Scot Mart

We are so proud to call ourselves Scottish, and we think it is a fantastic country in which to get married. Scotland offers a wealth of diverse wedding venues, from chic city hotels to romantic Highland castles. Whatever the vision for your wedding, you are sure to find a Scottish wedding venue to suit. And with Scotland's unique law on religious ceremonies and the recent legal change to civil ceremony licensing, the choice of ceremony has never been better. Our country overflows with history, castles, inspiring scenery, golf, whisky, fascinating culture and award winning food - all of which can be put to good use by an experienced wedding planner to captivate your guests or to enjoy during your...

Legendary bassist, vocalist, and multi instrumentalist Jack Bruce is the subject of a new autobiography, "Composing Himself". Best known for his founding role in the legendary power trio Cream, this book is a must read for anyone interested in music. Here's why... Jack Bruce: An Overview Jack Bruce is probably best known for his integral role in the legendary power trio band Cream. And yet, his story doesn't start or stop with that influential group. By all accounts a brilliant musician, and by some accounts a musical genius, Jack Bruce was a child prodigy and an accomplished cello player by the time he reached his teens. He grew restless even in the most prestigious Scottish music schools and soon...

Once a year, the Scottish town of Paisley rings out with the sound of music and fans of choral performance are unlikely to want to miss out. Indeed, the Voices in the Paisley Festival could be the ideal event for those on a castle rental Scotland holiday experience wanting to hear a vibrant mixture of classical and traditional Scottish music. However, with its nickname of 'Scotland's Choir Town', it will probably come as little surprise that Paisley hosts a variety of majestic music. Taking a trip to the town allows visitors to take in performances from locally-renowned groups including the Paisley Philharmonic Choir, the Auburn Singers, Paisley Abbey Choir and Gleniffer Singers, among others. Music...

Whether you're of Scottish heritage or you simply admire those who are, Gatlinburg's Scottish Festival and Games is your kind of event. Held annually each May, this is one of the Smoky's most unique festivals. Music Music is such a large part of Scottish life that it has to take center stage at this outing. There'll be bagpipes galore along with other types of music during this weekend event. Day one kicks off with a parade featuring pipes and drums. Saturday and Sunday continue in the same tradition with an outdoor Ceilidh (a Scottish music festival) that lasts long into the night. You can also witness pipe and drum competitions which are as interesting to watch as they are entertaining to listen...

Scotland (Gaelic: Alba) is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Scotland is known for its’ typical Scottish music and sports and has over 790 beautiful islands with startling coastlines. The Scottish castles are the primary attractions of Scotland and are a symbol of historical moments of this country. There are approximately 3000 Scottish Castles here and are spread in all parts of the country. The first Castle that I’m going to discuss about is the Castle Fraser. This Scottish castle is located near Inverurie and lies in the Aberdeenshire area of Scotland. This gorgeous Castle served as a backdrop for some of the scenes that were shot in Bafta. The Castle was initially known as the...

SUMMARY Originally named - Abegweit (‘cradled on the waves) - by the Native American people, Prince Edward Island continues to celebrate with festivals by the sea. Every year, PEI holds more than 30 fun-filled festivals. Find out about Prince Edward Island' popular festivals by the sea. Prince Edward Island: Festivals by the Sea If you visit Prince Edward Island, it is impossible to leave without taking in one of their fabulous and fun festivals by the sea. Prince Edward Island festivals include over 30 fun-filled events from music festivals to drama festivals to food festivals. From sports to comedy to fireworks, there is something for everyone at Prince Edward Island festivals. The entertaining...

Scotland abounds in natural beauty. One of four constituent countries of the United Kingdom, it has as many as 790 Islands besides its mainland. It is known as home for world's fine whiskies and Scotch. Scotland has also some unique features which none of other three countries of the United Kingom can claim. If you ever chance to visit the UK, Scotland should be a must on your itinerary. And if you really want to enjoy picturesque Scotland, travel by car. Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland but not its largest city. The largest city is Glasgow. And in case you arrive in Glasgow, the best way to be mobile in Scotland would be a Car Hire . Both Glasgow and Edinburgh have a long history of friendly...

