Music for the London Olympics

The list of music for the opening ceremony for the London Olympics has been released. It is a list which misses an opportunity in front of an audience of about a billion.

This is the London Olympics, the UK is the host nation and the national team is team GB. The concept of England does not exist in the Olympics yet looking at the list of music there is not much more diversity in musical taste than you would find in a home counties pub juke box or the iPod of someone who didn't get out much.

The UK is home to 7 indigenous languages, (English, Scots, Welsh, Irish, Scots Gaelic, Cornish, British Sign Language) yet I can see only one of these represented in the list, to the complete exclusion of all the others.

The UK is also home to a wide variety of musical styles, and you might have thought even Mull of Kintyre or Amazing Grace on the Bagpipes would get a look in, something on the Northumbrian pipes or a brass band from England. It's mostly pop music from the last 50 years. So much for over a 1000 years of musical and linguistic diversity being showcased. I like pop music too, but not to the complete exclusion of everything else.

The torch did a really great job of including the whole UK, it's a pity the opening ceremony, seen by many more did not have such a wide cultural remit. The Cambridge folk festival does a better job of showcasing a wide variety of music from across the UK.

I expect though that the Irish won't be complaining. London does not speak for Ireland and hopefully soon after Yes Scotland, then Scotland won't have to complain either.

I leave you with this music from the Disney/Pixar film Brave. They sought fit to showcase Scottish music to an international audience. Somehow it's good enough to have music particular to Scotland in an international film but not in a London based Olympics. I was offered a job running the IT for the Olympics opening ceremony. It's too bad I got a better offer, perhaps I could have bent a few ears.

The music for the opening ceremony only serves to portray the UK as a narrow, mono-cultural land, something that of course isn't true at all, unless you favour the BNP view of the world.

Craig

Manran in top 40 bid for Gaelic with charity single

Forwarded from my friends at Fèisean nan Gàidheal:

Fèisean nan Gàidheal is supporting Mànran in their bid to get into the Singles Charts with their Gaelic Song, “Latha Math”.

Please pass this round your own contacts to see if we can help them get into the Top 40! They need to sell at least 7,500 downloads this week.



“Latha Math” costs just 79p and is downloadable from iTunes here http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/latha-math/id406278896

Further Information:

Scotland Shinty captain targets historic chart success.

The captain of the Scotland shinty squad has set his sights on leading a team of Scottish Gaelic musicians into next week’s UK top 40 for the first time in the 21st century.

Gary Innes, who led the Scotland team to victory in the last international match against Ireland at Croke Park in Dublin, wants to emulate the success of Capercaillie and Runrig who enjoyed chart hits with Gaelic songs in the 1990s.

Innes will swap his caman for an accordion as his band launch their debut single – “Latha Math” or “Good Day” - in Glasgow’s ABC club on the 16th January during the Celtic Connections festival. It will be released the following day.

“Latha Math”, written by singer Norrie MacIver, describes an idyllic and peaceful day in his native island of Lewis in the Western Isles. The six musicians came together in April 2010 to form Mànran, which means “man about town” or “sweet, tuneful and melodic”.

The other band members joke that both are fitting descriptions for shinty legend Innes, a fireman who is now playing music full-time alongside his sports career. In 2010 Innes scored in the last minute to clinch victory for Fort William in the final of shinty’s premier trophy, the Camanachd Cup, to pick up his fifth winners’ medal.

“Latha Math” has to achieve at least 7500 downloads in the seven days from the 17th of January to break into the Top 40. Innes admits it will be a challenge to convince that number of people to buy the single: “It is a big target but we are a strong team of musicians. We really need the public to get behind us and support Gaelic and traditional music.”

The Scotland forward, who featured on the cover of Runrig’s last album ‘Everything You See’, added that chart success would be important for the Gaelic language: “If Gaelic is to survive as a living language the kids have to think it is cool. A Top 40 hit alongside Rihanna, the Black Eyed Peas and Katy Perry can help achieve that.”

Mànran have already received the backing of Runrig, who regularly play to sell out crowds across Europe and are the only band to make it into the Top 20 with a Scottish Gaelic song. “An Ubhal as Àirde” – “The Highest Apple” - reached Number 18 in the charts in 1995.

