Irish Thymes Blog

Boston and the Irish Population

2011-02-15T16:39:00.000-05:00

Boston might well be regarded as the capital of Irish America. As a percentage of the population, Massachusetts is the most Irish state, with about a quarter of the population claiming Irish descent. New England remains the most Irish-American part of the country, with New Hampshire contributing a good portion of its population.

Other cities in America with a large Irish population are Philadelphia, New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco.

Interestingly, because of its history as a mining center, Butte, Montana, is also one of the country's most thoroughly Irish-American cities. Many of the miners from the Beara Peninsula, who had worked in the copper mines in Allihes in southwest Cork, traveled to Butte for work in the mines.

There are large populations of Irish Americans in the South, as well, particularly in Charleston (South Carolina) and New Orleans (Louisiana) and also in Washington, DC, and the states of Delaware and Florida.

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, many organizations are celebrating their "Irish-ness" with concerts, ceilis, plays, festivals, and parades. Don't miss out. Check out the St. Patrick's Day Parade Schedule and other Irish related March Events in Greater Boston at The Boston Irish Tourism Association's Irish Massachusetts website. See also the BITA related blog sites:

It's a Beautiful Day for Dublin

2011-02-12T07:33:00.000-05:00

Visting Dublin soon? View the official online tourist office for Dublin and don't forget to enter the dates you will be there to see what Dublin events are happening.

Watch Dublin Tourism's promotional DVD with backing track from U2!

Irish-American Oatmeal

2010-12-13T20:48:00.002-05:00

Here are two versions of this thick and creamy Irish oatmeal recipe, the original is from Cook’s Illustrated (membership required) courtesy of my sister. My preferred recipe is one I adapted to my own tastes. Both recipes are below with my simplified and preferred recipe first. Both recipes work well with the steel cut Irish oats or with the more customary American style rolled oats. It's great for breakfast or any time.

This recipe makes a big batch, which is handy to re-heat as needed during the week. I refer to it here as Irish-American Oatmeal, as it is based on the original "Irish Oatmeal" recipe but I have adapted it to my American tastes. Over time, I have become accustomed to the coarse cut oats. There is some discussion whether there are more health benefits from steel cut oats than rolled oats; but in the end I think its just a matter of preference.

Thick and Creamy Oatmeal

Ingredients:
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups milk of choice (my preference: 1 cup soy milk & 1 cup fat-free milk)
• 2 cups rolled oats (not instant)* or steel cut oats (if using steel-cut, you may need up to 2 cups more liquid)

Optional: (see more optional ingredients and toppings below)**
• 1 apple, peeled and chopped (it's OK to throw apples in once the oatmeal starts to thicken)
• 1 cup raisins (prefer California Golden raisins; rinse to clean them and soak them while oats are cooking)

*If using rolled oats, use Old Fashioned Oats that normally require 5 minutes cooking time.

Directions:
Combine the ingredients in any order in a large, heavy-duty pan; I usually start with the oats and let them toast while I prepare the liquids. Bring to a low rolling boil (about 5 minutes, watch carefully so it doesn't boil over) and cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally; you may need to reduce heat as it thickens so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan (or after it comes to a boil, set on lowest heat for up to an hour). Add chopped apple and raisins and continue to cook for an additional 7 minutes or until the apples are softened. There's no harm in cooking this longer, but it does thicken as it settles.

That's it. It's just a little more time-consuming than the 5-minute variety but it is so much creamier and smoother, it's worth the extra effort. This makes a big batch so put the leftovers in the fridge and heat up a bowlful at a time; reheat a minute or so in the microwave or on the stove with a little more liquid. This actually tastes better the next day or even a few days later. It shouldn't require any additional milk when served and the plump and juicy raisins and apples should provide all the sweetness you could want. Of course, you can add your own optional ingredients and try different ways of cooking it. One of these days I'm going to put all the ingredients in a slow cooker and see how that comes out - how simple would that be?

Here is the original recipe, which uses the steel cut oats. It's good, too, but I prefer the taste without the salt and butter.

