Marc is still out of town, and I am a week late in publishing this edition of the “Weeklies!” (Shush – don't tell him.) I did have a family medical emergency last week – really, I did. But we had a lovely Christmas anyway, and I hope your holiday celebration was just as wonderful.
Some exciting news! Canadian Celtic musician Heather Dale will be joining Marc, Vince Conaway and me at a performance in January. We're calling it the Louisiana Renaissance Festival Midwinter Music Party. It's on Friday, January 29 at 7 PM in New Orleans at the Deutsches Haus. In case you are not familiar with the “Haus,” it's the German cultural center in New Orleans. It's a great music venue, and is also the location for the New Orleans Irish music community's ceilis. It's in the Mid City area at 200 S. Galvez. Parking is easy, safe and free. Tickets are $10 at the door. Come join us for what sounds like will be a great winter party. Dancing may ensue. The “Haus” has great and inexpensive German food and a full – and inexpensive – bar, so make an evening of it. Smoke free, too! Children are welcome.
I gave “The Bridge” for Christmas, and I am just blown away by the reaction. I gave it to a lot of people who aren't into Celtic music per se, but have gotten so many phone calls of surprised delight. Turns out it's a great CD for people as an introduction to contemporary Celtic and original music. Not too late – use it to bring people into the light…they'll thank you for it.
Starting up the big Marc Gunn Booking Machine – I sort of lightened up during the six weeks of the Louisiana Renaissance Festival – but as always, delighted to hear from you about venue suggestions or if you want to think about hosting a house concert. Check out the venues listings and if you live anywhere NEAR any of them, let us know – I can usually route Marc to venues within 100 miles or so. So if you're just a little too far to drive to see Marc where he'll be, let me see if I can bring him to you.
Notice I said “Bonne Annee” in the title – French for “Happy New Year.” I wanted to get a little culture in before Marc comes back with some Hogmanay sort of thing. And also, Marc's next gig will be at the Market Cafe in New Orleans, playing after the second annual St. Joan of Arc Parade through the French Quarter. That happens on Twelfth Night – Jan. 6, so come on out for the parade at 5:30. Guess what the parade throws are? Books of matches! Get it? Joan of Arc? OK, I'll hush now.
Seriously, peace and love to you all, and a wonderful “Bonne Annee!”
Listen to the Song of the Week: “Auld Lang Syne” from The Bridge
(Yes, I know it was last week's too but you might need it on Thursday. I describe this as a sort of muscular version – no whining here.)
This Week:
Quote of the Week: “New Year's Day: Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.” ~Mark Twain
CD of the Week: “Momento” by the high-spirited band Wolgemut. Wolgemut (pronounced vol-guh-moot) is an ancient germanic word which simply means, “to be in a good mood”. Great music from some good friends.
Book of the Week: “Wild Irish Women” by Marion Broderick Doing research for the “Women of Ireland” tour next August…keep your eyes open for more details soon!
Vote for The Rogues. The Rogues are a rockin' pipe and drum quartet from Houston. They are in a Battle of the Bands to perform in Las Vegas on St. Patrick's Day. Give 'em a vote.
Celtic Invasion Vacations. Just a couple more slots open for the Celtic Invasion of Scotland. Join the magic May 17-24, 2010.
Join the Celtic Folk Club. Introduce yourself and chat with other fans about all things Marc Gunn.
Promotion of the Week: Marc set up a new American Celtic Music iMix on iTunes. It features a bunch of Celtic American groups like, well, Marc. Head on over there and review it.
Marc's Music: As might be imagined, “Christmas Elf Conscription Song” got a lot of airplay this past week, on the “And Now..” podcast, “Podcast Ping,” and the Autumn Lake Podcast. The Studio 3 Podcast went a little more spiritual with ‘Song of Assisi,” and the “Get Your Own Show” podcast out of the UK played “Jasper Tabby Kitty Cat-y”
10 Celtic Music Reviews and Features: MP3: “Galway Shawl” by Collen Raney, MP3: “Ancient Song” by John McGaha, MP3: “The Reel Riot Session” by In Search of a Rose, MP3: “Waxie's Dargle” by Icewagon Flu, Review: “Emily Bronte” by Anois, Review: “Idylls Of The King Of The Road” by Gerard…, Review: “Bill Grogan's Goat” by Bill Grogan's Goat, Review: “Traveling Man” by The McKrells, Review: “Green Energy” by The Irish Experience, Review: “Spirituality: 1983 – 2008” by Spirit of the West
Upcoming Gigs:
The schedule is slowly starting to fill up for next year. Take a look and see if we can link something up for you!
Jan. 6, 2010, The Market Cafe, New Orleans, LA
Jan. 29, 2010, Louisiana Renaissance Festival Midwinter Music Party, New Orleans, LA
Feb 27-28, 2010, Sherwood Forest Faire, McDade, TX
Mar 12-14, 2010, MidSouth Con, Memphis, TN
Mar 19, 2010, House Concert with Claire Roche, Robert, LA
Mar 26-28, 2010, I-Con 29, Stonybrook, NY
April 23, 2010, Nebraska Outback Concerts, Sutherland, NE
See details at Marc Gunn Shows. As always, don't forget to make a demand to see me perform and email booking@marcgunn.com if you'd like to host a house concert next year.
— Check me out on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, SoundClick, YouTube, Flickr Photos, Livejournal, and DeviantArt. And if you'd like a CD…
— Do you have a quote, movie, album, tip or suggestion that you'd like to share in my Weeklies? If so, post a comment with your suggestion here.
