
Free Real Men Wear Kilts stickers.

Autoharp
Guide to the Autoharp, music, and tips.

Celtic Music Guide
Guide to Celtic music groups.

Yesterday, I was thinking about one Stacy. She's one of my best friends, yet I haven't talked to her in way too long. So I decided I'd call her after normal working hours.

An hour later, I had knock at my door. It was UPS. They had a package for me... from Stacy. She sent me a birthday present from my amazon wishlist--Serenity and The Princess Bride.

So I gave her a call and we caught up. I miss talking to her. She's an awesome friend. Then I called a couple more friends and decided to watch the movies. I saw my friend April was online so I invited her over

April had a few wedding headdresses to work. She needed to stay up late anyway. So she came over. She worked on her headdresses. I redesigned my Celtic MP3s Music Magazine website with my new template and with a new focus.

We watched Serenity, The Princess Bride, Gladiator, and I passed out at the beginning of The Last Samurai. I was pretty wiped. I think it was around 6am when I fell asleep. April was still working. I think she left around 7:30am. That was fun. Though consequently haven't done much of anything today when I *finally* woke up.

Now I'm all ready for I-CON. I love that convention and all the wonderful friends I have there. Just a couple more days.

Oh! And I think we'll be doing a Sunday evening Nagian Gathering after the Con as usual. Not sure where though prolly the same place as usual. I hope some of you can make it out.

Alright time to package some stuff that needs mailing. Slainte!

Every year for St. Patrick's Day, I compile a new list of St Patrick's Day MP3 downloads that are 100% free and legal. That is, afterall, what the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine is all about. Though I may run out of time for publishing the magazine on a regular schedule, this is one thing I think is fun to do. So here it is once again.

17 Free Music Downloads for St. Patrick's Day

1. "Jedi Drinking Song" by Brobdingnagian Bards
   Everyone loves a good drinking song, right? Well, here's one that every Irish person or geek can get behind.
   
   The Brobdingnagian Bards are The Original Celtic Renaissance. They combine traditional Irish and Scottish drinking songs with Lord of the Rings music, original songs, and filk for an eclectic mix that is as at home in an Irish pub as it is in a gathering of Irish Americans. They were called "The Godfathers of Celtic MP3s" with good reason--over six million of their MP3s have been downloaded making them one of the most-popular Celtic groups online.
   
   Buy CD: Brobdingnagian Fairy Tales
   
   
2. "The Holy Ground" by Marc Gunn
   Sure, I thought about featuring "Wild Kitty" or "Furagone's Wake" from my Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers CD, but I sooo wanted to feature the "Jedi Drinking Song" from my band and I thought at least one Irish song to start off was a good idea.
   
   The song was recorded for my Irish Song Lyrics website. I am slowly trying to record more and more songs with The Bards and solo to have a site where people can go to learn Irish songs like I learn them, by ear.
   
   Buy CD: Irish Whiskey Pub Songs
   
   
3. "Foggy Dew" by Boston Blackthorne
   Boston Blackthorne is a group that is rooted in the Irish ballad tradition of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem with contemporary twists and original arrangements. They feature lush three-part harmonies and original songs. Blackthorn's repertoire also includes classic instrumental jigs and reels played on fiddle, bouzouki, tenor and 5 string banjo, 6 and 12 string guitars, electric bass and bodhran.
   
   Buy CD: Better Late Than Never
   
   
4. "Molly Malone" by Paddyrasta
   Paddyrasta are a multi-cultural celtic-reggae band fusing traditional and contemporary celtic tunes with a distinctly rootsy Jamaican reggae groove.The band have built up a huge following in their adopted home of Aberdeen, Scotland and have just released their debut album – Listen To Your Heart.
   
   
5. "Amazing Grace/Scotland the Brave/Black Bear Hornpipe" by Wicked Tinkers
   The emotion and power of the Great Highland Bagpipe and various ethnic drums dueling with an Australian aboriginal instrument, the Digeridoo, and the Bronze-Age Irish Horn - a sound lost for over three millennium - explode into tribal sounds of the Scottish Highlands, Ireland and the many lands graced by the Gaelic people. Does this seem too good to be true? Then engage with the mesmerizing music and humorous exploits of the WICKED TINKERS and you won't stop dancing.
   
   Buy CD: Banger for Breakfast

See the rest of the 17 Free Music Downloads for St. Patrick's Day at the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine.

Need some St. Patrick's Day songs you can count on to set just the right mood as you kick back and enjoy the holiday? Then this is the perfect CD for you, packed with everything you need for a good 'ol Irish celebration in 19 tracks. Put on the drinking songs and ballads and general fun will be had as you listen to the Brobdingnagian Bards do their thing!

The Brobdingnagian Bards excel in entertaining. The simple, yet skilled musical arrangements for each tune give the songs the Celtic Renaissance flavor that they are famous for. Just two men, Marc Gunn and Andrew Mckee make up this band, and they play, and play off of each other well. (Oh, and just in case you weren't sure, it is brAHb'ding-näg-EE-en Bards.)

As anyone who has heard the Bards already knows, the singing is always energetic, and it leaves no doubt that these gentlemen just love what they do. This is a CD that can and should be played from start to finish, and even be set on repeat without it getting tiresome!

