Americymru

An Interview With Eirian Owen of Cor Godre'r Aran

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:36:00 +0000

Côr Godre’r Aran is based in the village of Llanuwchllyn near Bala in North Wales. They will be appearing at next year's North American Festival of Wales in Portland Oregon. Americymru spoke to Eirian Owen, the choir's Musical Director about the choir and their forthcoming visit. More details about NAFOW 2010 can be found HERE.

Americymru: The Choir will be performing at the 2010 North American Festival of Wales in Portland, Oregon. Can you tell us how this came about? Have you ever been to Portland?

Eirian: I believe that the invitation to perform in the 2010 North American Festival of Wales came through a member of our choir who has contact with an official of the Festival. Côr Godre’r Aran previously visited Portland in 1971 and in 1974. I was, in 1971, newly married and the choir’s tour to USA and Canada was my honeymoon – shared with, of course, my husband - and 25 other men! A diary of that trip shows that we stayed overnight at the Royal Inn (is it still there?) , that the concert was held in a chapel and that we arranged an extra concert for the following afternoon because many people were unable to get tickets for the previous night. The chapel was full to capacity on both occasions. My 1974 diary tells that I was very impressed with the shops in the Lloyd Centre and that I decided not to go ice skating with some of our group for fear of breaking an arm and being unable to play the piano. I was at that time the choir’s accompanist and would have faced the death penalty – or worse – had I sabotaged the tour by breaking a finger or arm.

Americymru: When was the choir founded? Can you tell us something about its history?

Eirian: The choir was formed in 1949, primarily to compete at the National Eisteddfod which was, that year, held in Dolgellau. It was at that time a “penillion singing/ cerdd dant” group of about 20 young men from the village of Llanuwchllyn. The conductor was Tom Jones and the choir soon gained a strong reputation as one of the chief exponents of this traditional Welsh genre. Tom Jones retired in 1975 and I was chosen as the new conductor/ music director. I had recently graduated in music and had taken up a teaching post at a local high school. I continued along the same path that Tom Jones had established but, I soon began to feel that “penillion singing” lacked the opportunity for musical and vocal development and that the choir had the potential to succeed in other genres. Therefore, a gradual change of direction took place as I included more and more “male choir” repertoire in our programmes. Nowadays, Côr Godre’r Aran concentrates entirely on the male choir repertoire.

Americymru: What is your repertorie? Is there a particular piece that you all enjoy performing more than others? Do you have a signature piece or one that's more often requested by audiences?

Eirian: We sing a varied repertoire, from opera to musicals, part-songs, motets, popular music, hymn tunes. One of the favourites in Wales at the moment is Eric Jones’ “Y Tangnefeddwyr” . Audiences in the UK nowadays seem to appreciate a variety of male choir repertoire although, old favourites, such as “Myfanwy” are probably not performed as often.

Americymru: You have toured all over the world ( Scotland, Ireland , Portugal , Canada / U.S.A., Australia , New Zealand, Tasmania, Hong Kong , Singapore and Patagonia ) What are your most memorable experiences whilst on tour? Is there any one performance that you are particularly proud of?

Eirian: Every tour has its special memories. Singing to the inmates in a prison in New Zealand was an emotionally charged occasion; singing as we marched down a street during a St Patrick’s day parade in Ireland was fun. Performing in Patagonia felt like singing in rural Wales as there were so many members of the audiences who spoke Welsh and the warmth of their welcome was unforgettable. Australia and New Zealand provided us with our biggest audiences – we regularly performed to 2000 people. I remember being overwhelmed by the emotion of one of those concerts and coming off the platform crying! Whilst we were in Portugal, the whole choir was invited to the British Ambassador’s residence for drinks and canapés one Sunday; his staff were rushed off their feet carrying food and drink , as the vultures from Wales gobbled everything down as soon as it appeared. We did sing for our food , though......! We have not visited the USA and Canada since the early 70’s. We were then totally inexperienced, naive and very wet behind the ears. The food was different, cars were as big as buses and drove on the wrong side of the road, the buildings touched the clouds, rivers were as wide as lakes , we jay-walked without a care and gazed in awe at all those magnificent sights.

Americymru: The choir has won prizes at the National and Llangollen Eisteddfoddau. Care to tell us a little about that?

Eirian: Winning at these Eisteddfodau is always a thrill. Choirs come to Llangollen from all over the world and we never know who the opposition might be until just before the Eisteddfod. There is a feeling of camaraderie between choirs at Llangollen – each one is supportive of the other. I believe that competition brings out the best in a choir.

Americymru: The choir won the BBC Radio Cymru competition for Male Voice Choirs. Can you tell us something about the competition and your experience of it?

Eirian: This competition ran over several months . There were several rounds , each recorded before hand and one choir would be eliminated every week. Three choirs reached the final round which was a live performance before an audience.

Americymru: The choir is based in Llanuwchlyn near Bala. Can you tell a little about the area?

Eirian: Llanuwchllyn is a village of about 700 inhabitants , almost all of them Welsh speakers. Many of the families have lived in the area for generations. There are, amongst the members of Côr Godre’r Aran, sets of brothers, fathers and sons, cousins, uncles and nephews. The son, grandson and great-grandson of the founder, Tom Jones, are present members of the choir. Llanuwchllyn and the surrounding area (Penllyn) is rich in heritage and culture and is a stronghold of the Welsh language. The area is rural and is favoured by tourists who come to enjoy the beauty of Bala Lake and the peace of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Americymru: How does someone join the choir, what is your selection process? What kind of commitment do your choir members make, what's expected of them?

Eirian: Membership is by invitation and all prospective members go through a very informal audition . Quality of voice is the only criteria – the ability to read music is a bonus, not a necessity. Members are then expected to attend weekly rehearsals and concerts regularly. There is an average of 2 concerts a month. There is, generally, no problem with commitment , although I occasionally have to remind individuals of their obligation to the choir!

Americymru: Where can people purchase your music?

Eirian: Our CD’s are available online through Sain. Our latest CD, “Cofio” is available through the choir’s website www.corgodreraran.og.uk

Americymru: Do you have any final comments for the readers and members of Americymru?

Eirian: We look forward to meeting you all. Our members range in age from 26-70 ; we’re all young at heart and love going places and meeting people.

Stone Soup Theatre Seattle Presents 'A Child's Christmas In Wales' - Dylan Thomas

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:41:00 +0000

A Child’s Christmas in Wales – 2009

Adapted from the story by Dylan Thomas & Directed by Kalon Thibodeaux

Dec. 4-24

Fri & Sat at 7:30 pm; Sun Matinee at 2:00pm

Pay-What-You-Will Preview, Thurs, Dec. 3

Special Matinee Performances at 2:00pm on Dec. 23 and 24

~Tickets are selling like hotcakes – be sure to phone in to reserve yours~

Call 206.633.1883 to make your reservation today!

Stone Soup Theatre

'Amser Justin Time' countdown to Change the Numbers Awareness Week for Pancreatic Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:30:00 +0000

Pancreatic cancer charities across the UK will be launching their first Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Week, taking place from the 16^th to 22^nd November 2009, with one common campaign to ‘Change the Numbers’. Backing the campaign will be Wales’ one and only pancreatic cancer charity Amser Justin Time, founded by Welsh opera star and TV personality Shan Cothi in memory of her husband, Tigertailz’ glam-rock star, Justin Smith (aka Pepsi Tate).