Founder member of Runrig, Calum MacDonald, urged everyone who is interested in music, Gaelic and shinty to download the single next week: “Anyone who has an eye for goal like Gary Innes will have an eye for the charts. Runrig will be delighted if they make it a hat-trick of chart wins for Gaelic songs.”


Notes for Editors:

“Latha Math was released on Monday 17th January. It is available on iTunes, Amazon and other music sites and will be for download only.

For further details please contact:

Gary Innes
(m) 07748 706316
(e) info@garyinnes.com

Gaelic events in Edinburgh in October

Please prefix numbers with 0131 (+44131 from outside the UK)

Saturday 03.10.09 – 7.30pm Comunn Tir nam Beann Ceilidh, St. John’s Church Hall, Princes St. with Lothian Gaelic Choir & solo singers & instrumentalists. (Cont: 334 7005)

Sunday 04.10.09 – 12.30pm Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Rev Angus Smith. (Cont: 225 1900).

Monday 05.10.09 – 6.30pm Advanced Gaelic for Learners Telford College course, Boroughmuir High School. (Cont: 559 4428).

Tuesday 06.10.09 – 7.00pm Ulpan course (7pm-8.30pm) at Old Fire Station, East Norton Place. (Cont: ulpan@iletec.co.uk)

Tuesday 06.10.09 – 7.30pm Gaelic Conversation Circle – SNP Rooms, North St. Andrew St. with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Wednesday 07.10.09 – 6.45pm Edinburgh Place-names – origins & history, 4-wk Telford College course with Neil Macgregor. (Cont: 0131 559 4428)

Wednesday 07.10.09 – 7.15pm Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – SNP Rooms, 16 North St Andrew Street; an opportunity to learn Gaelic songs in a supportive and friendly environment; prior knowledge of Gaelic not essential as tuition is provided. (Cont. 669 6418 or see website)

Wednesday 07.10.09 – 7.15pm Ulpan course, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 228)

Thursday 08.10.09 – 7.15pm Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Thursday 08.10.09 – 7.15pm Ulpan course, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 228)

Friday 09.10.09 – 7.00pm Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Tollcross Community Centre. With Deirdre MacMahon.

Sunday 11.10.09 – 12.30pm Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Mr John A. MacMillan. (Cont: 225 1900).

Monday 12.10.09 – 6.30pm Advanced Gaelic for Learners Telford College course, Boroughmuir High School. (Cont: 559 4428).

Tuesday 13.10.09 – 7.00pm Ulpan course (7pm-8.30pm) at Old Fire Station, East Norton Place. (Cont: ulpan@iletec.co.uk)

Tuesday 13.10.09 – 7.30pm Gaelic Conversation Circle – SNP Rooms, North St. Andrew St. with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Wednesday 14.10.09 – 6.45pm Edinburgh Place-names – origins & history, 4-wk Telford College course with Neil Macgregor. (Cont: 0131 559 4428)

Wednesday 14.10.09 – 7.15pm Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – SNP Rooms, 16 North St Andrew Street; an opportunity to learn Gaelic songs in a supportive and friendly environment; prior knowledge of Gaelic not essential as tuition is provided. (Cont. 669 6418 or see website)

Wednesday 14.10.09 – 7.15pm Ulpan course, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 228)

Thursday 15.10.09 – 7.15pm Ulpan course, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 228)

Friday 16.10.09 – 7.00pm Ceilidh nan Amhrain Gàidhlig – Gaelic & Irish songs to learn, Tollcross Community Centre. With Deirdre MacMahon.

Sunday 18.10.09 – 12.30pm Weekly Gaelic service (Communion), Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Rev. Angus Smith (Cont: 225 1900).

Monday 19.10.09 – 6.30pm Advanced Gaelic for Learners Telford College course, Boroughmuir High School. (Cont: 559 4428).

Tuesday 20.10.09 – 1.00pm Gaelic Lunch Club, Mount Royal Hotel, Princes St. Guest speaker: Prof. Matthew Maciver. (Cont: 07906 318561).