This duo provides that special kind of music that encourages camaraderie and sets things up for a good, social atmosphere. You'll feel like you are out with a couple of friends that have a lot of talent when you play this CD. A St. Patrick's Day, two green thumbs up from this listener!


Buy the Album: "Songs of Ireland (St Patrick's Day Music)"

Get your

Free St Patrick's Day MP3 Downloads
Now

---

Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer specializing in the arts. She has written for Dance Teacher Magazine, Classical Singer and Dance Spirit among others, and reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her at www.freelance-zone.com.

A ST PATRICK'S DAY POEM
by Marc Gunn, http://www.thebards.net/

St Patrick's Day music,
St Patrick's Day drink,
St Patrick's Day merriment,
Grand birthday for me.

All are Irish on St Patrick's Day
Shamrock stickers stuck to cheeks
Bluegrass mixed with Irish drinking songs
Makes your heritage feel complete.

People dressed as leprechauns
Drinking green beer
Living the life of the "Irish"
While making some people sneer.

But the Irish unite around the world
Singing songs on St Patrick's Day
Tapping toes and whirling jigs
While the Fae folk hide and play.

Finnegan grabs his mug of beer.
Paddy works hard on the railroad.
Lanigan dances. Biddy Mulligan cheers.
And down in the valley, the bogs explode.

St Patrick's Day culture.
St Patrick's Day birth.
St Patrick's Day poetry and song
Filled with magical St Patrick's Day mirth.

Join the St. Patrick's Day Party!
http://www.stpatricksdayparty.net/

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!!
and
HAPPY ST. GERTRUDE'S DAY!!!
(she's the patron saint of cats)

Slainte!

One may ask whether it is appropriate to give gifts in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. For most of us, gifts are not necessary. However, for the Irish at heart, gifts are a celebration of their heritage.

Is it possible to develop a top ten list of St. Patrick’s Day gifts? Of course! My recommendations are as follows:

10. A CD of celtic music gets every St. Patrick’s Day party rollicking. There are many online sources which can help navigate the many selections available.

9. For the more reflective moments, a book focusing on the beautiful Irish scenary can bring the emerald isle into your home. Some selections to look at include Irish Country Style: A Celebration of Ireland’s Enduring Charms by Bill Laws, The Ancient Books of Ireland by Michael Slavin or Ireland The Emerald Island by Peter Skinner.

8. Celtic Jewelry, especially a beautiful celtic cross, is a must for every female of Irish descent.

7. Shamrocks. It is possible to purchase shamrocks from numerous online garden retailers to bring the Irish country side home.

6. Green Beer. This American tradition should never be overlooked for the Irish at heart. Or, skip the coloring and go straight for the Guinness.

5. A homemade Irish craft such as the Samhain Parshell or a carved turnip head would certainly be an unusual, and unexpected, St. Patrick’s Day gift.

4. Luxury handmade Irish soap made with Irish rainwater and scented with heather, moss, sweet lavender or rose damask. Include luxury Irish creams for a beautiful gift set.

3. Meade, often referred to as the Irish aphrodisiac. The Bunratty Winery located in the shadow of the 15th Century Bunratty Castle in County Clare, Ireland sells their wares online.

2. Classic Irish Cape or Herringbone Tweed Cap brings the local clothing home.

1. A trip to the Emerald Island featuring a pub crawl and a visit to the Blarney Stone would top the list of best presents for St. Patrick’s Day!

---
Sean Walters is a managing partner of Web Wide Holdings LLC which runs numerous websites including http://www.discountquest.com He has presented his thoughts at several National Direct Marketing Association conferences and is a highly regarded expert in the area of internet and catalog marketing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Walters

Holidays (such as St. Patrick's day) are always a good excuse to have a party. With a holiday like St. Patrick's Day, it is always fun to stick to a traditional theme of green. Incorporate other festive ideas like shamrock shaped invitations. These could be bought from any party supply store. Green balloons, crepe paper and wall hangings can also be used for more elaborate parties.

Food can serve as a great focal point of the celebration. A couple of drops of food coloring can turn many of your favorite foods into a colorful surprise. If your party is going to be for brunch, an old favorite of green eggs and ham maybe just what you are looking for. If you want to go a little fancier, simply add food coloring to a quiche. If the food coloring idea is a little too much, use things like spinach or asparagus to add a touch of color in a quiche.

If you are hosting the gathering later in the evening you may want to have a selection of green drinks to serve. A touch of food coloring can turn beer into a holiday treat and fruity mixed drinks can be turned green as well. Snacks like a spread of green dips would be easily served with vegetables, crackers, chips and so on.

A fun little game might be for whoever greets guests at the door to check if they are wearing green. If not give a little pinch and then as a party favor give them a green pin. It's a fun little joke and gives everyone something to talk about.

If you are entertaining a younger crowd you may want to choose a game like pin the pot-of-gold on the rainbow. Take a stuffed leprechaun and hide him around the house and play a game of hide and seek. Whatever direction you take your party planning takes, just have fun with it. The traditional green theme will delight holiday fun seekers.

Mrs. Party Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has St. Patricks Day Party Supplies, ideas, pinatas, games, costumes, decorations, and activities.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino

Don't for get to check out these Irish Pub Songs.