Cooks Illustrated Irish Oatmeal*

Ingredients (4 servings)
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup steel cut oatmeal ~ Irish oatmeal (example: McCann's, see prep hints)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (save salt for last 7 – 10 minutes of cooking time)

Ingredients (doubled, 8 servings)
6 cups water
2 cups milk
2 TBSP butter
2 cups oats
1/2 tsp. Salt (save salt for last 7 – 10 minutes of cooking time)

Directions:
1. In a large saucepan bring water and milk to simmer over medium heat. (When bringing milk to the boiling point, stand by the pot to ensure it does not boil over ~ put a clear (if possible) cover on the pan to hasten the process but leave it tilted so the steam can escape.)
2. Meanwhile, heat butter in a medium skillet (a wok works well) over medium heat until just beginning to foam; add oats and toast the oats, stirring constantly with wooden spoon, until golden and fragrant, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
3. Stir toasted oats into the simmering liquid; reduce heat to medium-low; stir occasionally, about 20 minutes uncovered.
4. Add salt and continue cooking, stirring occasionally 7 to 10 minutes more.
5. Let stand 5 minutes.

Start to Finish: 30 minutes.
*Original recipe from a hand-written note (parentheses are my additions)

**Optional Extras: (not in the original recipe) and not needed to enjoy this thick and creamy dish.

For added sweetness, top with agave nectar, sugar, sugar substitute or maple syrup.
If oatmeal is too thick, top with a splash of milk.

Stir in any of the following fresh or dried fruit, nuts, grains, and flavorings or use your own favorite near the end of cooking time; for the most part, they only require 5 minutes or less.

· Apples and raisins make a great combination and you probably won’t need sugar
· Flax seeds and/or sesame seeds (add with the oats)
- Peeled and chopped fresh peach, pear, or apple: 1 piece of fruit or 1 cup
· Prunes
· Raisins, currants, or snipped pitted whole dates, 1/4 cup
· Dried cherries, dried cranberries, dried apricots or other dried fruit
· Wheat berries that have been precooked in apple juice
· Raw unsalted cashews – may be sprinkled on top
· A dash of cinnamon (or 1/8 teaspoon)
· A “tropical trail mix” (nuts) with dried shredded coconut
· Semi-sweet chocolate bits – add a handful after cooking in the standing phase

PS: Enjoying the coarse cut Irish Oatmeal at work.

Win a Free DVD copy of Irish Film KISSES

2010-10-27T13:25:00.000-04:00

For a chance to win a free copy of Lance Daly's KISSES on DVD, send an email to promos@oscilloscope.net with the subject heading "KISSES in Boston".

KISSES was screened by the Boston Irish Film Festival in Boston in August 2009 and has just been released on DVD. See previous blog post for more on this tender coming of age movie of two runaways on the Dublin streets. View the trailer at the Coolidge Corner Theatre website

Winners will be announced by November 5th!

The IFFB (Irish Film Festival Boston) recently screened another Irish film, A SHINE OF RAINBOWS, in Hingham, Massachusetts (October 21). This is a film by Vic Sarin starring Aidan Quinn and Connie Nielson. The film won eleven film festival awards in 2009. View trailer.

"The poignant tale of a loving mother, a reluctant father and the extraordinary journey that brings a young orphan home." [About the Film]

Irish Websites

2010-10-06T13:29:00.000-04:00

If you're looking for a good Irish website, you should find what you want at the Irish Web Awards website where you'll find this handy Irish Web Awards shortlist for 2010.

There's the Cork News, a weekly news and lifestyle publication. LookWest.ie features information on living in the West of Ireland in the counties of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Rosscommon, Galway, and Clare. The Irish Film Board website will keep you up to date on Irish films. [Did you see Ondine?] View Irish street art at Twelve Doors. Event Elephant will allow event organizer to post an event and sell tickets online. People are connecting with one another on the Irish Abroad Facebook page. Find your way around Trinity College in Dublin on their visitors page. See what's on TV at RTE television. So many good websites!

KISSES OPENING AUGUST 6th at COOLDGE CORNER

2010-08-04T10:48:00.001-04:00

From director Lance Daly (interview) (Last Days in Dublin, The Halo Effect) comes the story of two young runaways living on the fringes of Dublin who discover both beauty and danger in the big city. Kylie lives with 5 siblings and an overworked mother. Next door, Dylan is growing up with an abusive father and the memory of his runaway brother. One day, after a violent altercation with his father, Dylan and Kylie flee. Together they make their way to the magical lights of downtown Dublin to search for Dylan's brother and the hope of a new life.