Tuesday 20.10.09 – 7.00pm Ulpan course (7pm-8.30pm) at Old Fire Station, East Norton Place. (Cont: ulpan@iletec.co.uk)

Tuesday 20.10.09 – 7.30pm Gaelic Conversation Circle – SNP Rooms, North St. Andrew St. with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Wednesday 21.10.09 – 6.45pm Edinburgh Place-names – origins & history, 4-wk Telford College course with Neil Macgregor. (Cont: 0131 559 4428)

Wednesday 21.10.09 – 7.15pm Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – SNP Rooms, 16 North St Andrew Street; an opportunity to learn Gaelic songs in a supportive and friendly environment; prior knowledge of Gaelic not essential as tuition is provided. (Cont. 669 6418 or see website)

Thursday 22.10.09 – 7.15pm Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Saturday 24.10.09 – 7.30pm Edinburgh Argyll Association Ceilidh with the Greenock Waulking Group, Linda Campbell (accordion) & Mike Turpie (small pipes), St John’s Church Hall, Lothian Road. (Cont: 453 5766)

Sunday 25.10.09 – 12.30pm Weekly Gaelic service, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Rev. Murdo Macleod. (Cont: 225 1900).

Monday 26.10.09 – 6.30pm Advanced Gaelic for Learners Telford College course, Boroughmuir High School. (Cont: 559 4428).

Monday 26.10.09 – 7.30pm Annual Highland Lecture – “The Challenge of the Gaelic Language Act” given by Dr Wilson Macleod, University of Edinburgh, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Free admission. All welcome.

Tuesday 27.10.09 – 7.00pm Ulpan course (7pm-8.30pm) at Old Fire Station, East Norton Place. (Cont: ulpan@iletec.co.uk)

Tuesday 27.10.09 – 7.30pm Gaelic Conversation Circle – SNP Rooms, North St. Andrew St. with Calum Cameron. (Cont: 334 7005)

Wednesday 28.10.09 – 7.15pm Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – SNP Rooms, 16 North St Andrew Street; an opportunity to learn Gaelic songs in a supportive and friendly environment; prior knowledge of Gaelic not essential as tuition is provided. (Cont. 669 6418 or see website)

Wednesday 28.10.09 – 7.15pm Ulpan course, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 228)

Thursday 29.10.09 – 7.15pm Lothian Gaelic Choir weekly rehearsal – Tollcross Primary School, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 07906 318561)

Thursday 29.10.09 – 7.15pm Ulpan course, Tollcross Comm. Centre, Fountainbridge. (Cont: 0131 664 228)

Friday 30.10.09 – 7.30pm Saltire Society Edinburgh Branch Ceilidh – St George’s West Church, Shandwick Place. With Lothian Gaelic Choir, Spaegi (fiddlers) Calum Macleod (clarsach & voice), Amy Moar (piano & voice), Stenhouse Primary Choir. (Cont: 556 5900).

Gaelic events in London in October

Please see the attached PDF

London Gaelic what's on Guide - October 09

many thanks to Eoghann for putting together this excellent newsletter.

Jammin' at the voodoo

Just back from an outstanding blues gig in Edinburgh, free. Tonight included Sandy from the legendary Blues'n'trouble that I was asking about back in 1993 and who have toured and guested with the likes of BB King and Robert Cray. To give you an idea of the superb standard of tonight's gig, BB King called B'n'T the "best white blues band in the world", read their reviews on amazon.co.uk.


Unbelievable for a free gig with such talent that there was such a small audience. Those that could hear the gig from the street outside were surprised by the unexpected treat. Watch the facebook group or myspace for details of the next jam! Many thanks to Ash Gupta for the event and an excellent performance himself!


Craig

Folk music in London

Another long journey on the Internet comes to a conclusion - over 17 years ago I posted a note on the Internet (back then using a UUCP and Arpanet address in the pre-Internet days) about the English Folk Dance and Song Society at Cecil Sharp House in Camden, North London. I didn't go in those days as I was too busy with the choir I sang with in Covent Garden but last night had the chance to drop into Cecil Sharp House and a very worthwhile experience it was too - great music, atmosphere and singers and hopefully I'll be making a return trip soon - preferably long before another 17 years have passed!

Craig

Gaelic events in London

For more information, please contact eoghannp@hotmail.com

TACHARTASAN GÀIDHLIG AN LUNNAINN
ANNS NA SEACHDAINEAN A THA A’ TIGHINN
(29mh Samhain 2008 gu crìoch na bliadhna)

GAELIC EVENTS IN LONDON IN THE COMING WEEKS
(29th November 2008 until end of the year)

FÀILTE!