One of Amser Justin Time’s dedicated supporters, and a close friend of Shan Cothi, is actor Steffan Rhodri, aka Dave Coaches from hit TV series Gavin & Stacey. Having recently landed the role of Reg Cattermole in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Steffan Rhodri remains committed to the charity “I’m very grateful for such opportunities as Con Passionate, Gavin and Stacey and now Harry Potter, but my passion is my work with amserjustintime.org. Sadly I’m only too familiar with the tragic affect that this killer disease has had on my close friends and my family, and I urge everyone to support our campaign in order to help others just in time.”

The Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Week and its ‘Change the Numbers’ campaign have been designed to increase knowledge and understanding about pancreatic cancer, a ruthless and silent killer (its symptoms are often hard to detect). Despite being the 5^th largest cause of cancer deaths in the UK few have heard about it. This silent nature has meant that research into diagnosis, treatment and service provision and patient support has gone under-funded for many years.

Only around 1% of cancer funding goes towards pancreatic cancer. As a result, there has been very little improvement in the overall survival rate for the last 40 years with 5 year survival just a dismal 3%.

UK pancreatic cancer charities believe that the time has come for these numbers to change. They are now urging people to spread the word about the importance of further research into pancreatic cancer as part of the November awareness week.

During Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Week, supporters will be doing their bit regionally by holding events to both raise money and increase awareness. It is hoped that this will help to promote the vital messages surrounding pancreatic cancer and give a bigger voice to the campaign against this silent killer.

In conjunction with the awareness week, The Silent Cancer, a feature documentary investigating pancreatic cancer in the UK, will be shown on the Community Channel: Sky 539, Virgin TV 233, Freeview 87 on the 16^th, 18^th, 20^thand 22^ndNovember at 21:00 and 3.00am. The Silent Cancer is Directed by Alastair Clayton, Written and Produced by Stuart Laws. A trailer of the documentary is available to watch at www.pancreaticcancerawareness.org

Amser Justin Time continue to work tirelessly to raise awareness of this cruel disease. Alongside the charity’s founder and close friend Shan Cothi, Steffan Rhodri took part in Amser Justin Time’s first fundraising challenge - an epic horse-ride from North to South Wales in August and September 2008. Since then the charity has gone from strength to strength raising over £60,000 in its first year of operation. In July this year, the charity made the ground-breaking announcement in a special launch with Only Men Aloud at the University Hospital of Wales, that they had raised sufficient funds to employ a Specialist Pancreatic Nurse for one day a week for two years.

This month has already seen charity supporter, presenter and actress, Sara Hunter raise money for Amser Justin Time by completing the New York marathon on 1^st November. Sara completed the race in 4 hours 4 minutes and raised over £1700 and said: “It was an unforgettable experience and thinking of Justin and Shan kept me going the whole way. I’m going to continue to run half marathons in the New Year with the aim of reaching my target of £3000 for amserjustintime.org”. Other supporters continue to fundraise through various sponsored walks and horse rides.

Amser Justin Time have also held various other fundraising events including two acclaimed ‘Cyngerdd Cothi’ concerts at Pontrhydfendigaid including performances from Shan Cothi, Only Men Aloud, Caryl Parry Jones and John Owen Jones. Given Shân’s status as a singer, actress and TV personality the charity’s fundraising events have had the support of some of Wales’ biggest celebrities including Bryn Terfel, who joined Shân to record the downloadable track ‘I Believe’.

For more information on the charity, please visit www.amserjustintime.org

For donations, please visit www.justgiving.com/amser

Chris Needs - 'And There's More'

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:30:00 +0000

Chris Needs – ‘I want to leave Wales because people here have been really cruel to me’

After writing about being sexually abused in the best-selling Like It Is, the most shocking revelation in And There’s More, the second volume of autobiography from Chris Needs published this week, is the amount of vitriol he has received from his fellow countrymen (and women) regarding his sexuality. The legendary entertainer, charity fundraiser and BBC Radio Wales presenter has had abuse shouted at him in the streets, received hate mail in which some have questioned whether he should be allowed to have a godson, and even death threats.

“Some people here in Wales have been really cruel to me,” he says. “I still get a lot of insults about my sexuality and this makes it much harder to hang on to the job. I love what I do in the radio studio, i.e. talking to people and, of course, the music. But is it worth it?”

Needs dreams of a new life in his beloved Spain with partner Gabe Cameron and “no expensive petrol, no income tax, no ‘chavs’ and no moaning old gits calling me a queer… and, oh, no rain! I will probably retire to Spain. But I keep clutching straws that Wales will have its day, with cheaper prices, better weather, more liberal people… I can live in hope.”

As well as his feelings towards his country, Needs speaks about bittersweet memories of his much-missed mother, why her will caused “immeasurable trouble and damage” to his family, his desperate desire to have children, and living with diabetes.

On a lighter note, he also tells of starting out in show business and working with the stars, some nightmarish trips abroad, receiving a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award from the Variety Club, meeting The X-Factor’s Rhydian, and how Gabe and godson Sam help to make his life more bearable. The stories are funny, honest and warm-hearted – much like the man himself.

And There’s More (£9.95) is published by Y Lolfa and includes extracts from Living with Chris Needs by Gabe Cameron. Chris Needs will be touring Welsh bookshops in December.

Confirmed dates:

Fri, 4th Dec (1.00-3.00) Borders Fforestfach

Tues, 8th Dec (11.30-12.30) WH Smith Neath

Wed, 16th Dec (11.30-1.30) Waterstones Carmarthen

(more dates to be revealed on his radio show)

Ten Questions With Caroline Roper-Deyo of The Cor Cymraeg de California

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:31:00 +0000

Americymru: When was the choir founded and how would you describe its mission?

Caroline: The Welsh Choir of Southern California ( Cor Cymraeg De Califfornia), was founded in the Fall of 1997 by Michael J. Lewis, who was it’s first music conductor and director. The mission of the Welsh Choir of Southern California (Cor Cymraeg De Califfornia) is to bring the glories of Welsh music and culture to audiences worldwide through performance and recordings.

Americymru: How many members do you have and how often do you all get together for rehearsals?

Caroline: Currently there are about 30 members in the mixed-voice choir. We generally rehearse weekly on Sunday afternoons in West Los Angeles near LAX.

Americymru: What is your typical repertoire? Do you perform in both Welsh and English?

Caroline: We sing in both Welsh and English and our typical repertoire includes new music featuring contemporary Welsh poets and composers, as well as traditional hymns and folk songs. Our performances often include the contributions of of distinguished local musicians as well as guest artists from Wales.

Americymru: What are the minimum qualifications for persons wishing to join the choir?

Caroline: The minimum qualification for any person wishing to sing with the Welsh Choir of Southern California (Cor Cymraeg De Califfornia) is that they must love to sing.Loving Welsh music is also a plus. Knowing Welsh is not a requirement as language coaching is provided.

Americymru: Would you say that the choral singing tradition is alive and vibrant in the U.S.A. today?

Caroline: Yes the choral singing tradition is not only alive and well it is growing. As evidenced by the development of choirs and festivals and competitions.

Americymru: Is there anywhere online where people can go to hear the choir? Do you have any CD’s available or planned?

Caroline: I’m not certain if there are places on-line where you can currently hear us sing. It is my understanding that a couple of our performances have been put on YouTube but I haven’t checked recently. Also the performance at the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C was archived but I don’t know if it is still accessible. We have one CD that we released in 2002: Hearts Afire * Calonnau ar Dan We are currently working on a second CD. Grants for funding will be greatly appreciated.

Americymru: What would you say was your most notable performance or experience with the choir?

