Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

I just finished listening to the audio book version of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Man! I was left in tears. This book continued where The Goblet of Fire left off. Great writing!

The Order of the Phoenix was not all that great in my opinion. A whiney and very illogical Harry Potter was just stupid. Sure, the book sorta explained WHY, but I don't think it made up for the long, drawn-out intro the book. It was tedious.

But as I said, The Half-Blood Prince picked up where Goblet of Fire left off. Exciting and a well-developed story. Through probably still not as good as the later book.

Yet, I'm not sure what hit me so hard as Dumbledore died. And Snape ran off. Or the devoutly loyal friendship of Herminome and Ron. It was touching and powerful, but man... I was bawling at the end.

I had music flowing through my head. Thinking about the type of stuff we can expect from the movie when it finally arrives. Course, we still have several movies more to catch up with. The Goblet of Fire won't be out until December I think. And The Order of the Phoenix is just now in production.

There's a lot marketing still to be done for the movies. But this book will be killer on the screen.

I can imagine a beautiful aire of celtic music played on a solo flute or something. Whatever the case, the movie will be spectacular!

American Humane Association Reminds Pet Owners to Beware This Halloween

Halloween can be great fun for kids, but without some awareness of the dangers the frightful festivities pose to animals, some holiday horrors can be all too real for family pets. The American Humane Association reminds everyone with pets to keep their animals safe on October thirty- first.

Halloween pet safety tips from the American Humane Association:

Avoid trick-or-treat trauma. The noise and groups of goblins haunting the neighborhood can be disquieting for animals, so keep pets safe inside, away from the stressful bustle and secured against escape - either on a leash or enclosed in a separate room - while you're greeting trick-or-treaters.

Dress your pets up - with a tag or other form of ID. Make sure your pets can be quickly returned to you if they do get lost, by equipping them with a collar and current ID tag - a costume they should wear every day.

Black cats. If you have a black cat, you have a special problem. Superstitions and popular mythology may lead people, especially children, to overreact in the presence of a black cat. Save your cat from unnecessary anxiety on Halloween by keeping him inside.

Pet Costumes. Pet costumes are the latest Halloween craze, but some animals find the experience of being dressed up stressful. Let your pet be the judge. If he struggles or appears uncomfortable, then he probably prefers to celebrate as a Corgi rather than Casper! Opt for a fancy collar instead. If you decide on a costume, make sure pets can move freely and won't stumble over capes or dangling accessories. And, never tie anything around the neck that could cause choking or strangulation.

Pets and candy. Halloween treats can be hazardous - even lethal - to pets. The stimulant in chocolate can make dogs very ill, and even cause death if consumed in large enough quantities. Even "healthy" foods for humans - like grapes and raisins - can be harmful for pets to eat. So, play it safe if you want to treat your animal tricksters this Halloween, stock up on dog biscuits and catnip toys.

Visit American Humane Association for more pet safety tips.

Cat Licks

I'm a happy daddy. My kitties are doing better. I got home last night, and they were still fighting. So I let them have at it. There were a couple gut-wrenching kitty shrieks last night But when I woke up this morning, I had Torre sleeping on my legs, and Tiziano was curled up against my side. Now he's licking my arm raw as I work.

Ouch. But I'm not complaining. I'm just happy to have my boys back and getting along again.

Earlier today, I released a Cat Drinking Tails Newsletter announcing the Official Release of my new CD Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers. As of yesterday, the CD is officially available.

If you own a copy, please do me a favor and post a review on CD Baby.

If not, you can currently listen to samples, and purchase the album and save 20% for each additional CD purchased. Adopt Your CD Here

The Austin Celtic Festival Is Coming

The Largest Gathering of Celts in Central Texas at Fiesta Gardens on the shores of Town Lake at 2102 Bergman
November 5 & 6
Saturday & Sunday
11 am to 9 pm
BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE NOW!
www.austincelts.org

Tickets are $10 a day, or
$18 for a weekend pass
Children under 10 get in free
Tickets also available at Things Celtic
1806 W. 35th St. in Austin buy there for a $2 discount

FIVE INTERNATIONAL CELTIC HEADLINERS!
THE PRODIGALS www.prodigals.com
Voted the #1 Irish Band by the readers of the Irish Echo topping U2, Van Morrison and Sinead O'Connor.

GERRY O'BEIRNE www.gerryobeirne.com
Gerry O'Beirne has written some of the best new tunes to come out of Ireland's Celtic music scene. O'Beirne's guitar playing is always a thing of wonder and his lyrics have become increasingly poetic and emotionally deep. - Dirty Linen

RANDAL BAYS & DAITHI SPROULE www.bays-sproule.com
One of the best fiddlers working in the Irish tradition in America. - Fiddler Magazine
Daithi Sproule (guitarist for Altan) is a seminal figure in Irish music. -The Rough Guide to Irish Music

JERRY HOLLAND www.jerryholland.com
One of the finest Celtic fiddlers performing today. Jerry Holland comes by his music honestly. Today his settings of older tunes and his own compositions pass the muster with the traditionalists.

