this one<div class="coverstorycreditbox"><div class="columnheadline"><br />Celtic Corner</strong></div><div class="columnbyline">By Decimus Rock </div></div><P class="subheadline">La Feile Padraig </SPAN></P>
<p class="normalfirst">The A.D. 2000 St. Patrick's festivities seemed to be headed for the doldrums. How could we possibly match last year's program with the Clonoe Independent Pipe Band from County Tyrone? Nevertheless the season started VERY strong, thank you. The Louisville Pipe Band concerts the weekend prior were tremendous successes, both musically and in terms of exposure for Celtic music. The sold-out crowds were wowed by the collaboration with the River City Drum Corps. The tributes to Martha and Gerry Forde (AOH Irish Persons of the Year) made the programs extra special and the pipe band version of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" was a showstopper. The newly revived Kentucky Theater also featured Cloigheann and Beyond the Pale in a show on March 10, which bodes well for Celtic music at that venue in the future. The parade and "Hooley in the Highlands" were on the chilly side but DRY! So we count our blessings. The Irish Rover, Molly Malone's and O'Shea's (ably managed by Dave Zimmerman) were packed all day and into the wee hours. Next year the feast day falls on Sunday but that should make for a mighty celebration. Kudos to the Hibernians for putting on such a good show!</SPAN></P>
<p class="subheadline">Kentucky Highland Games 2000 </SPAN></P>
<p class="normal">This year is special for the annual games; especially the Glasgow Highland Games, which this year will host an international gathering of the clans. Next month's issue will feature extensive information about this incredible event. However, first up is Kentucky's oldest Highland Games, The Kentucky Scottish Weekend, at General Butler State Park in Carrollton, Kentucky the weekend after Derby (May 12-13). They are again planning all the traditional Scottish activities - solo piping and drumming, as well as pipe band competitions, Highland and Country dancing competition and demonstrations, Scottish athletes, Celtic vendors and food. </SPAN></P>
<p class="normal">Last year's Sunday Parade of Tartans was a big success and will be repeated again this year. The Kentucky Scottish Seminars will be held all day Saturday and will continue into Sunday. The topics are intriguing: "Bittersweet Within My Heart: the Enigma of Mary, Queen of Scots," "The Knights Templar in Scotland and America." "Flodden's Flowers to Culloden's Flora" and "Robert Burns, Preserver of Scottish Traditional Music." </SPAN></P>
<p class="normal">The British Car Show on Saturday is an unusual feature of the Games and may include as many as 100 cars this year. The headliner entertainment will again be Seven Nations and Rock's old favorite, Alex Beaton, will be there as well. A short car ride from both Cincinnati and Louisville, the Kentucky Scottish Weekend should not be missed. For more information, check out the web site: www.kyscottishweekend.org.</SPAN></P>
<p class="subheadline">Galloglas at the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair </SPAN></P>
<p class="normal">Galloglas fans, alert. The pan-Celtic foursome will be on the gazebo stage on Saturday, April 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket. Admission is free.</SPAN></P>
<p class="subheadline">Calling All Pipers and Drummers </SPAN></P>
<p class="normal">If you want to learn the pipes or pipe band style, drumming give Rick McKenzie a call at 894-8856. Free lessons are available from the Louisville Pipe Band.</SPAN></P>
<p class="subheadline">Midwest Irish News</SPAN></P>
<p class="normal">If you are looking for what's going on re all things Irish, pick up a copy of the <I>Midwest Irish News </I>now being distributed at Molly's, The Rover and O'Shea's. </SPAN></P>