Shane Curry and Kelly O'Neill in "Kisses"

Dublin, as shown through the innocent eyes of our young protagonists, is a kaleidoscope of magic, wonder and mystery. But as the night wears on, Dublin takes on a darker character and the two children learn that they have to rely on the kindness of strangers and the sagely wisdom of Bob Dylan to persevere. Featuring two incredible breakthrough performances by Shane Curry and Kelly O'Neill, Kisses is a tale of two children who test the limits of what life can become and in the process learn what they can do for each other.

For screening times and advance tickets, visit www.coolidge.org. Tickets are also available at the Coolidge Corner Theater Box Office, 290 Harvard Street, Brookline. For more information, visit the website or call 617-734-2500.

Read reviews and watch trailer:

Entertainment.ie "Lance Daly ... takes a massive gamble with two young debutants in the lead roles but it pays off, big time."

IFC.com review "...all of a sudden, Ireland is a hotbed of child acting talent..."

NPR.org review 'Kisses': Kids At Large In A Dylan-Haunted Dublin (3 scenes on video clip)

"Talking With Your Eyes" in Killarney

2010-07-04T22:56:00.005-04:00

Last February when I was in Ireland for "The Gathering" of Irish traditional music and set dancing, I enjoyed a Wednesday night in town at the Grand Hotel, in the back, for a night of set dancing to the tunes of the Johhny Reidy Ceili Band. I think the band is great - it brings to mind the sound of Johhny Cash, particularly in this video, where the dancers are doing either a quick step [here's a quick lesson on video, or rather a "quick quick slow slow" lesson] or dancing the jive [jive dance lessons here].

View the video "Talking With Your Eyes" on YouTube.

Talking With Your Eyes

Short Tweets About Irish Stuff

2010-04-03T11:19:00.003-04:00

It takes a long time for me to write a blog post and because I haven't had much to spare lately, I've been posting whatever Irish stuff I find interesting on Twitter where I often link to websites that I think would be of interest to myself, first of all, but also to other Irish-Americans in the greater Boston area.

I've also expanded the Irish Thymes calendar to include more varied events; I started the calendar originally to keep track of the Irish set dancing classes in the Boston area, so it is loaded with set dancing events, which I continue to enjoy. I don't want to duplicate other websites, like Irish Massachusetts or the Irish Cultural Center of New England and the very comprehensive Music For Robin website that lists Celtic music concerts for 100 miles around Boston - and there are many other great websites - so I don't try to list everything. But, if you know of something that might be of interest, please let me know and I'd be happy to share on the Irish Thymes website (or maybe just Twitter). Leave a comment or use this contact form.

Free Irish Lessons from The Irish People Newspaper

2009-10-03T14:18:00.003-04:00

I've always been interested in the Irish language but for one reason or another never formally studied it. I suppose it's mainly because my relatives spoke English both here in the US and in Ireland. And, of course, as it's not one of the standard foreign language selections in American schools, an Irish course was not easy to come by as a student.

My mother excelled in Irish at the National School in Ireland; she won a silver medal for achievement, which I wear proudly around my neck on occasion. Many of those occasions are times when I need encouragement or even comfort to get through a difficult situation. But I digress. My purpose in writing this entry is to share a free Irish language course I discovered recently on the Internet.

Here is the whole course of Irish Lessons from Irish People, the newspaper. There is also an easier to read version that is broken into separate lessons on irishpage.com -- There are 125 lessons in all. See also original files on Irish Northern Aid website (and addendum below)*

I found the lessons originally on karott.com in the text version that you can copy and paste into a Word document and save on your computer (or save the web pages). There are more Irish language references on the same website. You can likely find these lessons on other pages, as well, since the original publisher has granted permission to reprint the Irish lessons with credit to the "Irish People" newspaper - but you won't find that particular publication on the web as it ceased printing some years in the past, before the Internet was invented. The pronunciation guide is phonetic spellings of the spoken language.

Lesson One indicates the lessons were prepared "especially for persons who are studying alone or in small groups without a teacher, books or recordings" and when the paper reran the Irish study course it stated, "The purpose of the course is to give Americans, whether of Irish descent or not, a working knowledge of the Irish language."

Of course, I was curious, as you may be, about The Irish People newspaper and found some information on the founder of the paper, William O'Brien, who lived from 1852 to 1928. He was active politically and concerned for the plight of the Irish tenant farmer. In 1898 O'Brien co-founded the nationalist political party United Irish League with Michael Davitt and in 1899 he founded the League's paper Irish People See more on William O'Brien. As best I can determine, the the Irish People newspaper ceased publication in 1904. (See Addendum below.*)

It's wonderful, and important, to hear the language. You can hear as well as read Irish Gaelic on Irish "word of the day" (free) courtesy of Transparent Language. Language-Learning-Advisor suggests other resources for learning Irish, including the well-respected Rosetta Stone products.

