The new millennium marks the 36th anniversary of the birth of the Irish Rovers. These incredible musicians have charmed and entertained people around the world, and continue to delight audiences with their exciting stage shows. The Irish Rovers have never lost their timeless ability to deliver a rollicking, rousing performance of good cheer, that will soon have you singing and clapping along.

The group began in 1963 in Canada when George Millar and Jim Ferguson, both new emigrants from N. Ireland, met in Toronto at an Irish function. They ended up singing together 'til dawn; and so the Irish Rovers were launched. They performed as a duo until George's cousin, Joe Millar, immigrated to Canada the following year. Joe, who played button-key accordion and harmonica, and also sang traditional ballads, was recruited as he stepped off the plane. After several months of engagements around Ontario, the trio made their way to Calgary, Alberta, where they joined forces with George's brother, Will Millar. The four Rovers then headed off to "Americay"...

At the famous folk club - "The Purple Onion" - in San Francisco, they ended up headlining for an unprecedented 22 sold-out weeks. The folk clubs of California became the learning grounds for the young Rovers, and (through old-fashioned hard work and a wee bit of Irish luck) they were offered a recording contract with Decca Records.

In 1966, "The First Of The Irish Rovers", a live album recorded at "The Icehouse" in Pasadena, was released. It generated enough excitement to warrant another album, and from this release came the million selling single "The Unicorn", the band's signature song to this day. Wilcil McDowell, an old friend from Ireland, joined the band at this time, enhancing their sound and rounding out the group.

In 1980-81, The Rovers once again soared to the top of the pop and country charts with "Wasn't That A Party". This real-life celebration was written by their friend, U.S. folk singer Tom Paxton, after he witnessed one of the band's famous post-show parties. It went on to become an international anthem of good cheer. The band recorded "Grandma Got Run-Over By A Reindeer" in 1982, which has become a seasonal hit.

The Irish Rovers continue to perform in theatres around the world, with original members George Millar, Joe Millar and Wilcil McDowell. Will Millar retired from the band in 1995; and sadly, Jimmy Ferguson passed away in 1997. Completing the Irish Rover line-up today is Kevin McKeown, who has been with the band since 1984, and John Reynolds and Wallace Hood, who both joined in 1995. Sean O'Driscoll, a multi-instrumentalist, accompanies the band on many of their tours, and plays on new Rover recordings.

The Irish Rovers are still passionate about performing and will continue to tour and entertain their legions of fans. Like the Unicorn, the Rovers are legendary and magical, and a good time is guaranteed for all.

Find out more about the Irish Rovers.

Similar Artists: The Clancy Brothers, The Dubliners, Brobdingnagian Bards, Marc Gunn, The Dubliners' Tabby Cats, Irish drinking songs

The Dubliners are one of the best known bands in the Celtic music world. They got together in 1962 and were soon recording album after album together. Their first hit single "Seven Drunken Nights" launched them into international popularity and frequent touring. A stint with The Pogues brought them a new audience and more top hits.

But what seems most interesting to me is that The Dubliners are THE band one should know about when talking about pub songs. Whenever you go to any store and look for a compilation of traditional Irish songs or pub songs, you will find The Dubliners. They seem to have or be on more compilation albums than any other Celtic band out there!

Find out more about The Dubliners.

Reviews: "The Best of the Dubliners"

Similar Artists: The Clancy Brothers, Irish Rovers, Brobdingnagian Bards, Marc Gunn, The Dubliners' Tabby Cats, Pubcrawler, The Stationary Willberries, Jonathan Ramsey, King Laoghaire, Irish drinking songs

It's that time of year again--St. Patrick's Day. People are getting ready for and searching out the wazzoo for everything Irish. So Irish drinking songs are popular once again.

That's good news to me because Irish drinking songs is what I do. Whether it be Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers, Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion, The Holy Grail of Irish Drinking Songs, A Collection of Irish Pub Songs, or even the Pub Songs Podcast, this year I practically have a monopoly on Irish drinking songs... or at least the term.

Because exit the internet, and no one has heard of Marc Gunn or the Brobdingnagian Bards. They're still hung up on The Dubliners, the Irish Rovers, The Clancy Brothers, The Wolfe Tones, and other groups who've given a name to the drinking songs of Irish music. And with good cause. Those bands are awesome. Those are the groups from whom I learned many of the Irish drinking songs I sing today. So raise a glass to them.

Yet where they made a name for Irish music in middle of last century, I'm trying trying to do the same in the digital era. No one is out promoting Celtic music. That's why I started the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine and the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. My goal is to keep Irish folk music alive. So I have all those CDs above, plus, I have a traditional Irish music compilation CD and try to promote Celtic groups as I am able.

That said, St. Patrick's Day is almost here. And you can bet I'll be doing a lot for the Irish holiday. Keep an ear open for podcasts and MP3s and magazines and of course new CDs of Irish drinking songs, because that's what I do when I want to promote St. Patrick's Day music.

And why shouldn't I? It's my birthday after all.

I am loving the studio right now. Andrew and I had SUCH a productive day working on "Ye Jacobites By Name". He also sent me a mix of the Robert Burns song, "Green Grow the Rashes". It is from our upcoming CD, Real Men Wear Kilts.

Hope ye like!

Listen: "Green Grow the Rashes"

Green Grow the Rashes Lyrics
by Robert Burns

There's nought but care on ev'ry han',
In ev'ry hour that passes, O;
What signifies the life o' man,
An' 'twere na for the lasses, O.

Green grow the rashes, O;
Green grow the rashes, O;
The sweetest hours that e'er I spend,
Are spent amang the lasses, O.