Caroline: It is very difficult to say which would be our most notable performance.I suspect every person in the choir would choose different ones for different reasons:

Singing at the National Cathedral, May 2007 for California Day (we were chosen from over 60 choirs in the state who were considered).

Singing at Saint James Episcopal Church, March 2004 where the lines were so long we were almost an hour late starting and people had to be seated in the chapel; or,

Singing at Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff, Wales, July 3rd, 2003 for a packed crowded including rows of dignitaries and church officials.

Americymru: Do you have any plans to perform outside California in the near future?

Caroline: Yes we hope to return to Wales to tour – possibly in 2011.In the summer of 2008 we sang in Vancouver and Victoria and have been invited to return. All possibilities.

Americymru: Can you tell us anything about your recent concert with Julia Bentham?

Caroline: Unfortunately Julia Bentham was not able to sing with us.She became ill the day before our concert and spent the week in a hotel room in Santa Monica. It was a great disappointment but we were gratified that she was able to return to London with her daughter and is now doing well.

Americymru: Any other message for the members and readers of AmerCymru?

Caroline: We would like to encourage you to experience the joys of Welsh music whether you participate by singing, playing or listening. Once you do you will never again know depression without hope, darkness without light, and you will understand why Welsh music is and has been the hallmark of Wales for 100’s of years.

Pob Bendith.

Cariad Caroline, Chorister and Publicist

Glyn Davies to Judge 2010 Left Coast Eisteddfod Visual Image Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:34:00 +0000

"A Sense of Place" - A Photographic Competition

We are immensely proud and pleased to announce that for the second year running internationally renowned photographer Glyn Davies will be judging the Left Coast Eisteddfod Visual Image Competition. For more information about Glyn follow this LINK. For a selection of breathtaking images which Glyn recently uploaded to Americymru check out the slideshow below.

Find more photos like this on Americymru

In defining the theme for this years competition our judge , Glyn Davies made the following comments regarding content and submissions:- "What is it about our environment, whether landscape or people, that makes it so particular to us, the artists? We could all photograph a tree on a hillside, a wave crashing over a rock or even a pretty person in the street, but what identifies them with YOUR locality ? As the judge, based in Wales, I am interested in seeing photographs which give me a better idea about the characteristics and atmosphere of the artists homeland. This does NOT mean that images have to be ordinary, they can be moody, dramatic and immaculately composed but I want them to show me that we are all living in amazing and DIFFERENT places. I want the artists to celebrate what is special about their own location and culture. This way, not only do we get to see amazing images, but we can all learn more about each other in the process." . Please take the time to read the rules carefully before entering . Any queries shoud be directed to americymru@gmail.com. There is a first prize of $150 for both categories the Visual Image Competition. The categories are outlined below:-

A Photographic Image - either from film or digital cameras which generally represents the subject without adding or subtracting elements. Please feel free to add text explaining why you thinks the image is important - "I do not believe that a picture is worth a thousand words, images can be too easily misinterpreted." - Glyn Davies.
A Photographic Illustration - this is any image which has been substantially adjusted and manipulated by whatever means, digital or analogue, and which is generally non representational of a real person/place/event. The manipulation MUST be relevant to a theme or idea, manipulation for manipulation's sake will not be given serious consideration. The idea should be put in writing to accompany the image.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our contestants the very best of luck in the Visual Image Competition. Winners will be announced at the Left Coast Eisteddfod in October 2010.

Subscribe to the Left Coast Eisteddfod 2010 Visual Image Competition RSS HERE.

Nigel Owens Tells All in Autobiography

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:58:00 +0000

The 26th of October sees the launch of Nigel Owens’ autobiography Half Time. Nigel Owens is one of world rugby’s leading referees and personalities and is the only openly high profile gay personality in British professional sport.

Before reaching the highest echelons of the rugby world, Nigel Owens had to come to terms with the despair that drove him to attempt suicide as he struggled with his sexuality, bulimia and an addiction to steroids. An inspirational story, his autobiography is a brave and honest account of his personal struggle to overcome fear and prejudice to become one of the most respected and well known personalities in international rugby.

Nigel Owens’s warmth and humour shine through his story, which is brimming with anecdotes about matches he has refereed and players he has met along the way: from Gavin Henson’s first match, to on-pitch altercations with Austin Healey, Lawrence, Dallaglio’s intimidation tactics, coping with live televised matches, and needing a police escort from the ground in Auch, France. He was in charge of the recent “bloodgate” incident and adds his thoughts to the debate.

Half Time by Nigel Owens is published by Y Lolfa and is available from www.ylolfa.com and bookshops for £14.95. Nigel Owens will be signing copies of his book in Cardiff on the 7th of November before Wales play the All Blacks. He will be in WH Smith’s from 11 – 12:30 and in Waterstone’s from 1:30 – 2:30.

Free Castell Coch Halloween Pumpkin Stencil

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:54:00 +0000

Of the many ancient traditions associated with Halloween ( Nos Calan Gaeaf ) in Wales, one of the most colorful is the legend of Yr Hwch Ddu Gwta. According to the Wikipedia :- "Legend has it that a fearsome spirit called Yr Hwch Ddu Gwta took the form of a tail-less black sow and roamed the countryside with a headless woman. Children would rush home early." For more information on Yr Hwch Ddu Gwta and other Welsh Halloween traditions visit the 'Wales on Britannia' Welsh Culture and Traditions webpage. We are still working on a 'tailless black sow with headless woman' template but in the meantime here's an easy Castell Coch pumpkin stencil. Click the link below for a downloadable pdf template together with easy to follow instructions.

Although Castell Coch does not have any particularly creepy associations it is a fine mock gothic pile. It's a very simple, easy stencil and I threw in a couple of circling bats for extra seasonal ambience. There are Welsh dragon ( Ddraig Goch ) halloween pumpkin stencils here.

castellCochHalloween.pdf

Castell Coch on Wikimedia Commons

Free Printable Welsh Pumpkin Stencils for Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:12:00 +0000

I love carving jack-o-lanterns and do gothic haunted houses, castles and stuff for my house and friends and relatives and I thought I'd do a dragon this year so I made some stencils which anyone can download and use, if you want. Below are two dragons, a hard version and an easy version, and tomorrow I'll put up a stencil of Castell Coch.

Easy dragon:

DragonJackCompwDirec.pdf

Detailed dragon:

DragonJackCompwDirec.pdf

When mine's done, I'll share a picture.

‘Total Eclipse Of The Chart’

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:14:00 +0000

Singing sensations Only Men Aloud have hit the top note in the classical charts today reaching Number One with their new album ‘Band of Brothers’. Today’s chart announcement also sees Welsh rock legend Bonnie Tyler receive her first ever classical Number One, following her collaboration on an arrangement of her 80’s hit anthem ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ which features on the second album from the Nation’s favourite choir.

The release of Only Men Aloud’s second album ‘Band of Brothers’ comes a year on from signing their multi-million pound record deal with Universal/Decca following their victory on BBC’s Last Choir Standing last summer. Tim Rhys-Evans, Musical Director of OMA, expressed his delight at the announcement of the album’s number one spot “This news makes me extremely proud, the boys have worked really hard and they deserve this success. When I was a child I used to wonder how ABBA felt being number one, but now I know how it feels!”. Tim added, “The public’s continued support has been truly outstanding, thank you – diolch”.

In their new album Only Men Aloud go back to their Welsh roots, with traditional anthems such as ‘Land of Our Fathers’ and ‘Blaenwern’. The choir also present interpretations of modern classics such as ‘Somebody to Love’, performed with Kerry Ellis who hails from the Queen musical ‘We Will Rock You’ and has performed as the lead in ‘Wicked’ in both the West End and Broadway. Demonstrating the choir’s eclectic background and tastes, from opera through to rock songs, they are all truly great tunes despite being from varied sources.

