NEWS ARCHIVE
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2008
Saturday July 5th - the Isle of Maui Pipeband marched in the Makawao 4th of July Parade in Makawao, Upcountry Maui, part of the 42nd Annual Rodeo Festival. The parade started at the lower end of Baldwin Avenue, going up to Makawao Avenue and ended at Eddie Tam Center. The band marched in matching Hawaii tartan kilts, played well, and won Best Musical Entry ! Not bad for a pipe band in a horse parade!
Tuesday, July 1st - a special lecture concerning Northern Ireland took place in the Architecture Auditorium, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu.
Sakamaki Extraordinary Lecture: Documenting Personal and Community History: the Case of the Linen Hall Library, Belfast
by Yvonne Murphy, Librarian of the Northern Ireland Political Collection.
A presentation of images from the rare and fascinating archive of over 250,000 items documenting all aspects of the Northern ireland conflict, from posters to video recordings and smuggled hand-written notes. Co-sponsored by UHM Center for Biographical Research and Hamilton Library.
June 19th-20th - one of Ireland’s finest traditional storytellers, Niall de Búrca, was on Maui performing at Public Libraries, and Hamish caught up with him for a yarn after seeing his show at the Lahaina Library. Niall is a true seanchaí (pronounced 'shan-a-hee' - a traditional Irish storyteller), a master of his craft, and kept little kids and adults totally enthralled with ancient tales from Ireland, including the Gaelic language. An amazing feat, he held the wee ones attention for 45 minutes with his animated stories, voices and faces, and had them joining in the stories about warriors and giants, princesses and magic cauldrons ! After the keiki left, he closed a memorable show with a more adult humourous tale about the English language - brilliant !
Niall also performed at libraries on Oahu, Hawaii, and Kauai.
Raised in Galway on the west coast of Ireland, now living in the capital of Dublin, Niall shares his stories with kids of all ages in many countries, and is recognised for the diversity of his stories and an ability to reach all ages.
Displaying a talent for narrative from a young age, at home he has featured in theatre, radio and at many festivals including Féile Earraai, the CS Lewis Festival, and The National Children's Book Festival. Abroad he has performed and held workshops in countries as diverse as Poland, Argentina, Italy and The Netherlands.
In October 2001 he produced the first storytelling series for the Museum of Country Life at Castlebar, County Mayo. In January 2004 he produced Blackwater Storystream, a peace and reconciliation initiative using storytelling to link together fifty schools in the border counties of Armagh, Monaghan and Tyrone. In November 2004 he directed Scéalta Shamhna, Dublin’s annual celebration of the oral tradition. For more info, visit www.storyteller.ie.
"Níor bhris focal maith fiacal riamh".....A good word never broke a tooth.
June 17-18th Lobo Del Mar Pipe & Drum Band from Big Island, Hawai’i, made appearances on Oahu, at O’Toole’s Irish Pub, Downtown Honolulu, and at Kelly O’Neil’s, Waikiki.
The Lobo Del Mar Pipe & Drum band was formed in 2000 with only two band members; Brady Buntin on the Highland Bagpipes and Benton Little on the Scottish snare. While outfitted in Black Watch attire, they would pipe and drum old Scots-Irish tunes to entertain guests aboard Lobo Del Mar's sunset cruise on the Sea of Cortez, in Puerto Penasco, Mexico. Next to join the band was Grady Buntin. At only nine years old and truly a child prodigy of the Highland Bagpipes, Grady, alongside his uncles did his share in transfixing the huge crowds with his riveting tunes. Lobo Del Mar is now based out of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii and progressively the band has grown to form a unique Celtic ensemble of eleven members consisting of uncles, brothers and cousins. Visit the Lobo Del Mar musical band at www.the-dogwatch.com
Saturday June 14th -- there was a special Saturday Night Celtic Rock Show presented by Hamish of Maui Celtic on Mana'o Radio 91.5 fm, standing in for Daryl Scott on "Rock the Rock". Joined by guest Roger McKinley, he played Maui Celtic Rock, 2 hours of great Celtic rock music from 8-10pm. NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED, the music was wilder than he usually plays on his Sunday morning show. From 10pm-12 he played British Rock from the 70s and 80s, including Glam Rock and Ska-Punk - a blast from his youth back in the UK - what a great time !
Wednesday June 11th - saw the start of a new weekly Celtic music session at the Ale House in Kahului, featuring local Maui musicians including players from Tropical Harps and An Ril. 'Seisun' is an Irish word meaning a gathering for music and dance, and has crossed into the English language. Come down to listen, or if you can play a Celtic instrument or sing a Celtic song, feel free to join in the fun ! More info call the Kahului Ale House (808) 877-9001.
