Celtic fest, CeleFunktion and community radio
by Chris Aaland
Damn it! I hate when work gets in the way of a good time. This week’s concert slate is an epic one, ranging from Brooklyn funk to world-class Celtic to urban Chicago blues to Canadian power folk. And a dad-gum fund drive has me missing out on the festivities. But you have no excuse.
The Durango Celtic Festival is back for its third incarnation tonight through Sunday at the Henry Strater Theatre and Irish Embassy Pub. Visit durangocelticfestival.com for tickets and more.
The headliner is RUNA, a quintet that’s risen to international acclaim. The group won “Top Group” and “Top Traditional Group” honors at the 2013 Irish Music Awards and both the fan ballot and judges’ votes for “Best Song” in the World Traditional Category for “Amhrán Mhuighinse” at the Independent Music Awards. Vocalist Shannon Lambert-Ryan was also twice nominated for “Best Female Vocalist” at the Irish Music Awards.
 RUNA headline the Durango Celtic Festival which runs through Sunday at various venues. |
Much like the Durango Meltdown does with bluegrass, the Durango Celtic Festival showcases local and regional talent on both the Hank’s big stage as well as in the more intimate Embassy. Other performers include the Knockabouts, Patrick Crossing, Big’Ns, Makhbeth, Truckley Howe, Kitchen Jam Band, Westwind Pipe Band, Alta Graham, Shotgun Sallies and Khara Wolf & Chad MacCluskey. It all starts with tonight’s Ceilidh/kickoff event at the Hank at 6:30 p.m., then goes full-tilt boogie Friday and Saturday.
The Pimps of Joytime, a group that has performed at Bonnaroo, High Sierra, All Good and other major festivals, finds its way to the Animas City Theatre tonight (doors at 9:30). The Brooklyn-based Pimps were born out of frontman Brian J’s desire to layer his broad range of musical influences – soul, funk, blues and rock – within the freedom of an unapologetic dance groove.
Described as three extraordinary voices with one singular vision, the Canadian folk trio the Wailin’ Jennys returns to the Community Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody and Heather Masse offer infectious, collaborative energy, unpredictable vocal arrangements and a diversity of style supported by vigorous rhythm guitars and trademark harmonies.
Durango Massive Productions hosts the 6th annual CeleFunktion next Wednesday (March 18) through Sat., March 21 at a variety of venues, including the Animas City Theatre, the Balcony Backstage, El Rancho Tavern, Moe’s, BREW Pub & Kitchen and Eno. Wednesday’s gigs include Nahko & Medicine for the People with John Wayne & the Pain at the ACT (doors at 8, music at 9); Juno What? at the Balcony Backstage (doors at 9, music at 10) and Ace Revel at Eno from 6-8.
Studebaker John & the Hawks return to Crash Music at the Historic Aztec Theatre at 7 p.m. tonight (Thur., March 12). I caught Studebaker John’s act at last summer’s Animas Blues & Brews Festival in Aztec and was taken by his energy and raw guitar playing. With more than a dozen albums to his credit, Studebaker John plays hard-edged Chicago blues in the spirit of Hound Dog Taylor.
Consider the Source will drop by the Balcony Backstage for a St. Patrick’s Day performance Tuesday night. The New York City trio defies description. Drawing from progressive rock, fusion and jazz, they incorporate alien sounds soaked in Indian and Middle Eastern styles to create what critics have dubbed “Sci-Fi Middle Eastern Fusion.”
KDUR’s Furniture as Art auction takes place tonight (Thurs., March 12) at the Durango Arts Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the auction to follow at 6:30. Participating artists this year include Andy Barber, Gavin McAlden, Stefan Eggert, Craig Erickson, Amy Felker, Jay Flanagan, John Ford, Debra Greenblatt & Minna Jain, Greg Gummersall, Philip Graveson, Dan Groth, Miki Harder, Tom Hahl, Carson Jones, Tom Kipp, Shay Lopez & Mervis Stilson, Monica McManus, Deb Morgan, Lisa Pedolsky, Bryan Saren, and Scott Smith. This one often sells out, so visit kdur.org for tickets and more information.
KSUT’s spring membership drive, which celebrates its family of Four Corners listeners, is already in full swing. Pledge online at ksut.org or call 563-0255 to be entered into drawings for great Morning Edition and day prizes, plus the grand prize trip for two to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. This package, which includes a pair of three-day festival passes, five nights lodging in the French Quarter and round-trip air travel from Durango (travel dates are April 22-26).
The grand prize drawing takes place at 6 p.m. sharp on Tuesday.
In honor of the Durango Celtic Festival, this week’s Top 10 albums list is provided by Seanacie, who has hosted “A Celtic Journey” at KSUT on Monday nights for as long as anyone can remember – at least 20 years by my recollection. “I just couldn’t call this a top 10 list, so here are 10 of my favorite Celtic CDs, although when I started as a DJ there was only vinyl,” he said. Much like his weekly show, which airs from 7-9 p.m. Mondays on KSUT, this list captures both the traditional and modern.
1. Altan, “The Blue Idol,” 2011. Not an average track on the CD. Altan at their best.
2. The Both Band, “After Hours” (Live in Paris), 2008. Captures the energy of this legendary group of musicians.
3. The Chieftains, “Water from the Well,” 2000. They had to be here, excellent production, no gimmicks.
4. Kila, “Gamblers Ballet,” 2008. Kila has always done interesting work and this is wonderful.
5. Old Blind Dogs, “Close to the Bone,” 2007. You can’t underestimate the influence of this band, here in the original lineup.
6. Peatbog Faeries, “Faerie Stories,” 2008. The cure for any creative block you might have.
7. Planxty, “After the Break,” 2012. Fun! Worth it just for Andy Irvine’s Balkan piece at the end.
8. The Pogues, “Rum Sodomy & the Lash,” 1985. Quintessential, a good time! Several tracks have entered the repertoire.
9. Allen Stivel, “Back to Briezh,” 2000. A culmination of revolutionary work started in the 1970s.
10. Wicked Tinkers, “Banger for Breakfast,” 2003. Celtic tribal percussion and bagpipes. Great energy.
Like many who’ve provided lists, Seanacie grumbled about limiting his list to just 10. Here are his honorable mentions, including: Solas, “Reunion: A Decade of Solas,” 2012; Dervish, “Spirit,” 2004; Ashley MacIsaac, “Hi, How Are You Today,” 1995; Jonny Hardie & Gavin Marwick, “Up in the Air,” 2000; and anything by Silly Wizard.
Chop you down like an old dead tree? Email me at chrisa@gobrainstorm.net.