Portland Ceili Society

PCS 31st Anniversary - 1st in a Series

2012-02-14T21:52:00.001-08:00

Marilyn, Emily, Fay and Peg

Episode One – The Tribe

“We were a tribe.” Marilyn stated matter-of-factly. “We did everything together.”

“Marilyn made it all happen.”Fay added “She has wonderful ideas.” “Follow through? Well.., she’s very good at getting other people to do things.”

I’m at Cassidy’s bar in Northwest Portland sitting across a table from Fay Malloy and Marilyn Zornado, two of the founding members of the Portland Ceili Society.

Over the course of several Irish coffees, and hours of wonderful stories two things have become apparent to me: 1) The friendship these two share is a beautiful thing – something Hollywood could easily turn into a “buddy flick,” and 2) the founders of the PCS had a deep love of Irish music and dance - and were in the right place at the right time – perhaps more accurately, their actions and passion helped create that right place. As a result, Portland had a unique opportunity to experience Irish music at levels that no other city (outside of Ireland) could match

Now that I think about, I guess there was a third theme that became obvious in our talk – the founders of PCS loved to party. “It was sex, drugs and Irish music.” Marilyn joked.

The “tribe” lived mostly in Northwest Portland in the mid to late 1970’s. “We were young. Rents there were cheap.” Fay said.

Initially though, the average age of an Irish dance enthusiast in Portland was not so young. Fay explained “At that time, Brother Eugene was teaching an Irish dance class at St. Rita’s Church on Prescott”

“To a group of Septuagenarians.”Marilyn frowned.

“Yeah, so Marilyn would keep these lists with her wherever she went and any time someone would show the slightest interest in Irish music or dance, she would take down their name and number.” Fay recalled. “She even placed ads in the paper looking for younger dancers! She would call you if you missed an event – ‘Where were you last night?’”

“Well, I wasn’t going to keep dancing with a bunch of octogenarians.” (Apparently Brother Eugene’s class was aging rapidly).

Next Installment: Picnics, Folk Life and Ballots at a Deadlocked “Convention”

Jack Kenny

The Portland Ceili Society, established in 1981, will be running a series of posts commemorating our 31st Anniversary (The Board wanted to commemorate our 30th Anniversary but I procrastinated).

Ceili Friday Feb. 17th

2012-02-14T09:48:00.001-08:00

Friday Feb. 17, 8pm-12am
PPAA, 618 SE Alder Street
Portland, OR

Music by:
Sean McComiskey
Bob Soper
Elizabeth Nicholson
Chaning Dodson

Plus guest performances by: SNNW staff www.seannos.org

About Sean:
Seán McComiskey, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, is the son of famed button accordionist Billy McComiskey. Having learned under the tutelage of his father, Seán’s personal musical style has afforded him many great accolades as a performer and teacher at some North America’s most prominent music festivals and concert halls. He currently performs with fiddler Cleek Schrey and sean-nós dancers Kieran Jordan and Shannon Dunne as The Kitchen Quartet.

SNNW & PCS Join this February!

2012-02-02T09:14:00.001-08:00

Portland Ceili Society and Sean-nos NorthWest join together for a weekend of Irish culture.

5^th Annual Sean-nós Northwest Festival February 17^th, 18^th and 19^th 2012

PPAA & Multnomah Village, Portland, OR

www.seannos.org

The 5th annual Sean-nós Northwest festival returns to Portland, Oregon for the third weekend of February 2012. SNNW aims to promote and educate the community at large on the sean-nós or “old-style” of interpretive percussive dance and unaccompanied song. These art forms, both emanating from the Irish Gaelic speaking adistricts of Ireland, are rather apart from the stage craft of the many ubiquitous Irish dance shows touring the globe today. You are invited to come and witness the remarriage of music, song and dance during this weekend-long celebration featuring workshops, performances, and sessions open to the public!

The festival opens Friday night with a dance at the PPAA, 618 SE Alder Street and continues Saturday and Sundazy with events held at the Multnomah Arts Center, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy and the Lucky Labrador Public House, 7675 SW Capitol Hwy. The festival will conclude with a concert on Sunday, 7pm at the Lucky Labrador.

The Friday night ceili is sponsored by the Portland Ceili Society. The band for then evening will be Sean McComiskey, Bob Soper, Elizabeth Nicholson and Chaning Dodson. Also joining them for performance will be all the SNNW festival artists. It's a ceili not to be missed.

