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Celtic Corner
By Decimus Rock

The Season of Beltaine

Fertility rituals have gone out of favor but spring is a good time nevertheless. Drowsy Maggie performs in concert April 17, 8 p.m. at the Celtic music-friendly Rudyard Kipling. Their St. Patrick's Day concert was an early sell-out, so make your reservations now (636-1311). New singer Debbie Webb has a fine voice and of course Roz Carothers is still kicking butt on fiddle to which Paul Kinder's new concertina adds a nice mood.

Oaks Day Celtic Night

Again the Rudyard Kipling champions the Celtic cause, with a Derby Eve show by Galloglas, plus bagpiping and Irish step-dancing conceptualized by the title of "All Around My Hat." A Derby Hat Contest will crown the most festive or curious "cabeens" worn in various categories with prizes for the winners. Likewise you are advised to make reservations early.

16th Annual Kentucky Scottish Weekend

In case you need cheering up after Derby (and who doesn't suffer from post-equine depression)?, make your way to General Butler State Park in Carrollton, (just 40 minutes or so north on I-71) on May 9 -10, for the 16th Annual Kentucky Scottish Weekend. Bagpipe band, highland dancing and athletic competitions anchor a wonderful weekend of Celtic culture, including Scots balladeering legend Alex Beaton. A fabulous line-up of story tellers and lecturers, demonstrations, clan gatherings, Celtic vendors and food are in store. You can pick up brochures for more information at The Celtic Centre on Chenoweth Lane.

Cape Breton Fiddling Prodigy at Lonesome Pine

On May 9 at the Kentucky Center for the Arts, Natalie MacMaster will demonstrate that traditional Cape Briton music is alive and well, thank you very much. Since age five, her musical destiny has led to the world stage where she is a sight to see as well as hear, in that she step dances as she plays! She will be bringing her full band, so prepare to be dazzled. Call 584-7777 ASAP for tickets.

Catch the Louisville Pipe Band as they field a throng of pipers and drummers for the Pegasus Parade down Broadway on Thursday, April 30. They will be competing and performing at the two Kentucky Highland Games as well: Kentucky Scottish Weekend and the Glasgow Highland Games. If you are interested in learning piping or drumming, call 894-8856.

Do You Wanna Dance?

Learn Irish step-dancing? It might happen if you call Heather McClanahan at 897-1400.

On the Bubble

Molly Malone's will be the newest authentic Irish pub to open in River City. The grand opening will happen some time this spring/early summer. Regular Irish music will be a feature along with three distinct Irish pub atmospheres. You can watch as they build it next to Den of Steven Antiques and across from O'Shea's Traditional Irish Pub. Occasionally, you can catch a jam session at the Irish Rover, principally by members of The Rashers with "sometimers" from Galloglas, Ten Penny Bit and Cloigheann. You can count on the Celtic jam session at the Rudyard Kipling on the first Friday of every month.

Slan!