The warly race may riches chase,
An' riches still may fly them, O;
An' tho' at last they catch them fast,
Their hearts can ne'er enjoy them, O.

But gie me a canny hour at e'en,
My arms about my Dearie, O;
An' warly cares an' warly men,
May a' gae tapsalteerie, O!

For you sae douse, ye sneer at this,
Ye're nought but senseless asses, O;
The wisest Man the warl' e'er saw,
He dearly lov'd the lasses, O.

Auld Nature swears, the lovely Dears
Her noblest work she classes, O;
Her prentice han' she try'd on man,
An' then she made the lasses, O.

A few Scots translations: warly: worldly, canny: quiet, tapsalteerie: topsy-turvy, douce: respectable

I'm trying to figure out which pictures for an album cover looks better for my Victims of Irish Music compilation CD. Which do you prefer?

Version 1



Version 2

by Karen J. Brady

When it comes to accomplishments, C. Wayne Owens, 56, known to many as Seymoure, has a lifetime of them.

"This man is, at his core, an entertainer," said Jesse Slicer, Owens' son-in-law. "Never have I known someone personally who was so immersed in the entertainment arts. He's always one of those types of guys who works hard and never asks for anything in return. Just a satisfied audience. That's something every entertainer should strive for."

Born in Oklahoma in 1950, but raised in Los Angeles, Owens was already working as an extra on popular television shows like "My Three Sons," and "Circus Boy" by the age of five.

In 1963, he left home to work and to attend college at Southwest Missouri State College and the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he studied theater and performed in numerous landmark shows.

The show "King Henry's Feast," which Owens co-wrote and also performed, is the longest running live show in Kansas City, lasting for three years. It was from this show that the character Seymoure emerged and Owens toured the Renaissance circuit as that character.

"That's the truly amazing thing about C. Wayne Owens," Marc Gunn, a close friend and Renaissance performer, said. "He isn't just a comedian. He's a philosopher, a poet, a man who inspires."

Brian Wendling, who worked with Owens at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival and the old Westport Standford & Sons Comedy Club, agrees.

"Beyond his performing and writing abilities, he is a gentle and generous man, and to me, that says more than any of his performing."

Owens is someone people respect. Not only does he perform, but he inspires others, not just performers, but those who take in his shows and see the very essence of this man.

"He has taught me that we all, as performers and as people, have something special to contribute, both to the performance environment and to the fabric of our lives as a community," said Denise Goodson, a performer at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. "His work at faires has spanned a number of venues, over an extended tenure and his contribution over the years has been not only to contribute to the performance at hand, but also to teach other performers what to bring to the table."

Goodson noted another important characteristic of Owens: that he is a consummate professional.

In fact, Owens is the first inductee into the Renaissance Festival Hall of Fame.

"I think he is the perfect recipient because of his contribution to the Renaissance festival circuit," Gunn said. "He made people laugh, taught people improv, and best of all, he opened people's minds in a way that transcended history lessons, and in a way that ultimately leads to a better life for all in our current day. I've known no one else at faire who has inspired me so much."

Wendling echoes those thoughts. "My sense of being a performer is twofold: to be a person of many interests and passions. Seymoure is certainly that, and to be a solo stage performer at a Renaissance festival, one should have the ability to hold the audience with your voice and your story, whatever that story is, and Seymoure has many stories, on many levels."

To Goodson, it is the example that Owens sets that makes him the perfect recipient of this award.

Indeed, those who know Owens do try to live up to the example he has set in the Renaissance faire circuit. It seems every performer or anyone who takes in one of his shows walks away changed in some way by not only his presence, but the way he projects himself to those around him.

"Back in 2000, we struggled with anonymity and were trying to find a place in the Renaissance festival world," Gunn says of his duo, the Brobdingnagian Bards. "C. Wayne Owens, through Seymoure, and also through our professional relationship that developed outside of faire, showed me that there is more to this business of music than self-service. There is a higher cause, to help inspire fans, and helps bands selflessly so that others may share the love and dignity that we were shown."

It seems to be a common tale told by other performers who know him.

"He was always kind to me, and since I was a shy transplant to the Kansas City area, that meant a lot," Wendling said. "And as I get older, he is one of those touchstones that knows part of my history from almost 30 years ago. Those early days of the Kansas City Renaissance Festival were full of newness and energy and fun. Seymoure was one of those special people then...and he still is."

For Slicer, Owens' influence goes beyond the realm of performances and faires to a more personal level.

"What can I say about my kids' grandpappy, my wife's papa and a fellow who has not only treated me like a son, but taught me so much about the entertainment world? Well, I guess I can, at a minimum, say ‘thanks' to him. He's been a major influence in many parts of my life, obviously, but I think I learn the most about him, and myself, watching his interactions with others."

For a man like Owens, who grew up with entertainment in his blood, from credits for writing and performing in a variety of shows and films, an appearance on "Jeopardy," touring Europe and the Middle East, headlining the first USO All Stand-up Comedy Show, creating comic strip characters, and recording five music and comedy albums, it might seem as though he'd find other venues in which to display his talent. On the contrary, it seems his performances at the Renaissance faires have touched not only other performers, but those who simply came to observe and instead found themselves inspired.

Gunn sums it up the best.

"When I talk to Seymoure, I find new meaning in my life. I find direction about what is important. Seymoure inspires me to think, about life, the universe and everything. And if I had one wish for my dying days, it would be that I was able to inspire people as Seymoure has inspired me."

The latest CD from the Brobdingnagian Bards, Real Men Wear Kilts, is four or five years in the making. I forget. It's been a LONG time. I remember how it started too.

