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Our regular features: Maurice Fitzpatrick's View from Ireland and John McNally's Commentary Guest Columnist: Troy Korjuslommi on TARIFF LOGIC
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Dear Friendsand Readers,
Spring is in full sw ing and so are all t he great Celt ic Event s t hat bring out t he best in all of us! This w eekend w e have t he Scot t ish Fest USA at t he fabulous venue, t he Orange Count y Fairgrounds and Event s Cent er in Cost a Mesa. Just a couple m iles from our equally fabulous long t im e advert iser and support er, The Harp Inn! So in t he spirit of plugging bot h our Seasonal and Every issue for 30 plus years advert isers; by all m eans drop by bot h t he Scot t ish Fair and THE HARP INN w hen you are in Cost a Mesa on Mem orial Day Weekend! You w ill cert ainly not be disappoint ed!
On to the the other news:
As m ent ioned above in t his issue, w e focus on t he Scot t ish Fest USA! How ever, on page 8, t here is a feat ure on anot her one of our w onderful advert isers and friends, w ell w ort h our at t ent ion!
O'Brien's Irish Pub and Willy O'Sullivan are celebrat ion t heir 31st . Anniversary!
The Scot t ishFest USA have an am azing w ebsit e, so your best bet is t o go t here for a det ailed overlook of all t he enduring ent ert ainm ent , event s, m assed bagpipes, Scot t ish t hem ed at hlet ics and various dancers t hat are scheduled And of course, Sheep Dogs!! A crow d pleaser of t he first order!
We have several ot her t opics t hat are quit e t im ely and w ell w ort h exploring as w ell Irish Unit y, com ing t o t he forefront as t he Irish as w ell as m any ot her Europeans are shift ing t heir out look t ow ard unchecked and relent less illegal im m igrat ion
KNEECAP is back in t he new s for t heir support of Palest ine over Israel An unfolding st ory
Finally, an essay on Belt aine, (Irish for Spring one of t he ancient Quart erly Seasons in Ireland) w hich w e generat ed in part using our Chat GP Pro plat form
Our regular feat ures and expanding West Coast Celt ic and Irish Calendar links and list ings as w ell
Enjoy! Please, support our w ork by subscribing!
has been postponed till our June issue.
You might have noticed that our Calendar is growing! Submissions for Calendar, Celtic Camera and Travel Featuresare wanted: Send ideasand Story Submissions with jpegsand captionsto:
Scot t ish Fest Set For OCFairgrounds & Event s Cent er Over Memorial Day Weekend. May 24 & 25
Get ready for one of the absolute best Celtic Eventsof the year! The annual Scottish Extravaganza will soon be here.
Once again, the Irish Arts& Entertainment will be part of the Irish Contingent. Asalways, the organizersremind us that one of the very best elementsof Scottish Fest: "Thereisnoneedtobe Scottishtojointheexcitement! ScottishFest is theperfect way tocelebrate, explore, andmake lastingmemories!"
Thisis a Family Friendly event, held at a World Class venue that i easy to get around There is leanty of convenient parking and the location is an easy drive from anyplace in SoCal Visit the website dor a comprehensive tour of everything that is in storefor you, your family and friends, Also, ticketsare a great entertainment value. Discountsonline are available now on the website at: www.scottishfest.com
Entertainment Confirmedasof April 15th:
Scottish Fest USA offersa wide variety of entertainment that embodies Scottish and Celtic culture, as well as some American elements Confirmed acts for the 2025 event include World-classCeltic music with a variety of bands and performers Bandswill include folk, rock, bluegrass, All with a Celtic twist. You can expect fiddles, pipes, and harps. Confirmed acts include Craic in the Stone and Wicked Tinkers.
Highland Dancing Competitions:
Witness the skill and tradition of Highland dancing, including reels, flings, jigs, and sword dances
Scottish Fest Headliners Include the
W icked Tinkers and Craic in the Stone
Craic in t he St one m em bers are: Mat t Brislaw n, Janelle Vione, Chris Caput o, Jay Rofsky, Scot t Well & Bill St rongin
Wicked Tinkers are: Aaron Shaw , great Highland bagpipes, The Reverend Dr Tiki King, Big Drum , rhyt hm pole, Ukulele, and CJHenderson, didgeridoo, Bronze Age Irish Horn, bodhran
SCOTTISH FEST USA BANDS!
Celtish & Their Presence in the Traditional Celtic Music Scene
The band Celtish emergesfrom the vibrant and diverse music landscape of Southern California, with a noted presence in both LosAngeles or Orange Counties. Their musical focuslieswithin the rich traditionsof Irish and Scottish folk music, a genre that has found a dedicated following throughout SoCal! Shared enthusiasm serves as the driving force behind their commitment to performing and sharing thiscultural music form
The current lineup of Celtish comprises three members, each contributing specific instrumental skillsand vocal talents Dan Thomasplaysguitar and penny whistle, and also providesvocals. Kelly Lauer isskilled in the "Irish" ukulele and Bodhrain, in addition to lending her voice to the ensemble LesEisel completesthe trio with his expertise on the guitar, mandolin, and penny whistle, while also contributing vocals Thiscombination of instruments, featuring traditional soundsalongside the more contemporary ukulele and mandolin, hints at the potential for a distinctive sonic blend that characterizestheir self-described "unique celtic sound/flair/musical signature"
Furthermore, the fact that all three membersare vocalists suggests the possibility of intricate vocal harmonies, a common and cherished element within folk and traditional music.
Celtish characterizestheir musical style as that of a traditional Celtic pub band, yet one that incorporates occasional musical twists, a nuance reflected in the "ish" of their name Thisdescription suggests that while their foundation liesin the established forms of Irish and Scottish traditional music, they are also open to incorporating their own creative interpretationsand perhaps even venturing into non-traditional musical territories.The term "Celtic pub
band" typically evokesimagesof lively, engaging performances, often in social settings, where the music encouragesinteraction and a sense of community This alignswith their stated primary goal of entertaining their audiences and fostering participation The deliberate inclusion of "musical twist" in their self-description indicates a willingnessto explore beyond strict adherence to tradition, potentially setting them apart within the Celtic music scene
Enjoy, amazing deliveriesof some of the finest Trad Music including "The Scottish Soldier," "Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore," and "Fieldsof Athenry". These titles are recognized within the canon of Irish and Scottish folk music, confirming the band's commitment to the genre Celtish hasperformed at a variety of events, including benefits, fundraisers, festivals, concerts, private gatherings, and in more informal settings such as breweries
This diverse range of performance venuesillustrates their adaptability and potential appeal to a broad spectrum of audiences within the local music scene
Dan Thomas Guitar, penny whistle, vocals
Kelly Lauer ?Irish?ukulele, Bodhrain, vocals
Les Eisel Guitar, mandolin, penny whistle, vocals
Sweetwater Creek
Band Members: Dan Elliott:Fiddle, Irish bouzouki, mandolin, recorders. Susan Lachner:Fiddle, mandolin, guitar, accordion and Kevin Cox:Guitar, banjo, vocals.