Sunday June 8th - Hamish's Celtic music show on Mana'o Radio 91.5fm featured an interview with Del Eckles, renowned Bodhran (Irish drum) maker and player from California, and a listen to great music featuring players of his drums - check out his beatiful work at www.delsdrums.com. Del has been playing drums for nearly 50 years, teaches bodhran lessons and has recorded on a dozen CD’s or more. Bud and Kieran Clarke, his hosts on Maui, were also in on the fun.
Thursday June 5th - there was a special Celtic music session at the Ale House in Kahului, coincidentally starting right after the Boston Celtics beat the Lakers in a big basketball game. Hamish Burgess kicked the evening off walking into the bar playing the Highland Bagpipes, with much appreciation from the Celtics fans. The evening featured guest Del Eckles, renowned Bodhran maker and player from California. He has played with bands Molly's Revenge and Men of Worth - check him out at www.delsdrums.com. Local Maui musicians included players from Tropical Harps and An Ril, pipers and bodhran players. Thanks to Ale House owner Scott, who has opened the doors his pub to Celtic music.
Thursday-Sunday May 22nd-25th - Maui Celtic was proud to present for the first time on Maui, four concerts from the talented Celtic music duo Tim Readman & Shona Le Mottée, witty songsmith/guitarist and smoking hot fiddler from 'Lord of the Dance'.
Mahalo for supporting live Celtic music to all those that came to see Tim & Shona on their recent tour of Maui ! Slainte from Maui Celtic, and from Tim........'Way Ay, Man!'
Anglo-Canadian guitarist and singer Tim Readman is a ‘Geordie lad’ from Newcastle (UK), and has an infectious sense of humor and a real ability to engage an audience. He has an extensive repertoire ranging from traditional Celtic and folk songs to his own originals, and even the odd surprise pop song ! Tim is artistic director of the Celtic Fest Vancouver, and a well-known performer and producer. More on himself at www.timreadman.com/index_music.html
Originally from the Island of Jersey (UK), talented fiddler Shona Le Mottée started playing at the age of seven, and after moving to Canada studied under fiddling greats such as Alasdair Fraser, Buddy MacMaster, and Martin Hayes. She was in the internationally known Canadian Celtic-pop group, The Paperboys, touring extensively throughout North America, and performed with 'Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance'. More on Shona at www.shona.ca or http://www.myspace.com/shonatude
The gigs started on Thursday May 22nd, when Maui Celtic was proud to present their very first Celtic concert on West Maui, An Evening of Celtic Music with Tim Readman & Shona Le Mottée at the Lahaina United Methodist Church in Lahaina, at the corner of Front Street and Baker. Hamish Burgess drew a wee crowd outside the church before the concert, playing the Highland Bagpipes. Tim and Shona put on a great intimate show to the West Maui crowd, who loved the music, ranging from beautiful slow airs to ripping fiddle tunes, and a few sea shanties seemed appropriate while playing in the historic whaling town (Hamish had taken Tim & Shona to the Whalers Village Museum a couple of days earlier). Thanks to Pastor Paul and the Church for hosting the concert - hopefully the first of many !
Hamish took Tim and Shona to Wailuku for a morning radio show on Friday May 23rd. Joel Agnew’s ‘Aloha Friday’ Show at 11.10am on 1101 AM KAOI, featured a fun interview and great live music from Tim Readman & Shona Le Mottée. The music got so wild that at one point Tim's glasses flew off his head, and at the exact same moment Shona's magically appeared in place while she was playing the fiddle. What a hoot ! Cheers, Joel and Gary !
In the afternoon the duo played an assembly at the Haleakala Waldorf School in Kula. They treated the kids to some fun sing-along songs and some pretty wild fiddle tunes, ending with a riotous dance session ! The applause from the kids was nothing short of rock star treatment !
The Celtic crew then headed south to Wailea for the evening, when Maui Celtic proudly presented An Evening of Celtic Music with Tim Readman & Shona Le Mottée at 'Mulligan's on the Blue'. A memorable night started with a fabulous Irish 3 course dinner, while Tim and Shona warmed up the audience with great tunes and songs, and a bit of Tim's Geordie wit thrown in. The second half blew the roof off the packed house at Mulligans, and the dynamic duo were joined by Maui drummer Peter Della Croce ('The Man Known Only as Pete') on the bodhran for the last quarter.
This was 
another legendary night at Mulligan's, with the crowd clapping along and cheering through the stunning and wild final sets - Celtic music rocks Maui !! Mahalo to all the Mulligans waitstaff for doing a great job.
Thanks to all for coming out and making it a great evening and having a wee drinkie with us. Slainte !!
Tonight's program was made possible by help from Guinness and the odd Lava Flow.......'Way Ay, Man!'
Heading for hitherto uncharted traditional Celtic music territory, Maui Celtic presented their first Celtic concert in Haiku on Saturday May 24th. Thanks to Roger and Leili for their hospitality, and the Celtic crew for all their help.