ROBBIE O'CONNELL www.robbieoconnell.com
Since 1977 Robbie O'Connell has performed both solo and as a member of the Clancy Brothers & Robbie O'Connell, Moloney O'Connell & Keane, The Green Fields of America,
Clancy, O'Connell & Clancy, and Aengus. He has recorded 14 albums. Winner of the Boston Music Award as Outstanding Celtic Act.

LOCAL AND US REGIONAL MUSIC
BETH PATTERSON w/ KALAFKA - Lafayette, La.
BOUREE TEXANE - Austin, Texas
BEYOND THE PALE- Dallas, Texas
BLAGGARDS - Houston, Texas
CLUAN - Austin, Texas
SARAH DINAN - Round Rock, Texas
ED MILLER - Austin, Texas
JEFF MOORE w. James Hamilton - Austin, Texas and Boston, Mass
NEEDFIRE - Dallas, Texas
POOR MAN'S FORTURNE - Austin, Texas
RISING GAEL - Oregon
SILVER THISTLE PIPES AND DRUMS - Austin, Texas
TEA MERCHANTS - Austin, Texas
THE HEALEY CARTEL - New Hampshire
THE MCKASSONS - Tennessee

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ACF SCHOOL OF TRADITIONAL ARTS
SIGNUP NOW. SPACE VERY LIMITED!
Bowing, Ornamentation and Rhythm in Irish Fiddling - Randal Bays - $15
Advanced Fiddle - Jerry Holland - $15
Advanced Bodhran - Mark Stone -$15
Advance Irish Guitar Accompaniment- Daithi Sproule - $15
Comprehensive Irish Flute - Skip Healey - $15
Open Tuning on Irish 6 and 12 String Guitar - Gerry O'Beirne -$15
Songwriting - Robbie O'Connell - $15
Paid Workshops are 75 minutes long and will be given in a classroom setting near the festival site. Advanced registration is required. There will be a $15 fee for some of the workshops for more information on how to register.

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Free Workshops - No registration necessary for these 60 minute tutorials on the bleachers of Seelie Court at the Festival, see festival schedule for times.
Intro to Irish Music - Heather Gilmer
Beginning Irish Fiddle - Chris Buckley
Beginning Bodhran (Irish Drum) - Rob Forkner
Beginning Irish Whistle - James Hamilton
Beginning Irish Guitar for Tune Sessions - Jeff Moore
Bagpipes of the World - Pipe Major Ken Liechti
Celtic Poetry - Prof. Bradley Strahan
Scottish Country Dance Workshop for Adults -Scottish Dance Alliance
Scottish Country Dance for Children - ASCDA
Irish Ceili Dancing - Irish Dance Center
Breton Dance Workshop - Calla Smith-Dowling and Jan Zollars

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Other Events:
Celtic Animals: Irish Wolfhounds, Shetland Ponies, Highland Westies, Irish Setters, Shelties, and a special sheep dog presentation by Houston's Roux Crew. Don't miss the Celtic Dog Parade both days of the festival!
(these animals are special guests of the Festival, please leave your pets at home as they are not allowed in the park)
Celtic Theater: Lorella Loftus and the Renaissance Austin Theater Company presents a dramatization of Robert Burn's classic tale of the misadventure of TAM O'SHANTER and his old nag Meg as they travel the haunted countryside of Ayr, Scotland. Narrated by Ed Miller.
(two performances on Sat).
The RATC will also present a contemporary short play by local author Lowell Batholomee, especially commissioned for the Festival, directed by Ellie McBride of the Dirigo Group. (two performances on Sunday)
Celtic History: The Society for Creative Anachronism will be out on the East Field both Sat and Sun demonstrating the art of Medieval battle and life. The Texas Coranti will have a Celtic village located at the far West field of the Festival and adults and children and practice ancient weaving techniques, ax throwing and more. The Roman Legion 1X will battle the Celts on the West field and give guests the chance to practice Roman battle techniques and view authentic Roman garb.
Celtic Storytelling: Master storytellers Liz Covington and John Burleson will weave tales of fantasy, fun and enchantment from the Celtic nations. Special children's and adult storytelling hours.
Highland Games: Games champion, Mike Baab will once again co-ordinate our Highland Games competition (on Sunday only). If you would like to compete go to austincelts.org and click on the Highland Games link or signup up your child for the Children's Highland Games!
Celtic Dance Demonstrations: Many Central Texas dance associations will be demonstrating their fancy footwork on the Kelpie Dance stage, including the Austin Scottish Country Dance Assc, The Austin Scottish Country Dance Alliance, The Breton Dancers, The Hill Country Highland Dancers, The Irish Dance Center and coming up from Corpus, the Celtic dance performance team, Celtic Menagerie. Check the schedule for opportunities for you to learn some of these great traditional dances.
Celtic Vendors: Just in time for Christmas shopping! The Festival has over 50 Celtic merchandise vendors selling one of a kind textiles, jewelry, food and gifts at great prices.