PLAYINGBOTH DAYS! This Orange County bluegrass/Celtic/folk trio, isgaining in populrity and will be a very welcome addition to the Highlnd Gamesand Celtic Music festival.
PIPES & DRUMS
As good as it get s
There is a lot of m agic in t he old barbaric m usic!
The pipe band consistsof four separate instruments The pipes, the bassdrum, the snare drum and the tenor drum The pipes provide the melody and harmoniesof the music, while the bassdrum providesthe beat, and the snare drums provide the dynamicsto the music. The tenorsadd not only musical quality to the drum scoresbut the tenor drummers also add a visual aspect by flourishing with the mallets. ?
SOLOS
As the word "Solo" indicates, a piper will play by himself in front of one piping judge, and a drummer will play with 1-2 pipersin front of one drumming judge The judge will listen for tone, musicality and mistakes When tenor drummers compete solo, they will play with 1-2 pipers and a snare drummer and will be judged on how their music fits both the pipe and snare scores in termsof musicality aswell asthe artistic flourishment www.scottishfest.con
25 Years!
Scottish Highland Games Highlights
Experience the Thrill of Scottish Heavy Athletics in Sunny Costa Mesa
Imagine a weekend filled with the stirring soundsof bagpipes, the vibrant colorsof tartan, and the awe-inspiring display of strength asathletescompete in traditional Scottish Heavy Athletics
Thisexciting cultural event takes place annually in Costa Mesa, during the Memorial Day weekend, offering a unique opportunity to witnessa piece of Scotland right here in Southern California!
The Scottish Fest USA, isa grand celebration that bringstogether Scottish, Celtic, and American traditions, making it a diverse and engaging experience for all who attend Among the many attractions, the Scottish Heavy Athletics stand out as a breathtaking display of human power and time-honored customs The annual Scottish Fest isheld at the Orange County Fair & Event Center in freeway close Orange County ThisWorld Famous location
providesample space for the various activitiesand competitionsthat take place.
Confirmed and awaiting athletes to sign up, GO TO: www scottishfest com/entry-forms
The Caber Toss
The FarmersWalk
Throwing the Weight
Putting the Stone
The Sheaf Toss
The Hammer Throw
NEW, thisyear!!
The Dinnie StonesCompetition Origination isfrom a pair of large, granite boulders located in Potarch, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, historically known for their use in a famous strongman challenge These stones, one weighing 144 47kg (318 5lbs) and the other 188 02kg (414 5lbs), are renowned for the incredible strength required to lift and carry them The stones that will be in use at Costa Mesa roughly weigh 560 pounds
which they have to walk for distance, which is a huge feet of strength. The woman?s stones are roughly around 320 pounds.
www thedinniestones com
O'Brien'sIrish Pub & Restaurant: Over Three Decadesof Irish Heart in Santa Monica
For 31 years, the doorsof O'Brien'sIrish Pub and Restaurant in Santa Monica have swung open every day welcoming a diverse tapestry of patronsinto its warm embrace. More than just a place to grab a pint, O'Brien'shasbecome a cherished institution, a cornerstone of the local community and all of LA's westside where storiesare shared, friendshipsare forged, and the spirit of Ireland thrives.
Step inside, and you're immediately enveloped in an atmosphere that feels both familiar and festive, a
comforting blend of dark wood, lively conversation, and the clinking of glasses
At the heart of this enduring establishment is Willy O'Sullivan, the man whose vision and dedication have shaped O'Brien'sinto the beloved landmark it is today Willy O'Sullivan, the driving force behind O'Brien's, hailsfrom Cork City, Ireland. Hisjourney to Santa Monica began in 1987, a move spurred by a lack of opportunitiesin hishomeland. Like many Irish immigrants, he found a welcoming atmosphere in the coastal city, which already housed a significant Irish ex-pat community. Before realizing his dream of owning his own pub, O'Sullivan gained valuable experience working in other Irish establishmentsin the area, including the Irish Rover in Santa Monica and Molly Malone'son Fairfax in LA Willy's dream of owning hisown pub came to pass a few yearslater
O'Brien's Anniversary t his w eek!! May 22nd. m
Willy O'Sullivan, a native of Cork City, Ireland, opened O'Brien's on May 22nd, 1994. The now World famous pub quickly became a favorite gathering spot for the large Irish expatriate community in Santa Monica at the time. Willy himself could often be found working behind the bar. While the local Irish population has shifted over the years, O'Brien'shas successfully adapted to appeal to a broader local clientele while retaining its authentic Irish pub atmosphere.
Film Location:
O'Brien'swasfeatured in the1996 romantic comedy "The Truth About Cats & Dogs"starring Uma Thurman and Janeane Garofalo. The actual name and location of the pub were used in the film
TRIVIA NIGHTS!!
O'Brien'sisiswell known for itstrivia nights, held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday eveningsat 8 PM
Cash prizes, and there'sno entry fee. The Wednesday night trivia is particularly noteworthy, having been featured in the Wall Street Journal, NPR, and LosAngeles Magazine It haseven been dubbed "LA's hardest trivia" by the LATimes Adding to the allure, their Wednesday trivia night often attractsformer contestantsfrom the game show Jeopardy!, suggesting a very high level of competition.
Another outstanding part of O'Brien's Irish Pub is the food It isway above average and the fish and chipsare superb; also the price range isquite good
Today, sportsare a big attraction and the pub ishome to several national teams fans Not by accident, as the pub isa fantastic spot to watch sporting events, with numerousTVsand affiliationswith fan clubslike the LA Red Army (Manchester United) and New York Giantsfans. O'Brien'shas become "the SportsPub with the Irish Heart"!
Drop by soon, you will be welcomed and treated well.
More informtion at: www.obriensla.com
arks 31 years!
Pub Ow ner WILLY O'SULLIVAN celebrat es 31 years at O'Brien's
Kneecap ? When Music Speaks Truth to Power
By JohnMcNally
The Irish rap trio Kneecap has never been subtle. Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJPróvaí didn? t form their group in Belfast to entertain the comfortable? they came to confront. To provoke. To resist. And now, as accusations swirl and venuesshut their doors, it?s worth asking: are we witnessing a legitimate concern, or a chilling attempt to silence political speech?