An Evening of Celtic music with Tim Readman & Shona Le Mottée at The Studio Maui was an absolute blast, with an intimate area in front of the stage with cushions, back-rests and seating, and dance areas on both sides. Local musicians Roger McKinley and Peter Della Croce opened the show in fine style on the smallpipes and the bodhran (Roger had been playing Highland Pipes outside before the concert, until a grumpy neighbor phoned in). 
Then the visiting duo ripped up the yoga studio with rollicking songs and ripping fiddle tunes - the like of which has never been heard there before ! There was some amazing dancing, ranging from somewhat traditional Celtic style, to very interpretive, and even yoga ! Thanks to all the dancers who were having a great time. Maui Celtic had a booth of cool logowear, Celtic goodies, and new Hawaii Tartan (plaid).
After a late night with certainly too little sleep, Hamish and Tim were back in Wailuku early on Sunday, May 25th. Hamish's Celtic music show, 8-10am on Mana'o Radio 91.5fm featured a chat and live music with Tim Readman, and a listen to some great music he brought in, as well as a taste of his own live music ready for the afternoon concert.
The final concert of the Maui tour featured An Afternoon of Celtic Music with Tim Readman & Shona Le Mottée at The Haleakala Waldorf School in Kula. The show started with some beautiful traditional songs from Pamela and daughter Lily from the school. Then the small but enthusiastic audience heard Celtic songs and music from the dynamic duo with guitar and fiddle – from lovely slow airs to foot-stomping jigs and reels ! They were joined by Maui drummer Peter Della Croce ('The Man Known Only as Pete') on percussion. With wild dancing at the back of the hall, Christopher Hall was rocking ! Thanks to the Celtic crew for all your help.
Sunday May 18th - talented Celtic musicians arrived on Maui - the lovely Shona Le Mottée, and the almost as lovely Tim Readman - here to vacation, and to play some concerts for Maui Celtic. Hamish's Celtic music show on Mana'o Radio 91.5fm featured an interview and live music with Tim Readman and Shona Le Mottée, and a listen to their great music and songs, a warm up for their tour of Maui the following week. After a late breakfast and a visit to Iao Valley, the duo were back to the radio station that afternoon. Club Mana'o on Mana'o Radio featured a live studio session with Hamish chatting with them about their careers and music. The duo had the studio rocking with some amazing live Celtic music ! Thanks to Don Lopez for engineering the session.
Saturday May 17th - Top level pipers Neil Dickie, Alex McIntyre and Dan Diesner were in town for Alex's daughter's wedding. All 3 were in the great Alberta Caledonia Pipeband, of which Alec was long-time Pipe Major. Neil is concert MC of the Simon Fraser University Pipeband and an amazing composer (his most well-known piece is 'Clumsy Lover'). They stopped by a morning practise of The Isle of Maui Pipeband, helped the band improve their sound, and showed them how to march into a competition setting - not to mention being a great laugh at the same time !! Mahalo, gents.
Saturday May 10th - The Isle of Maui Pipeband opened The Seabury Hall Craft Fair, at Seabury Hall School above Makawao. The Upcountry Maui tradition on the slopes of Haleakala is in the 35th year ! The Fair featured over 100 of Hawaii's finest artists and crafters - woodworkers, traditional Hawaiian artists, jewelers, ceramists and weavers.
Sundays April 27th and May 4th - Red-hot Cape Breton Island (Nova Scotia) piper-fiddler Kenneth MacKenzie played at Mulligan's on the Blue, Wailea, at the break between the Celtic Tigers usual performance. Kenneth played an amazing set of strathspeys, jigs and reels on the fiddle and Highland pipes - the first time our Irish pub here on Maui had been rocked by wild Cape Breton music.
Kenneth is a native Scots Gaelic speaker, and a great musician. Everyone in his family is a musician, most professionally, and his numerous relatives in Cape Breton are among the many talented musicians, dancers and storytellers on that island of strong traditional Scots Gaelic culture. Music historians have been researching Cape Breton's culture for years now due to it's primarily Scots Gaelic population that started emigrating there en masse in the years immediately following the crushing defeat at Culloden and subsequent ethnic cleansing initiated by the English victors and ensuing "economic factors" after the Highlanders failed Jacobite uprising of 1745 ("the 45"). Cape Breton Island is very remote, so those early Gaelic traditions have been passed down and maintained with far less outside influence than almost anywhere else in the world, including most of the Scottish Highlands and Islands.
Sundays April 27th and May 4th - Native Scots Gaelic speaker Kenneth MacKenzie (of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia) gave beginning Scots Gaelic Classes to a small group on Maui excited to learn their ancestral tongue. A really fun class over 2 weekends gave us the basics of greetings, useful phrases, and pronunciation. Thanks to David and Marianne MacDonald Asher for hosting Kenneth and bringing a great young piper/fiddler and teacher to Maui.
