Céad Míle Fáilte
It is Todd once again. Fiddles take the lead this week. Blazin' Fiddles light up the set with Incendo, Adagio Trio bring a quiet Skye Boat Song, and Shooglenifty and Kalos keep the feet moving. John Doyle adds songs of the Irish in the American Revolution. It’s the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #778. The other podcasts featured are In Tune With Tradition & Kitchen Party Ceilidh. The articles this week are about a mental health music and arts festival, a new ‘tropical’ café in Edinburgh, and an interview with Duke Special. As usual there is a list of new albums from the past week. The festival spotlight shines bright on the 40th Annual Tucson Celtic Festival & Scottish Highland Games. This event takes place October 23 – 25, 2026 at the Rillito Park Race Track in Tucson, AZ. We hope you enjoy this issue. Until next time, Sláinte mhaith!
IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST #778: RAVENS WITH A CELTIC HEART
- Téada, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, House of Hamill, Louise Bichan, Blazin' Fiddles, Clay Babies, Aaron Dolan, McFloosey, Adagio Trio, John Doyle, Gerry Maguire, The Muckers, Gaelic Mishap, Shooglenifty, Kalos
- Thanks to our newest Patron of the Podcast: Ruairi Hipkin
Episode Photo
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
- ÉCHO DES ORIGINES – by Duo Trad Bazinet/Laflamme
- At the Ceilidh, Here – by Shepherd's Pipes
- Silence on Ivory – by Anu
- WANDERING ONE – by Jax The Bard
- Whispers of Erin – by Leonardis
- Lost Stories of Old – by Adrian von Ziegler
- Celtic Acoustic: Sunset Under the Festival Flags – by YUNOKIA
- Auf Zu Neuen Ufern – by Balanza
- Romantic White – by Modea
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: NERVES IN IRISH MUSIC SESSIONS
- This episode Éamon Ó Ciosáin talks with Tara about nerves, listening and the things musicians gradually learn by actually spending time in Irish music sessions.
- Éamon speaks openly about going blank when asked to start a tune, playing slightly above your comfort level and why nerves do not necessarily disappear with experience.
IRISH COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER FOR MENTAL HEALTH MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL IN LONDON
- THE Mental Health Music and Arts Festival took place at Kiln Theatre in Kilburn on Tuesday, October 13, where Irish performers and community groups celebrated the arts.
- The event had singers, musicians, poets and artists celebrating the role of the arts in supporting mental health and bringing people together, and was organised by the Irish charity Ashford Place…
To read more, go here!
KITCHEN PARTY CEILIDH
- Kevin, Tim & Brent Chaisson, Farsan, Pine Tree Flyers, Barra MacNeils, Tony McManus, J.P. Cormier, Dave Gunning, Pine Tree Flyers, Party Crew
THE ‘TROPICAL' AND INTREPID COUPLE-OWNED CAFE THAT'S OPENED IN COOL EDINBURGH LOCALE
- Feeling a bit grey and dour?
- Then it might be worth hunting down a slice of sunshine in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge. This is in the form of new Brazilian cafe, Oca, which is at 28 North West Circus Place and is owned by young couple Marc Leplae and Lene Oliveira. We asked them to share more…
To read more, go here!
TEN MINUTES WITH DUKE SPECIAL AHEAD OF HIS SLIGO LIVE APPEARANCE
- DUKE SPECIAL will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his album Songs from the Deep Forest with a concert at Hawk’s Well Theatre on Thursday, October 29, as part of Sligo Live. The Belfast musician will perform the album in its entirety, alongside favourites from his back catalogue. Celebrating its own 21st anniversary, Sligo Live runs from October 17 until November 1, 2026.
- Otherwise known as Peter Wilson, Duke brings a distinctive blend of theatrical flair, literary influences and unconventional instrumentation to his music. His career has ranged far beyond recording and touring, taking him into theatre, television and collaborations with major arts institutions…
To read more, go here!
TUCSON CELTIC FESTIVAL & SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES
- From ancient Highland feats to soulful Celtic melodies, experience the magic of Scotland and Ireland in the Arizona desert. The Tucson Celtic Festival & Scottish Highland Games: where tradition comes alive.
- Some of the entertainers performing are Swagger, Killian’s Angels, Noble McCoy Band, The Brothers Bard, 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
October 15, 2026
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