We were in Salado playing an evening party for Clan Gunn when our friend Royce implanted the idea that we should do a Scottish CD. Well, we had just finish Songs of Ireland, and I was already thinking about it too. I'm Scotch-Irish but never really embraced my Irish half until recently. To me, I was all Scottish! I've long wanted to record more Scottish songs, but somehow fate intervened and most of the music I learned was Irish. Who am I to go against fate?

That didn't stop this idea. We didn't know many Scottish songs back then. But I had quite a few I wanted to learn. So we started learning them.

Shortly after that I designed some free Real Men Wear Kilts stickers to giveaway. Then my friend Jen Clower-Brown redesigned them to the current style.

Time passed and still we hadn't touched this CD idea. Finally in January of 2007, something clicked inside us. We learned and accepted something about us as a band.

You see the Brobdingnagian Bards are not a typical Celtic music group. I love keeping traditional songs alive, but as a group we, well, we have fun with the music. We play around with the lyrics pronunciations. I can't begin to tell you how many people have emailed and said, "It's TROOSERS, not TROUSERS!" Other Scots laughed when I sang "Loch Lomond" with an Irish accent a few years back.

Well, we don't accents nearly as much as we did, but when you're an American singing songs written in the Scots dialect, you have to make a few decisions. Do you rewrite songs? Do you use them as is?

For us, nothing is sacred we do what we do without apology... with one caveat. We want you to know what to expect. If you're expecting some contemporary Celtic sound from Scottish musicians, listen to Ed Miller. He's outstanding. If you're expecting us to not screw up the Scottish dialect, think again.

All in all, I think Andrew said it best, "We're not Scottish. So we're crap!"

That said, here are some of the songs you can expect to hear on our eleventh album, Real Men Wear Kilts:

1. Loch Lomond
2. Follow Prince Charlie
   
3. My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose
   
4. Ye Jacobites By Name
   
5. Bonnie Jean
   
6. Donald, Where's Your Drunken Scotsman?
   
7. Flower of Scotland
8. Jock Stuart (A Man Who Wears A Kilt Every Day)
   
9. Mary Mac
   
10. Skye Boat Song
    
11. Auld Lang Syne
12. Seven Drunken Nights
    
13. Oor Hamlet
14. Green Grow the Rashes
    
15. Garry Owen Set

Yes. There are more songs, but I don't know all of them yet.

The idea for this CD arose in the Fall of 2006. I wanted to release an album of love songs for Valentine's Day. Alas, through too much procrastination, that goal totally fell through. It was put on the back burner until... Valentine's Day, when I leaped head first into this project with all my heart.

Love. I've been in love. I've felt myself floating on it's wings and sang to the angels in thanks. Once upon a time, I was a hopeless romantic. But I don't like being hopeless. So I became a hopeful romantic. I began looking for love and found myself falling. The challenge I discovered is that just because I'm in love doesn't not mean we are meant to be together. Our differences may segregate us and keep us from achieving whatever holy state of being may exist from a "perfect" romance.

And perhaps THAT is the real challenge. My expectation. There are ups and downs, ins and outs in love. It's not all romantic love songs. That's why when I began to choose the love songs I wanted to record, I decided to keep it real. To cover a wide variety of love that is not all flowers and candy. Some times it's filled with heartbreak. Other times, it's comical. Still other times it's unreal, mystical.

That's what this CD is about. A Tribute to LOVE! is an album of love songs. There are some folk songs about love, and then there are some songs from my own experience. These are the songs I love to sing when I want to feel romance in my life. And I hope others will find them just as romantic.

Track Listing:

1. Silhouette of Longing Love
2. The Gosling Reborn
3. When She Held Me In Her Arms
4. A Rabbit for Halloween
5. Another Lonely Night
6. A Faint Heart
7. Froggie Went A-Courtin'
8. The Hobbit Journey Home
9. Star of the County Down
10. Tiziano Gunn
11. They Call Me Crazy
12. Here's to the Dreamers
13. Marry for the Heart
14. Heart and Soul

Pre-Order "A Tribute to Love" Now: $12.95
2007, 14 Songs, Mage Records
The autographed CD will be mailed around the beginning of October.

If you would like to hear the entire CD, just click the various songs below:

Now playing: marcgunn's station - Marc Gunn - A Tribute to Love

After you've given it a few listens, post a comment about what you think of the CD.

Productive day. Ari finished all the guitar parts for Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion. That means there's just his backup vocals and mixing to do for that CD. Well, that and I need to come up with some graphics for the album. He did another great job. There's some more tasty solos. Ari is awesome.

While he was recording, I worked on graphics for Victims of Irish Music. I'm not sure I'm satisfied with the album cover yet. But Roy Janik sent me links to a lot of Ireland photos that I was able to use for the rest of the CD. Now I just need to finish mastering the album.

And I need to record my Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. I'm a wee bit behind on that one. Though the shownotes shouldn't take long. Maybe once I get back from my Italian Language meetup.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
http://www.celticmusicpodcast.com
February 12, 2007
CONTACT: Marc Gunn
(512) 470 - 4866

THE IRISH AND CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST HITS #1 ON THE MOST POPULAR MUSIC PODCASTS AT iTUNES

AUSTIN, TX (February 12, 2007) – Let's face it, everybody likes to be #1. For the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast (http://celticmusicpodcast.com/) that chance came this week when they reached the top spot on iTunes list of music podcasts. Not only did they top the music podcast chart, they also ranked 14th of all podcasts in the world since iTunes is the #1 distributor of podcasts. The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast is a free, bi-monthly, downloadable radio show of independent Irish & Celtic music. It features Irish drinking songs, Scottish folk songs, bagpipes, music from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Wales, Nova Scotia, Galicia, Australia, the United States, and around the world.