Heading the weekend of festivities will be singer Micheál Ó Cuaig and dancer Ronan Regan, both natives of County Galway located in the culturally rich west of Ireland. Micheál, from Cill Chiaráin in Connemara, is a singer, poet and retired educator who currently organizes the annual Féile Joe Einniú—a festival celebrating the life of Joe Heaney, a highly respected sean-nós singer who spent a considerable amount of time in the Pacific Northwest before his death in 1984. Micheál has also served as Sean-Nós Singer in Residence at the Centre for Irish Studies at the National University of Ireland in Galway, where he helped promote the traditions of his upbringing. Ronan, from the thriving art center of Galway City, is a dancer, fiddler and educator who has toured extensively, promoting the tradition of sean-nós dancing throughout Europe and North America. He has also produced two instructional sean-nós dancing DVDs and in 2012 won the All-Ireland Sean-nós Dance competition at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann hosted in Co. Cavan.

Also headlining the festival will be Traolach Ó Riordáin and Seán McComiskey. Traolach, a native of County Cork in the south of Ireland, will be featured as this year’s premiere Irish language instructor. Holding a PhD in Irish Literature from the National University of Ireland, he has taught at the University of Notre Dame as well as the University of Montana where he helped establish a program of Irish Studies. He has lived in Missoula, Montana for over a decade now promoting the Irish language at the community and university level. Seán McComiskey, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, is the son of famed button accordionist Billy McComiskey. Having learned under the tutelage of his father, Seán’s personal musical style has afforded him many great accolades as a performer and teacher at some North America’s most prominent music festivals and concert halls. He currently performs with fiddler Cleek Schrey and sean-nós dancers Kieran Jordan and Shannon Dunne as The Kitchen Quartet.

Seán Williams, lecturer of Ethnomusicology and Irish Studies at the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington and Bob Burke, lecturer of Irish language at Marylhurst University in Portland, Oregon will be joined by a host of local professionals including sean-nós dancer and instructor Maldon Meehan, singer and recent president of the Portland Folk Music Society David Ingerson and public speaker Kimberly Goetz to round out the weekend festivities, which joyously celebrate the cultural richness of Ireland.

Press page with photos, videos and bios.

http://seannos.org/press.html

Dance Workshops with Patrick O'Dea

2012-02-01T15:20:00.000-08:00

Monday February 13, 2012

Irish Set Dancing Workshop, 7:00pm

Collins View Dance and Art School

318 SW Palatine Hill Rd, Portland, OR

Admission: cash only please $10 per person with pre-registration , $15 at door

(Student w/school ID: $5 per person with pre-registration or $10 day of event)

Contact: For additional info call: Betty Woerner (503) 244-1593 or Judy Russell (503) 452-7544

Shoes: Low heels with smooth/slick soles best, avoid gym/running shoes if possible

Irish Old-style Step Dance Workshop, 3:30pm

Stomptown Collective AudioCinema Building 226 SE Madison Street, Portland, OR

Admission: $15 general, $10 studio members

Contact: Maldon Meehan (503) 206-9311

Patrick O'Dea of Roscommon Ireland will be in Portland for one night only to teach Traditional Irish Set Dances and Old-style step dance. Set are lively Irish dances similar to square dances. Patrick has taught throughout Europe, Japan, Ireland, the US, and is a regular instructor at the Willie Clancy Summer Festival in Ireland. Beginners are encouraged to join the fun. No experience needed, all dancing taught and called. His vast experience and humorous personality will get your feet moving in the right direction. Patrick is highly regarded for his Munster style footwork & keeps the old set dancing traditions alive by generously passing steps on. Come learn a dance or two and have a lot of fun!

From Wikipedia:

"Stepdancing as a modern form is descended directly from old-style step dancing. There are several different forms of stepdancing in Ireland… but the style most familiar to the public at large is the Munster, or southern, form, which has been formalised by An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha—the Irish Dancing Commission. Irish step dancing is primarily done in competitions, public performances or other formal settings."

"Old-Style step dancing
Old-style step dancing is a tradition related to, yet distinct from, sean-nós dancing, though it is sometimes called "Munster-style sean-nós". Old-style step dancing evolved in the late 18th and early 19th century from the dancing of traveling Irish dance masters. The dance masters slowly formalised and transformed both solo and social dances. Modern masters of old-style step dancing style can trace the lineage of their steps directly back to 18th century dancers.