Friday, April 18th/22nd - fantastic CELTIC TALES with Patrick Ball could be heard at several Public Library concerts around Maui (Kahului, Makawao, Hana and Kihei). Patrick captivated adults and wee kids alike when he played beautiful music on an Irish brass-strung harp, between telling stories and legends of Old Ireland, and some great anecdotes from his own interesting life. He toured the Islands also playing on Oahu and the Big Islnd of Hawaii. Patrick Ball is considered one of the premier Celtic harp players and storytellers in the world, and has a degree in Irish history. He tours extensively throughout the United States and Canada, entertaining audiences of all ages. He has recorded nine instrumental and three spoken word albums which have sold well over one-half million copies collectively and earned national awards in both the music and spoken word categories. More info http://www.patrickball.com
Monday, April 16th - Celtic singer Judith Weikle finished her first tour to Maui with a great concert at the McCoy Theatre at the MauiArts and Cultural Center, Kahului. 
Judith was touring in support of her debut CD 'Pirates, Poets and Patriots', and sang hauntingly beautiful music from Ireland and Scotland. She was supported by Kate MacLeod (harmony vocals & fiddle), Dylan Schorer (acoustic Guitar) and Diane Rubio (cello), who played some ripping Celtic intrumentals joined by guest Lawson Cannon (bouzouki) from Oahu. Kate MacLeod also sang her original songs. The group also played in Kihei, dates on the Big Island, and on Oahu, including the Scottish Highland Games in Waikiki. More Judith at www.judithweikle.com
Saturday, April 12th - The Performance Reading of KA'IULANI, THE ISLAND ROSE took place at the The Steppingstone Playhouse, Kahului (second floor of the Queen Kaahumanu Center), produced and narrated by Jennifer Fahrni, and directed by David Johnston, the executive and artistic director of the Maui Academy of Performing arts (MAPA). All members of the community were invited to attend this free event, and encouraged to give feedback at this developmental stage. With a cast of 17, the piece was well received with a standing ovation from the audience.
NOTE : This work is in no way connected with the recent film under Hawaiian protest while shooting on Oahu.
A new play written and researched over the past five years by Jennifer Fahrni and Carol Harvie-Yamaguchi. It celebrates the life of a brave young girl who overcame great sorrow to become Hawaii's 'Hope of the Nation.' The script is a period piece (years 1885-1893) surrounding the life of Princess Victoria Ka'iulani Cleghorn The play covers a controversial period in Hawaiian history where several members of the musical Kalakaua Royal Family are depicted, as well as other well-known politicians and ladies of the day. It is not widely known that Princess Ka'iulani was a child of dual heritage, her mother being the willful and tempestuous Hawaiian Princess, Miriam Likelike, and her father, the Scottish entrepreneur, Archibald Cleghorn. This remarkable child of two races was educated in Hawai'i and the British Isles and was heir to the Hawaiian throne at the time of annexation.
At the young age of seventeen, the young princess fought courageously for her country in its hour of need. Ka'iulani was also instrumental in changing the world's prejudiced view of the Hawaiian people.
This public reading will ultimately lead to a large stage production (with music) for Hawaii, which will first be performed here in Maui. Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian actors of all ages are still needed. Anyone wanting to take part in or sponsor the stage production is encouraged to contact David Johnston, Executive and Artistic Director of the Maui Academy of Performing Arts at 808-244-8760, or email Jennifer at islandroseplay@aol.com. For a local newspaper article on the play please click Maui Weekly 'Ka‘iulani, The Island Rose' article.
Saturday, April 12th - The Isle of Maui Pipeband played at the Culture & the Arts Day at the Maui Mall, Kahului. The non-profit band sounded great and had a fund-raiser booth with band logo T-shirts, caps and mugs.
Sat & Sun, April 5th/6th - with great weather, 'The Hawaiian Scottish Association' held it's 27th annual 'Scottish
Festival & Highland Games' in Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, Oahu. The fun started before the daily opening ceremony with march on Parade of the Color Guard, Pipe Bands and the Scottish Clans. There was great traditional Celtic music with singer Judith Wiekle and friends Kate MacLeod (harmony vocals & fiddle), Dylan Schorer (acoustic Guitar) and Diane Rubio (cello), The Muses from Colorado, and Switchback from Chicago. Local Celtic music was well represented by fiddler Lisa Gomes, Tam O'Shanter, Doolin' Rakes, James McCarthy, Celtic Waves, Whiskey Starship, and the Saloon Pilots. Irish dancing was showcased by Jig This and the Celtic Keiki, and bagpiping came from solo piper Jacob Kaio, and from the bands Lobo Del Mar (Big Island) and the The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii (Oahu). Not to mention fantastic piping from visiting Canadian pipers for the Highland Dancers of the First Annual Hawaiian Scottish Highland Dance Competition, with visiting competitors from Scotland, Canada and Australia. Dancers from The Margaret Rose School of Dance traveled from Helensborough, Scotland for the event. There 
was the yearly fun Highland Games athletics (tossing the caber, throwing the hammer, putting the stone, throwing the weight, and running the kilted mile - not to mention the popular ladies' throwing the frying pan), and swordplay displays came from the Musketeer Fencers and the Society for Creative Anachronism. Sunday saw a Celtic Mass, and the "Kirkin' o’ the Tartans", and a visit from Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, piped onstage by Hamish Burgess of Maui Celtic, to present a check to the 'The Hawaiian Scottish Association' in support of the Games, followed by a performance from The Royal Hawaiian Band. There were great food booths - fish & chips and Haggis !