When travelling many people prefer to hire a car to transport them from one destination to the next for the duration of their journey. Tourists that delve into local culture often find that the use of rental cars in St. Johns is the best way to see all that Newfoundland has to offer. After watching the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games and seeing the open ceremonies that included festivities from all across Canada, people from all over the world gained an interest in visiting the Great White North. Adding to the excitement of the opening festivities was the high energy dances and fiddle music that originated from the taverns and pubs of the eastern isle. With a culture that blends the traditions of...

ians have long been playing fiddle music in the Appalachians for years, but it wasn’t until 1927 in Bristol, Tennessee that the first recording country music recording deal was signed. In this year, Victor Records signed Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family. Jimmie Rodgers was born in Meridian Mississippi, in 1897. Originally he worked on the railroads until his ill health got the better of him and it was only during this time that he followed his earlier love of entertaining. In 1927 he followed word that Victor Records were setting up a portable recording studio and made his way there. He was immediately signed and continued recording and playing music until he died in 1933. In 1965 he was...

I am a busker. Busking is the art of performing live music, dance, magic, or other entertaining acts in public places to solicit tips. Though the term "busker" is widespread in most English-speaking countries, in the USA such artists are referred to as "street performers" or "street musicians." Buskers are usually musicians but can also be actors, clowns, gypsy tarot card readers, mimes or dancers. There is a definite societal split in favour or against buskers, especially in North America. Some people support buskers and find it adds cultural flavour and art to our streets, making it more European and artsy. Sadly, some view busking as a lowly, hungry practice reserved for the homeless, beggars and...

Living in Cape Breton will not just give you the chance of being in a place where nature is easily accessible but the place will also serve as a stress-buster because the place is very famous for their traditional fiddle music that never fails to touch the emotions of listeners down to the very core. The traditional style of music is still present on Cape Breton and ceilidhs prove to be a popular attraction among tourists. Furthermore, the place also provides plenty of time for you to become closer to history. In fact, a lot of tourists would go here just to savor the rich historical value of the place since they believe that it is like having the best out of both world-you get the chance to take...

As Americans, we look at foreign countries and sometimes find their customs a little strange if not amusing. That's a two way street. Sometimes the things we do are just as peculiar. My wife, Tommie, was from Okinawa, Japan and I found some things she did on the bizarre side. Of course, I was the normal all around American boy. Nope, nothing odd about me! But that diagnosis could depend on who you were asking. In Tommie's country, people love to sing and dance as do people in all countries. And Tommie was no different. She loved to dance and sing and did both very well. There was only one problem with that...she could do it well in Japanese, but not English. From my observations Tommie leaned to the...

The fun aspect of the fiddle is the upbeat nature of fiddle music. Where violin is basically an orchestral instrument, fiddle can be played with country music, church music, jazz, and other genres. It really offers a unique sound in whatever genre it is being played in. Does it matter if you take violin lessons in the beginning? No, you can take classical violin lessons as a matter of fact. It really has no bearing on your progression, other than giving you more depth in your playing. The main thing you want to do as you are learning your fiddle is to listen. Decide which genres you want to be able to fiddle in, and then listen to as much of that music as possible. Listen to other fiddle players...

If the idea of going out to a crowded pub for St. Patrick's Day does not appeal to you then you can always throw your own Irish themed party! This article will go over three basic things that will make organizing your St. Patrick's Day party a breeze. #1 - Decorations Having the right decorations makes it amazingly simple to set the stage for your party! For a St. Paddy's day party you can go with a couple of different options. You can buy decorations and party supplies that are specific to the holiday. This would include banners and balloons, plates, napkins and cups and whatever else you need that says "St. Patrick's Day" and/or includes images of leprechauns and shamrocks or whatever you...