Tim Rhys-Evans explained “From the beginning I wanted this album to represent our wide ranging repertoire. The arrangements have a filmic feel and Only Men Aloud are very proud of ‘Band of Brothers’.”

Also proud of the album’s success is legendary Welsh rock icon Bonnie Tyler who, following a performance with the choir at their concert tour in Cardiff International Arena earlier in the year, stepped into the studio with OMA to re-record a new arrangement of her award-winning song ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’. Bonnie Tyler said “I am absolutely delighted that the album is Number One in the classical charts, this is a first for me! It just goes to show the strength of Jim Steinman’s wonderful song, which can appeal across all genres of music”.

Left Coast Eisteddfod 2010 Poetry Competition Now Accepting Submissions

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:35:00 +0000

Today we are pleased and proud to announce the first of our Left Coast Eisteddfod online competitions for 2010. Others will soon follow. Watch this space for further announcements. The rules and submission guidelines are reproduced below. We wish the very best of luck to all our future contestants.

"You may submit your entry in either Welsh or English. You may submit up to four entries in each language category. The two language categories will be judged separately and there will be a prize for each. Accompanying graphics are not permitted. There is a US150 dollars (approximately 100GBP ) prize for the winners in both categories. The final submission date is September 15th 2010 and the winners will be announced at the Eisteddfod ( October 2010 ). The judges are:- Peter Thabit Jones ( English Language Category ) and John Good ( Welsh Language Category ) . The judges decisions will, of course, be final. The winner ( and runners up ) in the English Language Category will be featured in "The Seventh Quarry", an international poetry magazine edited by Peter Thabit Jones.

All poetic styles and conventions are welcome ( limericks, however, will not be considered for a prize ) There is no upper or lower word limit. Entries need not reference Wales in any way , shape or form. You may submit up to four entries in each category and work which has appeared elsewhere is acceptable provided you have not surrendered your copyright.

The winner and his/her work will also be featured on this site on what we hope will be a heavily trafficked page.

How To Submit Your Poem

Members

1. Simply join this Group and post your poem (and any links) as a separate discussion in the group forum ( here ). Please include your name in the subject line. If you wish to include a link to your website or blog please do so but remember you must link back to us.

2. Post your poem your website or blog and post a link to the relevant url as a separate discussion in the group forum ( here ). Once again you will need to link back to us.

Non Members

1. Post your submission on your blog and email us with the url ( americymru@gmail.com ). We will include it on the Group page. We would appreciate a link to this page or to the blog home page.

2. Email your submission to us and we will post it on the group page and credit you as author. ( in this case mutual linking is an option but not required )

The Fine Print

1. There is no entry or submission fee for this competition. The requirement to backlink if you are posting on your own blog and linking here ( or submitting a link to your blog on this page ) is obligatory and designed to be mutually beneficial.

2. Any materials submitted in this group will remain the sole property of the author. We guarantee not to display any story or any portion thereof on other pages or sites without the express permission of the author. Likewise materials submitted here or linked here can be removed or unlinked at any time by the author or at his/her request."

LAST YEARS WINNERS

Welsh Language Elizabeth Barrette 'Hanes'

English Language Sherry Weaver Smith 'Imprint'

'Tramor' - John Good is Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:37:00 +0000

Many people were saddened when they heard the news that Oceans Apart had broken up recently. Well...the good news is that John Good is back with a new musical venture and a new website. 'Tramor' can be contacted via the website HERE , and I am sure that you will all join us in wishing John the very best with his new venture. Pob lwc John!

From the website:- "Tramor (Overseas) is the new traditional music project of John Good. John is well known through out the West, South, Midwest and in his native Wales as a multi-instrumentalist, Welsh piper, singer/songwriter, composer and poet. Veteran of many Celtic festivals and concerts, including Estes Park, Chicago, San Diego and Denver, he brings the subtly different flavor of traditional Welsh music to the stage. Along with friends like mandolin virtuoso Billy Parker and the classically trained mistress of the harp Mary Bouley, a Tramor show is an event not to be missed."

Hear John perform 'Of Dogs and Cats Mice and Men' here:- Of Dogs and Cats Mice and Men.mp3

Ten Questions With Dilwyn Jeffrey Phillips - Welsh Author and Humorist

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:55:00 +0000

Dilwyn Phillips:-"Dilwyn was brought up in Pontarddulais and attended Pontardawe Grammar School. He has lived in Llandrindod, Machynlleth, Aberaeron and Talybont, Ceredigion. Many of his jokes derive from his experience as a civil engineer, teacher and salesman."

Americymru: You have published 4 collections of Welsh jokes and humorous stories. How do you go about collecting material for your books?

Dilwyn: It really started with me always keeping a few jokes up my sleeve for use in after dinner speeches or similar. Over the years I managed to collect many jokes which I saved. Whilst working for Y Lolfa, (as a Sales Manager) during one of our regular meetings we were asked for suggestions for topics in the ‘Its Wales, series’. I suggested Welsh Jokes and was asked if I would like to write a book.

I obviously didn’t have enough material to complete the first book initially, but when friends, relatives and colleagues realised that I was collecting material I was inundated with anecdotes and stories that they had heard or been told.

Incidentally I have had 5 books published, but due to the content of one I used a pseudonym, however, after people read the first joke and noted the style I was found out.

Americymru: Do you think that there is such a thing as a specifically Welsh joke? What if anything distinguishes the Welsh sense of humour from others?

Dilwyn: I don’t think there is a specifically Welsh joke, only that almost any joke can be adapted by using names and localities that are specific to different parts of Wales.

I believe that the Welsh have the ability to laugh at themselves and are not offended at references to their shortcomings and do not seemed bothered about political correctness, similar comparisons can be made to other Celtic races, i.e., the Irish and Scots.

Americymru: Gwyn Thomas is famous for observing that "There are still parts of Wales where the only concession to gaiety is a striped shroud." Do you think Wales has changed at all since Gwyn's time?

Dilwyn: Obviously Gwyn Thomas is talking of a different era and I would agree that in those days of hardship he may well have been right. From my own experiences as a child and young adult growing up in a mining community this didn’t seem to be the case.

Americymru: You were born in Pontarddulais ( South Wales ) but lived at various times in Machynlleth, Aberaeron and Talybont ( Mid and North Wales ). What cultural differences did you note between North and South Wales? Were these reflected in the humour of the different regions?

Dilwyn: With integration through education and work there doesn’t seem to be any noticable cultural differences. There has always been a great deal of jovial banter between the ‘Gogs’ and the ‘Boyos’! There isn’t a noticeable difference in the humour between the regions.

Americymru: You worked once as a teacher. Having had some experience of teaching in Wales myself, would you say that a sense of humour is an essential prerequisite for anyone taking up the profession in Wales? How much of the material in your books was gleaned during your time at the 'chalkface' or how much of it relates to your experience as a teacher?

Dilwyn: During my teaching practice I was told that every teacher should not be ashamed to be a clown and to make a fool of oneself in jest. If anything happened I always tried to turn it into a joke and this did gain the respect of the children.

Most of the material regarding education has been passed on to me, however, there is the odd incident during my teaching career which has been used in the books.

Americymru: You also worked as a salesman. Care to tell us more about your experiences in those days?

Dilwyn: This was a job I took in retirement and allowed me to travel all over Wales and meet many of the characters depicted in the books.

