You Are Getting Sleepy....

I love hearing my work described in new ways, especially when I can quote it in front of children and polite company— like when Irish Edition columnist Jamie O'Brien calls Chance of a Start 'hypnotic.'

He also apparently shares my love of liner notes. For those under 40: Liner notes are an ancient artform, in which details about the production of an album are included within the album itself. These details include things like songwriters and performers for each track; locations where recording, mixing, mastering were done; and photos and artwork, with credits for each. Sometimes there's even a few paragraphs about the album project or the artist (Pete Hamill's notes for Dylan's Blood on the Tracks actually won a Grammy).

But liner notes are becoming yet another fatality of the now-now-now, disposable, no-money-down world of mp3s and streaming. Fear not, Jamie; wait till you see the liner notes to my third album. You're going to need a table of contents and an index.

(PS: Did I mention? Jamie liked Chance of a Start. Read more >>.)

Approximate Worth: 163,000 Words

So last month you read about some of the favorite tidbits from my recent trip to Ireland. Here are selected photos to distract you from the fact that I haven't yet delivered the more detailed narrative I promised.

And here are even more pictures, of the gig at the Hunterdon County Library in Clinton NJ in March. You may recall, this one featured Judy Minot, Paul Morrissett, and the Hunterdon Fiddlers. Thank you to Lee Roth for these photos.

Coming Up...

See "Events" below for info on two gigs, two radio shows,* and various seisiuns over the next few weeks. Meanwhile, other pots on the stove bubble, rumble, and rattle. Stay tuned; some interesting stuff on the way.

* Speaking of radio shows, thank you to everyone who supported WDVR during the April fundraising. Donations are still coming in; I think we did fairly well, but there's always room for more. Call 609.397.1620 or visit wdvrfm.org to show your support.

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Thanks as always for being on my mailing list; I know how much email we all get, so I'm grateful for the opportunity to stay in touch like this.

(If this email was forwarded to you from a friend, please thank your friend for me— and please sign yourself up here; it's easy, and I promise to play nice with your data. Just this newsletter, once or twice a month. Nothing else without your permission.)

Till June, slán agat.

P.S.: I get to missing you when it's only once or twice a month. Let's keep in touch in the meantime:

• Add me to your smartphone calendar.
• Like me on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Circle me on Google+
• Watch me on YouTube

Celtic Sunday Brunch is a two-hour radio program that broadcasts every Sunday from 11am to 1pm US ET (GMT -4), on the air at 89.7 FM and streaming live at wdvrfm.org. I host the first show of every month (and the fifth, when the calendar falls that way). I keep Facebook and Twitter open during the show; feel free to send thoughts and requests! Next shows:
Sunday, May 26, 11am (filling in for Ed Saultz): Full info...
Sunday, June 2, 11am: Full info...

Memorial Day Weekend at Stage Left: Last year I played for Stage Left on Independence Day; this year they apparently decided they couldn't wait that long. (Good thing, too. I was getting tired of playing hard-to-get.) If you've never been to a sidewalk barbeque at a four-star restaurant, now's your chance.
Sunday, May 26, 3pm: Full info...

Colonial Park, Frankin Township, Somerset NJ: In the fall, I had the honor of opening for poet Paul Muldoon at a Franklin Township Cultural Arts Council event. This spring they've invited me to perform at their jubilee.
Saturday, June 1, 3pm: Full info...

APB: Calling All Celtic Sunday Brunch Fans!

Celtic Sunday Brunch is an Irish music program that airs every Sunday from 11am to 1pm on WDVR (and streams live at WDVRfm.org). I host on the first Sunday of every month and, when there is one, the fifth.

WDVR is a rare thing these days: a non-profit, commercial-free, all-volunteer station supported entirely by the community. Only twice a year do we pass the hat to ask listeners to show appreciation for the work we do: Once in October, and once right about now.

As I write, we are not yet on track to meet our goal for this fundraising period, so if you're able to help in any way, now's the time!

Listen to Celtic Sunday Brunch this Sunday, April 28-- when I'll be joining Ed Saultz in the studio--and pick up the phone to show your support. Loads of great CDs and other merchandise are available as premiums. For more info, or to donate NOW via PayPal, see the WDVR website...

Where In the World...?

So, you may have noticed that I've been a bit quiet lately. Despite the rumors, I have not packed in the Irish thing and joined a Peruvian pipe band (although I have to admit, the offer was tempting). No, I was back at the fountainhead, the mother ship, the auld sod, the proud land of our fathers... yes, Ireland. I'm still organizing my photos and tales; will try to have that ready for the next Nuacht in May. Meanwhile, here's some memorable stuff from the trip, some recommendations in case you're heading over anytime soon.

iThink, Therefore iCal (I Think)

It's come to my attention that my Google calendar is handier than a Facebook calendar, for people who actually intend to, you know, show up at stuff. So, here it is, in iCal format. Add this to your smartphone/tablet calendar app and see if you can squeeze in a gig or seisiun between your dental appointment and the kid's recital.

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Thanks as always for being on my mailing list; I know how much email we all get, so I'm grateful for the opportunity to stay in touch like this.

(If this email was forwarded to you from a friend, please thank your friend for me-- and please sign yourself up here; it's easy, and I promise to be nice with your data. Just this newsletter, once or twice a month. Nothing else without your permission.)

Till May, slán agat.

P.S.: I get to missing you when it's only once or twice a month. Let's keep in touch in the meantime:

• Like me on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Circle me on Google+
• Watch me on YouTube

Celtic Sunday Brunch is a two-hour radio program that broadcasts every Sunday from 11am to 1pm US ET (GMT -4), on the air at 89.7 FM and streaming live at wdvrfm.org. I host the first show of every month (and the fifth, when the calendar falls that way). I keep Facebook and Twitter open during the show; feel free to send thoughts and requests! Next shows:
Sunday, May 5, 11am: Full info...
Sunday, May 26, 11am: Full info...