Céad Míle Fáilte
Hello, it is I, Todd, once again. In this issue we have a new episode of our very own Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. The other podcasts we feature are In Tune with Tradition as well as Celt in a Twist. The articles we highlight are about a Picture of Oscer Wilde being found at Oxford, Leah Jorgensen’s upcoming Clarsach in Cowboy Boots, a new Scotland anthem by Belle & Sebastian, and a bowling pavilion being proposed for Mooragh Park in Ramsey. The festival spotlighted is The Annual Stirling Classic and Scottish Festival taking place May 29 – May 31, 2026, at Mollie Spencer Farm in Yukon, OK. In this issue we also have a list of new albums. We hope you enjoy this issue. Until next time, Sláinte mhaith!
IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST #759: IRISH MUSIC TO STIR THE BLOOD
- The Byrne Brothers, Elizabeth Sutherland, Ashley Davis Band, W. Ed Harris, Erin Ruth, Sean Heely and Beth Patterson, Low Lily, Sue Tillotson & Jim Cunningham, Rambling Sailors, Hanneke Cassel, Paddyman, The Celtic Kitchen Party, Scythian, Altan
- A special thanks to our latest Patron of the Podcast: Paul, Ty, Cody
CAST YOUR VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20
- Every year, I publish the Celtic Top 20. This is your pick of the best, most-popular songs of the year. But to make the show great, I need you to vote for your favorite songs in each episode.
- Just list each of the bands performing those favorite songs to quickly and easily cast your vote.
WHAT'S NEW WITH CELTIC MUSIC
& CULTURE ONLINE?
NEW CELTIC ALBUMS
- DOUBLE NUGGET: BEST OF THE GLASGOW TREMENS – by THE GLASGOW TREMENS
- The Legend of Anne Bonny (Extended Edition) – by Karliene
- Islands Shrouded in Fog – by Old Black Rum
- Be reborn – by Kalliopea
- Celtic Fusion – Vol. 1 – Royalty-free – Commercial use – by TERA MANGALA MEDITATION MUSIC
- Encantos Celtas: Melodias Irlandesas Relaxantes – by Taíssa Sons
- The Unspoken Hymn – by The Everdawn
- AVALON VOW (Glastonbury Tales) – by DJ Vexvanquish A.K.A. DJ VEX
- Between the Tides – by Anthony Damman
Attn Bands: Go to 4celts.com to submit your band to the podcast.
IN TUNE WITH TRADITION – PERSPECTIVES ON SESSION ETIQUETTE IN IRISH TRADITIONAL MUSIC: EPISODE 17: ROBERT SOMMER
- Join Tara Connaghan as she interviews Robert Sommer, a newcomer to Irish traditional music, about his journey into sessions, the social and technical aspects of playing guitar, and how music can be a source of joy and connection.
PHOTO FEATURING OSCAR WILDE AS A STUDENT AT OXFORD IN 1876 FOUND IN OLD ALBUM
- A NEWLY discovered photograph of Irish author Oscar Wilde before he found literary fame will go under the hammer this month.
- The Dublin-born writer features in a group photograph taken in 1876 when he was a student at Oxford University’s Magdalen College.
- Wilde arrived at the college as an undergraduate in 1874 and graduated four years later.
To read more, go here!
CELT IN A TWIST: MAY 19, 2026
- Looking forward to seeing you LIVE under the big tent for Pat Chessell, The Barra MacNeils, Whiskey Dicks and more. It's ScotFestBC, Town Centre Park in Coquitlam, June 19th and 20th. This hour, music from across the Celtic diaspora including Canada's best, even some Kreole to spice up the mix. Patricia Fraser hosts Celt In A Twist Radio!
CLARSACH IN COWBOY BOOTS: ECHOES OF SCOTLAND, WHISPERS OF TEXAS
- From Texas to Tradition: Internationally Acclaimed American Harpist Brings Transatlantic Sound to Glasgow Stage
- Glasgow, Scotland — A leading American harpist who crossed the Atlantic to pursue Scotland’s ancient musical traditions is set to perform live in Glasgow this May.
- Leah Jorgensen presents “Clarsach in Cowboy Boots: Echoes of Scotland, Whispers of Texas” on 23 May 2026 at Newlands South Church — a rare chance to hear an internationally seasoned performer who traded a successful classical career in the U.S. for the soul of the Scottish clàrsach.
- Now based in Glasgow, Jorgensen has immersed herself in the traditional scene, becoming one of the country’s most respected harpists. “I’ve played the classical harp for over 30 years, but I became completely captivated by the Scottish tradition,” says Jorgensen. “It drew me across the world. Living and studying in Glasgow has transformed my playing in ways I never imagined.”
- Blending the lyricism of Scottish tradition with the storytelling spirit of her Texan roots, Jorgensen’s performance offers something truly distinctive — intimate, evocative, and deeply personal.
- 🎶 Live in Glasgow + Online Broadcast
- 📍 Newlands South Church, 37 Riverside Rd
- 🗓️ 23 May 2026
- ⏰ 3:30 PM BST (9:30 AM CST)
- This is more than a concert — it’s a cultural homecoming story told through strings.
- Tickets & info:
- com
BELLE AND SEBASTIAN WRITE SCOTLAND ANTHEM AFTER DRAMATIC WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
- The lyrics came to Stuart Murdoch in the hazy aftermath of Scotland’s dramatic qualification for the World Cup.
- The Belle and Sebastian frontman had watched his side’s playoff victory over Denmark through his fingers before deciding to write his own anthem to a team he has followed for more than 50 years. “Most people recognised instantly the next day that they’d witnessed the most important Scottish game ever,” says Murdoch. “That was our magic moment.”
To read more, go here!
CLUB PLANS TO PLACE TRADITIONAL BOWLING PAVILION AT PARK
- A new bowling pavilion could be built at Mooragh Park in Ramsey under proposals submitted by Ramsey Town Commissioners.
- The local authority has lodged a planning application for the facility on behalf of North Ramsey Bowling Club, arguing the current buildings are outdated and no longer suitable for the club’s needs.
To read more, go here!
THE ANNUAL STIRLING CLASSIC & SCOTTISH FESTIVAL
- The annual Stirling Classic & Scottish Festival at the Mollie Spencer Farm is a unique celebration of Celtic culture, complete with music, dance, food, and good ‘old-fashioned Scottish fun!
- Throughout the weekend attendees enjoy a taste of Scotland and other Celtic nations through many available activities and entertainers, including heavy athletics, sheepherding demonstrations, Celtic dance, roving pipe bands, Celtic bands, traditional Scottish food, Celtic-themed vendors, kid crafts and games, genealogy research, clan tents, and a crafters’ village.
- Some of the entertainment acts you will see are Flowers of Edinburgh, Ceo’l Braw, Waxie Dargles, and more.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING WHILE LISTENING?
You can send a comment or a picture of what you're doing. You can also send a photo from one of your trips to a Celtic nation or anywhere around the globe.
Slainte!
Todd Wiley (he/him) & Marc Gunn (he/him), The Celtfather
May 21, 2026
TELL A FRIEND
Do you have a friend who loves Celtic music? Why not share the latest episode of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. Share this newsletter or your favorite episode. Tell them why you love it.
#celticmusicmagazine