The Irish dance masters refined and codified indigenous Irish dance traditions. Rules emerged about proper upper body, arm, and foot placement. Also, dancers were instructed to dance a step twice—first with the right foot then with the left. Old-style step dancers dance with arms loosely (but not rigidly) at their sides. They dance in a limited space. There is an emphasis on making percussive sound with the toes. The Irish dance masters of this period also choreographed particular steps to particular tunes in traditional music creating the solo set dances such as the Blackbird, St. Patrick's Day, and the Job of Journey Work, which also persist in Modern Irish Step Dancing. In this context, "set dance" signifies a separate tradition from the social dance tradition also called set dance."

Mícheál Ó Domhnaill Documentary

2012-01-27T13:33:00.001-08:00

This Sunday January 29th the Alberta Street Public House is a showing of a video documentary of Micheal O Domhnailll. There will be two showings on at 4pm and 7pm.

Alberta Street Pubic House
1036 NE Alberta Street, Portland

About Micheal
http://www.michealodomhnaill.com/

Benefit Concert in support of Finn Mac Ginty

2012-01-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

Musician, actor and voice artist Finn Mac Ginty comes from Coole in county Westmeath. After moving from Japan, Finn and his wife, Tamara, lived in Seattle from the late 1980s until 2007, when he moved back to Ireland. While in the Northwest, he played with many local musicians, and in the bands The Suffering Gaels and Setanta.

On December 18th of last year, Finn suffered a fall at his new home in Cloughjordan, county Tipperary, resulting in a severe brain injury. After a couple of weeks at Beaumont hospital in Dublin, where he underwent surgeries and was treated for his injury, Finn is now being cared for at the hospital in Tullamore. He has not regained consciousness since the accident.

January 29, 2012 at 5:00 PM
The Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Avenue NW, Seattle, WA

Feb. 5, 2012 at 4pm
Alberta Street Public House, 1036 NE Alberta Street, Portland, OR

Please do come along and show your support. Suggested donation is $20.

January Ceili

2012-01-17T13:08:00.001-08:00

Event: The January Irish Ceili Dance

When: Friday January 20, 2012 Lessons at 8:00 PM, Dance at 9:00 PM

Location Name: PPAA
Address: 618 SE Alder Street

City and Zip Code: Portland OR 97214

Cost: $8 students/seniors, $10 general admission
Daytime Information: 503-701-3777
Nighttime Information: 503-701-3777

Event Description: Hanz Araki (Irish flute), and a troupe of great musicians will play for dancers and lovers of traditional Irish music. Join us for an evening of revelry. No partner or experience required. All dances are taught and called. Come at 8pm for the lesson, stay till midnight for the fun and frivolity.

The Portland Ceili Society is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization whose mission is to promote, preserve, educate and encourage the practice of traditional Irish dance, song and music in the Portland metropolitan area.

December Ceili

2011-12-04T10:48:00.001-08:00

When: Friday December 16, 2011 Lessons at 8:00 PM, Dance at 9:00 PM

Location Name: PPAA

Address: 618 SE Alder Street

City and Zip Code: Portland OR 97214

Cost: $8 students/seniors, $10 general admission

No Registration Required

Daytime Information: 503-701-3777

Nighttime Information: 503-701-3777

Event Description: Dave Cory will bring his banjo to play for dancers and lovers of traditional Irish music. Join us for an evening of Christmas revelry. No partner or experience required. Stay in shape this holiday season. All dances are taught and called. Come at 8pm for the lesson, stay till midnight for the fun and frivolity.

The Portland Ceili Society is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization whose mission is to promote, preserve, educate and encourage the practice of traditional Irish dance, song and music in the Portland metropolitan area.

November 18, 2011 Ceili

2011-11-02T11:15:00.001-07:00

This month's dance will be a food drive for the Oregon Food Bank. We are asking that each of you bring 3 cans of food to the ceili on November 18th. We hope to raise at lease 300 cans of food.

County Offaly native Felim Egan (button accordion), University of Limerick graduate Eric Killops (fiddle) and Portland’s own Teresa Baker (penny whistle and keyboard) play for dancers and lovers of traditional Irish music. Join us for an evening of revelry. No partner or experience required. Get in shape for the holidays. All dances are taught and called. Come at 8pm for the lesson, stay till midnight for the fun and frivolity.