Also vendors, including great Celtic CDs from Rampant Lion Celtic Traders, and locals Maui Celtic with a booth of fine Scottish imports, classic MauiCeltic logo wear (new cool Kelley green HAWAII CELTIC T-shirts), brand new plaid items - Hawaii Tartan sashes, shawls, and head wraps (do-rags) !! They also represented Sportkilt, who couldn't be there as they were on the defunct airline ATA ! Thanks for visiting Maui Celtic in the trade tent all weekend, nearby the Clan tent, where you could find out more about your family history. More info on the event www.scotshawaii.org.
Friday, April 4th - There was a pre-games Ceilidh at The Willows Restaurant in Honolulu, a good time for residents, members of the Scottish community, and visitors to the Games to socialise. With great Celtic music by Switchback of Chicago, joined by locals fiddler Lisa Gomes, members of Celtic Waves, and the young dancers of the Celtic Keiki. There was impromptu Highland dancing in the courtyard, accompanied by great piping. Not forgetting the sampling bar with several whiskys and a myriad of unusual beers, with a fine array of real ales and porters. More info on this yearly event at www.scotshawaii.org
Friday, April 4th- Hamish and Jennifer of Maui Celtic set up a booth at 5am (!!) in Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, for a television interview with Ramsay Wharton on KGMB 9. There were 
Highland Dancers from The Margaret Rose School of Dance from Helensborough, Scotland, dancing to traditional music from Switchback joined by Oahu fiddler Lisa Gomes, and piping from Pipe Major Dan Quinn & Pipe Sgt. Tina Yap of the Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii. Roving Reporter Ramsay, dressed in a kilt outfit, was covering that weekend's "Scottish Festival and Highland Games". She spoke to Steve Craven about the Games, and Hamish about the Hawaii Tartan. That morning even the KGMB weather guys were wearing Kilts at the TV station !! For television footage of Hamish and the Maui Celtic booth that morning with Ramsay Wharton, please click this KGMB 9 link
Thursday, April 3rd - saw the yearly Tribute to Princess Victoria Kawekiu Lunalilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa Ka'iulani Cleghorn at the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu Valley, Oahu. The Princess, heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii at the time of 
the illegal overthrow of the monarchy. The Princess Ka'iulani (October 16, 1875 – March 6, 1899) was half Hawaiian (her mother being Princess, Miriam Likelike) and half Scottish (her father was entrepreneur, Archibald Cleghorn, last Royal Governor of O?ahu). Bruce McEwan, Chieftain of the Caledonian Society of Hawaii, gave a nice reading. Hawaiian piper Jacob Kaio played the bagpipes, and visiting Highland dancers from The Margaret Rose School of Dance of Helensborough, Scotland, put on a fine display. Well wishers were allowed to pay their respects to the Princess and the Hawaiian Royal Family down in the crypt itself, a very moving moment. Maui was represented by Hamish Burgess and Jennifer MacKay Fahrni of Maui Celtic, and newlyweds Peter and Jemma Della Croce.
March 29th-April 9th - Celtic musical group The Muses from Colorado played at many of the Public Libraries on Maui, Oahu, and Hawaii, and also at the Scottish Festival & Games in Waikiki, 
when they were joined by the young dancers of the Celtic Keiki. The Muses consist of Tanya Brody, Matthew Gurnsey and new band member Annie Mariner. Each plays a plethora of exotic instruments ranging from bohdran & concertina to harp & hammered dulcimer; psaltery, pennywhistles, flute and zils, to name just a few. They play traditional songs as well as adding original material to the Celtic repertoire. http://www.themusesmusic.com
Saturday March 29th - saw the Kilted wedding of two of our favorite people, Isle of Maui Pipeband Drum Sergeant Peter Della Croce and Waldorf School teacher Jemma Haskins. The ceremony was held in the grounds of St.Johns Episcopal Church in Keokea, Kula, with amazing views and great weather. The Isle of Maui Pipeband played the wedding party in, and there was a beautiful sunset ceremony. The reception was a fabulous affair in a marquee on the grounds, with great music from the Celtic Tigers. To see footage of the band shot by Frank Pulaski click Celtic Tigers at Pete & Jemma's wedding and scroll to 3rd row. Good luck Pete and Jemma - Slainte !!
