The Warmth and Mirth of an Irish Christmas: Fiddler Eileen Ivers, Tricky Wrens, and Troublesome Cakes on U.S. Tour (Press Release)

Recalling the roaring hearths and roars of laughter that are part and parcel of Christmas in Irish families, virtuoso fiddler Eileen Ivers interweaves age-old Wren Day songs, beloved American carols, and even a jigging Bach in An Nollaig: An Irish Christmas. With her signature warmth, Ivers invites listeners in for a tuneful, soulful celebration that’s . . . → Read More: The Warmth and Mirth of an Irish Christmas: Fiddler Eileen Ivers, Tricky Wrens, and Troublesome Cakes on U.S. Tour (Press Release)

A Celtic Christmas Runs December 1-11 at Lucid Stage, Portland, Maine (Press Release)

MAINE’S IRISH THEATER COMPANY PRESENTS NEW VERSION OF ITS ANNUAL HOLIDAY FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

Fiddlers, Irish step dancers and a juggler will be contributing to the merriment as AIRE (American Irish Repertory Ensemble, Maine’s Irish Theater Company) brings back its popular holiday family entertainment, A Celtic Christmas, with some exciting changes—AIRE is introducing a new piece, . . . → Read More: A Celtic Christmas Runs December 1-11 at Lucid Stage, Portland, Maine (Press Release)

27th annual ScanFair in Portland, Oregon, Dec. 3-4

It’s just shy of three weeks until the Scandinavian Heritage Foundation’s annual ScanFair in Portland, Oregon. Despite the facts that it will be the 27th annual festival, and that I live just a hop, skip and jump down the freeway, and that I’m fully 50 percent Scandinavian, I’ve never been. I aim to remedy that . . . → Read More: 27th annual ScanFair in Portland, Oregon, Dec. 3-4

Fiddles (A Pub Tale)

…the best fiddling I ever heard was a reel, slashed off one day by a tramp player in William Street, Portlaw. For, though I have heard much music since, the indescribable dash and call of that reel are dancing in my ears yet. — Rev. Richard Henebry

Fiddles. They’re everywhere.

The fairies may very well . . . → Read More: Fiddles (A Pub Tale)

Castlebay, Monday, November 14 at 7 pm at the Southworth Planetarium, 96 Falmouth Street, Portland, Maine (Press Release)

The Celtic folk duo Castlebay will present a special concert  featuring music, lore and imagery of the Celtic Cosmos. The mythology, music and arts of the ancient Celtic people reflect their belief in cycles and that a cycle began in darkness. Evidence left us by the early inhabitants of the British Isles indicates that they . . . → Read More: Castlebay, Monday, November 14 at 7 pm at the Southworth Planetarium, 96 Falmouth Street, Portland, Maine (Press Release)

BATTLEFIELD BAND NOMINATED FOR SCOTS TRAD AWARDS 2011 ONLINE VOTING OPENS MONDAY 31st OCTOBER (Press Release)

Battlefield Band are very pleased and honoured to be nominated for ‘Scottish Folk Band of the Year’ at the Scots Trad Music Awards 2011

The aim of the Scots Trad Music Awards is to highlight Scotland’s wonderful traditional music, and Battlefield Band were very proud to be awarded ‘Best Live Act’ at the very first . . . → Read More: BATTLEFIELD BAND NOMINATED FOR SCOTS TRAD AWARDS 2011 ONLINE VOTING OPENS MONDAY 31st OCTOBER (Press Release)

Collectors’ Editions of THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING & THE LAST UNICORN (Press Release)

Ace and Roc has re-published two beloved fantasy classics in new trade paperback editions: THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING by T.H. White (Ace; $25.00) and THE LAST UNICORN by Peter S. Beagle (Roc; $16.00).    Neither the books nor the authors need any introduction and you’ve probably read them many times.  But that is the . . . → Read More: Collectors’ Editions of THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING & THE LAST UNICORN (Press Release)

On Tanya Huff

Tanya Huff has long been one of my favorite writers of science fiction and fantasy. Although I’ve thoroughly enjoyed her science fiction (the Confederation series) and her earlier magical/heroic fantasies (the Quarters series and earlier works), I think she finally hit her stride in what I call “urban fantasy with attitude,” starting with The Keeper . . . → Read More: On Tanya Huff