Fun Videos, New Podcasts, and Building Communities

Fun Celtic Music, the Traditional and the Twisted
Proud Supporter of Indie Celtic music!
www.marcgunn.com
January 22, 2014

Marc Gunn is a rhythm and folk musician inspired by Celtic culture, science fiction, fantasy, and cats. He breathes new life into the autoharp, which continues to surprise musical veterans and fans a like for it’s unique sound and spirited energy. It’s Celtic music, the traditional and the twisted.

Marc's Musings

Greetings

Yesterday, I recorded another edition of the Pub Songs Podcast. I called this one "How to Build a Great Community". You can watch it now on YouTube or check your feed.

I'm pretty proud of how this show came off. I felt like I was able to clearly make my point about how much I love communities and how important it is for you to create your own community. More about that later.

The one problem is the topic. I've long been worried about the name of "Pub Songs Podcast". It's a misnomer that has nothing to do with pub songs. The podcast is a news show about me, with my own Celtic and geek songs thrown in.

It got my juices thinking this morning. I've been brainstorming a new Celtic music news show (you can support my new fundraiser to support it). This would be an all-talk show. Made me wonder if I should adjust the format of the Pub Songs Podcast. Instead of long commentary segments, the Pub Songs Podcast would be just news and songs. The show might be shorter too. I think I got the format working well-enough that I could keep this as an (almost) weekly show.

With the PSP better defined, I could add the Celtic news show and add in my commentaries after all the news. Certainly, this latest podcast would fit the bill of a Celtic music news show than other things...

I don't know. I'm just thinking out loud here. Do you enjoy those rants on the Pub Songs Podcast? Do you think they would be better on a different show?

Let me know your thoughts.

Slainte!
Marc Gunn

PS. POLL: Are You Still Buying CDs? Or Have You Gone Digital?

PSS. How America Saved Irish Music is at 26% of its funding goal. There's less than two weeks left in this fundraiser. Thank you for your friendly support of my music.

Upcoming Shows

Saturday, January 25 at 7:00pm
CD Release for How America Saved Irish Music
Check out and Share the Facebook Invite

Friday, February 7th
Grace Lutheran Church
708 Bluff Dr
Round Rock, TX
Cover is a donation of $15 or whatever you can afford. I want you there no matter what. If you are able to do $15, please pre-order tickets through my fundraiser. This helps pay for my travel to Sherwood Forest Faire

Weekends, February 8-23
Sherwood Forest Faire in Paige, TX

May 23-June 1, 2014
Celtic Invasion of Wales

New Podcasts & Two New Videos

- PSP #130: How to Build a Great Community

- PSP #129: Preview of How America Saved Irish Music

- ICM #150: The Craic Is Free

- RFP #218 – Kristen’s Totally Inappropriate Porno Bawdy Holiday Special Show

Two new fun videos:

- I Know An Old Lady (with Dramatic Interpretation) 

- I Love Crunching Nuts - Kids Song 

Notes: PSP=Pub Songs Podcast, ICM=Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, RFP=Renaissance Festival Podcast

Start Your Own Celtic Music Society

If you have a chance to listen to my latest Pub Songs Podcast, I talk about building communities. Up in Huntsville, there's an organization called the Irish Society of North Alabama. They are doing good works by bringing connecting Celtic music fans with Celtic musicians. I've had a bunch of amazing shows there. It got me back on my bandwagon. I want to see MORE Celtic Music Societies. But the only way it will happen is if YOU get involved.

It's not easy starting an organization. It requires lots of work and dedication. But the rewards are incredible. Once a month, the Bollingers who started ISNA bring over twenty people into their home to enjoy great music and craic. How amazing would it be if more communities did that?

Just imagine, once or twice a year if I came into your home and played music for you for your friends. If your home isn't big enough, I bet you know someone who has a great house for music. A bunch of your friends show up. You eat and drink and relax with LIVE Celtic music.

The simple fact is this isn't just a dream. It can happen. I've played a TON of house concerts, from small rooms to large houses. People love hearing music live. They love it even more when they're in a comfortable atmosphere. Your own Celtic Music Society (or Geek or Filk or Firefly or Hobbit or whatever) can make that happen. Best of all, you'll bring people together.

We all long for social interaction. I'm one of the most-introverted people I know, and yet, I LOVE being a part of a good community.

I love sharing the joys and passions of a group. Most of my favorite moments in life were with a good group of friends. I bet yours were too.

It's simple to get started. Here's how:

1. Grab a couple friends and say, ":et's start our own Celtic Music Society".

2. Pick a venue and find out what it takes to make it happen in that space.

3. Pick a musician musician you'd like to come play for you. (Ooo! Ooo! Pick me!)

4. Plan the event.

5. Promote the event to your friends, their friends, your co-workers, people you meet, on social networks and message boards, on Craigslist.

6. Build a mailing list of people to invite for the next show.

That's all it takes. Then you just repeat the process every month. Before long, you too will have many incredible evenings of live Celtic music.

Celtic Invasion of Wales - Space Is Almost All Gone!

Wales is a gorgeous country. Up in the North, there are huge mountains and castles galore. It's a Renaissance Festival lover's dream. I am excited to bring bring in some special guest musicians, a Welsh bard and stories and majestic beauty that will live you in awe.

I picked our Cottage in Anglesey just thirty minutes outside of Caernarfon and from Holyhead. That means we will be visiting both of those places on this year's Invasion. That also means this is your last chance to join the invasion. We have two beds left that are still available.

If you want one, you need to submit your application and deposit ASAP, then make your payment to solidify your spot on this year's Celtic Invasion of Wales.

Blog Highlights

• POLL: Are You Still Buying CDs? Or Have You Gone Digital?

• What are your favorite Sci Fi drink names?

Your Generosity Helps Me Make YOUR Life Happier

Song Henge is the official fan club of the Irish & Celtic Music Pocast and my music. Your generosity allows me to make a living as a podcaster and a musician. Thank you for your incredible support!

Here's what's new:

• Join Song Henge as a Celtic Core member, get a free physical copy of the CD–The Secret World of Celtic Rock, and a digital copy of Scottish Songs of Drinking & Rebellion that you can keep or send to a friend.

• Become a Patron of the Arts and you get: two Celtic t-shirts, your pick of one of my CDs, business cards that will save you money on CD purchases AND promote my music and podcast, stickers, your name on my Celtic Music Wall of Saints, and a LOT more!

Special Note About Marc Gunn's Newsletter

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