Félim Egan was born in 1972 in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway and raised in Cloghan, Co. Offaly (west Offaly). His dad has a passion for music and encouraged him to play He began lessons at the age of four with his father and then with a local Offaly fiddler Dan Cleary. He comes from a family of 5 children all well accomplished musicians. In his youth he the drummer in the Clochan Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Ceili Band as well as competing in solo fleadh competitions on the Button accordion, Bodhrian and ceili drumming. In 1993 he moved to Portland, OR where he started doing his first gigs with Bob Soper and Aidan Brennan and playing at Mikey Beglan's East Avenue Tavern session.

Friday November 18, 2011 Lessons at 8:00 PM, Dance at 9:00 PM
PPAA, Address: 618 SE Alder Street, Portland OR 97214
$8 students/seniors, $10 general admission

67 Music to Features PCS

2011-10-20T08:52:00.001-07:00

From 67 Music's website

"Certainly the oldest in Oregon and quite possibly the largest Ceili Society on the west coast of the USA, the Portland Ceili Society has been around since 1982 and is about to begin their 30th Season this Fall! The PCS has held scores of dances, concerts and other events over the years and has hosted some of the most talented and prestigious musicians from both locally and abroad. Take a look as we profile this wonderful organization!

Consider joining the Portland Ceili Society- the PCS is always looking for new members and dancers! To quote PCS President Stevyn Travillian: “You’re guaranteed to have a good time!”
You need not be a member however, to attend a Ceili- simply attend any one of their Ceili’s held typically on the third Friday of each month, September through May."

John Campbell RIP

2011-10-20T08:49:00.001-07:00

We lost a great friend and dancer this last week. John you will be missed.

JOHN WILLIAM ANDY CAMPBELL, JR.
September 29, 1941 ~ October 11, 2011

John William Andy Campbell, Jr. of Vancouver, WA, passed away early Tues. morning due to complications of cancer. Family and friends have surrounded him since he fell ill and he is greatly missed. John was born in Jefferson City, MO in 1941 and soon after his birth his family relocated to Vancouver,
WA.

John was an avid folk dancer and was well known for his Northwest Irish, Scottish, Contra and Scandinavian dancing. He was a member of Norske Runddansere from the early 1980's and a charter member and later director of Nordlys Scandinavian dancers. He was also an active member of Sons of Norway Grieg lodge in Portland, OR. John promoted events for musicians and dancers and is perhaps most remembered for second Sunday Folk gatherings at his home on Officers Row in the 1980's. He also served as a member of the Vancouver City Council in the 1970's.

John also enjoyed playing croquet with his family at annual reunions and
cards when he was younger. He is survived by his sons, John Campbell III of Vancouver, WA and Eric
Andrew Campbell of Fallon, NV and their mother, Judy Campbell; his precious grandson, Jonah, who was the light of his life; and a sister, Valerie Orona of Nevada.

A graveside service will be held at Park Hill Cemetery in Vancouver, WA on
Mon., Oct. 17, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held on:
Tuesday November 8, 2011, 6pm
the Norse Hall, 111 NE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97232

October 21st Ceili Dance

2011-10-19T22:53:00.001-07:00

3rd Friday Irish Ceili Dance

Local Irish musicians play for dancers and lovers of traditional Irish music. Join us for the annual costume ceili. No partner or experience (or costume) required. All dances are taught and called. Come at 8pm for the lesson, stay till midnight for the fun and dance.

The Portland Ceili Society is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization whose mission is to promote, preserve, educate and encourage the practice of traditional Irish folk dances, songs and music in the Portland metropolitan area.

Lessons at 8:00 PM

Dance at 9:00 PM

PPAA

618 SE Alder Street

Portland OR 97214

$8 students/seniors, $10 general admission

503-701-3777

Elizabeth Nicholson & Stringed Migration to play 3rd Friday Ceili

2009-12-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

Irish Ceili Dance
PPAA, 618 SE Alder, Portland Oregon
Friday December 18, 2009, 8 PM lesson, 9 PM dance
Music by: Elizabeth Nicholson & Stringed Migration
$8 students/seniors, $10 general, members $2 off, $30 max for families
Sponsored by The Portland Ceili Society*

Anyone who follows the local Irish dance and music scene knows full well the incredible talents Elizabeth Nicholson & Stringed Migration bring to life. And if you are not familiar with these players then you owe it to yourself to find out.

Elizabeth Nicholson & Stringed Migration is a Portland, OR, based quartet that performs a lush synthesis of Celtic and international roots music with a twist of jazz. Comprised of four multi-instrumentalists whose individual careers have garnered regional, national and international recognition, the band is enjoying a rapidly growing reputation in the Northwest folk world.

