Thursday, November 25, 2010

Irish Accordion Master Heads to Moscow

"Ireland may be on its knees economically but remains firmly on its feet in cultural terms. A sea of Irish music and dance is sweeping the world, and one of the tidal waves in this Irish cultural storm will break land in Moscow this weekend with the arrival of musical legend Breanndan Begley and his sons.

A virtuoso Irish button-accordion player as well as singer and step dancer from a family with siblings of no less talent, he’s a superstar in the traditional music world of his native land.

On his first visit since the Soviet 1980s, he’s in for a shock at the transformation — not in terms of the obvious, but more the extraordinary Irish music and dance scene in Moscow. Scores of Russian musicians have embraced the music of the other extremity of Europe. Thousands have learned to dance in various Irish forms through a host of schools across the capital and in other Russian cities, too."

Friday, November 5, 2010

Accordion and Fiddle Club attract capacity audience - Community - Arbroath Herald

"ARBROATH Accordion and Fiddle Club’s October meeting, at Arbroath Artisan Golf Club, drew a full house.

Club chairman Tony Simpson said: “Our guest band was the Garioch Blend, who were well received at the club on a previous occasion. I thank all the members and guests of Arbroath Accordion and Fiddle Club for their continuing support and giving the Garioch Blend another fine Arbroath welcome.

“At the club meetings we try to put on as varied a programme as possible, and include contributions from local and not so local musicians. The last meeting was no exception, with the evening being rounded off with a fine stramash, which had many players up on the stage for a final tune.”

Tony concluded: “Our next meeting will be held on Sunday (November 7), when the guests will be the Tom Orr Trio."