So, now I am adding another dimension to my appreciation of Irish culture and history by delving into the language of my ancestors. Fortunately, there is a resurgence of interest in speaking Irish Gaelic and I am finding many opportunities to hear it both spoken and in song.

*Addendum: I have since located what appears to be the original source of the Irish Lessons on the Internet at The Irish Northern Aid website. There are 128 lessons with a copyright notation as crediting The Irish People as follows: (c) 1997, 1998 The Irish People. May be reprinted with credit.

Jerry's Irish Bread

2009-06-05T14:25:00.005-04:00

My brother Jerry could be counted on to bring a couple of loaves of this wonderful Irish soda bread along with a pot of Boston Baked Beans to just about any family gathering. Here is his recipe for Irish Bread as shared with the family by brother John.

JERRY'S IRISH BREAD

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
In a Large Bowl, Mix (Fork)
3 Cups FLOUR
1 Tablespoon BAKING POWDER
½ Teaspoon SALT

In a Small Bowl Mix
2 EGGS (Beaten)
1/3 Cup SUGAR
1/8 Cup OIL
1-1/4 Cup MILK
ADD WET TO DRY & HAND/MIX FOLD--IT SHOULD BE VERY THICK
ADD 1 Tablespoon CARAWAY SEEDS (1 tsp if you don't like) 1 Cup RAISINS

SPOON INTO GREASED LOAF PAN, SPRINKLE SUGAR ON TOP
AFTER OVEN REACHES 375 DEGREES, BAKE FOR 50 MINUTES.

I'll add a photo when I bake this myself. It would look very similar to "Mr. Nick's" Irish Bread recipe posted here in March 2009. Jerry would bake them in long loaf tins similar to Trina's Irish Brown Bread posted here in April 2009.

Irish Play "The Banshee of Crokey Hill"

2009-05-18T17:25:00.005-04:00

Acclaimed Irish Play The Banshee of Crokey Hill comes to the Regent Theatre in Arlington MA June 26th to 28th.

This exceptional piece of Irish drama – set in rural Ireland in the 1970’s - has received rave reviews in Ireland, England and the United States and has been hailed as one of the most powerful pieces of drama to come from the Emerald Isle for some time. Although the play is steeped in Irish comedy and hilarious Irish one-liners it also has a serious undertone as the soured relationship between a father and son manifests itself in most unusual circumstances. Audiences will be fascinated by the incredible plot that unfolds throughout the show.

The plot evolves around the return home of Mickey McMahon (Tommy Marren) to visit his aging parents Jack McMahon (John Duggan) and his wife Kathleen (Eileen Slevin) after 13-years living in Manchester. The purpose of his visit is to tell them he is about to get married in Manchester but sadly a black secret kept from him by his parents unfolds. [MidWest Radio 5/5/09]

There is an exceptional ‘hooley’ scene that includes a breath-taking display of brush-dancing (an old Irish dance done with a sweeping brush!) by Brian Cunningham from Connemara in County Galway and traditional musician that will warm the hearts of the audience!

Show times are Friday June 26^th and Saturday June 27^th at 8.00 pm and Sunday June 28^th at 3.00 pm. Tickets are available on line at The Regent Theatre [more info on the play, too!] or phone 781- 646 4849. Tickets are expected to sell fast so don't wait if you want to see this.

Next Stop Galway - Boston Celebrates Restart of Race

2009-05-15T07:29:00.002-04:00

The Irish Waterfront Festival at the Fan Pier on Boston's waterfront is the final celebration of the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race's only American stop on this round-the-world race - the weekend kicks of at 5PM Friday - the Race Village closes at 6pm on Saturday May 16th 2009 after the boats leave for Galway, the next stop!

Find the latest event details with photos and running commentary. Read about Ireland's Green Dragon crew.

Directions: The Race Village is located on Fan Pier. Fan Pier is located directly on Boston’s waterfront between the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) and the Moakley Courthouse at 28 Northern Avenue.
By T – From South Station take Silver Line to Courthouse Station (1 stop). Detailed directions from any direction are on the official website. Don't miss this up close and in your face amazing video on the home page of what it's all about.

