The Celtic Music Association and the Celtic Cultural Center present:

ST. PAT'S EVE 1997

Live Music, Dance, and Culture Festival
Sunday, March 16
3:30 to 8:00 pm
Memorial Hall, VFW Post 1318
133 E. Lakeside St., Madison
Adults $5, Children (12 and under) $2

We're doing it again! We had a lot of fun putting together our everyone-friendly St. Patrick's celebration last year, and a lot of people said they had a great time with all the music, dancing, food & fun stuff. So here we are with St. Pat's Eve 1997. The old Turner Hall is no longer available, so we had to find a new location. This year we'll be in the Memorial Hall of VFW Post 1318 at 133 E. Lakeside St., where Lakeside meets John Nolen Dr., with plenty of parking. For more information: (608) 233-6298 or (608) 246-4198.

Paddy O'Brien, Michael Cooney, and Pat Egan

Friday, April 11, 1997, 8:00 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Church
900 University Bay Drive, Madison
Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 day of show

Join us for a delightful evening of tunes and songs from three of today's finest performers of traditional Irish music.

Paddy O'Brien, Button Accordion

A product of County Offaly, Paddy O'Brien is regarded as one of the most important bearers of the tradition. His mastery of the two-row button accordion has also been widely acknowledged. He has been the All-Ireland senior accordion champion, four-time champion of the Oireachtas, and an instructor at the Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay. His recordings can be found on the Shanachie and Green Linnet labels.

Michael Cooney, Uilleann Pipes & Tin Whistle

Born in County Tipperary, Michael Cooney grew up with traditional music. He was first influenced by his father, Martin, a fine flute player who hosted many a late night of music in the Cooney home. It was hardly surprising that he picked up the whistle and later started playing the Irish pipes. He won the All-Ireland whistle honors twice, but his greatest achievement was winning the All-Ireland uilleann pipes competition three times. His delivery reveals his sensitivity as an interpreter: one who devotes considerable thought to a tune and comes up with a phrase or embellishment which gives expression to his music.

Pat Egan, Guitar & Vocals

Another native of Tipperary, Pat Egan is becoming a recognized force on the music scene. He grew up singing and playing, and has been playing professionally for ten years. Pat has built up a repertoire of songs including many by newer songwriters. At the same time he is not afraid of more established songs, giving them a fresh approach.

Tickets are available at Borders Bookstore (3416 University Ave.), B-Side Compact Discs & Tapes (436 State St.), and Spruce Tree Music and Repair (851 E. Johnson St.). Information about the concert may be obtained by calling the Celtic Music Association at (608) 233-6298 or 256-8614.

In Other News

Jean Redpath concert: The Madison Scottish Country Dancers and The Madison Folk Music Society are bringing the acclaimed Scottish traditional singer, Jean Redpath, back to Madison after a long absence. She will be appearing Friday, April 18 at the Masonic Center Auditorium, 301 Wisconsin Ave., at 8:00 pm. Tickets for this event are $13 in advance, $15 at the door. Ticket outlets are all over town and you can call (608) 274-0127 for more information. This concert opens the Madison Folk Music Festival, which continues Saturday with workshops and performances.

Irish Dance Lessons: The World Champion Trinity Academy of Irish Dancing is coming to Madison. Students ages 5 to 13 are currently being accepted into this renowned program to form weekly classes. The Trinity Academy, a flagship among Irish dance schools worldwide, can be contacted at (608) 233-4167.

Down the Road: On November 1, the Celtic Music Association and the Wisconsin Union Theater co-sponsor the first ever Madison appearance of Natalie McMaster and her band. Details will be provided at a later date.

Sessions: As always, Irish musicians are invited to Madison's core session at Mickey's Tavern, 1524 Williamson St., Wednesdays after 9:30. You may prefer the laid-back and smoke-free atmosphere on the first Sunday of every month at Mother Fool's Coffee House, 1101 Williamson St., in Madison starting at 1 pm.