Two exciting podcasts are slated to be released by the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast this March. The first is a St. Patrick's Day podcast, featuring perennial Celtic music favorites as well as historical tidbits and other St. Paddy's Day fun. Also coming in March is a podcast which will announce the Celtic Music Award winners for 2006 and feature music from the winners. Selections are made by popular vote and are hosted by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine (http://www.celticmp3s.com). The awards honor the most popular online Celtic music groups and individuals. Both podcasts are sure to be among the best of the coming year.

With the increasing popularity of iTunes, a more diverse crowd of listeners is clearly seeking out their music choices from iTunes vast catalog of downloads. The popularity of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast is clear evidence of this ever-widening circle. Listeners are encouraged to vote for their favorite songs and submit suggestions for podcasts they would like to hear. The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast also has a page on my Myspace.com (http://myspace.com/irishcelticmusicpodcast) where information about recent and upcoming podcasts can also be found.

The Irish & Celtic Music Podcasts are sponsored by Song Henge (www.SongHenge.com) a website offering the largest selection of totally free and legal downloads of Celtic music.


ABOUT Marc Gunn / The Bards

Marc Gunn is an Irish and Scottish folk singer with a strange affinity for Celtic ballads, drinking songs and cats. He is the lead singer for the Brobdingnagian Bards. He is also Celtic music podcaster and promoter as well as publisher of Celtic MP3s Music Magazine.

http://thebards.net Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
http://celticmusicpodcast.com/ Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

Renaissance Festival Podcast - Music and Entertainment from Ren Faires http://www.renaissancefestivalmusic.com/

XXX

For Further Information Contact Marc Gunn (512) 470-4866.

Cross-Published at PRWeb.

Finally getting close to finishing this compilation CD. I've been planning this compilation for a while. It's an album of mostly all-instrumental Irish music that I am compiling. I finally finished the track listing. The album sounds great. Here's what I have on it:

1. "Cooley's Set (Reels: Cooley's Reel,/Sporting Paddy/Toss The Feathers)" by Wild Clover Band from Behind the Blarney
   
2. "Sleeping Under The Tables Set" by Kennedy's Kitchen from A Pocketful of Lint
   
3. "Lannigan's Ball/Rambling Pitchfork/Tar Road Sligo" by Cady Finlayson from Harp and Shamrock
   
4. "Staten Island Hornpipe/Morpeth Rant" by The Jolly Rogues from Captain Billy's Privateers
   
5. "The Gneeveguilla Reel/Drag her Round the Road/The Golden Keyboard" by Arabesque from Glen Road to Cordoba
   
6. "The Boys from Blue Hill/Cherish the Ladies" by Bow Triplets from One Spot On Earth
   
7. "Princess Royale" by Thomas "Doc" Grauzer from Infernal Harp Racket
   
8. "Chicago Trippin up the Stairs by Boston Blackthorne from Better Late Than Ever
   
9. "Rocky Road to Brenham" by Celtic Stone from Digital Traditions
10. "Geordie Lad" by Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer from Thumb Twiddling
    
11. "Old Grey Cat" by Marc Gunn & The Dubliners' Tabby Cats from Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers
    
12. "Congress Reel" by Poitin from Live!
    
13. "The Road to Lisdonvarna/Morrison's Jig" by Vince Conaway from Distractions from the Muse
    
14. "Polkas and Slides" by The Tea Merchants from The Tea Merchants
    
15. "Banks of Spey/High Road to Linton" by Highland Fling from Highland Fling
16. "Campbell's Farewell to Red Gap/Newcastle" by Bedlam Bards from Furious Fancies
    
17. "The Skylark/Humours of Tulla/Lucy Campbell's" by Culann's Hounds from Year of the Dog
    

It sounds fantastic!

Incidentally, the title of the album came from a phrase I saw on a book I borrowed from Doc Grauzer about Irish music. As I recall, it mentioned how the British attempted to stomp out traditional music in Ireland, but nothing could stop it. The name sounded too cool to not use for something.

Songs:

1. "The Naughty Kitty"
   
2. "Wild Rover/Wild Kitty"
   
3. "Star of the County Down"
   
4. "A Fairy Story"
   
5. "Old Dun Cow"
   
6. "Donald Where's Your Drunken Scotsman?"
   
7. "Old Fenian Gun"
   
8. "Johnny Jump Up"
   
9. "Irish Ballad"
   
10. "Harry Potter and The Rising of the Moon"
    
11. "Jedi Drinking Song"
    
12. "The Mining Ship the Red Dwarf"
13. "Wild Mountain Thyme"
    

Notes:

• CDs from A Faire to Remember, Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers, LOVE! A Valentine's Day Gift, Brobdingnagian Fairy Tales, A Collection of Irish Pub Songs, and Real Men Wear Kilts
• Intro music by The Tea Merchants
• NEW: Buy the individual MP3s of the show
  

Download MP3
Pub Songs Podcast #22 - A REAL Live House Concert Performance with Marc Gunn

From the Pub Songs Podcast.

by Alexandria K. Brown, “The Ezine Queen”

I get many e-zines in my inbox every week, and they all offer useful information. But there are some I enjoy more than others.

What do the ones I love have in common?

They feel like they come from a REAL person. These publishers put some heart-and-soul into their e-zines. They share information about themselves. And because I feel like I know them personally, I'm more likely to buy from them at some point.

I can also share with you that once I began sharing a bit about ME in my e-zine, my response rates increased dramatically. More readers wrote me back, more clicked on my links, and more bought my products and services.

So, how can YOU put more you in your e-zine? Very easily. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

What's Going on With YOU?

