Celtic Force is always looking for those things in Celtic music that are a bit out of the ordinary. And when we find interesting stories we like to pass them along. Here’s a good one…..
Burns & Ogletree
18th Century Scottish Poetry Inna ReggaeScot Style
It has been 27 years since he penned and performed the drum score for their breakthrough album New Gold Dream, and 25 since the halcyon days of the Perth Pop Anthem – Feels Like Heaven, and now Simple Minds and Fiction Factory drummer Mike Ogletree plays acoustic guitar and sings the songs of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns.
“I’ve always been a singer song-writer,” says Mike, “when I was 13 I had a guitar and a drum kit, but my hero was Jimi Hendrix. However, since it’s very hard to be a rock band when all your friends want to be guitar gods, I usually ended up playing drums whenever we jammed. And, being admired for my “natural rhythm”, it usually was the best solution and stuck. But I never forgot those singer song-writer roots.”
Since 2006 Mike has been living in New York where he combined all his talents to arrange, perform and produce an inventive CD of Robert Burns music
You can find more information about Mike and his work at www.immortalmemory.net
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Enjoy these 2 amazing videos showcasing visions of Scotland and beautiful music by Jim Malcolm & Lark and Spur.
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Scotland's Blair Castle
The Homecoming tour to Scotland has been a rousing success.
The weather, we are told, has been the best they have had in a several months.
The scenery is fantastic, the people are wonderful and the experience will last a life time. We have felt the presence of our dear friend, David R Ross, all along the way.
The country is even more magical than he had described.
Celtic Force has decided to continue to offer these types of tours in the future with plans for some very special packages.
We will also be working with those in Scotland to be able to come to America and tour our country.
The bond that has formed between our tour group and this ancient land & its people is beyond words.
Start saving your pennies, we’ll be coming back very soon.
Slainte from Scotland,
Donovan
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Posted in Scotland, Tours, Trips | 
blair castle, celtic tours, celtic trips, Scotland, tours of scotland | 
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An evening at the Three Sisters Pub to remember David R Ross
When we heard of the news of the loss of David we were as stunned as anyone about his sudden passing. We also had to decide how that loss would impact our plans to continue with the tour to Scotland next month. Something inside told us that if we didn’t go through with it David would come back with his 5-foot claymore and rip us a new one! He would not want his absence to deter anyone from experiencing his homeland first hand.
We would like to make an open invitation to anyone that wishes to join us in raising a toast to David on his home soil on Sunday night March 14th. Our tour group will gather in Edinburgh with friends of David’s from such organizations as Society of William Wallace, Tartan Army and others to share stories, meet new friends, listen to some music and have a few drinks. This will take place at the Three Sisters Pub on Cowgate Street in Edinburgh from 7:30 pm till midnight. It will be a party as big as the Big Man himself and all who wish to join in are welcome. This pub is a fitting location due to the fact that this is where the St Andrews celebration was held this past November with David providing the words and Ted Christopher and Albannach providing the music. Ted and Albannach will join us during our evening as well.
There is a cover charge of 10 Pounds to help offset expenses of the evening and a cash bar will be provided. We plan to have some food, raffles, music, laughs and a memorable time as we toast our friend and the inspiration for this tour. Join us if you can.
To see pictures and learn more about Three Sisters Pub, visit: http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/edinburgh/pubguide/threesisters.html
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Posted in Scotland, Tours, Trips | celtic trips, david r. ross, edinburgh, Scotland, three sisters pub, tours of scotland | Leave a comment
This video was sent to us by the Big Guy, David R Ross, in November, 2009. It speaks about the efforts made by certain entities to keep Scotland from obtaining their independence. It’s in Gaelic but with subtitles. I think you will find it interesting and understand a bit more about what David and his friends are up against when it comes to their efforts to see Scotland as a free nation once more. This is the first of a six part series found on Youtube. It takes some time but is very informative.
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Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk
This year’s Celtic Connections festival got underway this afternoon with 130 torch-bearers braving the snow and ice. Led by the Scottish Power Pipe Band and the city’s provost, the procession walked from Glasgow’s George Square to the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Events kick off this evening at the opening concert with a line up of fifty performers including Aidan O’Rourke, Carlos Núñez, Lau, Catriona McKay and Chris Stout.