Are you familiar with country music? For some people, it is the real interesting music to listen to it. Me myself like Shania Twain and Reba McEntire as the two great musicians that you should listen to their songs as well. Surely, country music has been a new phenomenon in music industry. Perhaps, you do not really familiar with the history of country music. The musicians have long been playing fiddle music in the Appalachians for years. But, it wasn't until 1927 in Bristol, Tennessee that the first recording deal was signed. That period was the golden years for Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family, since the Victor Records signed them to do recording. Do you know Jimmie Rodgers? He was born in...

When considering the best bow for fiddling, iit may seem that every fiddle player has a different opinion. Choosing a bow is a very personal decision. Fiddle music is very demanding and a having a responsive bow is a must. I have observed that fiddle players use everything from the most inexpensive bows to fine old French bows valued at over $20,000. One option that is becoming very popular is carbon fiber bows. The advantages to carbon fiber bows are that they are very stable, difficult to break and do not warp. A favorite carbon fiber bow is the CodaBow brand. CodaBow makes several models which are designed to accommodate many different levels of players. When playing demanding fiddle tunes, a bow...

Juno Award-winning singer/songwriter/instrumentalist Shari Ulrich and I have "bumped" into each other several times this past few months. In true musician's spirit I've worn several hats in our dealings. Our first meeting was of a business nature. She emailed when her violin bow broke and she was seeking to purchase a carbon fibre model from my violin shop in time for a gig. I then contacted Shari under the auspices of the Shuswap Violin Society, a non-profit group promoting fiddle music. Shari was invited to join as an Honourary Lifetime Membership with our group and graciously accepted, adding "Well how can a girl turn that down?!?!? I would be honoured!" Soon after I learned our local Music...

PEI is alive with the sounds of music - from traditional fiddle music to Celtic tunes to modern country as well as jazz and other genres. PEI has music events and festivals for everyone's enjoyment. The annual Cavendish Beach Music Festival is a huge event that draws big-ticket names. Popular country singers, Keith Urban and Taylor Swift, are headliners at the 2010 Cavendish Music Festival (July 7-July 11). The line-up includes an impressive list of music stars - Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Emerson Drive, Victoria Banks, the Road Hammers, Collin Raye, Greg Hanna - and many more musicians. 'ECMA at the Beach' will be kicking off this year's Cavendish Beach Music Festival with a day of...

The hills of PEI ring with the sounds of music. Song, dance, and music are woven into the culture of the island. The lilting voices and lively tunes are part of the fabric of the province. The PEI music scene is as varied and diverse as the island's rich heritage. Fiddle music and Celtic tunes stir the traditional soul but modern country, cool jazz, and bluegrass melodies mix with their sound. The island celebrates music from every genre. The recent line-up at the Cavendish Music Festival was a testimony to the musical makeup of Prince Edward Island. The island entertained such headliners as country stars, Keith Urban and Taylor Swift, as well as other top names - Little Big Town, Victoria Banks...

Residents of Moncton, New Brunswick, as well as its annual multitude of visitors, recognize that this Maritime city is a marvelous location. Yet not everyone is aware of some of the hidden marvels of this southeastern New Brunswick treasure. Moncton is famous for its unique festivals, succulent seafood, and surrounding natural beauty, but there is so much more to be discovered in this provincial hub of activity. Moncton is now willing to share its top seven best kept secrets. 1. Moncton Music That´s not a secret! Moncton is renowned for its Maritime melodies and East Coast tunes but there is a much broader music scene in this New Brunswick centre of arts and culture. While Moncton still celebrates...

The answer is maybe yes and maybe no. It is an inconclusive answer but it does allow for the differences and the power of how our senses perceive and absorb our world and how that shapes our perceptions. What one senses and perceives will then shape one's perceived reality. The sense of the exact hue of a color - as in incorporating tones of black and white and the inclusions of shades of other colors - does not always match the perceptions of the person next to you. A good part of this has to do with individualistic neural processing, or just how our senses get connected to the brain, and the rest has to do with which senses are dominant in our world "intake". In meal preparation, cooks tend to go...