Friday, March 28th - Honolulu had a great Irish Concert at the Aloha Tower, a night of fun with 3 great music acts, The Muses from Colorado, Switchback from Chicago, and Doolin Rakes from right here on Oahu. Organised by the Friends of St Patrick, this was a fundraiser for their society that puts on the Waikiki St.Patrick's Day Parade. As well as good music, there were Hawaii Celtic T-shirts from Maui Celtic, some of the proceeds going to the Friends of St Patrick, and food from Da Smokehouse, not to mention of course Guinness, Harp, and Smithwick's on tap and Bushmills and Jameson Irish Whiskey available, thanks to sponsor Better Brands.
For more information, visit http://www.irishclubhawaii.com
The Muses from Colorado - http://www.themusesmusic.com
Switchback from Chicago - http://www.waygoodmusic.com/switchback
Doolin Rakes from right here on Oahu - http://www.myspace.com/808doolinrakeshawaii
Thursday March 20th -- legendary Maui Welshman Trevor Jones and Kevin Jones from Wales played traditional Irish and folk music at 'Mulligan's at the Wharf', the home of Irish music on West Maui, in the Wharf Cinema Center, opposite the Banyan Tree in Lahaina.
March 17th - over on Oahu was the yearly Waikiki Saint Patrick's Day Parade, sponsored by the Society of the Friends of St. Patrick of Hawaii - www.irishclubhawaii.com.
The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii marched from Ala Moana along Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiolani Park. There was an after parade party at Kelley O’Neils in Waikiki, and then the craic moved downtown to the Honolulu Saint Patrick's Day Block Party.
Every year Murphy's Bar and Grill sponsors a FREE all afternoon/evening block party in downtown Honolulu at Nuuanu Avenue and Merchant Street. There was great food - tasty fresh oysters, corned beef and cabbage, fish & chips, and of course plenty of Guinness and Irish whisky at the outdoor booths, not to mention in Murphy's and O'Tooles ! Hamish and Jennifer were there with a Maui Celtic booth of Irish goodies and new kool kelly green HAWAII CELTIC T-shirts, All Ireland tartan (plaid) clothing and noggin wraps (do-rags), and Hawaii Tartan items too !! The streets were mobbed by sunset, with folks in crazy green costumes - the crowd went wild when Hamish Burgess played the bagpipes - a 6 foot pint of Guinness was dancing jigs !!
There was great traditional Irish music in O'Toole's Pub (www.irishpubhawaii.com), with the local Kaimana Ceili Band then visiting singer/guitarist Kieran Murphy, and local band Doolin Rakes. Outside on the block the Piranha Brothers played, The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii joined by Hamish ripped it up by the Maui Celtic booth, and a memorable night finished with Hawaiian music from Henry Kapono. For more information on the yearly event visit gomurphys.com
Monday March 17th -- of course back in Maui was St.Patrick's Day at 'Mulligan's on the Blue', the home of Irish music on Maui, in Wailea. The party started at noon with legendary local singer Welshman Trevor Jones, then Kevin Jones from Wales, and then great local acts Sisters Grimm, The Crunch Pups, and Lawa. Guinness and great Irish food all day !
On the West Side there was St.Patrick's Day at 'Mulligan's at the Wharf', with this year's party at the home of Irish music in Lahaina. With traditional Irish music from An Ril, The Celtic Tigers, bagpiping from Roger McKinley, and great songs from Murray Thorne, then Paddy Juniors All Star Band.
Sunday March 16th - Maui folks celebrated St. Pat's a day early at 'Mulligan's at the Wharf', on West Maui. Bagpiping from Roger McKinley, and we witnessed the triumphant return of local legendary Welshman Trevor Jones. Down in Wailea they celebrated a day early with St.Pat's at 'Mulligan's on the Blue'. The biggest Irish party of the year started at noon with legendary local singer Welshman Trevor Jones (click for video of Trevor and scroll to 4th row right), then Off Tomorrow, the great local Isle of Maui Pipeband (click for video of the band and scroll to 5th row left) with special guest champion bagpiper Jack Lee (click for video of Jack Lee and scroll to 5th row left) - for an pipeband video interview by Frank Pulaski please click Isle of Maui Pipeband interview and scroll to 5th row 2nd from right). Then followed by A Kettle Prime, and local Irish band The Celtic Tigers. There were contests for Best Leprechaun Outfit, Best Hat, and Best Green Item of Clothing, and we heard rumours of a poledancing contest !!.
Up on the slopes of Haleakala Volcano, Maui's own Tropical Harps presented a concert of Celtic music at St. John's Church, Keokea, Kula. Tropical Harps are a 5 member group featuring harps, fiddle, pennywhistle, mandolin, guitar, concertina, and banjo.