Since their 2018 breakout with ?C.E.A.R.T.A.?(Irish for "rights"), Kneecap hasbeen rooted in Irish Republicanism and anti-colonial critique. Their lyrics blend Irish and English with scathing wit and a punk sensibility that skewersBritish rule, state violence, and global imperialism. Their most recent album, FineArt, released in 2024, has only strengthened their reputation asone of the most politically charged acts in Europe But now, they face the kind of backlash that makes headlines
A firestorm of controversy haserupted around anti-Israeli statementsmade from the stage at their April 11th concert at Coachella Jewish advocacy groups and public figuressuch asSharon Osbourne have called for their U S visasto be revoked Scotland Yard hasbegun investigating historical Kneecap concert footage showing the groups solidarity for Hamasand Hezbollah Conservative politiciansin Britain are calling for prosecution Some venuesin Germany and the UK have canceled shows
Kneecap hascategorically denied supporting any terrorist organizations, stating clearly: ?We do not, and have never,
supported Hamasor Hezbollah ? The group saystheir critiquesare aimed at the Israeli government and its military policies? not at Jewish people or Judaism itself Yet in today?sclimate, that distinction isoften lost Dissent istoo easily recast asextremism
Meanwhile, more than 40 artistshave signed a public letter to defend artistic freedom of expression as Kneecaps fanbase isgrowing Their music isclimbing the charts Many see this campaign against them not asa matter of public safety, but a calculated attempt to stifle anti-colonial and pro-Palestinian voicesin the arts
Let?sbe honest: Kneecap iscontroversial Their language is raw Their imagery isoften confrontational But since when hasprotest art ever been polite?From The Clash to Public Enemy, from Sinead O'Connor to Stormzy, the greatest artistshave alwaysheld uncomfortable truths to the microphone
In a world of rising authoritarianism, militarism, and censorship, should the greater threat really be three Irish rapperscalling out genocide and injustice?Or isthe true danger our silence about atrocitiescommitted in our name?
The choice isn? t whether we agree with everything Kneecap says. The choice iswhether we believe artists should be allowed to speak at all. In that regard, we?d do well to listen? before the mic istaken away for good.
Our frequent Cont ribut ing Writ er is Insight ful and w ell t raveled. He is also an Irish Com m unit y act ivist and organizer.
Rot: An Imperial History of the Irish Famine by
PadraicX. Scanlan
Review by Jim McDonough
There are surprisingly few books written about the Great Irish Famine. AnGorta Mor of the 1840's THEGREAT HUNGER in Irish In recent years, there hasbeen a shift in this lack of study Oddsare that future historianswill study why Ireland and the world choose to ignore the truth about and beyond the potato blight that triggered the epic wave of immigration and starvation for millionsof mostly Catholic Irish. The reality is that the horrific history wasnot studied much for at least 100 yearsand that most of the information
Excellent Reviews
Rot: An Imperial History of the Irish Famine by Padraic X. Scanlan wasreleased in March of thisyear and immediately was well received in both academic and pubic spaces. The book hasalso received overwhelmingly positive reviews from a wide range of reputable publications, praising itsinsightful analysis of the British Empire'srole in the Irish Famine.
A lot of the attention initially wasbecause Scanlan is a well-established historian and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, with a strong background in British imperial and labor history. He is also a Research Associate at the Centre for History and Economicsat the University of Cambridge and Harvard University But that is only part of the story, for a history book, it is selling well. Scanlan isa good writer
You can find the book on Amazon, also at Walmart, & chains such asBarnes & Noble There are copies on sale at BooksA Million near my home so it should be easy to find
written about it was inaccurate I am not certain about the lack of deep concern for this monumental event in the history of Ireland and the many other nationswho took in the displaced millionsbut my gut feeling wasalwaysalong the linesof, "history iswritten by the victors".
Bottom line; Scanlan's opusis better and different in many ways First off, the Canadian writer isa scholar, a University professor and the author of two other highly acclaimed history books so he has a great track record asan historian We highly recomment this work Available in all formats, www.amazon.com/Rot-Imperial-History-Irish-Famine
From t he
review by Diane Hernandez on Goodreads
"Rot discusses the physical and political reasonsfor the Irish potato famine of the 1840sand 50s. What caused so many to have to choose between emigration and starvation?Where were the rich British landlordswhen their workers were starving?However, it shinesa harsh light on our current American system of worrying more about profits than people too. After all, the oligarchs? playbook hasn? t really changed in 200 years."
TheView fromIreland
The Politicsof Deportation
By MauriceFitzpatrick
A searing song, ?Europa? , by German rock band Die Toten Hosen, evokes the fate of thousandsof people from African countrieswho depart for Europe on boats or even dinghies ?Europa?capturesthe twin risks involved: that the boats capsize, and the passengersdrown; that patrol boatshead them off before they reach the Spanish, Greek or Italian coasts and, as the song goes, ?um sie in unserem Auftrag zu deportieren/ deport them on our behalf
People lucky enough to be European Union citizens enjoy incomparably greater protection from deportation. Yet that may now be changing, and two Irish citizens are at the centre of a potentially landmark case that will determine whether realpolitik trumps law on the matter of deportation. The two, residents in Berlin, are Bert Murray and Shane O?Brien. They have been issued with deportation ordersalong with two others(a Pole and an American) Initially, they were told to leave the country by Berlin?sstate migration authority before April 21 st or face deportation Their crime?Protesting about Germany?ssupport for Gaza They dug in, engaged a lawyer and now their case hasbeen adjourned European Union ctizenshave the right to live and work where they choose in the European Union It ishighly unusual for a member state to suspend those rights, something that normally arises only after a grave crime is committed and a person posesa reasonable concern for public safety Yet we do not live normal times Since the invasion of Gaza in 2023, rigid control over protests about the war crimesperpetrated there have been ruthlessly shut down by the German government Academic and public media discourse hasbeen similarly censored.
Germany isfar from the only European country to implement excessive (and often illegal) measureson dissent and on those who protest Israel?sinvasion and shelling of Gaza Still, it isthe most extreme example in Europe of a nation so instinctively pro-Israeli as to preclude public acknowledgement of the horrors in the Gaza strip. Ireland, in polar contrast, isprobably the European country where such protest against Israel ismost freely expressed So, Irish citizenswho protest against the unspeakable violence visited upon the Palestinianscan find Germany to be culpably ignorant on the matter ? or worse
Are there groundsfor Germany to exercise absolute caution and restraint regarding any matter related to Israeli security?There surely are, and yet that letstoo many people, both in contemporary Germany and in Germany?simmediate post-WWII dispensation, off the hook
In a recent essay by Joe Cleary in The Dublin Review of Books, ?The Nightmare of Gaza? , Cleary lambasted the stance of Germany on Gaza He argued that German ?willingness to have the Palestinianscontinue to atone forever it seems for Germany?sorchestration of the Holocaust showsthat the
real lesson they have learned from history ishow to substitute one weak and politically compromised population for another on the altar of their national interest and putative good conscience? That putative good conscience did not prevent Germany from selling hundredsof millionsof eurosworth of weaponsto Israel since itsinvasion of Gaza began, giving rise to a case against Germany in the United Nationson the charge of breaching the UN genocide convention.
