Feel Good Friday--Celtic Style

First let me say, this isn't an Irish or Scottish song, it's actually Stephen Foster, but it has been sung my many Celtic artists. This particular version is by our friend Beth Patterson of New Orleans.

We first met Beth at CelticFest Mississippi, when she was pulling double duty, playing with both Legacy and the Poor Clares. Beth is a talented songwriter, bouzouki player and has a wicked, tongue-in-cheek sense of humor. Performing solo or with her group Kalafka, you can expect a variety of musical influences, from the Celtic to the Middle East with some Cajun spice thrown in for good measure.



Don't forget to go see Jimmy Crowley at the Celtic Crossing on Saturday, Nov. 21!

The Legendary Jimmy Crowley Live!

Jimmy Crowley, half of Captain Mackey's Goatskin & String Band, will be making an appearance at the Celtic Crossing on Saturday, November 21st from 7 to 10 pm. Jimmy is a lovely man with wonderful stories to tell and great songs to sing! Y'all come out and enjoy him!

Here's a little video of Jimmy with his most recent partner in crime, Mairtin de Cogain, singing "I Know My Love". Unfortunately, Mairtin won't be with Jimmy on this trip to the Bluff City.

CelticFest Mississippi! Coming Soon!

With the coming of September, we enter the busy season for the Cracker and I. After we work the Memphis Music & Heritage Festival (which, alas, has every kind of music, but Celtic), we head to Jackson, MS for a great weekend of music and craic at CelticFest Mississippi. Headlining this year is the group Trian, Captain Mackey's Goatskin and String Band, Tim Britton and Brendan Nolan. In addition, there are great regional performers, dance groups and music & cultural workshops.

For Feel Good Friday, I chose this video of Máirtín de Cógáin and Jimmy Crowley singing "I Know My Love". As Captain Mackey's Goatskin and String Band, joined by Don Penzien and Valerie Plested of Legacy, they emphasize the songs about soldiers and soldiering.


">

CelticFest Mississippi is completely run by a group of dedicated volunteers. Among those volunteers are Don Penzien and Valerie Plested two-thirds of the group Legacy. Here is Legacy performing at a house concert.

">

If you are in the area, join us for this great weekend!

Music at the Celtic Crossing

I just received an email reminder about tonight's seisun at the Celtic Crossing. Apparently, there will be a seisun next week as well (they are usually biweekly), as a prelude to a performance by the fine Irish singer, Jimmy Crowley. Jimmy is a great traditional singer. I've included a short video of him with Mairtin de Cogain of the Fuschia Band. The two have toured together over the last couple years, really showcasing traditional singing and storytelling.



I will also mention that if you haven't been at the Celtic Crossing for the seisun, you really should check it out. Seisuns are a chance for musicians to gather and play together, learn new tunes and enjoy some craic. The seisuns are part of what makes the festivals like CelticFest Mississippi and North Texas Irish Festival so much fun. Any and everyone who plays will join in. Often you find folks who play for the fun and love of the music, alongside internationally renowned musicians. We often enjoy the seisuns as much as the scheduled performances.