Uill, a-réir coltais, mar a’s duirche is a’s fhuaire a dh’fhàsas e, ’s ann a’s beothaile a dh’fhàsas e ... a thaobh saoghal nan Gàidheal an Lunnainn co-dhiùbh! Ged a tha e fliuch is fuar taobh a-muigh, tha mìos làn ghnìomhachasan romhainn eadar seo is àm na Nollaige (faicibh gu h-ìseal). Fileantach, neach-ionnsachaidh no ‘caraid do’n chànan’ – chan eil gu diofar: bithibh ’nur pàirt dheth – is mealaibh e!

Well, as it would seem, the colder and darker it gets, the livelier it gets ... at least as regards the Gaelic scene in London! Though it may be cold and wet outside, we have a month full of activities to look forward to between now and Christmas (see below). Native-speaker, learner or ‘friend of the language’ – it doesn’t matter: be part of it – and enjoy!

Tìoraidh an-dràsd’!

Beannachdan

Eòghann P.

PS/ Ma bhios sibh a’ cur air dòigh thachartasan a tha comh-cheangailte ri Gàidhlig no ris a’ chultur Ghàidhealach an Lunnainn no an Ceann Ear-dheas Shasainn ’san àm ri teachd, cuiribh fios chugam mu’n deidhinn! – If you are organising future events relating to Gaelic or to Highland culture in London or the South-East of England, let me know about them!

PPS/ ’S e Là Féill Anndra am-màireach! – St. Andrew’s Day tomorrow!