Friday, March 14th - THE BAGPIPING EVENT OF THE YEAR ! The Isle of Maui Pipeband presented World Champion Bagpiper JACK LEE in recital at the Makawao Union Church, joined by champion drummer Reid Maxwell. This fantastic yearly event was a fund-raiser for our local non-profit pipeband, The Isle of Maui Pipeband who opened the show. Jack is the Pipe Sergeant and co-founder of the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band, 4 time winner of the World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland - Reid is the lead drummer.
March 12th - 17th - saw The Return of Kieran Murphy !! to the Hawaiian Islands. The boundless energy of the young singer/songwriter spanned several days of gigs at O'Toole's Irish Pub, Kelley O'Neil's Pub in Waikiki, and of course the Saint Patrick's Day Party at O'Toole's. Kieran belted out great Irish and Scottish songs for days, his voice saved by a few drams every now and then. Great to see him back in Hawaii !
MARCH 7th/8th/14th/15th - Hamish Burgess of Maui Celtic was over on Oahu for two weekends bagpiping at pubs in Honolulu, Waikiki, University, and Hawaii Kai, as the official bagpiper for the Anheuser-Busch Bass Clan Black & Tan St.Patrick's Day promotion. He got a great reception at each venue when he accompanied two lovely mini-kilted ambassadors, and the local Anheuser-Busch managers, on a Bass product sampling tour leading up to St.Patrick's Day. The downtown crowds went nuts the first day at Murphy's and O'Tooles Irish Pubs, on a busy First Friday night. A surprise highlight was the Waikiki pub full of cowboys in boots and stetsons going wild after the piping !! The college crowd at University were a blast too.
MARCH 9th/12th/15th - The Canadian Celtic Choir played to a full house at St.John’s Episcopal Church in Keokea, Kula, and to fine crowds at Iao Concregational Church in Wailuku, and Makawao Union Church, all great settings for this wonderful group. They performed songs from the Celtic countries as well as Canada and America. They have a fabulous sound and amzing arrangements of traditional songs - and look good in black and tartan ! Mahalo to the local community who billeted all the singers and families at their homes.
Check them out at www.canadian-celtic-choir.org
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 23rd - the great Irish band ALTAN performed in the Castle Theater at The Maui Arts & Cultural Center. A phenomenal concert by this band of virtuoso musicians from
Donegal, Altan's traditional music ranged dynamically from the most touching of old Irish ballads, to a wall of sound on the foot-stomping jigs & reels ! Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh's voice was amazing in Gaelic and English, and her fiddle duels with Ciaran Tourish were spectacular. Brilliant accordion playing from Dermot Byrne, was matched by Daithi Sproule on guitar, and Ciaran Curran on mandolin. Their level of musicianship is second to none. Altan has been the preeminent name in traditional Irish music for over a decade, and are even on a postage stamp in Ireland ! 
For more information on Altan, visit www.altan.ie
Celtic music fan Kevin Lennon from Cornwall (U.K.), a long-time friend of Hamish of Maui Celtic since they were 16, arranged his visit to see his old friend to coincide with the Altan concert - here the lads are catching up while listening to local band An Ril.
The courtyard scene outside was buzzing, with Irish food by Mulligans on the Blue, and a great show by local traditional band An Ril, with singer Kevin O'Kennedy (whistle/vocals) and David Bryan (cittern) joined by new member Bud Clarke (bodhran), and guest piper Roger McKinley (smallpipes).
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 17th - Hamish's Celtic music show on Mana'o Radio featured an interview with Ciaran Tourish of top Irish band Altan, and a listen to their great music and songs, which you can check out at www.altan.ie
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 7th - Hamish was at a great show by Canadian band LEAHY who performed in in California at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. After recording an interview with Doug Leahy for his Maui Celtic radio show, Hamish saw an amazing concert by this band of 8 siblings from Ontario. Their dynamic music ranged from beautiful slow airs to literally foot-stomping jigs & reels, with the brothers and sisters all stepdancing ! Multiple fiddles, guitars, piano and drums - what a powerhouse of energy this family is ! Donnell Leahy is married to Natalie McMaster, who performed on Maui several years ago. For more information on Leahy, visit www.leahymusic.com
JANUARY 27th-FEBRUARY 4th - Hamish of Maui Celtic was away on the IRISH MUSIC CRUISES CONCERTS AT SEA, joining singer Liam Clancy for an 8 day cruise from California to the Mexican Riviera presented by Debbie Casey (www.irishmusiccruises.com) 1-888-56IRISH.
The next week’s adventure started with 2 days at sea with plenty of activity including a welcome cocktail party, great music sessions where anyone could join in, an informative and fun Celtic art lesson, music workshop, ceilidh dance band Emigrant Eyes and fantastic concerts in an intimate theater setting.