In the cross-hairsof these geopolitical controversiesare the two young Irish citizens in Berlin. The excuses provided for their deportation are unfounded chargesof their being part of a front for Hamasin Germany and of their being anti-semitic. It saysa lot about the German authorities?faith in these chargesthat they are not even being tried in court So, if the legal basisfor these deportationsisso feeble, what isthe source of this nonsense?Mainstream German political partieshave since October 7th , 2023, allowed themselvesto espouse increasingly authoritarian measures at the expense of the much-respected Grundgesetz (Basic Law), a foundation stone of the new Germany after WWII, resulting in the politicisation of human rights
The Irish Times hasseen correspondence showing that an official at Berlin?sstate migration authority questioned the validity of the deportationswith the Ministry for the Interior, citing insufficient evidence that the people involved were a public danger The official at the Ministry for the Interior wasall ears, replying: ?It isunusual to contradict a supervisory directive from the management in this way. I consider the email a remonstration, which I nevertheless reject?
German officialsand politicianswould do their country a service to deeply consider the way in which authority is being exercised in the name of democracy and public safety. And then drop the shameful charges against the targets of these politically motivated deportations and offer an official apology. In the absence of any prospect of that happening, Bert Murray and Shane O?Brien have recourse to appealing thisin a European court Even if the first litigation of this case occursin a German court, thisis? legally, morally and politically ? fundamentally a European issue. To quote once more from Joe Cleary?sessay: ?the disposition of most of the leading EU states during the recent annihilation of Gaza has severely tarnished that image?[of the EU asdemocratic and progressive] The case of Murray and O?Brien hasthe potential to be not a threat to German democracy but for a step back towards it.
Our regular cont ribut or, Maurice Fit zpat rick is an Irish w rit er and film m aker w ho w as educat ed at Trinit y College Dublin Fit zpat rick aut hored t he book, John Hume in America: From Derry to DC and w rot e, direct ed, and produced t he docum ent ary film , John Hume in America.
CLICK for INFO
Nashville, Cincinnat i, & Chicago t o host
?Irish Unit y People?s Assem blies: Diaspora?
The ?Irish Unit y People's Assem bly: Diaspora? is on t he m ove and com ing t o you!
Nashville, TN Cincinnati, OH Chicago, IL in late May.
Pat Cullen MP will be the guest speaker. Supportersand those who attend are invited to enngage, and to be a part of the conversation about creating a new & united Ireland!
April 10, 2025 marked the 27th Anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Accordswhich changed Ireland for the better. Now is the time
to get serious about a United Ireland. There is movement towardsthis reality Now is the time to speak out and support Irish Unity. ... Your voice will be heard.
Meanwhile, there is more at:
friendsofsinnfein.com
Ir ish M usic: News& Reviews
KNEECAP's Visa Cont roversy Follow ing Coachella Perform ance
By JimMcDonough
Northern Ireland'sIrish hip-hop group KNEECAP ignited a significant controversy following their performances at the Coachella music festival in mid-April! During their setsat the 2025 Coachella pop music shindig, the Irish band displayed strong criticism of Israel'sactions in Gaza, Well received at the time but creating a wave of backlash following the concert. In response, KNEECAP hasasserted that they are the target of a " smear campaign" originating mostly in the United States.
In response to the escalating and well publicized controversy, KNEECAP issued a statement vehemently denying the accusationsand condemning what they are continuing to describe as a "coordinated smear campaign " KNEECAP hasconsistently said that it is their right to speak out against the "genocide against the Palestinian people" We have reprinted the band;s statement on page
The unfolding eventshighlight the intricate intersection of artistic expression, political activism, and the legal frameworks governing international work permits The direct sequence of events, from the band's on-stage statements to the subsequent backlash and visa complications, suggests a strong correlation The active involvement of prominent individualsin calling for visa revocation further intensifiesthe scrutiny on KNEECAP's ability to perform in the United States
Thebandissueda statement which wehavereprintedonpage18.
Asa result of swift action by their booker, KNEECAP's USwork visasare reportedly no longer valid This development followsthe decision of their booking agent, Independent Artist Group (IAG), to cease representing the band Despite this setback, KNEECAP is reportedly in the processof seeking a new sponsor to facilitate the renewal of their USvisas KNEECAP'SNorth American tour, scheduled to start in October of thisyear, wasalready a mostly a sold-out series
The Irish band'smost notable public detractor isSharon Osbourne, who haspublicly called for the revocation of KNEECAP'swork visas Osbourne cited the band's "aggressive political statements" and allegationsof their support for terrorist organizations asreasons for her stance
Thispublication has not really delved into political trends
very much but we have always been against the "Cancel Culture" antics of any group or person and of unfounded and rash condemnationsfrom right wingers aswell We are firmly implanted on the freespeechisour right side of discussions
and DJPróvaí
So, having said that, we are also happy to report that KNEECAP seemsto be handling the raucous quite well. According to Belfast Media Online, a trusted resource that we read frequently, the Irish Hip Hop group issoaring in popularity! BrlfastMedia.com reports that, (The) "number of people listening to Kneecap hassoared in the past week and the band have entered the chartsfor the first time in several countries. Following ten days of hostile storiesabout the rappers, their popularity continuesto grow across the world as they win over legionsof new fans.
Last Tuesday the band's manager, Daniel Lambert, said the trio are being targeted by a "concerted campaign" designed to silence artistswho speak out about the situation in Gaza
Just at deadline time, we just saw that a group of Welsh Conservtivesre clling for the band to be cncelled a scheduled appearance at the Green Dy Festival in Walesin early August
It appears as if thisanti-free speech and artistic expression nonesense isnot going to go away quietly We will do our best to keep our readers informed of developments. Stay Free!!
Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap,
Kneecap Statement:
They want you to believe words are more harmful than genocide. Establishment figures, desperate to silence us, have combed through hundreds of hours of footage and interviews, extracting a handful of words from months or yearsago to manufacture moral hysteria. Let usbe unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamasor Hezbollah. We condemn all attackson civilians, always. It isnever okay. We know thismore than anyone, given our nation's history. We also reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual. Ever. An extract of footage, deliberately taken out of all context, isnow being exploited and weaponised, asif it were a call to action
Thisdistortion is not only absurd - it isa transparent effort to derail the real conversation All two million Palestinian people in Gaza are currently being starved to death by Israel At least 20,000 children in Gaza have been killed The British government continues to supply armsto Israel, even after scoresof NHSdoctorswarned Keir Starmer in August that children were being systematically executed with sniper shotsto the head Instead of defending innocent people or the principles of international law, the powerful in Britain have abetted slaughter and famine This iswhere real anger and outrage should be directed towards
To the Amessand Cox families, we send our heartfelt apologies, we never intended to cause you hurt Kneecap?s message hasalways been ? and remains ? one of love, inclusion, and hope This iswhy our music resonates acrossgenerations, countries, classesand cultures and hasbrought hundredsof thousandsof people to our gigs. No smear campaign will change that. Suddenly, days after calling out the USadministration at Coachella to applause and solidarity, there is an avalanche of outrage and condemnation by the political classes of Britain. The real crimesare not in our performances; the real crimesare the silence and complicity of those in power. Shame on them.
BIG Irish Fair Weekend
June 14 & 15
Great news for Irish Dancers and their fans! The Feis At The Fair is ret urning for t he 50t h Anniversary of t he @irishfairsocal on Fat her ?s Day Weekend in Torrance, CA! Great bands, food, and a huge playground w it h plent y of act ivit ies for kids ! 3 St ages w it h beaut iful new Marley flooring! Join us at Wilson
Thelilt of laughter, soft and low, Wheregentlebreezesfreely flow, An Irish blessing,pureand bright, For Mother'sDay, and love'sown light. Through fieldsof shamrock, kissed with dew, A mother'sheart, forever true.
Her guidinghand, atreasuregrand, Thefairest bloom in all theland.
Thetaleswe'veshared, thepathswe'vetrod, A gift from heaven, sent by God.
Her love'sembrace, asacred space, A smilethat lightsup every place.
So on thisday, wesingher praise, In Irish melodiesand so many ways. A mother'slove, atimelessart, Forever cherished in our hearts.
AI Anon May,2025
TARIFF LOGIC
By Troy Korjuslommi
From the perspective of economics, asconjured by thinkers such asAdam Smith and Milton Friedman, we should strive for a free flow of goods and servicesbetween regions, as it will result in the lowest costs through the efficient allocation of labor. With free markets, labor flows like water, away from inefficienciesand toward efficiencies This createsan incentive for countries, regions, companiesand individualsto specialize and become more efficient, and thuscompetitive, in specific types of work As countriesattain higher living standards, workersbecome more productive as their daily livesrequire lesseffort. The local infrastructure supporting industry similarly advances and helpscompaniesachieve greater efficiencies Salariesrise and work must generate more revenuesper person. Higher living standards on the other hand attract workerswhose skillsare needed Tariffs, S&H costs(time and money), requirementsfor unionization and standardssuch asenvironmental regulations, aswell as other restrictionsand added expenses in moving goodsadd to the costs of importing products, and give local companiesan advantage.
Multinational corporationsare taxed on their profits, and a major agreement wasreached between all major countries to tax them at least 15%. These companieshave experts helping them reduce their taxeswith methods such as transfer pricing, licensing schemes, and domiciling their companiesin countrieswith favorable tax regimes. Since a large part of international trade consistsof goods shipped for and by these large multinationals, tariffsare an expense on their salesacrossborders. Tariffswill incentivize them to lower the price of goods they import, by shifting paymentsto other forms, such as licensing payments They will have a much harder time reducing tariffsthan they have with profits
Transfer pricing happens when a company with officesin two countriestradeswith itself. It can minimize the taxesit pays by adjusting the price it chargesitself when shipping from one country to another Sell high to countries with high taxes on profits, reducing profits. Sell low to countrieswith high tariffs, reducing tariffs Asan example, it hasbeen advantageousfor companiesto list high prices for goods to the United Statesbecause of low tariffsand high taxeson profits The new tariffs are now making them lower those import pricesin order to reduce tariffs They will have to deal with taxeson profitsin other ways. For example by paying licensing fees to their foreign affiliates
In cases where no physical product istransferred, such as online services, tariffs cannot be easily used to tax companies Profitscan also be easily transferred to low tax countrieswith licensing fees. Consequently, taxessuch as
VAT are commonly the most significant tax these companies pay.
One can say that taxeson profitspunish success The more profitable and efficient you are, the more taxesyou pay On the other hand, more taxesget paid by those who can afford them, and if the taxesare flat and not progressive, and within reason, investorsstill want to place their money at risk with profitable companies.
Tariffs, sales taxesand VAT are all flat taxes, since they apply equally to all buyers and sellers. Progressive income taxeson the other hand favor those individualswith smaller incomes Tariffsare thussimilar to sales tax and VAT, but different in the sense that they additionally favor local work. Tariffs are charged for importsat port of entry, whereas sales tax and VAT are charged at point of sale This meansthat domestic production avoids tariffs. All these taxes reduce spending. Since they are flat taxes, they impact all consumption, and thushave a relatively bigger impact on lower income earners. The higher these taxesare, the lesspeople spend. They generate vast sumsof tax revenue and it ismuch harder to avoid paying them than many other taxes No wonder they are government favorites. VAT in Europe isin the 20-25% range, which isa huge brake on domestic consumption However, it generatesthe bulk of government revenues VAT tracksthe entire value chain from production to end user, so it isespecially suited to countrieswhere all businesses, big and small, must provide frequent reports on all their transactionsto the government.
When country A has a trade surpluswith country B, country A receives more paymentsfrom country B than it pays out What happens when you trade and receive more than you paid?You make a profit In our example that means that country A makes a profit and country B incurs a loss Discounting the effects of growth in the economy and trade with other countries, country A will grow richer and country B poorer However, if country A keepsgrowing, the growth can offset some of the relative lossesvis-a-vis country B.
The above scenario isakin to a wealthy person buying more goodsfrom a lesswell off person Aslong asthe wealthier person keepsgrowing their income faster than they spend, they will remain better off Even though the United States is the wealthiest country in the world, it doesn? t have more wealth than the rest of the world combined. Thisis analogous to a wealthy person X trading with a village of less wealthy people The village should be able to buy more from X, even if each individual isonly able to trade a small amount. If the village keeps selling to X, but doesn? t buy an equivalent amount from him, he will eventually run out of money Once he runs out, he must borrow to keep buying, just like the United Stateshas to borrow to pay for excessimports From this calculation we can deduce that it isnot inevitable that the UShas a trade deficit because it isthe wealthiest country in the world
If the rest of the world startsconsuming more American goodsand services, balanced trade is possible.