Americymru: You were also a civil engineer. What kind of projects did you work on?

Dilwyn: I worked on the Heads of the Valleys Road, Corby Steel Works, Gower Sewage Schemes and the Trostre Steel Works. I then joined Local Government as an Engineer.

Americymru: What prompted your retirement to Spain? Was it mainly the lousy weather back home?

Dilwyn: I retired to Spain to start a new life with my new wife, who as a retired Nurse, contributed to the Hospital Jokes Book? The weather was a major influence in our decision also the Costa Brava is the healthiest area in Spain, according to WHO, due to the abundance of Salt Lakes.

Americymru: Do you have any further books planned?

Dilwyn: Yes, I have submitted 4 books for publication and have been informed that Golfing Jokes will be published before the next Ryder Cup, which you are most probably aware, is being held at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales.

Americymru: Any final message for the members and readers of Americymru?

I quote from my last published book.

Dilwyn: ‘Laughter can reduce stress, boost your immune system, help reduce your blood pressure and exercise certain muscles.

If you are looking for a quick way to work out, Laugh!’

Some of the jokes I have contributed to the Humour section of Americymru, but don’t let this stop you from purchasing any of the books. They can be bought online directly from the publishers at www.ylolfa.com

The titles are Welsh Jokes, Celtic Jokes, More Welsh Jokes, Welsh XXX Jokes and Hospital Jokes.

SAMPLE JOKE

It was a hot Saturday evening in the summer of 1961, and Ianto had a date with Myfanwy.
He arrived at her house and rang the bell.
'Oh, come on in!' Myfanwy’s mother said as she welcomed Ianto in. 'Have a seat in the living room. Would you like something to drink? Lemonade? Iced tea?'
'Iced tea, please,' Ianto replied.
Myfanwy’s mother brought the iced tea. 'So, what are you and Myfanwy planning to do tonight?' she asked.
'Oh, probably catch a movie, and then maybe grab a bite to eat at the fish and chip shop, maybe take a walk on the beach..'
'Myfanwy likes to screw, you know,' her mother informed him.
'Really?' Ianto replied, his eyebrows rising.
'Oh yes,' the mother continued, 'When she goes out with her friends, that's all they do! Screw, again and again!!'
'Is that so?' asked Ianto, incredulous.
'Yes,' said the mother. 'As a matter of fact, she'd screw all night if we let her!'
'Well, thanks for the tip!' Ianto said as he began thinking about alternate plans for the evening.
A moment later, Myfanwy came down the stairs looking pretty as a picture, wearing a pink blouse and a hooped skirt, and with her hair tied back in a bouncy ponytail. She greeted Ianto.
'Have fun, kids!' the mother said as they left.
Two hours later, a completely dishevelled Myfanwy burst into the house and slammed the front door behind her.
'The Twist, Mam!' she angrily yelled to her mother in the kitchen. 'The f***ing dance is called the Twist!!!

Did you know that laughter can reduce stress, boost your immune system, help reduce your blood pressure, and exercise certain muscles?

'Hospital Jokes' by Dilwyn Jeffrey Phillips

Mr Swansea Tells His Story

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:51:00 +0000

Tuesday night the 13th of October will see the launch of one of Swansea’s most famous sons’ autobiography. Mr Swansea by Mel Nurse tells the story of man who has played for, supported and saved Swansea city football club on numerous occasions. He is also a successful and well liked business man. From a modest upbringing in an area rich in sporting and cultural icons, Mel Nurse shares his fascinating, frank, funny and at times moving memories of a lifetime. Mel served Swansea Town with distinction in two spells between 1955 and 1971, and also played for Wales, alongside legends like the Charles brothers, Ivor Allchurch and Cliff Jones in a golden era for Welsh football.

Co-author Peter Welsh said,

“When Mel Nurse learned the story of his life in football was to be called Mr. Swansea, he was typically modest and not-a-little embarrassed; supporters of his beloved Swansea City however are unanimous in their belief no-one is more deserving of such a lofty title. As both a player during the golden era of the 1950's and a benefactor in the dark days of the mid-80's, Mel's contribution to the club is immeasurable, and he remains a popular and prominent figure around the city he loves so much."

Mr Swansea by Mel Nurse is published by Y Lolfa and is priced at £9.95.

Diary marker – Famous coaching inn, 'The Grapes' turns clock back 200 years in Wales

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:19:00 +0000

One of the oldest and most famous coaching inns in Wales will be turning the clock back 200 years next week to mark the grand arrival of two large stagecoaches. The 17th century Grade II listed inn, The Grapes in the picturesque village of Maentwrog, in the Vale of Ffestiniog, will be marking the arrival of a coaching party engaged in a fund-raising tour in aid of injured servicemen and servicewomen.

The Grapes has been a ‘must stop’ inn for centuries, but hasn’t hosted teams of coaches and horses since the first half of the 19th century. “This event will see us literally turning the clock back 200 years. We’ll see The Grapes as it was in its coaching heyday,” said Andrew Roberts Evans, manager of hotel. The coaching party will include representatives of The Household Cavalry Charitable Fund. The party of drivers, assistants and passengers will be up to 26-strong. The Grapes will be an overnight stop en-route between Bala and Portmeirion.

“We intend making sure that the occasion will be as historically accurate as possible,” said Mr Evans. “All our staff will be in period costume and the food on offer will hark back to 1809, marking 200 years of coaching at The Grapes. “The money raised by this charitable event will go towards the Help The Heroes Fund and the Household Cavalry Charitable Fund. “In addition to the coaching visit, we have regular fund-raising events at the pub which annually raise £2,000 for various charities. “During the month of October the services charities will be our nominated causes and we aim to give them the very best of support.” Mr Evans added: “This promises to be a memorable occasion at The Grapes, a piece of living history. For many, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a famous coaching inn doing the job it was built to do.”

CWMTWP: Gossip from the Valleys

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:14:00 +0000

The author of best-selling books on Welsh valleys humour, dialect and characters has changed direction and published a book full of spoof newsletters called CWMTWP (Valley of the Stupid). It all began when Cwm Carn based author David Jandrell was making up weekly humorous news stories to cheer up a sick friend in hospital. He found out that they were being distributed further afield when he received complaints from readers he didn’t know that they had not received the latest installements.

David Jandrell, a lecturer at Ystrad Mynach collage said,

“When my friend got better I was sending out around a 150 emails, and I’m sure many of those were being forwarded to other people as well. I never intended to publish them.”

Y Lolfa publishers, aware of the success of his other books, believed the stories deserved an even wider audience. To tie the stories up Jandrell invented a scenario set well in the future about an archaeologist finding a mysterious object called a CD-ROM containing the village newsletter What’s on in Cwmtwp. The result is an entertaining dose of whacky humour that everyone who has experienced life in the Welsh valleys will be able to connect with.

CWMTWP: Gossip from the Valleys is available for £3.95 on www.ylolfa.com and in bookshops throughout Wales. David Jandrell worked in the steel industry, as a youth worker and as a teacher before becoming a lecturer at Ystrad Mynach Collage. His book Welsh Valleys Humour won the Welsh Books Council award for best-selling non fiction book in English in 2005.

ONE MAN ALOUD! – Only Men Aloud Search For A New Star To Join Their World Famous Choir

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:25:00 +0000

On Saturday the 10th October 2009 Only Men Aloud, the winners of BBC One’s ‘Last Choir Standing’, will stage their own auditions in search of one lucky boy to become the newest member of the prestigious Welsh choir.