Stringed Migration is: Elizabeth Nicholson on vocals, harps, and guitar; Eddie Parente on violin and viola; Bob Soper on bouzouki, fiddle, vocals and guitar; and Rob Barrick on double bass and Scottish smallpipes. Jim Chapman, a Stringed Migration alumni, still performs with the band on bouzouki from time to time.

The dances are taught and called, and no experience or partner is needed.

*Note that a Ceili is a traditional Irish social and dance party.

The Portland Ceili Society (PCS) is a 501C3 not for profit organization whose mission is to promote, preserve, educate and encourage the practice of traditional Irish folk dances, songs and music in the Portland metropolitan area. PCS has been hosting concerts, dances and events since 1982. Ceilis are typically held on the Third Friday of each month, September through May. For more information visit www.PortlandCeiliSociety.org or email PortlandCeiliSociety@yahoo.com.

Costume Ceili

2009-11-04T21:58:00.000-08:00

Irish Ceili Dance
PPAA, 618 SE Alder, Portland Oregon
Friday October 16, 2009, 8 PM lesson, 9 PM dance
Music by: Felim Egan & Friends
$8 students/seniors, $10 general, members $2 off, $30 max for families

Sponsored by The Portland Ceili Society*

The Portland Ceili Society is proud to present our second Ceili of the season featuring the best of traditional Irish music and dance. Come celebrate the change of seasons with easy to learn dances in a casual fun atmosphere.

Irish native Felim Egan, who is a button accordion virtuoso, drives the music. Felim is from a musical family whose members who are in Riverdance and Lord of the Dance.

And in the spirit of lengthening shadows, the accompanying musicians shall remain a mystery until revealed by the stomping of feet and roaring of the accordion.

You can also be somewhat of a mystery yourself by donning a costume. Optional of course.

The dances are taught and called, and no experience or partner is needed.

*Note that a Ceili is a traditional Irish social and dance party.

The Portland Ceili Society (PCS) is a 501C3 not for profit organization whose mission is to promote, preserve, educate and encourage the practice of traditional Irish folk dances, songs and music in the Portland metropolitan area. PCS has been hosting concerts, dances and events since 1982. Ceilis are typically held on the Third Friday of each month, September through May. For more information visit www.PortlandCeiliSociety.org or email PortlandCeiliSociety@yahoo.com.

Diango Amerson & Friends to Open 2009-10 Portland Ceili Season

2009-11-04T21:53:00.001-08:00

Irish traditional music trio Diango Amerson, Eliot Grasso & Dave Cory will be featured at the Third Friday Irish Ceili Dance on September 18 at the PPAA Building, 618 SE Alder Street, Portland.

The music of this exciting trio is played with great energy, vigor, and drive by three of Irish music's most creative exponents.
Django grew up literally across the street from the annual Festival of American Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend, Washington. There he got his first lessons at a young age from such Irish fiddle gurus as Liz Carroll, Dale Russ and Brendan Mulvihill. Django makes regular visits to Cork, Ireland having studied Irish music at University College Cork. Django also performs withThe Doon Ceili Band and with 5 Mile Chase nationally and in Ireland.

Inspiration to pipers and non-pipers alike, Eliot Grasso is a brilliant young musician and one of the finest uilleann pipers in the history of Irish music in America, He began playing Irish traditional music on the flute at age seven, tin whistle at age eight, and uilleann pipes at age eleven. Grasso has performed with the Chieftans; Celtic fiddle master Liz Carroll; and Cherish the Ladies, one of the most highly regarded Irish-American groups.

Bay area native Dave Cory’s banjo and guitar adds spice with a lively style that has made him a favorite in the Irish traditional music world. Cory honed his skills playing for several years in Boston and has played with notable artists including Providence, Niali and the Cillian Valelly, The Magic Square, and the Lissa Shneckenburger Band.

The dances are taught and called, and no experience or partner is needed.

The Portland Ceili Society (PCS) is a 501c3 not for profit organization whose mission is to promote, preserve, educate and encourage the practice of traditional Irish folk dances, songs and music in the Portland metropolitan area. PCS has been hosting concerts, dances and events since 1982. Ceilis are held on the Third Friday of each month, September through May. For more information visit www.PortlandCeiliSociety.org or email PortlandCeiliSociety@yahoo.com.