Next stop: Galway - the only stopover in Ireland and the UK. The yachts are estimated to arrive May 23, 2009, where they will stay for two weeks - events run to June 6th. Find details on the Galway stopover on letsdoitgalway.com and Discover Ireland.

Irish Reel Step Dance Notes

2009-05-12T09:02:00.004-04:00

One of the mementos saved from childhood is my teacher's handwritten Irish Step Dancing notes of the seven steps of the Beginner Reel (print it) including the Lead Out. I've since typed the notes and saved the file as a printable PDF document.

The new way of teaching "the sevens" isn't the "kick hop" but more of an "up" to the knee in front and down in back for the 1. If you're new to Irish step dancing, have a look at this instruction video on Expert Village.

Note: the step dancers in the photo are from Sheila Bremer's Bremer School of Irish Dance in Salem, MA. The event was their "sunset ceili" fundraiser.

Reel - Irish Step Dance Steps

First Step
R.F.    Kick hop 1-2-3-4-5-6-7
L.F.    Kick hop 1-2-3-4-5-6-7
R.F.    Kick hop 1-2-3-4-5-6-7
L.F.    Kick hop 1-2-3
R.F.    Kick hop 1-2-3
Repeat starting with left foot.

Second Step
Kick hop 1-2-3-4 kick hop down (3 times)
Kick hop 1-2-3 Kick hop 1-2-3
Repeat starting with left foot.

Third Step
Kick hop, Kick hop, Kick hop 1-2-3 (3 times)
Kick hop 1-2-3 Kick hop 1-2-3
Repeat starting with left foot.

Fourth Step
R.F.    Kick hop, Kick hop, Kick hop1-2-3 (3 times)
L.F.    Kick hop, Kick hop, Kick hop1-2-3
R.F.    Hop 1-2-3
L.F.    Hop 1-2-3
R.F.    Kick hop, Kick hop, Kick hop-2-3
Repeat stating on the left foot.

Fifth Step
1-2, 3-4, kick hop 1, kick hop 2, kick hop 1-2-3
The 1, the 2, the 3
Toe-toe, heel toe
The 1, the 2, the 3,
And the 1-2-3 and the 1-2-3
Repeat starting with left foot.

Sixth Step
Toe-toe heel toe the 1, the 2, the 3 (3 times)
And the 1-2-3 and the 1-2-3
Repeat starting with left foot.

Seventh Step
Kick hop, kick hop, kick hop 1-2-3
Kick hop 1-2-3
The cut, the cut
Toe to heel toe the 1 the 2 the 3
Kick hop 1-2-3, kick hop 1-2-3
Repeat starting with left foot.

Lead Out
The 1 the 2 the 3 and the 4 (frontwards)
The 1 the 2 the 3 and the 4 (backwards)
Repeat.

Green Chile Quiche Recipe

2009-04-11T18:50:00.009-04:00

It's not Irish but it is a favorite. I re-discovered the recipe while cleaning out kitchen cupboards today. I'm posting it, not only to share it, but to save it for myself. This makes a great appetizer and is very easy to make. [I've had a couple of cans of chopped green chiles on hand just so I can make this recipe; one is 4.5 ounces and the other 7 ounces - just about right.]

INGREDIENTS:
3 4-oz. cans roasted, peeled green chiles (don't use jalapenos)
1 pound (16 ounces) mild cheddar cheese, grated
3 Tablespoons milk or cream
1 Tablespoon chile juice
1 Egg

DIRECTIONS:
Remove seeds from chiles and save juice.
Line a 9-inch pan with chilies.
Top with Cheese.

Mix milk or cream, chile juice, and egg. Pour over top of cheese. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 - 45 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Cut in squares. Unusual and delicious!

Irish Brown Bread Recipe

2009-04-02T21:11:00.008-04:00

I made Trina McKillen Steinberg's Irish Brown Bread Recipe after viewing a video of her making it on You Tube. Watch the video and you'll see how easy it is to make. I put together this recipe based on her video. This is among the best brown breads I have tasted and I love that it has simple and wholesome ingredients.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup white flour, unbleached organic all purpose or bread flour
1/4 cup bran
1/4 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
2 cups fresh buttermilk
Sesame seeds to sprinkle on top

PREPARATION: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir the dry ingredients together in a large bowl with a wooden spoon or a whisk. Stir in buttermilk to form a soft dough. Spray a loaf pan with canola oil spray and roll mixture into pan. Smooth dough out to sides. Sprinkle the top liberally with sesame seeds.