Quick: Think of three things going on in your life right now that you could share with your readers. Have you won an award? Were you mentioned in a national newspaper? Did you pull a hamstring doing Tae Bo? Are you teary-eyed because your daughter's wedding is right around the corner? These are all events your readers can relate to and will appreciate you sharing.

One e-zine I used to get a real chuckle out of was Dave Balch's "Big Bucks in a Bathrobe." (Unfortunately, his business has changed so he no longer publishes it.) In each issue, Dave not only shared useful information on running a profitable business, but also hysterical stories about "life on the ranch." Dave and his wife own many animals, including horses, dogs, and "the parrot that just won't die." Whenever I saw Dave's e-zine in my mailbox, I read it right away because I knew it would brighten my mood.

Reach Out for Help

Have a question you'd like answered? Why not ask your readers for help? Example: I recently began shopping around for a convertible, and I mentioned it in my e-zine a few weeks ago. To help me with my decision, I asked my readers who owned convertibles to share their experiences with me.

You wouldn't believe how many people wrote me back, telling me about their own cars, how much they love them, and what new convertibles they recommend! I was delighted with the response.

Readers also love quick polls that allow them to give you their opinion. For a fun survey mechanism, try www.SurveyMonkey.com.

Give Us the Picture

Photos help your visitors and your e-zine readers feel closer to you instantly -- it's as if they know you better than before.

In one issue I mentioned to my readers that I had a new headshot taken and would love their opinion of it. Hundreds of people clicked through to see the photo, and many of them wrote me to say they thought it was great!

Unless you're ugly as a toad, a decent photo will only help your business. If you publish an HTML e-zine, put your photo in your top banner if you have room.

Also don't be afraid of sharing photos of your family, pets, business associates, etc. You'll be surprised how often your readers will click-through to see them. Example: "Click here to see me in action at my first swing dancing competition!"

Don't Be Afraid to Have Opinions

Real people have real opinions. So voice yours, and people will perk up. I've found that my readers often respond best when they're provoked and encouraged to see things in a new light.

If some don't agree with you (and some won't), their response can lead to a brand new discussion or article topic. Remember, if someone takes the time to write you back to disagree with anything you've said, be happy. It means they're actually reading your e-zine!

Where, and How Much?

A great place to put this personal information is at the beginning of your e-zine in an "editor's note" or "welcome message." This welcomes the reader with a warm greeting from you and is the perfect spot to share these positive, personal tidbits.

Once you get the hang of giving more YOU to your readers, you'll come to enjoy the art of sharing and the increased reader-interaction it brings. Just make sure that it doesn't take over your e-zine. The bulk of your content should still be your main article, list of tips, etc. Think of your personal information as the introduction that leads up to the main event!

(c) 2003-2004 Alexandria K. Brown

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen," is author of the award-winning manual, "Boost Business With Your Own E-zine." To learn more about her book and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at http://www.ezinequeen.com.

If you love Renaissance festivals like I do, you'll be happy to know you're not alone. In central Texas, you can find Rennies gathered outside of faire too. They're called "Rennie Gatherings". There, Rennies socialize over pints while dressed in their finest garb.

Austin has it's own wee group. Organized by Moon Dawg, the monthly gathering takes place on the last Saturday of the month when faire is not in session. We meet at the Dog & Duck Pub in Austin.

This month, Rennie and Celtic folk singer, Marc Gunn is performing to share songs new and old.

Marc Gunn @ 7:30pm
The Dog & Duck Pub
406 W 17th St
Austin, TX 78701

You can stay up to date with all the latest Central Texas Rennies info, through our yahoo group.

What do you get when you cross a bawdy pirate with a Scots-Irish bard, a lot of beer and drinking songs? You get Irish Stout.

Irish Stout is a concept band featuring Captain Black Jack Murphy's gritty Irish vocals and Marc Gunn folkiness on autoharp. The band performs Irish pub songs and bawdy piratey humour. We're talking songs you really shouldn't sing about. Ask their friend Lazarus Long. Lazarus was kind enough to supply topics for some of the band's more original material.

But that's not here yet. Right now, the duo has just released their first album, A Collection of Irish Pub Songs. This fun and raucous collection of Celtic songs is just what every drinker and music lover wants to hear while dieting on their favorite Irish stout.

A Collection of Irish Pub Songs

If you're having a drink, join Murphy and Gunn for a night of pub song singing!

Marc Gunn performs at a house concert

Add to My Profile | More Videos

My friend Lorella Loftus just released her new website. Lorella is an actress who started Renaissance Austin Theatre Companyto produce quality theatre productions with a Celtic or classical connection and emphasis on acting excellence.

Visit Renaissance Austin Theatre Company!

Lorella Loftus is originally from Glasgow, Scotland and has been very active in the Austin theatre and Celtic communities for the past five years as an actress, director and dialect coach. She has worked with several theatre organizations including Zachary Scott Theater, the Rude Mechanicals, Austin Shakespeare Festival, and the State Theatre.

In 2002 she directed Scottish playwright, Liz Lochhead's award-winning contemporary classic, "Medea", for Vortex Repertory Company, which which garnered three local B. Iden Payne nominations and two B. Iden Payne awards. In 2003, she directed Shakespeare's "Coriolanus" again for Vortex Repertory Company to critical acclaim.

She founded the Austin Renaissance Theatre Company in 2002.

Lorella has served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Austin Celtic Association for the past two years, and is currently the Vice President. She holds two degrees and her background includes teaching, editing and paralegal work.

An autoharper's spiritual wandering through Celtic songs. Beautiful and fun Celtic folk songs to celebrate your Scotch-Irish heritage.