Gold mining and sales are another great example. If the gold wasmined, refined, and processed domestically, the added value isthe full value of the gold bullion, whereas if it wasimported and exported without changes, the added value will be less For servicessuch as online services and consulting, added value tends to be on the high side
Tariffs and other trade impedimentscan also have a significant impact on the type of domestic goodsand services which are profitable to produce Ship building isanother example, where most ship building has moved away from the United States, since other countrieshave specialized in ship building and thusgained an advantage, making it unprofitable to build ships in the United States If tariffs and port fees on foreign ships get implemented, it will make it profitable to manufacture ships in the United Statesagain. This requireslarge investments and trust in future profitsfor both the ship buildersand those building the infrastructure required to support them A worry in investors?minds will be whether the next Administration or Congresswill repeal tariffsand port fees which provide such an advantage Investors must place their trust in American voters, who will be likely to support keeping the feesin place if the ship building industry and its jobsmaterialize
Of course, countriesdon? t sell goods, companies do Since much trade isconducted by multinational corporations, trade imbalancestake form as corporate revenues Monies going to an American company in the Cayman Islandsleave the United Statesbut are received by the American company. To further complicate calculations, publicly traded companies?sharesare owned by people from around the globe The United Statesstock market hasattracted more capital than any other in the world Thisisdue to many factors, including efficiency and safety. As the most efficient and popular financial market, free flow of capital hasproven to be very beneficial to the United States
Since the United States uses USD and most of itstrading partnersuse different currencies, the loss United States incurs from trade deficitsmeans that USD flows out of the United Statesand into other countries. Since these countries do not use USD, they can either hold cash (essentially debt with zero interest) or buy US Treasuries.
Thismeans the United States must issue new debt, cash or Treasuries, to cover its trade imbalance each year
Thisalso means that there ismore and more USD in the market, resulting in inflation. If we ignore the effects of growth, continuing trade imbalances will keep lowering the value of the USD toward an equilibrium with other currencies. Thiswealth transfer could gradually reduce the wealth imbalance between the United States and the rest of the world
The USD isthe reserve currency of the world. This means that USD is used for transactions between third countriesas well There isthusmore USD in the world than is the wealth of the American people. Increase in USD volumes causes inflation, but the inflation isspread throughout the world economy, not just the economy of the United States It is like having a dam on a river. More rain doesn? t increase the flow downstream unlessthe dam overflows When there is more growth in supply of USD than the world economy can absorb, the inflation will reflect as inflation in the US economy
In order to mend a trade imbalance in goods, a country must increase itsexports of goods. The goodsmust be manufactured, so domestic manufacturing must be increased Countries do this by supporting their manufacturersthrough lending, subsidies, and other assistance, including tariffson imports If some countriesdo more of this than others, there will be an imbalance in their favor, and vice versa.
Different types of trade should be calculated differently when planning responsesto imbalances. E.g. trade in gold bullion createslarge export values, yet has little impact on manufacturing in the source country The concept of added value could be a more useful measure of trade imbalances. I.e., the gain between
Tariffsand other trade impediments can also have a significant impact on the type of domestic goods and serviceswhich are profitable to produce
Part 2 andSummary mid-month
BANDS ANNOUNCED TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Chef Paul Wat t ers has been nam ed Spokes-Chef for Mr Franks Spices. The popular Irish chef is w ell know t o our readers for his recipes and Facebook Page
The Chicken balls
1 Handful of chopped coriander
IRISH CHEF PAUL WATTERS
Chicken tikka masala balls on a mixed leaf salad with a corriander yogurt dressing Serves x 2
The Curry paste
2 clovesof garlic
1/2 knob of ginger (peeled)
1 teaspoon of dried coriander
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of turmeric
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of garam masala
1 tablespoon of Madras curry powder You will need
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper
A little water
1 red pepper (de-seeded and chopped fine)
1 green pepper (de-seeded and chopped fine)
1 onion (peeled and chopped fine)
1 egg beaten
1/2 cup of water
Blend together in a food processor until the spicesare combined together, and add the oil and water until a paste has formed
Meatball/Croquettes
Prepare the chicken balls an hour or two in advance and refrigerate. This will help firm them and keep their shape
Gather a large bowl, add the chicken, mince the paste, coriander and the peppers and mix well.
Shape accordingly to the size you require and refrigerate
The Dressing
4 Tablespoonsof natural yogurt
A pinch of salt and black pepper
The Method Chicken
1/2 bunch of coriander (chopped)
The Salad
4 Handful of mixed leaves
8 cherry tomatoes(halved)
1 red onion (finely sliced)
1/4 cucumber (sliced at an angle)
2 tablespoonsof olive oil (mix together ina largebowl)
Once you are ready to cook, bring a large saucepan to medium to high heat.
Massage a little oil onto your desired amount of ballsand fry for approximately seven minutes, depending on the size
While cooking, Gather a large bowl or plate and place the Salad in the middle of the dish.
Once the chicken ballsare cooked, place on top.
Remove the dressing from the fridge, drizzle a little over the top, and garnish with a little sliced green/red Chilli on top and a little chopped coriander if required, Serve & Enjoy
The Irish Arts & Entertainment's CELTICCAMERA
A bit of a recap:
The last Friday of March found t his out st anding group in Van Nuys celebrat ing t he 2025 Irish Civic Day Cerem onies! Our great friend at Cit y Hall. Councilm an Tim McOker and
Beltaine: The Gaelic May Day Festival Explained
By JimMcDonough
Beltaine, also known by its Irish name Bealtaine, its Scottish Gaelic name Bealltainn, and its Manx Gaelic namesLaa Boaltinn or Boaldyn, standsas one of the four principal seasonal festivalsin the Gaelic tradition. Thisfestival marksthe start of summer in the Gaelic calendar, traditionally observed around the 1st of May. Situated at the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, Beltaine isrecognized as a significant 'cross-quarter day', dividing the year into distinct seasonal periods.1 The anglicized term, Beltane, isalso commonly used to refer to thisancient celebration. The consistent appearance of Beltaine alongside Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh in historical and contemporary contextsunderscoresitsfundamental role in the Gaelic understanding of the annual cycle. Thisancient system of seasonal observance suggests a profound connection to the rhythmsof nature, particularly the agricultural and pastoral aspectsthat were central to traditional Gaelic life. The slight variationsin the festival's name across the Gaelic languages of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man indicate a shared cultural heritage and a shared ancestry for this important seasonal marker.
Earliest History
The name Beltaine comes down to usfrom the Proto-Celtic term *belo-te(p)niâ, which translatesto 'bright fire'
This is aproposas the Celtsof then and now, love bonfires. The etymology strongly aligns with the prominent role of fire in the festival'straditions. Another interpretation suggests that Bealtaine signifiesthe 'firesof Bel', potentially linking the festival to a Celtic deity
While historian Peter Berresford Ellissupportsthis view, modern academic circlesoften question the existence of a specific sun god named Bel.