On Monday we will be updating our Celtic Connections site with photos from the opening weekend’s concerts and don’t forget you can catch the Jewels Of The Ocean concert live from The Old Fruitmarket on BBC Radio Nan Gaidheal on Sunday (17th Jan) evening at 20:00 and also highlights from A Scottish Songbook at the Concert Hall on BBC Two Scotland on Monday (18th Jan) evening at 21:00.
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By now, most everyone has heard the shocking news of the untimely passing of David R. Ross. And, if you hadn’t known, our apologies for conveying the news in this manner. David Ross succumbed on 2 January, 2010, unexpectedly, of heart problems. Those in our circle of family and friends already miss him deeply.
David’s passing naturally raises many questions. Not the least of which is what impact there may be on the Scotland Tour coming up in March. Davy was expected to ably lead us around his beloved Scotland with his abundant enthusiasm, wit and passion. Sadly, that’s no longer possible.
After much deliberation, we have decided we must carry on with the Scotland Tour. David would want it that way. And, in honor of David, we’re dedicating the March Homecoming Tour to him. His family and friends on both sides of the Atlantic will be gathering at the places he’d have loved to share with us. We’ll have several nights in his honor, including a more formal recognition of David R. Ross the evening of Sunday, 14th March. And, from a practical standpoint, we’ve already had gracious offers from family and friends wanting to help out with managing the tour stops. Stay tuned for more details. Davy would be proud.
So, to confirm, the Albannach/David R. Ross Homecoming Tour of March 2010 will definitely proceed. As for David R. Ross, we’ll have his continued inspiration yet not his physical presence. That’s a powerful force, indeed.
Lastly, I might mention that we still have a couple of places left available in our original group reservation with Continental Airlines. Should anyone wish to join Albannach, Celtic Force, and friends/family of David R. Ross, please contact us. 
Thanks for your continued interest and support. Let’s raise a glass to David R. Ross… in Scotland.
With fondest regards,
The Celtic Force
Visit: http://www.davidrross.org
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Posted in david r. ross, Tours, Trips | celtic tours, celtic trips, david ross, Scotland, The Celtic Force, tour of scotland | Leave a comment
Source: Donegal News
BY SEÁN P. FEENY – For years we have had to endure the same songs every Christmas season. That was until one of Donegal’s very own pop stars decided to release his first Christmas song.
Today (Friday) Mickey Harte’s Home On Christmas Day is available to download and will hit radio stations nationwide.
Mickey said that while it’s hard to compete with the ‘X Factor’ for a Christmas Number One these days, he had always wanted to release a Christmas song and with the help of Terry McGinty on the music, this season was the right time to do it.
“The song is based on a story someone told me about their father coming home for Christmas after dealing with alcoholism and it being the best gift they could ask for.”
Besides working on his own music, Mickey continues to be an ‘in demand’ songwriter with songs co-written by the Lifford native appearing on Dublin singer Rob Burke’s new album and on the latest release by Jack Tempchin, writer of The Eagles hit ‘Peaceful Easy Feeling’.
For further info: www.myspace.com/mickeyharte
Email: handonharte@gmail.com
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This is another Celtic music group we are watching and listening to. Skerryvore, based in Scotland, shows they have a very solid sound and good energy.
Skerryvore were formed in 2004 on Isle of Tiree in Scotland’s wild west.From traditional roots the band have developed a unique fusion of their traditional music and songs with the urban sounds of rock and funk. With their oustanding musicianship and the mesmirising voice of singer Alec Dalglish, Skerryvore have gripped audiences across the world from Boston to Beijing and have been the highlights at many big festivals including Celtic festivals such as Celtic Connections and Hebcelt to the massive rock festival ‘T in the Park’.
The band had the honour of co-writing and performing the song ‘Hold Your Breath’ for the BBC Gaelic television series entitled ‘A’Gharaids’. The band’s own songs and fresh material are a big feature of their new album due for release in April 2010.
Skerryvore continue to generate a big following of fans and have achieved album sales of over 10 000 and their first album was awarded album of the month on the BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Celtic Connections.’
Watch an interview with Skerryvore on Scotland TV – CLICK HERE
For more information, visit: http://www.skerryvore.com.
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Posted in celtic rock, Scotland | bbc radio, celtic force, celtic rock, Scotland, scottish music, skerryvore, tv | 1 Comment
Scottish historian David Ross reveals Robroyston’s connection to Scotland’s William Wallace. Including Robroyston’s very own Wallace Monument and Wallace Well.
Click on the image to the left to watch this awesome video!
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