Some say the difference is that you never cry when you spill beer on a fiddle. Others say it's a fiddle when you buy it, but a violin when you sell it. Others say that if you can dance to it, then it's a fiddle. The bottom line is there functionally is no difference between a fiddle and a violin -- they're the same physical instrument. Typically, the difference is one of attitude, not of physical difference. There's a sense that a fiddle is a low-cost instrument meant for folk enjoyment whereas a violin is more costly and meant for more cultured usage. The word fiddle didn't always have this folksy connotation. Early classical masters commonly referred to violinists as fiddlers. The origin of the...

There's a lot to think about if you don't play the fiddle at all but want to learn. Answers to these three questions will start you off on the right foot: Do you need private lessons? Are any of the online resources good for beginners? Are you required to be able to read music? This article offers some answers. Do you need private lessons, or should you go the "teach yourself" route? I recommend finding a private teacher if you can. Why do you need private lessons? Because a beginner can get into all kinds of trouble at the start. The fiddle is not easy or intuitive. Chances are, if you don't have somebody looking over your shoulder and saying "No, not that way. Do it this way.", you'll develop...

The Edinburgh Festival is extremely well known as being the largest cultural event in the entire world. The festival's roots can actually be traced back as far as 1947 when the Edinburgh International Festival was created. Each year, the festival has grown in size and popularity as more and more people from all around the world choose to visit the area to either participate in, or watch, the various festivals. The Edinburgh Festival is actually not just one single event but a series of independent festivals all taking place within a 3 to 4 week time period. Among the most popular of these festivals is the Edinburgh International Book Festival which takes place within the last three weeks of August...

The Cliffs of Moher are located in County Clare on the western seaboard overlooking the powerful Atlantic Ocean. Standing on the top of the Cliffs, 214 metres above the ocean watching the sunset, is bound to be the highlight of any sightseeing trip in Ireland. About the Cliffs... The most popular viewing point at the Cliffs of Moher is just north of O'Brien's Tower where the cliffs peak to 214 metres. The cliffs then stretch for 8kms to the south and end at the Hags Head, which is 120 metres above the Atlantic. These world famous cliffs are made of shale and sandstone, which has built up over many millions of years. In fact if you were to get close enough to the base of the cliffs, you can see the...

Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia is a well-kept secret for an island rated the most beautiful off Continental North America by Travel and Leisure Magazine. But that's not all: besides the scenery, there is a unique form of Celtic music; people who are consistently hospitable; 3 distinct cultures and a timeless quality about Cape Breton itself. What makes Cape Breton so special? 1. The Scenery (rated the most beautiful Island off Continental North America) The scenery is so beautiful that Cape Breton is usually rated among the top ten Islands in the world. Last rating, Travel and Leisure rated it #4 in the world and #1 in beauty off continental North America. The Cabot Trail itself is rated the #1...

Some of us become parents with a long list of family Christmas traditions we want to pass along to our children. Others of us get to start pretty much from scratch as our families did not have many Christmas traditions. For most of us, we are somewhere in the middle. Starting Christmas traditions for your family can be a lot of fun. A tradition does not need to be elaborate, it can be something very simple that you all enjoy together. A good family Christmas tradition contains these three key elements: * It is fun or at least enjoyable for everyone. * It is something you can do each year with only minor variations. * It is something that helps you and your family to feel closer together. You can get...

Everyone wants to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day and it is celebrated all over the world, but there really is nowhere to match the excitement, colour and atmosphere than in Ireland! On this special day, young and old, don the green and head to the local St. Patrick's Day Parade. Parades take place in towns the length and breadth of the country, while some little villages have parades too! The main parades take place in the larger cities of Cork, Galway, Belfast, Limerick, Kilkenny and of course, the capital Dublin. Not only does Dublin boast one of the best St. Patrick's Day Parades in the world, it also hosts a fantastic week long St. Patrick's Festival. This year it will run from Friday 12th to...