Buy Soul of a Harper

Are you Scots-Irish, too?
After six albums with the Celtic Folk MP3 Superstars, the Brobdingnagian Bards, Marc Gunn decided to create a solo album based on his most-popular solo recordings from 2000-2003 that he named "Soul of a Harper." Warm and quieting with a touch of bardic fun, it features beautiful vocal balladry and a unique style of autoharping make it a favorite among Scotch-Irish descendents. And it was even chosen by Austin radio's Celtic Storm as one of the best Celtic albums of 2003.

1. The Bridge
2. The Lady of Setliff Manor
3. Killiecrankie
4. The Parting Glass
5. My Titania, Wake You, My Sweet Queen
6. The Leprechaun (You're No Irish Laddie!)
7. The Barrel Song
   
8. Lanigan's Ball
   
9. Middle Earth Bragging Song
10. Happy Birthday from Ireland
11. Kyara, Elven Mistress of Whispers
    
12. My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose
    
13. Buttercup's Lament (Princess Bride)

A couple years ago, I was chatting with a fellow autoharper, Alan Horvath, who made the comment that the autoharp was the most-Elven instrument he could find.

I LOVED that comment. Maybe it's my thing for elves, but it got me thinking. For the longest, I've wanted to create an album of elven music or more particularly fairy music. My first solo CD, Soul of a Harper, included two instrumental tunes inspired by elves: "Titania, Wake You, My Sweet Queen" and "Kyara, Eleven Mistress of Whispers". Yes. That is just the start of many more tunes of the fae.

I'm really not sure where my fascination of the fae began. I look back at several of the women I've dated and they all are fae-like. Some of them were actresses who played fairies at faires or at conventions. All I know is that I have the fascination and I want to make music inspired by fairies.

The album is progressing slowly, but look for it in the near future.

If you're looking for great music for your Austin wedding, I have a great recommendation--the Brobdingnagian Bards. I know, I know. I play with the band, so I'm biased. But hey, don't take my word for it. Check out these referrals:

"We had planned on having a string quartet at our wedding. While looking on the web for groups, we ran across The Bards. We immediately called Karen's dad, since he was footing the bill, and played Tolkien over the phone. It was an instant hit and we later chose it as the solo for our wedding ceremony. We decided to be a little different and use Maids in the Meadow for the recessional. It was wonderful!"
--Karen and Erik Hayden, Austin Wedding Newlyweds

It's not very easy actually to hire us. We tour outside of Austin constantly, but our Austin wedding music is always available. One of our most-popular CDs is A Celtic Renaissance Wedding. Yes, it's an album of Celtic-style wedding music.

Our Austin wedding CD has been used in countless weddings by both fans of Celtic music and non-fans a-like. It's available for just $9.97 online, or you can purchase a copy exclusively offline at Things Celtic (ph# 512-472-2358) at 1805 W. 35th Street if you want to avoid shipping. Incidentally, I understand it's their best-selling CD!

Check out these samples to see if this is your type of music:

Shepherd's Serenade
Tolkien (The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings)

Of course, our wedding music is most available in Austin. So if you plan to have an Austin wedding or a wedding near Austin, make sure you check out CELTIC WEDDINGS - Classical Celtic Wedding Music!

I played the autoharp this weekend at a house concert. I really love my instrument. It has such a beautiful sound. Today I was thinking it is the perfect wedding ceremony music instrument for people who want something beautifully different.

Imagine for a moment the sound of a classical guitar. Full and soulful. That's the autoharp. Add on top of that heartfelt and original. That's the autoharp. The autoharp is magical instrument. No one plays it, mostly because it is slow to tune. But it has such a wholistic and peaceful sound it can take your breath away.

That's one of the reasons I'm recording a CD of instrumental music, to highlight the magical sounds of the autoharp.

There's more to it than that, though. My band, the Brobdingnagian Bards, doesn't play too many Austin weddings, but listening to the autoharp over and over, I think it is the perfect wedding ceremony music. With or without the recorder, it's lush and tasteful. Just like Celtic weddings in general. When it's done, I'll probably release the album as a wedding CD too.

The music is just too cool not to.

MINISTER'S DIRECTIONS FLOUTED IN THE GABHRA VALLEY

National University of Ireland, at Maynooth, archaeologist and Celtic studies lecturer Dr Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin of the Save Tara campaign has written to the Minister and the Taoiseach regarding the works being undertaken on behalf of the National Roads Authority (NRA) / Meath County Council (MCC) along the section of the proposed route of the M3 motorway in the Gabhra Valley, near to the Hill of Tara, in Co. Meath. The message says that the tree felling and use of heavy digging machinery at Lismullin and at the base of Rath Lugh (one of Tara's outlying defensive fortifications) is not being carried out in accordance with the Minister's directions. It seems that standards of best archaeological practice are not being observed and that the directions are being openly flouted.

When the Minister gave directions on May 11th 2005 he said that: "the removal of forestry and topsoil at Lismullin and Ardsallagh will be carried out under archaeological supervision; all construction topsoil stripping will be archaeologically monitored." There is no archaeological supervision of forestry clearance at Lismullin. Neither is there any archaeological monitoring of large-scale earthmoving from the base of the Rath Lugh scarp. Such actions completely undermine Rath Lugh and the assurances given by the Minister in relation to this, one of our nation's most sensitive archaeological and historical landscapes. It must be assumed that the Minister and his senior archaeologist must know of this work that is in direct breach of the directives.
back to top

Rath Lugh is an important national monument in its own right but, as an integral part of Tara, its significance is even greater. It stands as a sentry over the Gabhra Valley guarding the northern and north-western approaches to the Hill and overlooks other nearby recorded archaeological monuments, namely a barrow and souterrain. It is extremely likely that other monuments that are not visible on the surface are also found within its immediate vicinity. Photographs show the destruction at the base of Rath Lugh – the stratified archaeological sediments can be seen in the right of photo below. If there were archaeological supervision such works would have been brought to a halt at the first sight of potential archaeological features. Heavy machinery, whether supervised or not, should not have been used or permitted in this area. Why is it necessary to commence such work under cover of darkness? This remains a mystery to all except, of course, those who sanctioned the work in the first instance. Health and Safety concerns aside, it is unlikely that someone will see freshly disturbed archaeological features in the dark – even if an archaeologist were present armed with miner's helmet and infra-red goggles. The Minister also said in a statement on May 11th 2005: "The directions which I have given represent a measured approach. They are both comprehensive and onerous. They protect heritage."