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For more information call Donnelle Mckaskle email windhover@aol.com
To Volunteer contact Deannie Hammers at mhamm50@aol.com

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BE SURE AND BOOK YOUR HOTEL NOW!!! DEADLINE IS OCT 14th TO GET OUR SPECIAL ACF RATE OF $75 at the HOLIDAY INN TOWN LAKE.
GO TO RESERVE ONLINE: http://www.austincelts.org/festival/accomodations.htm

Rose Wood Guild

I played some new music for my Renaissance Festival Podcast this week. The latest is Rose Wood Guild. I'm not sure when or where they came from. My co-host Kristen got the music from them. But wow. What music it is!

They sent a breathtaking performance of "Red Is the Rose." Wow! It's a beautiful performance.

I also got some new music for my Song Henge - Free Celtic Music Downloads website. Gotta love free music downloads.

Talking Your Way to Great Music Marketing

by Marc Gunn of Bards Crier Music Marketing and Promotion Ezine

It's interesting to compare the articles written on how to give an exciting speech with how to put on an exciting show. I have not seen that many articles for musicians on that topic. Fortunately, the two topics are fairly similar. So it is easy to transpose public speaking articles to live gig articles.

Speech writers know that you have to grab the audience's attention in 30 seconds. That's where you make your biggest impact. If you ever see a musician get up on stage and fumble a "Hi. Um. We're the Barnyard Owls," you know what I mean.

As musicians, we can grab the audience's attention with a song. But it helps to think about other ways to captivate your audience too.

Wasn't it KISS who used to shout, "Are you ready to rock!" The phrase might sound cliche now, but it serves the point. KISS knew you had to draw your audience in fast to make an impact and put on a great show.

Or perhaps you prefer non-verbal hooks. You can use a light show. Or imagine band members quitely meditating next to their instruments before they jump up and rock the house.


In one of the speech writing articles I remember reading you should provide five 'Magic Moments'. Apparently, this is something that movie promoters say is essential for a film to have a successful ad campaign... that will make the movie a hit. That seems like good advice for a live show too.

I remember seeing Ed Miller at the Texas Scottish Festival last year. He is Scottish-born and told a story about how he had to cross the Rio Grande illegally in the 60s to get back into the United States. It made him feel like he too was a "Wetback". Then he sang the song telling the story. My mind has a clear image of that day hearing that story. That was a Magic Moment for me that still gives me chills thinking about it.

Some of your Magic Moments might come from telling a story about the song like Ed Miller did. Others might be the song itself. Is it chilling or powerful. Does it make people cry, cheer, sway, or sing-a-long.

Sometimes the Magic Moment will be the way you sing or move. I remember the first time I saw some "shoegazing" and the first time someone ran up the side of a wall and did a flip. I remember someone throwing a pen towards their sales table to encourage people to sign up to their mailing list. I also remember meeting band members after a show when they took the time to say, "Thanks. And your name is?"


Just like you need a great intro, you also need a great Closer. Boy, I'm guilty of having bad closers. We end all of our shows with a sing-a-long of Monty Python's "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life". It's a great closer, but too often, the show is over and the audience is still hanging around thinking there will be more to come.

Obviously, I'm not the person to give advice on this topic. So create your own closer. I've seen the unified bow of the band members; the strong and simple, "Thank you and good night!"; or band members running through the audience to accept tips. There are still a lot of different possibilities.


There are a lot of similarities between live shows and public speaking. I'd suggest you read some articles on how to write a speech and see what they have to say on the topic. You may be surprised at just how easily those techniques will give you a live show.

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Bard Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards has helped 1000's of musicians save and make money with their musical groups through his monthly newsletter, Bards Crier Music Marketing and Promotion Ezine. Now you can get FREE "how-to" music marketing and promotion advice by visiting www.bardscrier.com. No time to visit the site? Subscribe to the Bards Crier Ezine for Free. Just email subscribe@bardscrier.com

I got the The Limeybirds CD

Yay. I got a new CD from the The Limeybirds today at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. I got it for my Renaissance Festival Podcast. My co-host, Kristen, loves there music as much as I do. So I'm happy to give them a wee bit more air time. Heck, I should do a huge special on KCRF considering all the great music there is there. I got some music from Shillelagh Law as well. Very cool.

Now I just need to try to educate some more Renaissance Festival musicians. I have my Music Marketing and Promotion Ezine that's doing a bit o'work at that. I think a number of Celtic musicians are also learning more about music promotion through that website. I wonder if I'll be able to inspire more folks to post free mp3s. Seems like a losing battle though. But it is a smart way to promote oneself. Ask the Bedlam Bards have jumped on the MP3 bandwagon for their Firefly music.