Marc's Musings: Don't Go Drinking With Hobbits Goes on Sale Tomorrow

October 21, 2011
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather
Celtic Music, the Traditional and the Twisted
Proud Supporter of Indie Celtic music!
www.marcgunn.com

Greetings Gunn Runners,

I just set Kenzie down for a nap. She has been absolutely fabulous since the surgery. You can read about it here. Four weeks later and she's a full blown walker. In fact, I had my first "OMG, where's Kenzie?!" moment at the mall the other day when she was walking around and walked off among the clothing racks.

Now she's six days away from her first birthday. One year old. Can you imagine! She's almost one-year old. It feels like she's been with us forever. Life couldn't be better!

Don't Go Drinking With Hobbits On Sale on October 22nd

I played the first A Long Expected Party three years ago. When the festival ended, the idea for an album of hobbit drinking songs began. Jump to the present. I am excited to announce the official release ofDon't Go Drinking With Hobbits. The new CD goes on sale this Saturday, October 22, 2011, one month after Bilbo Baggins' birthday.

It's very fitting that I release the album almost a month after another magical weekend in Shaker Village for A Long Expected Party 2: There & Back Again. It was such a great time. It was like a family reunion for Tolkien geeks, pure bliss.

Now comes the tough part--promoting the album.

I am no stranger to promotion. I do it every day. As a result, I created the most-popular podcast for Celtic music. I brought new Ren faire bands to thousands of people every week. I educated musicians on that very concept. I gave away millions of MP3s, all through my promotion skills.

However, promoting an album is a bit more difficult. I love making something new. I promote the heck out of the album while I am creating it. Once it is done, that's when I typically stop promoting it. Instead, I move on to the next new project. Yet, that's when the real work should begin.

This album is wel-worth promoting too. I collaborated with so many amazing musicians. Rie Sheridan Rose's lyrics are fantastic. This is a indie art at its best. It's also about one of my favorite things--hobbits.

I loved hobbits ever since the 6th grade when I first watched the The Hobbit cartoon, then subsequently read the book. My favorite D&D characters in high school were all halflings. They were fun, playful, and good natured, characteristics that I feel distinctly linked to.

That is why I spent months creating this album. It's also why I hope you will buy a copy or 10 for you and your friends.

On the 22nd, the CD will be on sale exclusively through my Celtic Music CD Store.

If you prefer MP3s, you can buy it through CD Baby.

It will be on other digital websites in about a week.

If you want to hear more of the album and about the album, join me and Rie Sheridan Rose this Saturday, October 22nd at 7:30pm CST. Middle-earth Network Radio is hosting a listening party on my behalf.

Then join me for some drinking songs from the shire.

If you want a taste of the album, download this free MP3--"Raise a Glass in Parting".

Will You Join Me on a Celtic Invasion in 2012?

I am currently looking at next year's Celtic Invasion Vacation. I was disappointed to cancel the one from this year, but not enough people were able to go. Now I am trying to decide if
we shall do a Celtic Invasion of France or Ireland in 2012.

Cast your vote at http://marcgunn.com/ BUT ONLY IF you plan on attending.

I need to feedback if I am gonna keep doing these Celtic Invasions. Otherwise, they might be put on the back burner.

Oh! And here are the basic details for a Celtic Invasion of either location.

If there's some place you want to go, I am open to considering it.

There will be at least two days in Paris or Dublin. The remaining five days will be in the countryside visiting sites, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying one another's company.

The cost is $2295 for the land portion of the trip, based on double occupancy of a room. Airfare is booked separately.

I'm looking for nothing more than verbal commitment if you can go in either mid to late-May or early June of 2012.

Let me know what you think.

Vote at http://www.marcgunn.com/

Lots of News You May Have Missed

There is a TON of news this month. I did more than my share of blogging, I guess. I'll try splitting this up.

Miscellaneous Bits and Pieces

Don't Go Drinking With Hobbits News

New Shows Added to the Calendar

Celtic Music News and Reviews

DragonCon Recap

Celtic Music CD Store Presents

Are you ready to see what some of the best Celtic CDs are for October. This collection represents some of the best picks from the Celtic Music Magazine. Forget the rest. This is the music you should be listening to. Read the reviews. Then see which album you want to add to your collection.

“Up the Stairs” by the Makem & Spain Brothers

“Wanderlust” by The Rambling Sailors

Gregg and Susan Csikos are a perfect harmony, and Great on their own as well. As I listened, I found myself singing along to the familiar, and loving their songs I didn’t know. I found Susan’s voice crisp, refreshing and … Continue reading ?

“ReD” by Clandestine

Most fans of Celtic music do not automatically associate the state of Texas with Celtic music but this four-person band from Houston has been involved in the genre since 1991 and has toured the U.S, Canada and parts of Europe. Their … Continue reading ?

“The Big White Van” by Rathkeltair

Have you seen the Big White Van? It possibly came your way, and it would have been housing Rathkeltair: Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist Trevor Tanner, Bagpiper Neil Anderson, Drummer Nick Wilson, and Bassist Billy Thornton. And the album, Big White Van, is their … Continue reading ?

“Gael Day” by The Elders

This was a refreshing CD that I really enjoyed from beginning to end. “Gael Day” puts forth some truly wonderful music, and The Elders are a focused, talented band. I was blown away by the sound – the harmony – … Continue reading ?

“Last Ones Standing” by Ceann

Ceann is a band that is as infectious as they come. Sounding like a Celtic version of They Might Be Giants or Barenaked Ladies with driving rhythms, catchy melodies and wonderful lyrics, one can’t help but smile as they listen … Continue reading ?

That's all the news. I hope you have a great month. And keep an eye on my website for more news from yours truly.

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About Marc Gunn

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Marc Gunn, The Celtfather, plays acoustic folk music rooted in the American Celtic song tradition–-Celtic music, the Traditional and the Twisted. He brings a powerful and expressive voice to Celtic music. His musical instrument of choice-the autoharp-continues to surprise musical veterans and fans a like for it’s unique sound and spirited energy. Embrace independent Celtic music!

Copyright 2000-2011 Marc Gunn

Musings: New Irish Song Single, Top the Christmas Charts

Greetings Gunn Runners,