They are hoping to find an incredible talent and the lucky winner will have the chance to join them on their hugely anticipated Christmas 2009 tour as well as any TV and Radio appearances promoting their new album ‘Band of Brothers’ which is released on October 12th.

Tim Rhys-Evans, MD of OMA, said of the search, “We’re looking for someone with much more than just an incredible voice - someone who is passionate about singing and wants to have fun while doing it. We’ve had the most incredible year already, but the person who fits the bill will be able to come on the rest of the journey with us.”

The elected singer will be part of the choir as they continue to go from strength to strength and embark on the next stage of the remarkable adventure which has seen their meteoric rise to success since winning the BBC1 prime-time Saturday night show last year. Highlights for the choir have included TV shows, two US tours and meeting a host of celebrities - if the last year is anything to go by, a host of incredible, life changing experiences await the newest member of Only Men Aloud!

Auditions will be held at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff on Saturday 10th October. For more details and to book an audition and be in with a chance, please email admin@onlymenaloud.com

'Twenty Thousand Saints' by Fflur Dafydd Chosen For People's Book Prize October Showcase!

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:52:00 +0000

Vote For Fflur Dafydd's 'Twenty Thousand Saints'

Exercise your literary judgement: vote for Fflur Dafydd's Twenty Thousand Saints! Ordinary readers have the chance to be the judges in this new UK-wide competition combining libraries, emerging writers and independent publishers in a monthly showcase of around a dozen titles in the fiction category each calendar month. Nominations for the People's Book Prize are selected competitively every month throughout the year, giving readers a two-month chance to register their vote online. Books with the highest number of votes in the three categories of children's books, fiction and non-fiction go forward to compete for the overall prize, which is awarded at a ceremony in July. Voters are offered prizes and the chance to win free tickets to the gala awards night. Prize patrons are Dame Beryl Bainbridge and broadcaster, author and Reading Champion Paul Blezard, while it is administered by Delancey Press's Tatiana Wilson and championed by TV producer-presenter Julie Hyde Mew. Vote for Twenty Thousand Saints during October and November: voting opens 1 October and closes on 30 November. Vote here: http://www.peoplesbookprize.com/

Buy "Twenty Thousand Saints" HERE.

Read our interview with Fflur Dafydd HERE .

An Interview With Fflur Dafydd - Welsh Novelist, Singer-Songwriter

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:24:00 +0000

Fflur Dafydd is an award winning novelist, singer-songwriter and musician. Whilst predominantly publishing in Welsh, she also writes in English. She records in Welsh, and her work is regularly played on Radio Cymru. She spoke to Americymru ahead of her forthcoming visit to Portland, Oregon with the International Writing Program ( 10/3-10/9 2009 ).For full details of her visit and associated activities go to this page.

Americymru: You're a very prolific artist: at 31 you've published four novels, a collection of poems and short stories and non-fiction, written plays, screenplays, you're/you were a columnist for the Western Mail, in addition to a very successful music career which includes four albums, various singles and performances in Wales, Europe and the United States (please let me know what else should be in this list). What do you think of your success, do you feel lucky, tired, excited to go forever or do you ever want to take a break and wait tables or wash dogs?

Fflur: I’ve already done my stint as a waitress but I’ll pass on washing dogs, thanks! I do feel that I’ve been lucky in many respects to have the opportunity to do so many things, and to be honest, when you live in a small country and are part of a minority culture perhaps there is more urgency to do a little bit of everything, to contribute to the culture, to keep it thriving. But I have worked very hard these past years – and I don’t think success comes without real hard graft, so I do feel a little bit exhausted at times! My new album is coming out next month, and I think once I’ve finished promoting that, I will be looking for some ‘downtime’ – eating chocolates and singing Christmas carols. I feel happy with the work I’ve produced so far and there’s no rush now to publish or to record again for a while.

Americymru: Your first novel in English, 20,000 Saints, was published in 2008 and you've written three novels in Welsh: Lliwiau Liw Nos ("Colours by Night," 2005 Y Lolfa), Atyniad ("Attraction," 2006 Y Lolfa) and Y Llyfrgell ("The Library," 2009 Y Lolfa). Do you have a preference for writing in English or Welsh?

Fflur: Welsh is my first language, so I instinctively want to write in Welsh and find it exciting to do so – there is still so much that can be done with the language, and I like to think that Welsh contemporary authors now are helping move the language forward into the 21st century. But writing in English also helps me gain a sense of freedom, the sense of working on a broad canvas where no phrase is impossible, no word unutterable, and where no story would seem implausible – there is a great thrill in that.

Americymru: Your latest novel, Y Llyfrgell (The Library), was inspired by your time as a graduate student pursuing your Phd in Aberystwyth, at the National Library of Wales - what can you tell us about this novel?

Fflur: This is a novel about a siege which takes place at the National Library of Wales, when two armed female librarians take the building and its workers hostage one day in 2020. It is a far-fetched, slightly magic realist, black comedy, with lots of action and a fast paced mystery – I’m very proud of the book and I do think it’s one of the best things I’ve written in Welsh. It says something about Welsh culture and history and is a very political book in many ways. It has also been described as ‘controversial’ which has certainly helped sales!

Americymru: "20,000 Saints" is also a sort of nickname for Bardsey Island and the second novel you've set there. How did this story develop, what was your process in creating it?

Fflur: I had seen the post of writer in residence on Bardsey advertised by Academi, the Welsh literature promotion agency, as an open call to their members, and it immediately appealed to me. I was writing a PhD thesis on R.S. Thomas, at the time, the Welsh poet-priest who had been instrumental in setting up the Bardsey Island trust, and many of his poems are about the island, as he was a frequent visitor there, and birdwatcher. It felt like I was destined to go there, to follow in his footsteps, to understand him better. I was fortunate enough to get the post, and of course, ultimately, I found the island to be the biggest source of inspiration for my own work. I wrote one book of fiction in Welsh – Atyniad – based on my own experiences, and then rewrote the book in a completely different way for an English audience, with a different plot, narrative , characters – and it also had a different mood and feel.

Americymru: How autobiographical do you think your own work has been? Do you subscribe to the idea that you should write what you know and, if so, what does that mean to you?

Fflur: There is an autobiographical element to most works, I think, and characters always tend to embody parts of yourself. My first novel, Lliwiau Liw Nos, was far removed from my reality, and perhaps because of this, I don’t consider it to be a particularly successful novel. Atyniad was heavily influenced by personal experience, and it has an intimacy and honesty that would be impossible without the raw emotion that went into writing that prose; straight out of my own heart, at times. But I have also learnt that ONE autobiographical novel is enough – you do need to move away from yourself as a subject ultimately, because readers also want narrative, and they want you to make that necessary leap between your own history and imagination.

Americymru: Any chance your Welsh-language novels will someday get translated into English for those of us not lucky enough to read Welsh yet?

Fflur: One day I hope to be able to let someone else do the translating. It has struck me that I’m changing so much when I adapt my own work that the English-language readers are unable to fully “access” the Welsh language writer in me, that part of me still somehow remains hidden. So I’m going to do one more ‘reworking’ of a novel (I’m rewriting The Library now), and then I will let the languages take off in different directions – hopefully working with a translator for my Welsh books.

Americymru: You're currently the writer in residence at the University of Iowa and you've previously been a writer in residence in Wales and Finland, what is a "writer in residence" and how did you come to become one?