In fact, it appears that the Minister’s expressed wishes are being 'comprehensively' ignored.

Save Tara is asking the NRA / MCC to halt all work immediately along this section of the M3 as The PPP has not yet been signed. We ask that an enquiry be held into why such work was authorised and who was responsible for approving it.

Save Tara calls again on opposition spokespersons to ask for this work to stop forthwith.

Contact: Dr Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin, Save Tara, http://www.savetara.com

back to top

Just listed, without comment or recommendations

Done the Impossible
The movie that tells the story of how Firefly fans brought a failed TV show back to the big screen.
http://www.donetheimpossible.com/

Operation Bloody Station
In the verse, reavers are a horrific reality. A new operation has been initiated by Alliance Scientists to remove reaver’s aggressive tendencies. This undertaking is known as Operation Restoration. Unfortunately in the verse, some things will never change.
http://www.addictingclips.com/Clip.aspx?key=67C6135DF0952B2F

Into the Black
http://www.intotheblack.ca/

Faith Of A Man (2006) is a fan film set in the verse of Joss Whedon's Firefly. It is a story based on a piece of fan fiction written by Obsidiana Girl. Faith of a Man reveals one man's reflections of a civil war. As a captain on the losing side, this man is privilaged to have had the opportunity to reflect on such experiences, and therefore finds his beliefs to be enlightened through hindsight.

Mosquito (parody)
http://www.mosquitoverse.com/index.html

Redemption (in production)
Malcolm Reynolds bought his Firefly class ship from a used shipyard. This is the story of the crew of that ship before it made it there to the shipyard.
http://fireflylives.co.nr/

The Bellflower
Earth-That-Was could no longer sustain our numbers, we were so many. We found a new solar system: dozens of planets and hundreds of moons. The central planets formed the Alliance. Ruled by an interplanetary parliament, the Alliance was a beacon of civilization. The savage outer planets were not so civilized and refused Alliance control...
And that's us, out here on the raggedy edge. Proudly independent, resisting authority, determined to make our own way in the 'verse (sometimes even by honest means).
Welcome aboard the Bellflower. She may shake a little, but she'll get your package delivered on time, every time......Well... Most times... ...Meh! We'll get 'round to it some time...
http://bellflower.sigil777.com/index.php

Waiting for Serenity (2005)
THE BIG DAMN FANFILM...
On a frontier planet, two Privateers head for a secret rendezvous - only to discover two rogue law-men with the same intent. Tensions rise until it's revealed that they're all waiting for the same ship.
It's first come, first served... Unless, of course, you're faster with a gun...
http://film.sigil777.com/Waiting_for_Serenity/Download.asp

---

50 years in show business, 20 years of stand up comedy (including a world tour entertaining US troops) a dozen novels, several CDs, a couple of short story collections, produced plays (both stage and screen), and a daily comic strip. All of this and C. Wayne Owens considers himself as just getting started.

Just finished another session with Ari Koinuma. He's producing my Irish Drinking Songs, The Cat Lover's Companion CD. I don't remember if I mentioned it here. This album is not nearly as fancy as the first CD. It's just me on vocals and autoharp and Ari on backup vocals and guitar.

So no wailing fiddles or what not, but I'm really not complaining. I was skeptical at first. Ari doesn't play Celtic music. So I didn't know what the guitar would add, but wow. The guy is talented. He's come up with some tasty picking and solos. A bit more modern sounding than a lot of stuff I do, but It Sounds SO GOOD!

All my autoharp parts are all laid. Most of Ari's guitar parts are done. Then just add some background vocals and the CD will be complete. And I'm really looking forward to it. Ari just knows how to produce an album. Just brilliant!

I drove to Houston last night for the wedding of one of my best friends, Stacy. She asked me to play a song in the wedding too--"Frog Kissin'". The problem... I forgot my autoharp!

I don't know how I forgot it. So don't ask. I was really spacey. For some reason, I grabbed my laptop instead of my autoharp. Bizarre.

It worked out well enough despite the prob. A couple more musician friends of Stacy's were there--Chelle Murrey and Paul Martinez. Paul was kind enough to not only let me play his guitar, but horde it for about an hour and a half before the wedding so I could learn to play "Frog Kissin'" on the guitar.

Normally changing songs from autoharp to guitar isn't that big a deal. It's just chords. But "Frog Kissin'" has one of the weirder chord progressions that I play. So I practiced in the cold outdoor hair for quite while.

The wedding started and somehow I stumbled through the song with only a couple minor screw ups that I don't think anyone really noticed thanks to the humor of the song and the dancing of the bride, groom, and audience. But I think I'll stick to the autoharp for now.

SoundClick has undergone some new changes. All of them seem very positive. They're turning it into a community where people can interact and discuss about music. Or so it seems. In any case, I made a few changes to my own SoundClick page.

The Renaissance Festival Podcast, Song Henge, and the Brobdingnagian Bards are pleased to announce the winners of the 2nd Annual Renaissance Festival Awards for 2006. These performers were voted on by you, the Renaissance festival fan.