This trip has to be at the top of your itinerary if you fly into Shannon International Airport, as this route is easily accessible from there. So, before you get your flight, hire a car, so that when you arrive at the airport you can beat the car hire queues and spend more time exploring the countryside! This driving route is roughly about 140km (if you end up in Ennis town); you can also have the option of continuing onto Galway or coming back to Limerick city. Once you collect your car at Shannon Airport, make for the N18 to Ennis, which is about 20km away. This is the main road to Galway city. If you're making your way from the east, north or southwest, follow directions for Ennis. Exit Ennis on...

It's really no wonder that Irish people love their pubs. They're a great meeting place to have a conversation with an old pal, chat over a coffee, enjoy some lunch with friends, watch a match on TV or just slowly sip a pint while reading the evening paper. At night, people come here to socialise and unwind with a few drinks and most pubs have live traditional Irish music so you can sit back and be entertained. Pubs in Ireland have a unique atmosphere and ambiance that cannot be found anywhere else. Your pub experience will be all the better if you mingle with the locals, who you'll find to be very friendly and sociable. Typical phrases that you might hear in an Irish pub include; "Slainte" which is...

The Aran Islands are a group of three islands situated in Galway Bay, just about 45km off the coast of County Galway in the west of Ireland. These islands are very special places as they have remained one of the last remaining parts of the country, which still bear a very strong sense of Irish culture and language. The islands are 'Gaeltachts' (Irish-speaking areas) and their location has helped them to preserve and protect these traditions against foreign influences on the mainland down through the years. The largest of the three island is Inish Mór which is just 12km by 3km in size and has a population of about 900 people. It is one of the most popular island destinations in Ireland. It's...

Dublin is the capital city of Ireland, located on the east coast of the country. The city is situated on the River Liffey which could be one of the main reasons why it was founded as a viking settlement. Dublin has been the capital since medieval times. Ireland has the fastest growing economy in Europe and this fact is reflected in the booming capital city. Dublin is very easily accessible by both air and sea. In recent years many more access routes have been added making Ireland even more accessible from Central Europe. Bus services from Dublin Airport, which is located on the outskirts of the city, run every few minutes or you can also take the Air Coach which is a little more expensive but a lot...

Our top "off the beaten track" destinations: · West Cork - Located in the southwest corner of Ireland, West Cork is home to some of Ireland's stunning scenery. Add to this beautiful seascapes and marvellous beaches with plenty of opportunities for relaxing, indulging in watersports, and enjoying the majestic sights and you'll easily see why it's such a popular holiday destination. The towns of Clonakilty and Kinsale are well worth exploring. Kinsale is often dubbed the "culinary capital of Ireland", with wonderful restaurants serving the best of locally sourced produce. You could take a trip to the Old Head at Kinsale and marvel at the awe inspiring coastal scenery, and also fit in a trip to...

If you go to Ireland make sure you try to set aside some time to spend in some traditional Irish pubs. While they are generally not considered the forefront of fine dining, there is no where else in the world where you find the kind of warmth that emulates from these locally owned and operated "public houses". Contrary to popular belief, there is plenty of good food to be found in pubs, if know where to look. Generally pubs with more lunch patrons that advertise their food specials outside are going to have fresher food, and a cleaner kitchen. In most pubs that serve food, you are sure to find traditional meals like fish and chips and boiled dinner. Don't be afraid to branch out though! Pubs can...

In a previous article, I listed numerous Irish customs that couples can incorporate into their wedding ceremony. In this followup article, I will describe other Irish customs for a wedding reception. Decorating the Path. In nineteenth century Ireland, it was common for people to decorate the way from the bride's home to the church on the day of her wedding. Floral garlands, evergreen boughs, lanterns, and torches were often used to lead the way to the church. In Irish Wedding Traditions, Shannon McMahon Lichte offers several suggestions on how this tradition can be adapted for more modern weddings, to help guests find their way to the church and from the church to the reception (42). You could...