WHAT: Irish Ceili Dance
WHO: Django Amerson, Eliot Grasso & Dave Cory
WHERE: PPAA, 618 SE Alder, Portland Oregon
WHEN: Friday September 18, 2009, 8 PM lesson, 9 PM dance
COST: $8 students/seniors, $10 general, members $2 off, Families $30 Max

FÁNAÍ WANDERS INTO PORTLAND

2007-10-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

The Portland Céilí Society is proud to present the Third Friday Irish Céilí Dance on October 19 at the PPAA Building, 618 SE Alder Street, Portland. The October céilí has a long tradition of being the holloween costume céilí. This year is no acception, participants are encourage to come dresses in full costume to dance to the music of Irish band Fánaí.

"Fánaí (pronounced "Fawnee"), is Irish for "traveler" an appropriate name for this Irish traditional music trio made up of a Dubliner, a London Irish man and a Pennsylvanian. The group features the singing and playing of the three widely traveled musicians. John Walsh plays banjo and mandolin and sings. His journey has led from his home in Malahide, Co. Dublin to Palmer, Alaska. Jamie O'Brien (vocals, guitar) left England for Pennsylvania, by way of France and Germany. Button accordion and melodeon player Dan Possumato has spent most of his adult life traveling across the globe - from Pittsburgh and the Mid-Atlantic to Germany before settling in Eagle River, Alaska, 8 years ago.

Performing melodies which revolve around the driving sound of banjo, enriched with the fullness of accordion and accompanied by the inventive rhythm of guitar, the band has won the hearts of many wherever they've played. Fánaí creates a sound steeped in tradition while still appealing to modern listeners. Their repertoire features many lesser-heard tunes inherited by the players on their long musical journeys". - Fánaí website.

The Portland Céilí Society (PCS) is a not for profit organization whose mission is to promote, preserve, educate and encourage the practice of traditional Irish folk dances, songs, and music in the Portland metropolitan area. The Portland Céilí Society has been hosting concerts, dances and events since 1982. Céilís are held on the Third Friday of each month, September through May.

For more information:
Visit www.PortlandCeiliSociety.org
http://akirishtrad.net/Fanai.html

Irish Céilí Dance
PPAA, 618 SE Alder, Portland, Oregon
Friday October 19, 2007
8pm lesson, 9pm dance
Music by: Fánaí
$8 students/seniors, $10 general, members $2 off

IRISH PLAYING SHAKUHACHI MASTER TO FRONT SEPTEMBER CÉILÌ

2007-09-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

by Nancy Jarrell

Take the delicate branch of a sixth generation shakuhachi player, graft it onto some sturdy Irish roots, and sprinkle it with a bit of the Pogue Mahone. Then nurture it in the Emerald City, transplant it to Portland, and you might end up with Hanz Araki, who will be playing at the September 21st Third Friday Céilí of The Portland Céilí Society held at the PPAA Building, 618 SE Alder Street, Portland.

Winner of “Male Newcomer of the Year” in the 2005 Liveies—or Live Ireland Awards—which are presented to the best of the best in Irish traditional music, “He is from Seattle. We had never heard of him. Then, WHAM! His album, “Six of One 5 of the Other” hit our desk. Araki is a terrific flute player, and a truly terrific singer. It is very rare to find a talent this good on an instrument who also sings this well. . . This is a big time talent!” (Bill Margeson, www.liveIreland.com).

Like most of those who win newcomer awards, Araki has actually been honing his talent for years. With such a broad talent and credentials that include international tours with the likes of The Paperboys, The Bridies, and K.M.R.I.A (Portland’s Pogues Tribute Band), Araki has already been featured on several recordings and soundtracks. His infectious playing and charismatic presence make him a favorite among dancers.

But between the jigs and reels that are so popular at the céilí, you will be sure to have the chance to enjoy the soulful side of this performer, as you waltz to a truly breathtaking ballad or two.

The Portland Céilí Society (PCS) is a not for profit organization whose mission is to promote, preserve, educate and encourage the practice of traditional Irish folk dances, songs, and music in the Portland metropolitan area. The Portland Céilí Society has been hosting concerts, dances and events since 1982. Céilís are held on the Third Friday of each month, September through May.

For more information, visit
www.PortlandCeiliSociety.org or email PortlandCeiliSociety@yahoo.com

For more information on Hanz Araki, to listen to tracks or order music, go to http://www.myspace.com/hanzaraki

Irish Céilí Dance
PPAA, 618 SE Alder, Portland, Oregon
Friday September 21, 2007, 8pm lesson, 9pm dance
Music by: Hanz Araki
$8 students/seniors $10 general, members $2 off