CÉILIDH-DANNSA FHÉILL ANNDRA – AN-NOCHD! Di-Sathairne, 29mh Samhain 2008, bho 7:30f Comunn na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean an Lunnainn (HISL), Taigh Cecil Sharpe, NW1 (Fon-talamh: Camden Town) Òrain Ghàidhlig bho Chaitlin Ghreumach (Eilean Sgitheanach), is ceòl bho Frank Reid is a chòmhlan-dannsa Albannach Inntreas: £20 / £15 (buill HISL is ‘lùghdachaidhean’) Làrach-lìn: http://www.hisl.org Post-d: info@hisl.org		ST. ANDREW’S DAY CÉILIDH-DANCE – TONIGHT! Saturday, 29th November 2008, from 7:30pm Highlands and Islands Society of London (HISL), Cecil Sharpe House, NW1 (Underground: Camden Town) Gaelic songs from Kathleen Graham (Isle of Skye), and music from Frank Reid and his Scottish dance band Admission: £20 / £15 (HISL members and ‘concessions’) Website: http://www.hisl.org E-mail: info@hisl.org
‘LÁ NA GAEILGE’ – AM-MÀIREACH! Di-Dòmhnaich, 30mh Samhain 2008, 12:00 meadhon-latha gu 5:00f Blasad ‘Gaeilge’ (no ‘Gaedhilge’ – ’s fheàrr leinn an seann litreachadh!) ann an Ionad Culturail nan Éireannach, oisinn Black’s Road is King Street, Hammersmith, W6 (Fon-talamh: Hammersmith). Le òraidich, bùithtean-obrach is filmichean ùra ann an Gàidhlig na h-Éireann. Còmhla ri Coláiste na nGael. Inntreas: £13 (no £40 air 4 tiocaidean), le biadh Làrach-lìn: http://www.irishculturalcentre.co.uk		‘LÁ NA GAEILGE’ – IRISH GAELIC DAY – TOMORROW! Sunday, 30th November 2008, 12:00 noon to 5:00pm A taster of ‘Gaeilge’ (or ‘Gaedhilge’ – we prefer the old spelling!) at the Irish Cultural Centre, corner of Black’s Road and King Street, Hammersmith, W6 (Underground: Hammersmith). With guest speakers, workshops and new films in Irish Gaelic. In association with Coláiste na nGael. Admission: £13 (or £40 for 4 tickets), with lunch Website: http://www.irishculturalcentre.co.uk
ATH-CHOISRIGEADH NA SEANN EAGLAISE GÀIDHEALAICH AN LUNNAINN Di-Dòmhnaich, 7mh Dùdlachd 2008 Seirbhis eadar-eaglaiseil an Gàidhlig is ’sa Bheurla, leis an Urr. Athair Calum MacGill-Fhaolain (Eirisgeigh) is Còisir Lunnainn. Eaglais Aonaichte Ath-Leasaichte, Tavistock Place (oisinn Regent Square), WC1 Greim-neòin bho 12:30f; seirbhis bho 2.00f Làrach-lìn: www.regentsquare.urc.org.uk		RE-DEDICATION OF THE FORMER GAELIC CHAPEL IN LONDON Sunday, 7th December 2008 Inter-denominational service in Gaelic and English with Rev. Father Calum MacLellan (Eriskay) and the London Gaelic Choir (Còisir Lunnainn). United Reformed Church, Tavistock Place (corner of Regent Square), WC1 Buffet lunch from 12:30pm; service from 2.00pm Làrach-lìn: www.regentsquare.urc.org.uk
CÉILIDH Di-Sathairne, 13mh Dùdlachd 2008, bho 7:30f Comunn Gàidhlig Lunnainn, talla Eaglais Cùirt a’ Chrùin, Covent Garden, WC2 (Fon-talamh: Covent Garden no Charing Cross) Òrain Ghàidhlig bho Linn Phipps (a bhuannaich ‘Aigeallan-Airgid’ nam Ban aig a’ Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail, 2008) Inntreas: £20 Làrach-lìn: www.comunnlunnainn.co.uk		CÉILIDH Saturday, 13th December 2008 from 7:30pm Gaelic Society of London, hall of Crown Court Church, Covent Garden, WC2 (Underground: Covent Garden or Charing Cross) Gaelic songs from Linn Phipps (winner of the Ladies’ ‘Silver Pendant’ at the Royal National Mòd, 2008) Admission: £20 Website: www.comunnlunnainn.co.uk
SEIRBHIS GHÀIDHLIG Di-Dòmhnaich, 14mh Dùdlachd 2008 aig 3:30f Seirbhis an Gàidhlig ann an Eaglais Cùirt a’ Chrùin, Covent Garden, WC2, leis an Urr. Murchadh MacLeòid (Eaglais Rathad Chrow, Glaschu) (Fon-talamh: Covent Garden no Charing Cross) Le srùbaig ann an talla na h-eaglaise an deaghaidh làimh (an t-srùbag a’s fheàrr a th’ann an Lunnainn!).		GAELIC SERVICE Sunday, 14th December 2008 at 3:30pm Service in Gaelic at Crown Court Church, Covent Garden, WC2, with Rev. Murdo MacLeod (Crow Road Church, Glasgow) (Underground: Covent Garden or Charing Cross) With a ‘stroupach’ (cup of tea) in the church hall afterwards (London’s best ‘stroupach’!).
Agus na ‘regulars’: na dìochuimhnichibh gu’m bi na tachartasan seo a’ ruith fad na bliadhna! And the ‘regulars’: don’t forget that these events run throughout the year!
CÒISIR LUNNAINN A’ chòisir Ghàidhlig an Lunnainn; coinneamh gach Di-Màirt ann an talla Eaglais Cùirt a’ Chrùin, Covent Garden, WC2 aig 7.00f (Fon-talamh: Covent Garden no Charing Cross) Coinneamh dheireannach na bliadhna: Di-Màirt, 16mh Dùdlachd 2008 (CBC) Làrach-lìn: www.coisirlunnainn.org.uk Post-d: coisirlunnainn@fmail.co.uk		CÒISIR LUNNAINN The Gaelic choir in London; meets every Tuesday in the hall of Crown Court Church, Covent Garden, WC2 at 7.00pm (Underground: Covent Garden or Charing Cross) Last meeting of the year: Tuesday, 16th December 2008 (AGM) Website: www.coisirlunnainn.org.uk E-mail: coisirlunnainn@fmail.co.uk
CLASAICHEAN GÀIDHLIG Anns a’ CityLit, Sràid Keeley, Lunnainn WC2 (Fon-talamh: Holborn) Ìre 1: gach Di-Ciadaoin aig 6.00f Ìre 2: gach Di-Ciadaoin aig 7:30f Làrach-lìn: www.citylit.ac.uk		GAELIC CLASSES In the CityLit, Keeley Street, London WC2 (Underground: Holborn) Level 1: every Wednesday at 6:00pm Level 2: every Wednesday at 7:30pm Website: www.citylit.ac.uk

The Genevieve Arnold Quintet - Jazz in London

Had the pleasure of seeing the Genevieve Arnold Quintet perform at the blag club in Notting Hill recently. Great gig and well worth looking out for in terms of future appearances.

Craig