The earliest written mention of Beltaine appearsin Cormac's Glossary, a 10th-century text attributed to Comac mac Cuilennáin, the Bishop-King of Munster. This glossary describesthe practice of druids lighting two auspiciousfireswith great incantationsand driving cattle between them as a safeguard against disease.
The medieval Irish tale Tochmarc Emire (The Wooing of Emer), believed to have been compiled around 1050 A D Possibly based on earlier (6th century) writings, says that Beltaine marksthe beginning of summer, establishing it asa key division point in the year alongside Samhain
These early referenceshighlight the festival'sancient roots and its initial associations with fire, livestock, and the transition to the summer season
Irish Mythology and Key Historical Events
Beltaine holdsa significant place in early Irish literature
and islinked to several important events in Irish mythology. All of these tailswere oral traditionsand were only written down in the middle ages after Irish monks and nunsspread literacy
Later, writers like, Geoffrey Keating, a 17th-century historian, mentions in his ForasFeasa ar Éirinn (The History of Ireland) a great gathering at the Hill of Uisneach held at Bealltaine. According to Keating, the men of Ireland would convene to exchange goodsand valuables and offer sacrificesto a chief god named Beil, with the lighting of two firesin every district in Ireland in Beil'shonor One of the most enduring legendsassociated with Uisneach isthat it wasthe location for the first great fire to be lit in Ireland by a druid named Mide, which reportedly burned for seven years. The Hill of Uisneach isconsidered the spiritual and mystical center of Ireland, a sacred site with mythological figureslike the Irish god Lugh and the Dagda of the Tuatha Dé Danann said to be buried there The first of May was also a noteworthy date in Irish mythology, marking events such as the day Partholan,
The ancient works offer a rich tapestry of Irish mythology and underscore itsimportance beyond a mere seasonal marker, embedding it in the cultural and spiritual identity of ancient Ireland
Sat urday & Sunday May 24 & 25
The Significance of Beltaine in the Agricultural and Pastoral Year
Thepractical side
Beltaine traditionally marked the beginning of the pastoral summer season, a crucial time when livestock were driven from winter lowlandsto summer pasturesin search of more fertile grazing land. This seasonal movement, known astranshumance, was vital for the sustenance of the community.6 To ensure the well-being of their animals, the ancient Gaelsperformed various rituals, primarily involving the symbolic use of fire, to protect them from both natural and supernatural harm. These practices were intended to purify the livestock and bless them with fertility and good health for the year ahead The festival's importance wasdeeply rooted in ensuring the prosperity and well-being of the community's most vital resource.
Rituals Associated with Beltaine in Ireland
TheCentral Roleof Fire:
Fire held a paramount position in the traditional Beltaine celebrationsacross Ireland On the eve of Beltaine, April 30th, communitieswould ignite large bonfires, often on prominent hillsides, symbolizing the increasing power of the sun and the arrival of summer A significant custom involved extinguishing all firesin the hearths of homes throughout the community These fires would then be ritually relit using emberstaken from the central Beltaine bonfire, often kindled on a sacred site such asthe Hill of Uisneach Thistradition symbolized the communal spirit and unity, as well as the renewal of life Fire was viewed as a potent purifier and healer, and people would often walk around, dance around, or even leap over the flamesfor good luck and cleansing In some traditions, a sacred fire, known as a 'neid fire', was kindled using friction, symbolizing purity and renewal
The Tradition of the May Bush and May Flowers
Another notable Beltaine custom in Ireland was the decoration of a 'May Bush' Typically a branch or small tree, often a whitethorn or rowan, it would be adorned with bright ribbons, flowers, and sometimespainted shellsor eggshells. This decorated bush would be placed outside homes, often at a focal point in the community, to ward off evil spiritsand invite good luck for the coming year Additionally, the gathering and scattering of yellow 'May Flowers', such as primrosesand marigolds, wascommon for similar protective purposes 1
Beliefsand PracticesRelated to the 'aos sí' (Fairies): Beltaine was considered, much like Samhain, a liminal time when the boundary between the mortal world and the realm of the 'aossí', or fairies, was particularly thin 1 People took various precautionsto protect themselves, their homes, and their livestock from fairy mischief, including placing green branches and yellow flowerson doorways and windows 1 It wasalso considered unlucky to sit on the grasson May Eve and May Day, asit wasbelieved that fairieswould come and carry people away.4 Offeringsof milk, honey, and food were often left out for the fairiesto appease them and ensure good fortune 1
Ancient Customs
Visiting holy wellswas a significant practice during Beltaine,
with the first water drawn from a well on May morning believed to possesspotent healing and luck-bringing properties Similarly, collecting the dew on the morning of May Day was believed to bring beauty and maintain youthfulness Traditional foodslike bannocks, dairy products, honey, and seasonal fruits were also an integral part of Beltaine feasts The dew collected on May morning was believed to bring beauty and maintain youthfulness, and holy wells were visited for their healing properties.
The Evolution of Beltaine: From Ancient Timesto the Present Day in Ireland
While some ancient Beltaine customs, such as driving cattle between fires, persisted in partsof Ireland and Scotland until the 19th century 1, public celebrations of Beltaine had largely faded in popularity by the 20th century The late 20th and early 21st centurieshave witnessed a significant revival of Beltaine, both asa cultural event and as a religiousholiday for Celtic Neopagansand Wiccans The revival of the Bealtaine Fire Festival on the Hill of Uisneach in 2009 marksa significant moment in reconnecting with these ancient traditions
In Ireland today, Beltaine is making a comeback! The ancient feast isnow being celebrated through a variety of eventsthat blend ancient customswith contemporary expressions The annual Bealtaine Fire Festival on the Hill of Uisneach, revived in 2009, isa prominent event, drawing people from all over the world to witnessa torchlit procession culminating in the lighting of a large bonfire at dusk This festival aimsto recreate the spirit of ancient gatheringsat this sacred site Other notable celebrations include Féile na Bealtaine in Dingle, a community music and artsfestival that takesplace annually on the May Bank Holiday, featuring art, comedy, film, music, poetry, and spoken word. Additionally, the Bealtaine Festival, a month-long national celebration of artsand creativity as we age, encompasses hundredsof eventsacross Ireland throughout May, offering a diverse range of activitiesfor older people. Beyond these organized events, some older traditionspersist in rural areas, such as decorating May Bushes with ribbonsand flowersand scattering yellow May Flowersto protect against ill fortune. All are still quite common!
Pagan and Wiccan Celebrationsof Beltane
Beltane asa significant spiritual holiday, typically celebrated on the evening of April 30th through May 1st in the Northern Hemisphere. These celebrations often center on themesof fertility, the sacred union of the God and Goddess, and the vibrant energy of life and sexuality. Common ritualsinclude lighting bonfires or candles, dancing around a Maypole, crafting flower crowns, and performing spells or meditations focused on growth and new beginnings
Mid-monthConclusion, withmodernFestival inEdinburghtaking placeonCalton Hill on theeveningof April 30thintoMay 1st. Inspiredby ancient Gaelictraditions.