Christmas In Killarney Festival The Christmas in Killarney Festival is one of the top Christmas festivals in the south west of Ireland. The pretty tourist town of Killarney in County Kerry is a popular destination all year round, but it really comes alive at Christmas! This festive season, visitors can look forward to a free Santa's Lodge, a children's parade, an ice skating rink, guided winter walks in the National Park, open air Christmas markets, top concerts in the INEC, a fashion show and lots more. Crag Caves Winter Wonderland in Castleisland If you're looking for a magical Christmas adventure with your little ones, then don't look any further than Crag Caves. The caves are located just...

Boston Irish pubs offer much more than just Guinness and other brews. These lively fixtures on the Boston bar and restaurant scene are where you'll also find delicious casual and affordable food including Irish favorites, some of the best live music in town, and in some cases, DJs and dancing as well. I'm going to tell you about 2 of the best - although if you visit Boston, you'll want to visit others as well. The Black Rose is located in Boston's downtown Financial District, just around the corner from historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the oldest part of the city. For more than 30 years, the Black Rose has been serving some of the best Irish pub food in the city, along with Boston favorites...

New Years Eve is one of the oldest and most celebrated holidays in the world. Make Belfast THE place to start 2009! There will be a number of events throughout the city. The biggest is likely to be an outdoor concert at Belfast City Hall. Last year's 'Rock around the Clock' concert included the following line up: Ocean Colour Scene, Tin Pot Operation, Foy Vance, Bap Kennedy and David Holmes. In previous years the line up was just as impressive with top bands like Belfast's very own Duke Special, The Thrills, Tony Christie and Beverly Knight to name a few. This year it's going to be bigger and better than ever. Please note details for the 2008 New Years Eve Celebration in Belfast will be announced...

There is a new style of dancing that is sweeping stages across the world, and that it is Irish Step Dancing. Many people did not even know what this kind of dancing was until Michael Flatley hit stages around the world with his show "Lord of the Dance" and "Riverdance" set out touring the world. Though each of these shows brings a contemporary feel to the tradition of Irish Step Dancing they are based in its technique and style. For those who do not know about Irish Step Dancing you may not realize what you are missing. This style of dancing is uniquely recognizable, and the music that accompanies it is contagiously fun. Part of what is so popular about this type of dancing is that it unlike...

The Crane Sea Road, Galway City It's a 2 level bar with the downstairs been frequented by the locals. The "craic" gets going upstairs from 9.30pm each evening and is very popular with visitors to Galway. These days' traditional Irish music sessions aren't the only music genre on offer - the Crane has broadened its horizons - roots, blues and the occasional singer/songwriter also add to the mix. Taafes 19 - 20 Shop Street, Galway This pub has definitely seen a bit of history in its time. Taafes has been running as a pub for the past 150 years, with the building itself notching approximately 400 years. Traditional music sessions are popular here starting at 5pm (from April to October) and at 9pm (for...

The tin whistle is a simple wind instrument with six holes and a mouthpiece. The working principle behind a tin whistle is similar to that of a flute except that you blow directly into one end, like a referee's whistle, and not from an angle, like a normal flute. The tin whistle is a popular instrument in traditional Irish music. The tin whistle is also known as the pennywhistle. It is commonly made of a molded plastic mouthpiece attached to a cylindrical brass tube with six holes set in it. Different sizes of tin whistles will play in different keys. The tin whistle is also normally diatonic although accidentals can be played by half-covering the holes. Mass produced tin whistles vary a lot...