Keep an eye on this website for more Ren Faire Awards, and enjoy the podcast.

The Brobdingnagian Bards host the annual awards, we are ineligible to win. Special thanks to everyone who voted for us nonetheless, and if you care to suppport us in a similar fashion, please vote for the us in the Austin Chronicle's annual Austin Music Awards poll.

Best Music Groups of 2006

1. Bedlam Bards
2. Bocca Musica
3. The Rogues
4. Bounding Main
5. Marooned

Best Music Soloists of 2006

1. Craig of Farrington
2. Owain Phyfe
3. Darcy Nair
4. Heather Alexander
5. Joni Minstrel

Best New CD of 2006

1. On the Drift by Bedlam Bards
2. We Are Entertainers by Bocca Musica
3. Broadside Buddies by The Bilge Pumps
4. Who's your Patty by Tartan Terrors
5. Intertwined by Three Quarter Ale
   

Best Non-Musical Group of 2006

1. Tortuga Twins
2. Barely Balanced
3. Washing Well Wenches
4. Hack and Slash
5. The Pickled Brothers Sideshow

Best Non-Musical Solo Act of 2006

1. Ded Bob
2. Christophe the Insulter
3. Zilch, the Tory Steller
4. Moonie the Magnificent
5. Rick Rock Zoo

Best Childrens Act of 2006

1. Hobgoblin Hills Puppets
2. Patrick Franz - Robin Hood and St. George & the Dragon
3. Ric Roc Zoo
4. Nancy Daily Green
5. Wyndsong the Snowdragon

Best Renaissance Festival of 2006

1. Maryland Renaissance Festival
2. Bristol Renaissance Festival
3. Michigan Renaissance Festival
4. Kansas City Renaissance Festival
5. Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival

Best New Renaissance Festival of 2006

1. Kentucky Highland Renaissance Festival
2. Middlefaire
3. White Hart Renaissance Festival
4. Derbyshire Renaissance Festival
5. The Acadiana Medieval Faire

Best Jousting Troupe of 2006

1. Noble Cause Productions
2. Hanlon-Lees Action Theatre
3. The Knights of Valour
4. The Free Lancers
5. Brothers In Arms Joust
   

Best Stage Combat Group of 2006

1. The Duelists
2. Maryland Ren Fest Fight School
3. Hack & Slash
4. Don Juan and Miguel
5. Red Griffin Productions

Best Dance Troupe of 2006

1. Oklahoma Renaissance Festival Dance Troupe
2. Sisters Malek Troupe
3. NommoBugunte
4. Carnivale Min joon
5. Midnight Lotus

Best Vendor of 2006

1. Thee Dragon Laire
2. Wondrous Works in Wood
3. Wolfstone Kilt Company
4. Windwalker Shoes
5. White Pavilion

Best Ren Faire Web Community of 2006

1. Renaissance Festival dot com
2. Friends of the Maryland Renaissance Festival
3. Kentucky Ren Faire Forums
4. NE Rennies
5. The Bristol Board

Hall of Fame of 2006

• Seymoure aka C. Wayne Owens

Best Ineligble Band of 2006

1. Brobdingnagian Bards ;)

Read the press release.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Renaissance Festival Podcast
January 23, 2007
CONTACT: Marc Gunn
(512) 470 - 4866


RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL PODCAST ANNOUNCES THE RESULTS OF THE 2006 RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL AWARDS

AUSTIN, TX (January 23, 2007) – It is official, voter's have chosen the Renaissance Festival winners of 2006. An online popular vote for the best of the best in all things renaissance which has been hosted for the second year by are Marc Gunn and Kristen Rogers (details here). Voter's were invited to choose their favorite Renaissance festivals, performers, podcasts and more. Voter's had from September to December 2006 to sign on and vote for their favorites in categories such as Best Musical Group, Best Solo Performer, Best Festival and even Best Vendor. Now that is a comprehensive list!

Participants placed their votes online at www.renaissancefestivalmusic.com. Anyone involved in creation of or performance at a faire in 2006 was eligible to win. Voting closed Dec 31, 2006 and the results for 2006 were announced via podcast in February 1, 2007. Some of the highlights were Best Music Group: The Bedlam Bards, Best Soloist: Craig of Farrington, Best Renaissance Festival: The Maryland Renaissance Festival, and (we know your curious) Best Vendor: Thee Dragon Laire. Information about all of the winners with links to their respective websites are available online at the renaissance festival music site:

http://renaissancefestivalmusic.com/awards/.

The awards were sponsored by the Song Henge (http://www.songhenge.com/) and the Brobdingnagian Bards (http://www.thebards.net/). The awards continue to be tremendously popular with Renaissance Faire enthusiasts and the sponsors salute all of the winners for 2006 and look forward to sponsoring the awards once again at the end of 2007.

---

KRISTEN ROGER grew up and lives on Long Island in New York. When she was little, her folks used to take me to a few local Ren Faires at both Sands Point and the Unitarian Fellowship in Huntington. She was hooked from a young age. It was so inspiring - all of the colours and the garb, not to mention the crafts, and of course the joust. She always wanted to go to the big one in Tuxedeo, and plan on it, hopefully this season. She hopes that people will hear our podcast, and come to be as inspired by the music itself, as I was.

MARC GUNN is an Irish and Scottish folk singer with a strange affinity for Celtic ballads, drinking songs and cats. He is the lead singer for the Brobdingnagian Bards, an internet music promoter, podcaster, poet, photographer and publisher of many, many things on and offline. Communicate with me through my websites:

http://celticmusicpodcast.com/ Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

Renaissance Festival Podcast - Music and Entertainment from Ren Faires

XXX

For Further Information Contact Marc Gunn (512) 470-4866.