From solo sets by talented Gabriel Donohue, to full Celtic sound of Robbie O’Connell, Aoife Clancy, Matt & Shannon Heaton and George Keith on fiddle, guitars, bodhran, flutes and whistles, singing covered traditional folk to originals, with powerhouse vocal harmonies from the Makem & Spain Brothers.
Great songs and humor of Eugene Byrne, Kevin Evans & Brian Doherty were well received, as was amazing Irish tenor Ciaran Sheehan, lead in Broadway ‘Phantom of the Opera’. Singing star Danny Doyle gave a remarkable history concert, and Ceilidh band Emigrant Eyes were joined by 3 young Irish dancers for a fine show.
Irish comedienne Fiona Walsh had us in stitches with a hilarious life story of trying to get to America.
Liam Clancy, at the young age of 72, set the stage on fire with boundless energy and passion. With guitar and concertina, he performed heart-wrenching ballads to rousing traditional songs and raucous sea-shanties. A true master of his art.
The sound of “Minstrel Boy” on the pipes of Hamish Burgess opened a Tribute to Tommy Makem, who was a bagpiper as well as a famous singer. Tommy’s longtime singing partner Liam Clancy sang “The Bard of Armagh”, followed by all the musicians with their favorite Makem songs. Tommy’s sons Shane, Rory and Conor with Mickey and Liam Spain closed a great concert in fine style showing that a family tradition will undoubtedly continue.
Mexican ports of call were Acapulco, exploring the old fortress and city, watching incredible cliff divers, and visiting old haunts of John Wayne and Johnny Weissmuller. Zihuatanejo is a beautiful fishing village with craft markets, Mariachi musicians, palm-lined beaches, snorkeling, diving or kayaking, and the nearby resort of Ixtapa. In the resort of Puerto Vallarta, a walk down the esplanade with it’s cool quirky statues and incredible sand sculptures, took you past the bars and craft shops to the old town, where in the magnificent cathedral it was a surprise to see a crowded local Mass accompanied by a large Mariachi band ! Beautiful local sights included director John Huston’s island hideaway 'Las Caletas', the cove of Mismaloya with film set from ‘Night of the Iguana’, amongst rainforested foothills of the Sierra Madre. 
Iguanas still bask in the sun on the rocks there.
The Rock Arch at the tip of the Baha Peninsula near Cabo San Lucas is spectacular in clear blue waters with resident pelicans, and sea lions. Lover’s Beach there has the Pacific on one side and the Sea of Cortez on the other. Another trip to Todos Santos could take in big surf and a visit to the Hotel California !
The exclusive shows of the Irish Music Cruise were so much talked about that other cruising guests were desperate to get in ! More great concerts until midnight, were followed by unscheduled but legendary sessions at one of the ship’s pubs, with Gabriel leading the wild late night sing-alongs with anything from traditional Irish to show tunes !
An amazing week of fun and stellar Irish music !!
SATURDAY JANUARY 26th - a day after his birthday we celebrated Scotland's most famous poet with ROBERT BURNS NIGHT ON MAUI. His 200 year old verse has become part of Scottish heritage celebrated all over the world. He died at 37 (1759-1796), and is the most widely translated poet in the world.
Burn's Night at Mulligan's, was presented by MAUI CELTIC and Mulligan's on the Blue at Maui's Irish Pub, in Wailea. After the 3 course dinner, the night got going with Scottish MC John Crowe and Piper Roger McKinley and Drummer Peter Della Croce in full dress uniform, and all the Burns Night traditional ceremonies took place, including 'The Selkirk Grace', the piping in and the Address 'To A Haggis', many toasts with much fine Scotch whisky, and Robert Burns' poetry. The 'Celtic Tigers' were playing traditional Irish and Scottish music, and at the break more great pipes and drum from Roger and Pete, and of course, "Auld Lang Syne"......another legendary night on Maui, with much hilarity when the first haggis splatted on the floor - A HAGGIS DOWN ! - there was of course a back up.
SATURDAY JANUARY 25th - Hamish celebrated ROBERT BURNS NIGHT with fine Scottish singer and songwriter Jim Malcolm at a great house concert he did in Santa Monica, California. Jim sang many traditional songs of Robert Burns, about whom he is amazingly knowledgable, and Hamish recorded an interview for his radio show. Jim was on Maui a few years before with Scottish band The Old Blind Dogs. He now has a busy solo career. Check his music out at www.jimmalcolm.com
MONDAY JANUARY 21st -- the Isle of Maui Pipeband played at the Wailuku Cultural Diversity Day. With music all day, the band played by the Wailuku Banyan Tree.
SUNDAY JANUARY 20th -- Hamish had a surprise during his Celtic music show on Mana'o Radio. He was playing Celtic music featuring the words of Scottish poet Robert Burns, when fantastic Irish singer Frances Black called and they had an off-the-cuff interview and a chat about her great music, which you can check out at www.frances-black.net