Bake for 1 hour at 400; the top will rise in the center and it will pull away from the sides of the pan when done.

This is wonderful as is or even better toasted and buttered and spread with marmalade or a favorite jam. It's a great accompaniment with tea or coffee. This is very similar to the many different and delicious brown breads I enjoyed in Ireland.

Irish Bread Recipe for St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-01T23:16:00.002-05:00

I have a new recipe for Irish Bread I have tried a couple of times with very positive feedback (people liked it).

IRISH BREAD

Mix dry ingredients:
4 cups flour
1-3/4 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup currants (or more raisins)

Add in remaining ingredients:
4 tablespoons shortening (or butter)
2 eggs
1-1/4 cups buttermilk (see note)
2 teaspoons caraway seeds (optional)

Mix all the dry ingredients together, including the raisins, before adding the butter, eggs, and buttermilk, and knead it a little. Mixture should be thick and moist. Grease round casserole well. Bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes (or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean).

Frost if desired, although it doesn't need frosting or butter. [I have eaten Irish Bread with green frosting from a bakery - although unusual, it was good. This recipe is sweet, calling for more sugar than most Irish breads, which may be the reason for the many compliments.

The recipe is adapted from "Mr. Nick's Cookbook - a Buffet of World Cultures" compiled by Bob Nickolau, a retired Marblehead (MA) schoolteacher - the result of a world culture social studies research project with over 15 years of celebrating world cultures with food.

This recipe uses buttermilk. If you don't have fresh buttermilk on hand, you can use the packages of dry buttermilk, using 1 envelope plus 2 teaspoons of dry buttermilk (or a total of 10 teaspoons) mixed in with the dry ingredients; then use regular milk where the recipe calls for buttermilk. [Alternatively, if you have neither fresh nor dry buttermilk, you could make sour milk by adding vinegar to milk in the proportions 2 tablespoons to 1 cup ; this is used in other Irish Bread recipes, but I cannot guarantee the same results as with buttermilk.]

The recipe calls for shortening, but I prefer to use butter. I'm not crazy about caraway seeds so I don't use them. I haven't had the currants on hand so I simply added more raisins - I prefer the golden raisins over the dark ones. Although it is traditional to cut the butter into the flour mixture, I melt the butter in the microwave, as it seems easier to blend the melted butter in with the dry ingredients.

I have baked this in a large round Pyrex-type (glass) baking dish with good results. It rises very high. I may try making two smaller loaves instead of one large loaf so it will bake faster or more evenly. And the thought occurred to me as well, because of the nice crispy crust, to see how these would come out if I dropped the batter in cookies sizes on a baking sheet; I really do think they'd make terrific little Irish Bread Cookies. [Follow-up note: I tried baking this Irish Bread as a rounded loaf - actually more oblong - on a baking sheet, but I think the baking sheet material was too thin (or I just plain cooked it too long, and it burned the bottom slightly.]

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Matt & Shannon Heaton at Club Passim

2009-02-05T15:26:00.001-05:00

Matt and Shannon Heaton are releasing their new CD at Club Passim (47 Palmer St in Harvard Sq, Cambridge, MA) this Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 at 8pm. The duo performs traditional Irish music and original tunes with lush instrumentation. This CD release show for their new album Lover's Well, a collection of love songs, features guest John Williams. Amanda Cavanaugh will perform an opening set. She also has a new CD.

You can hear Kieran Jordan's sean-nos dancing feet on one track on each new album. [photo from Kieran Jordan's website]

Traditional Irish Tunes from Boston on ClareFM

2009-02-04T10:01:00.001-05:00

The Kitchen Sessions 2 podcast and photos for the Kitchen Session #4 held at the Dunleavey's in Boston (Feb-09) are now available. Have a listen to some great Irish traditional music.

Chatting in the photo above (photos courtesy of Gerry Foley) are Frank Keane, a set dancer and fan of Paula Carole and The Kitchen Session, Paula Carole, the announcer and organizer of the show, and host, Gerry Dunleavy, just prior to the broadcast. [Source: IrishThymes; more photos at ragandbone.ie]

Listen Live to ClareFM in Ireland

2009-02-01T12:50:00.000-05:00

Listen Live to ClareFM and the the Kitchen Sessions 2 from ClareFM. Read more >>