I was recently listening to the soundtrack to River Dance. I find that the lack of lyrics in the music makes it useful to listen to while writing. I've listened to the music dozens of times, yet for some reason, I was struck by something new this time: namely, the prevalence and importance of the drums in the music. Perhaps I never picked up on it before because the sound of all those clogs creates an overwhelming impression of percussion. Yet if it weren't for the drums and their undeniable rhythm, none of those Irish dancers would be able to find the beat. So that made me wonder, exactly how much of a tradition do drums have in Ireland? When it comes to Irish drums, the bodhran pretty much has a...

The Priests, who have an album coming out on a major label, to which they were signed after submitting only one demo, have created something of a stir in the music world. They're featured on Internet video sharing sites where they receive impressively-positive feedback. For most musicians, this would be the time when becoming a rock-star was just around the next bend and when the beginning stages of that stardom itself-being recognized when out and about, perhaps feeling a bit more important or getting a bit richer-would be asserting themselves. All of these things, though they are the dreams of a great many, are not what motivate The Priests. The Priests have been singing together since college...

When we say that a flute is in the key of A we mean that its lowest note is the A above middle C on a piano. A vibrates at 440 Hz. A higher keyed flute will vibrate at a faster rate than A. A lower keyed flute will vibrate at a slower rate than A. The lower the key of an Indian flute the longer the barrel of the flute. An A has a barrel length of about twelve and a half inches. A flute in the key of E will have a barrel length of seventeen and a half inches. The barrel of the flute is the hollow chamber where sound vibrations are generated. Love flutes in the keys of A above middle C through E below middle C are often called mid range flutes. Lower keyed flutes are called bass flutes when they are...

Irish bars are ideal places to enjoy your favorite drinks, and laze away the hours with friends. Today, Irish bars have become one of the popular freak-out destinations among people of all age groups in America. Almost all cities in America have at least a few Irish bars. Most of the Irish bars are theme type bars, and come adjoined with hotels, restaurants, and inns. Among all the states in the USA, San Francisco holds the largest number of Irish bars. Little Shamrock, Shannon Arms, and Molly Malone's Irish Pub are some of the frequently visited bars in San Francisco. The Auld Dubliner, O'Brien's on Wilshire, Finn McCool's, Tom Bergin's, Patrick Molloy's, Sonny McLean's, McMurphy's Tavern, Irish...

Liverpool has a vibrant music scene. There are scores of places where you can check out anything from an orchestral performance to traditional folk music to a cutting edge rock band. One of the reasons Liverpool received the nod as the 2008 European Culture Capital was its wonderful collection of bustling concert halls, pubs and clubs offering live music. Let us look at three examples of what Liverpool music is all about. These three venues will give you a sense of the diversity in content and presentation supplied by the city's many smaller music venues. O'Neill's in Liverpool is a traditional pub with an Irish flair (as the name would suggest). They also keep their stage active seven days a week...

The Irish Tin Whistle is a deceptively simple instrument. The basics are very easy to pick up, thanks to the very straightforward fingering system and limited number of tone holes, and yet there are a number of more advanced techniques that really define the sound of the whistle in Celtic music. This article presents a brief overview of some of those techniques, then introduces a variation of one of them which produces its own unique sound for a whistler to add to his or her repertoire. Basic Irish Tin Whistle Ornamentation Two of the most basic ornaments -- or "accents" added to notes that are not meant to be notes themselves -- that Irish tin whistle players learn are cuts and taps. Both are...

Ed Miller is back with a new CD, and I have to say it is brilliant. Ed is my absolute favorite Scottish folk revivalist. He brings together traditional folk songs while keeping the fire burning for the contemporary Scottish songwriters from Andy M. Stewart to Adam McNaughtan. This is the fifth CD of Ed Miller's, but it does something extra special. Ed originally released two cassettes that are no longer available. So he has recorded many of those great songs from those early albums and added them to this CD. Not having those cassettes, I've had trouble figuring which ones were there. This CD has many gems. I'd say my biggest disappointment is that it's too short. It Only has fifteen songs and over...