Fflur: Basically a writer in residence is a when you spend time at a place or an institution, not merely to write about it, but to get time to really work on a project, away from the hassles of your daily life. I think they’re all important things. You usually get thrown in with a group of new people (Bardsey) or a new cultural experience (Helsinki) or you are part of the life of a University (Iowa) and can contribute in all sorts of ways by giving talks and readings and became part of that place for a short space in time. The International Writing Program here at Iowa is an excellent program, stimulating and culturally diverse (as I’m here with writers from 32 different countries) and there is time to write during the day, which is a liberating thing. I was offered this post by the British Council – the IWP have never had a Welsh language writer and they were interested also in getting a performer here, and so I fit the bill, and I feel extremely proud to have been chosen to represent Wales here.

Americymru: You're traveling to Portland, Oregon with four other writers as part of the International Writer's Program? Who are the other writers and what will you be doing while you're in Portland?

Fflur: I will be joined by Lijia Zhang (China), Soheil Najm (Iraq) Fedosy Santaella (Venezuala) and Osman Pius Conteh (Sierra Leone) and we will engage in a series of literary events, in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland State University, and the Oregon Council for the Humanities. This will be the first IWP delegation to take part in such a dynamic slate of activities in the city. There will be visits to classes, group readings on campuses, roundtable discussions and one or two musical performances. Please see http://homeroom.pnca.edu/inline/584932.pdf for further details of events.

Cappucino Girls Flash Mob Live from Swansea, Wales

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:23:00 +0000

I’m sure you’ll have heard of Shaheen, the young lad from Swansea who sang at Michael Jackson’s memorial service. On 30th Oct he will be performing with Jermaine Jackson in a tribute at the Black Music Awards in the UK, a show that will go all around the world.

On Monday Shaheen joined with 160 other dancers to do a flash mob dance in Swansea. It was done for lots of reasons but the major reason was to show the world what a great place Swansea is.....with love from Wales. The song is the Cappuccino girls sung by another Swansea singing star Bonnie Tyler.

A Must Read for all Football and Rugby Fans in Wales

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:31:00 +0000

A new guide, The Football and Rugby Playing Fields of Wales by Richard E Huws is about to be published. A life-long passion for sport led Huws to undertake a decade of research into the history of around 600 grounds throughout Wales. The result is this informative and comprehensive volume packed with fascinating facts and stats. The entries detail the teams that have played on each pitch and some famous matches that have taken place.

The author explains further: “I have endeavoured to record the playing fields used by all current senior football and rugby teams in Wales. Fields used by some defunct teams have also been included if they can be clearly identified. I have also attempted to record some special events which have been held on certain fields. These range from agricultural shows to national eisteddfodau, and to other sporting events and unique occasions such as papal visits.”

The book will appeal to sports fans and those with an interest in local and family history. Huws is surprised at the lack of information about sport in general local history books. He says, “I very much hope that this work will inspire local historians to delve deeper into the history of sport in their area and to record in greater detail this somewhat neglected aspect of community activity. I feel that this is especially important as an alarming number of traditional playing fields are falling victim to commercial, housing or transport developments.”

Born in Carmarthen, the author has spent most of his adult life in Ceredigion. He worked at the National Library of Wales for almost 40 years, and recently retired from the post of Head of Reader Services. He has published widely on the history of printing, local history, family history and sport. He lives in Bont-goch, near Aberystwyth, and is a keen follower of most sports, and especially of his beloved Swansea City.

Amy Wadge - New Single and Tour Dates

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:10:00 +0000

Amy Wadge - Free fall ( Live )

NEW SINGLE: HOLD ME
RELEASED: 12 OCTOBER
LABEL: CHOICE MUSIC
FORMAT: DIGITAL/BUNDLE

Monday 12th October sees the release of 'Hold Me', the sublimely sweet and simply beautiful single from Welsh songbird Amy Wadge. A love song in the most classic sense, it is an unapologetically direct appeal to a lover, delivered with uncomplicated, but heartfelt lyrics in Amy's trademark vocal.

Produced by Stan Kybert (Oasis, Massive Attack, Paul Weller), the track builds from sparse beginnings, through myriad melodies and gorgeous harmonies in the chorus, into a huge, layered sound that makes 'Hold Me' an irresistible teaser of what's to come on her forthcoming album.

Amy, who has previously won the much coveted 'Best Female Solo Artist' at the Welsh Music Awards, has taken time off in the last year as she recently became a mum, but is now back with a renewed sense of vigour and a whole new bank of stories to tell and songs to sing.

'Hold Me' is the first single from Amy's new album (due for release in Spring 2010), that is sure to please her ever-growing and dedicated fanbase (especially in her native Wales), as well as win over brand new support from lovers of beautifully crafted songs and a wonderful voice.

With years of touring experience under her belt (she has supported Van Morrison, Jeff Beck, Damien Rice and Eric Bibb amongst others), Amy has developed and nurtured an absolutely captivating and quite magical live experience, which she will once more take to the road with over the coming months. Please keep an eye on: www.amywadge.com/ www.myspace.com/amywadge for further announcements.

'Hold Me' will be available digitally from 12th October at: www.amywadgeholdme.com, and will be available to pre-order from 17th August.

Upcoming gigs: (see full listings - www.amywadge.com)

October 2009

Thursday 8th Cowbridge Fashion Week - The Hair Business, Cowbridge

Saturday 10th House Gig, Private Function

Thursday 29th Acapela, Pentyrch (nr. Cardiff)

Saturday 31st The Chattery, Swansea

'Pint sized poetess with valley quaking voice. Her songs have a raw vibrancy that suit her earthy voice and emotionally mature lyrics' - Q magazine.

Americymru interview with Amy Wadge here:- "Ten Questions With Amy Wadge"

A Message From 'Calan' - "We're Young....We're Sexy....And We Clog Dance"

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:38:00 +0000

English / Cymraeg

WE’RE YOUNG, SEXY AND WE CLOG DANCE

Hi there,

We’re Calan – a Welsh band playing folk music with a whole lot of bling!

Come and join us on our Welsh tour. We had a great time playing at festivals this summer and now we’re looking forward to gigging around our home towns.

Between us we play the harp, fiddles, guitar and accordion and we even throw in a bit of clog dancing. We can promise you a fab night filled with lots of noise and lively tunes.

We’d LOVE you to come along to one of our gigs:

Friday 25 September - Callaghan’s Bar, Holiday Inn, Cardiff.

Saturday 26 September -The Marine Hotel, Aberystwyth,

Friday 2 October - Galeri Caernafon

Saturday 3 October - Ty Tawe, Swansea.

See you there!

Angharad, Bethan, Chris, Llinos and Patric

P.S. Sometimes during the tour Brigyn are joining us – sometimes Gwyneth Glyn – sometimes both !!

What the press says about us .....

"This multi-instrumental five-piece brings grace, daring and sheer joy to a winning selection of reels, jigs and hornpipes."

(Gavin Martin - The Mirror)

"The dynamic quintet's debut album, Bling, has everything you could want from a record - stunning use of instrumentation, gorgeously crafted songs, sprightly foot-tappers, verve and raw excitement."

(Nigel Gould - Belfast Daily Telegraph)

TICKETS ON SALE FROM >>> WWW.TONESONTOUR.COM

View Calan on YouTube ... click here

Religious jokes from Vicar Joe

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:51:00 +0000

G K Chesterton once wrote that the test of a good religion is how much it can laugh at itself. So after two successful plays and a one-man show, Vicar Joe returns with this hilarious compendium of religious jokes, including faux pas from the pulpit and notice boards; jokes about baptisms, marriages and funerals; epitaphs on grave stones; religious chat-up lines; children’s take on religion; Bible facts that may have escaped you and much much more…

Co-author Peter Read says, “For some people, religion and humour go together as easily as root canal work at the dentist’s and a plateful of chocolate éclairs. Too often the church is linked with boredom and seriousness. Compiling this book, we have come to realise that lots of funny things happen in places of worship. There are so many ceremonies where something can go wrong. Total immersion is asking for trouble and this book is also brimming with stories of mayhem in christenings, weddings, Sunday services and even funerals.”