IRISH ARTS & ENTERTAINM ENT CALENDAR
By Date OnGoing Trivia & Around The States
Em m y-nom inat ed Irish singer Michael Londra
has ret urning t o PBS w it h a new season of his show , "Ireland Wit h Michael " The fift h season prem iered on January 9,, and w ill feat ure eight half-hour episodes t hat explore t he beaut y and cult ure of Ireland! More inform at ion about t he show , including episode descript ions and clips w w w irelandw it hm ichael com
Check your local PBS list ings for air t im es and det ails for Season 5.
West Coast 's Celt ic & Irish Calendar
Sacramento, CA
Sean Finnegan'sPub: Located in Old Sacramento Waterfront, this pub is housed in a historic building dating back to the 1800s It offersGuinness, Harp Lager, Irish whiskey, and an authentic Irish pub atmosphere with a Wild West twist15
O'Malley's Irish Pub: Family-owned and located at 1109 2nd Street, known for Irish fare like Irish tacos and a solid selection of Irish drinksincluding Guinness345
Malt & Mash: Located at 715 K Street, boasts 150 typesof whiskey and 15 beerson tap, with a lively atmosphere5
Blarney Stone: Known for itslarge selection of draftsand live bands, located at 8906 Greenback Lane5
Pitch and Fiddle: An Irish restaurant and pub with many TVs for sportsand Irish-inspired food like corned beef tacos5.
De Vere'sIrish Pub: Praised for its atmosphere, Irish stew, and range of beersand whiskeys. Offers American and Irish comfort food like shepherd's pie and bangers& mash
San Francisco, CA
The Irish Bank at 10 Mark Lane isa popular spot
Geary Street hostsmany Irish barsincluding : Pig n' Whistle Abbey Tavern, Ireland's32, and Buckshot (formerly Pat O'Shea's)
Plough and Stars in the Richmond district isnoted for live music and a friendly atmosphere Kell's (a chain) and recommended for live Irish music.
O'Neill's on Third Street offersHarp and Guinness on tap, catering to ballpark crowdsand locals
Portland, OR
KellsIrish Pub: A Northwest institution with hearty Irish fare, live music, and a large St Patrick?s Day celebration They also have a brew pub in Northwest Portland
Paddy?sBar and Grill:
Portland?soldest Irish bar, known for a huge liquor selection, traditional Irish dishes, and live Irish music and dance events
T.C. O?Leary?s
Combines Irish hospitality with local ingredients, offerslive Irish music several daysa week, and a good selection of Irish drinks.
Whelan?s Irish Pub:
Family-friendly with live Irish music, classic Irish food, and a good whiskey selection
Moon and Sixpence: An English pub with one of the best Irish music sessions, On Mondays in Portland.
Seattle, WA Sorry to say, no luck in our search so far, Check back
Reno, NV
Ceol Irish Pub: Established in 2007 on California Avenue, it isa cozy neighborhood pub with a full bar, extensive whiskey selection, and the "best Guinnesspour" in Northern Nevada It hoststraditional Irish music and community events
These venuesoffer a variety of authentic Irish drinks, food, and live Irish music, making them all great spots to recommend and visit. irishmissive@gmail.com
IRISH ARTS & ENTERTAINM ENT CALENDAR By Date OnGoing Trivia & West Coast Celtic
Every Week
Sundaysstarting @ 4:pm Irish Music
Session Traditional music / No Cover
Auld Dubliner Irish Pub Long Beach
www.aulddubliner.com
See advert t his issue on page
Every Wednesday st art ing @ 9:pm Irish Music w it h Niall Cash
Irish Music Maker from Wexford. Follow him on w w w inst agram com / niallcash
The Auld Dubliner Irish Pub, Long Beach
w w w aulddubliner com EVERY MONDAY
CELTICARTSCENTER
CAC/ACS Open Session, Irish Language Classes & SocialsFull Bar CAC@The Mayflower Club 11110 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, CA www.celticartscenter.com
Saturday, May 3 starting @8:00pm Whiskey Sunday
Wednesday, May 7 St art s @ 7:00pm
The Whiskey Rebellion are a hom egrow n Irish folk band from t he Inland Em pire!
Acoust ic Trio Rousing Irish Am ericana
The Three St ags Irish Pub 328 Orange St reet , Redlands, CA info@t het hreest ags pub (909) 792-8335 w w w.t het hreest agspub.com
Wat ching t hem play is as close as you get t o st epping int o a pub in Ireland and cat ching a t radit ional Irish session www.thethreestagspub.com
Sat urday, May 10 St art ing @ 10:00pm
The Bell Boys are back! Enjoy t he TRADplus Irish Music & Ant ics
Then on May 17 @ 10PM CRAIC HAUS is back w it h t heir original genre of Sham rockabilly!!
Auld Dubliner in Long Beach w w w.aulddubliner.com
See Auld Dubliner t his issue on pages 5
The Harp Inn, 130 E 17t h St . Cost a Mesa, CA
SCOTTISH FEST USA
Cost a Mesa's OC Fairgrounds & Event s Cent er featuring
Mem orial Day Weekend
For over two decades, the Ploughboys have regaled the Los Angeles Celtic community with modern and traditional music from the British Isles, with dash of bluegrass, country, and American folk thrown in. www.theploughboys.org
May 24 - 26, May 31 - June 1, June 7 - 8, 14 - 15, 21 - 22 10am - 7pm Sat urdays 10am - 6pm Sundays & Mem orial Day
Sinceour foundingin1998, wehavebeenherehavingfun w w w .renfest corona.com
By Jim McDonough
Ir ish Film : News& Reviews
There are a few Irish Films and other films aswell that may well be of interest to our readersscheduled to be released very soon There are also some interesting choiceson Netflix and other online platformswhich we are working on for June, so stay tuned.
Eddingt on
This film is not Irish but it does have a w ell know Irish Am erican act ress in t he cast . How ever, it caught m y at t ent ion because it w as film ed in part near Sant e Fe, NM w hen I happened t o be t here.
Derdr O'Connell has an im port ant role in Eddingt on Feat ure cont inues in our June issue,
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The Auld Dubliner
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O'Brien's Irish Pub
Trivia Night s are Mondays and Wednesdays
Monday st art s at 8PM t ill 10:30PM
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Ye Olde King's Head Brit ish Pub & Rest aurant Trivia in t he pub at 7:30pm
116 Sant a Monica Bl Sant a Monica, CA w w w yeoldekingshead com
