Issued by: Laura Hunt 414-229-6447 llhunt@uwm.edu Date: Feb. 10, 2004

Sean-nós singer Áine Meenaghan

Why Wait ’Til March? Celtic Culture Arrives in February at UWM

MILWAUKEE – It’s a fitting prelude to St. Paddy’s Day Feb. 20, 21 and 24 at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) campus. Singers and songwriters of “sean-nós,” the lyrical song tradition of Ireland, will gather for a weekend of music Feb. 20-21. Then, on Feb. 24, Scotland’s Lord Lyon King of Arms will give a talk on Scottish clans and their genealogies.

Some of the activities are free and all are open to the public. Call UWM’s Center for Celtic Studies at (414) 229-6520 or (414) 229 2608 for more information.

SEAN-NÓS WEEKEND

Singers of ‘sean-nós,’ one of the oldest traditional song styles in Europe, will meet for a unique weekend of song sharing, workshops, sessions and archival recordings, and, of course, public performances. A lineup of activities includes:

Friday, Feb. 20

• 4 p.m., Greene Hall, 3347 N. Downer Ave., free
  Singer and author Virginia Stevens Blankenhorn will give a talk on the roots of modern sean-nós song meter going back to the 17th century. Blankenhorn’s book, “Irish Song-Craft and Metrical Practice Since 1600,” was published in 2003. No registration needed.
  
• 7:30 p.m., Peck School of the Arts Recital Hall, $5 at the door
  A concert by sean-nós singers will be recorded by Irish radio, and will include performances by Áine Meenaghan, Meaití Jó Sheamuis, Máirín Uí Cheide and more.

Robin Blair, Scotland's Lord Lyon King of Arms

• 11 a.m., Holton Hall, 2442 E. Hartford Ave., $10;
• 3:30 p.m., Paddys Pub, 2339 N. Murray Ave., $10
  At these two workshops on the history and performance of sean-nós, you’ll take a song or two away with you.
• 8 p.m., Slim McGinn’s Pub, 338 S. 1st St., free
  Join our guests and local musicians for a traditional Irish pub music session. No registration needed.