Vicar Joe is the football-mad alter ego of Swansea’s all-round entertainer, Kevin Johns. The character was created in 2006 when Peter Read was asked to write a play about football for Swansea Grand Theatre. The comedy, which was called Toshack or Me! featured a vicar (Joe) who was so keen on watching Swansea City that he cancelled weddings if they clashed with matches. He also refused to marry one couple where the groom-to-be supported Swansea and she followed Cardiff City.

In 2008 Vicar Joe reappeared in the play To Hull and Back, whilst in February 2009 the one-man shoe Vicar Joe was premiered at Swansea Grand Theatre Arts Wing.

Vicar Joe’s Religious Joke Book will be launched by Kevin Johns and Peter Read at 7.30pm on Thursday 1 October at the Dylan Thomas Centre, Somerset Place, Swansea.

INTRODUCTION

For some people, religion and humour go together as easily as root canal work at the dentist’s and a plateful of chocolate éclairs. Too often the church is linked with boredom and seriousness. Compiling this book, we have come to realise that lots of funny things happen in places of worship. There are so many ceremonies where something can go wrong. Total immersion is asking for trouble and this book is also brimming with stories of mayhem in christenings, weddings, Sunday services and even funerals.

The role of a clergyman or clergywoman is one of the strangest jobs on earth. Having to be holy and a shining example to the rest of the community is quite a tall order. As many of the stories prove, there is a rich vein of humour in the fact that for twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, there are thousands of professional church people trying to be near-perfect representations of God on earth. In fairness, many of the clergy with whom we’ve spoken and met have been the first to tell jokes against themselves.

GK Chesterton once wrote that the test of a good religion is how much it can laugh at itself. Despite its negative perception amongst many non-attendees, the church should be a happy and jolly place. After all, when Jesus explained the kingdom of God he often used the analogies of parties and wine. You can’t get much happier than a good bottle of red!

We’ve had fun compiling this book. All the religious books we found seemed fairly ancient and rarely modern, so we felt it was time for a new one. We tried to resist the temptation to cram it with ‘have you heard the one about…’ jokes. Whilst you will find some tales of that genre, we have tried to complement them with true stories, faux pas, epitaphs and general statements made by the famous and infamous about matters of life and death.

You may already be wondering who Vicar Joe is and why this book bears his name. He was created in 2006 when Peter Read was asked to write a play about football for Swansea Grand Theatre. The comedy, which was called Toshack or Me! featured a vicar (Joe) who was so keen on watching Swansea City that he cancelled weddings if they clashed with matches. He also refused to marry one couple where the groom-to-be supported Swansea and she followed Cardiff City. Vicar Joe’s sermons had more references to the Premiership and the League than to holy scripture and he also got into hot water for praying from the pulpit, asking the Lord to deliver his humble side against the pride of Premiership might. In 2008 Vicar Joe reappeared in the play To Hull and Back, whilst in February 2009 the one-man shoe Vicar Joe was premiered at Swansea Grand Theatre Arts Wing. Vicar Joe is played by Kevin Johns.

We hope the book will be used to lighten up and brighten up sermons here, there and everywhere. It might also be used by after-dinner speakers or just be the means of tickling you pink whenever you read Vicar Joe’s Religious Joke Book. It would be pleasing to think we created guffaws on British Rail, national and local bus services. Go on, give it a try. Happy reading and laughing.

Peter Read and Kevin Johns

10 Questions with Karen Ann of 'Trelew'

noreply@blogger.com (Americymru) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:11:00 +0000

Welsh singer Karen Ann grew up in the South Wales valleys and started performing in eisteddfodau (traditional music competitions) at school. She left Wales at eighteen and fell in love with Latin America after going AWOL in Mexico at 21. She’s played in jazz duos in Costa Rica and rock bands in Argentina and sung tango in English in the USA. Finally putting down roots in one of South America’s smallest countries she felt the tug of her own and returned to singing Welsh and Celtic traditional music, forming a duo with the guitarist Jorge Galemire in 2005 which evolved into Trelew in 2007.

Q1 – What part of Wales are you from?

The South Wales Valleys – a small village called Maes-y-cwmmer in the Rhymney Valley. My parents still live there. I was born in Newport, Gwent.

Q2 – When did you emigrate to Uruguay and why?

I'd been fascinated with South America, particularly Argentina, since I was a child. I can still recall a primary school geography lesson about the gauchos. I ended up marrying an Argentinian and we lived in Costa Rica, Liverpool, Buenos Aires and Washington before moving here in 2000. Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay where we live, is across the River Plate from Buenos Aires. It's a small city, quaint, right on the water and it has a great quality of life. I'm a Valleys girl and Buenos Aires is just too huge for me.

Q3 – You are the founder of a Welsh band called "Trelew' in Uruguay, how did this come about?

We chose the name Trelew because of its Welsh and South American roots. It's the name of a town in Patagonia, founded by Welsh immigrants in the 1880s. We're not exactly a “Welsh band” - though we definitely draws on Welsh traditional songs and our own lyrics have Welsh themes – like the Welsh emigration to Patagonia. We wrote the songs after reading the diaries of some of the early colonists – incredible epic stuff. Another of our songs is about my grandmother's life growing up on charity in Aberdare after her father suffered an accident down the pit. So Welsh issues are important to our music but we're based in South America and all of the musicians except me come from Latin musical traditions.

Q4 – How would you describe your music?

Traditional British folk meets Buenos Aires melancholy meets Pampas zamba (a type of South American folk rhythm). People have told me our new album could be used a film soundtrack, it evokes sweeping South American landscapes, journeys across the sea. Galemire, the guitarist is amazing. He has created these walls of acoustic guitars that are just incredible. Then there's the bandoneon which is such a haunting instrument – completely associated with tango - though South Americans who know the bandoneon will find that it sounds completely original in this album. There's definitely something about the “old country” and something definitely South American about it, and the fusion has its own life.

Q5 – Do you have any plans to tour in the America's or elsewhere overseas?

We'd really love to play the States – it's amazing how many festivals there are going on... Right now we're putting together a tour of South Brazil. And of course, we really want to play in Trelew, Patagonia – we're working on that one ;)

Q6 – What do you miss most about Wales?

Bacon butties and my nan.

Q7 – Do you think you will ever move back to Wales?

It's not really on the cards right now. Though I go back there all the time -all my family are there.

Q8 - What are your dreams and ambitions for the future?

We'd like to complete our “Welsh-Patagonian trilogy” which still has only two songs!

Q9 –What do you think is the best way for Wales to go about raising its profile overseas?

Publicise the countryside, the people are so friendly and the fact that it is a lot cheaper than London so worth going and spending at least a week. People who know who have been from this part of the world -IF they go at all- go for a day on the train to Cardiff. It's just not enough. My mum works in Caerphilly Tourist Information Centre next to the castle – so if anyone reads this and goes there, drop in and say hello :)

Q10 - Do you have any messages for our AmeriCymru readers?

We'd love to get greetings from the North of the continent. You can find us on Facebook and MySpace.

Trelew's first album named Trelew was released in September. It's available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/Trelew and shortly on Amazon, Itunes and all other good internet stockists.

Interview by Dave Parry