Pipe and Drum Organizations in Alabama
Alabama Pipes and Drums
Birmingham, Alabama
Founded in 1994, as the Bimingham Society of Piping, The Alabama Pipes and Drums is devoted to the development of artistic excellence. With a current membership of 20 and 30 years of experience, APD travels, competes and performs throughout the region. Under the direction of Pipe Major, Steven Giles APD also offers instruction in both the Highland Pipes and Scottish Drum. For more information about Alabama Pipes and Drums, visit their web site at www.bsop.org For bookings, contact Stephen Giles at sillywizard69@hotmail.com
The Saint Andrew's Pipes and Drums
Montgomery, Alabama
The St. Andrew's Pipes and Drums was organized in 1978. The group travels throughtout Alabama and the Southeast, competing at Highland Gatherings, as well as performing at civic functions. They are the host Pipe Band for the Alabama Highland Games in Montgomery, Alabama. Instruction in the Highland Pipes is available through this organization. The band nanger for the St. Andrew's Pipes and Drums is Theresa Gordon. For more information about this organization visit e-mail hailcaledonia@yahoo.com .
Ian Sturrock Memorial Pipe Band
Birmingham, Alabama
The Ian Sturrock Memorial Pipe Band was founded in 2008 from the membership of the Heritage Pipes & Drums Pipe Band, taking it's name to honor Alabama's first piper. Directed by Pipe Major Ryan Morrison, Alabama's only professional ceremonial bagpiper, ISMPB is currently in a collaborative partnership with the award-winning grade 4 Duncan McCall Pipe Band of Pensacola, Florida offering members more performance and band competition opportunities throughout the region. Lessons for the bagpipes and Scottish snare are offered, and students will receive expert tuition from renowned instructors P/M Ryan Morrison, P/M Steve Bicknell, and D/S Mike Paige. For more info, please visit ISMPB.com or contact Ryan Morrison at 205-427-1756.
The Alabaster Fire Fighters Pipes and Drums
Alabaster, Alabama
Alabaster Firefighters Pipes and Drums is made up of firefighters from the City of Alabaster Fire and Rescue Service and is the state's only fire department band. The band's primary function is to honor fallen firefighters, promote the brotherhood and spirit of the fire service, and serve as ambassadors for the City of Alabaster, the Alabaster Fire and Rescue Service, and the Professional Firefighters of Alabama. Visit their website for more information: www.alabasterfirepipers.com
The Calhoun County Sheriff's Pipe Band
The Calhoun County Sheriffs' Office sponsors a pipe band. The Sheriffs' Office band is made up of Deputies, Reserve officers and pipe enthusiasts. For more information contact: Scarabgareb0(zero)@aol.com
Celtic Musical Groups, Musicians and Performing Artists
in Alabama
Hooley
(based in Birmingham)
Performing together since 1997, members of Hooley come from varying musical backgrounds, each one bringing their talents to bear on the heart of Celtic music. Members include: Trent Bradford on Uillean Pipes, tin whistle, Irish Flute and vocals, Paul Merryman on vocals,guitar and banjo and Darci Taylor on fiddle. All the members of Hooley are dedicated musicians and teachers of their instruments. Hooley has performed at Birmingham's City Stages, Riverfest, The Tennessee Valley Arts Association, The Jasper Highland Games, The North Alabama Highland Games, The Shamrockin' Festival as well as numerous other civic and private functions in the region. For more information about Hooley: Call 205-822-4997, e-mail rebelpiper@bellsouth.net or visit www.hooleymusic.com
Henri's Notions
(based in Tuscaloosa)
Paddy O'Brien, Green Linnet recording artist and All-Ireland Champion of the button accordion has said "I truly believe that they are the best Celtic Band to come out of the South." Henri's Notions is a popular six-piece group that performs Scottish, Irish and early American music. Together for more than 20 years, The Notions present Celtic music as well as their own original numbers that have rhythm and voice reflective of their Southern heritage. Henri's Notions perform across the country at events and festival too numerous to list. In the true Celtic fashion, Henri's Notions brings amazing talent and charisma together onstage for a fantstic Celtic-American journey. Members include: Jil Chambless (lead vocals, flute, whistle), Tom Stem (vocals, guitar, bouzouki, button accordion, bones), Michael Bowman (fiddle, background vocals), Randy "Frog" Palmer (bass fiddle, bass guitar, bodhran,vocals) Scooter Muse (guitar, five-strong and tenor banjo) and Larry Lynch (mandolin, guitar, bouzouki, fiddle). For more on information visit www.henrisnotions.com .
Shillelagh Law
(based in Birmingham)
Shillelagh Law is the rockingest Celtic band in town! The rousing set showcases the talents of each member. Their rich harmonies pull the listener from the edge of tears through the pounding of feet to the loudest toasts in town. Masterful mandolin from Jason Bailey, nimble bass of Jeremy Burns and Dain Forsythe on percussion and whistles, carry the band's music on a rollicking ride everytime they take the stage. They were recently nominated as Birmingham's best folk-acoustic band of 2001 and 2002. For more info: 205-323-3226 or Jeremy Burns.
Mithril
(based in Mobile)
Mithril is fast becoming one of the most sought after Celtic/World music groups on the concert series scene. The band’s unique progressive style has its roots in traditional Celtic music but moves far beyond that, weaving such diverse influences as American folk, classical, and Middle Eastern melodies into their full tapestry of sound. The four musicians - Andra Bohnet, Tom Morley, Ben Harper, and David Hughes - perform their all-instrumental shows on a wide array of traditional instruments, including Irish flute, whistle, fife, Celtic harp, fiddle, bouzouki, mandolin, guitar, bodhran (Irish frame drum), and harmonium, playing with the precision of their classical training and the enthusiasm that springs from their love of the music.
Mithril has been featured on arts and concert series and festivals throughout the Southeast and beyond, including high-profile performances with various symphonies across the U.S. For more information on Mithril: mail@flyingfrogmusic.com 251-928-0987 or www.mithril.us .
After Class
(based in Birmingham)
After Class is an acoustic instrumental trio which performs interpretations of tunes by the blind Irish Turlagh O'Carolan. These talented musicians also play original arrangements of Scottish, Welsh, English, Appalachian, Irish, Traditional American and modern tunes. Members include: Rob Angus - hammered dulcimer, Mark Weldon - fiddle/mandolin and Brant Beene - guitar/mandolin. To learn more about After Class and hear samples of their recordings, visit www.after-class.com .
SlipJig
(based in Huntsville)
Their music comes from the places settled by the Celts and their descendants Ireland, Scotland, Nova Scotia and other Celtic lands. It spans a range of styles from high-energy jigs and reels to ancient airs and ballads and combines tight melodies and rhythms with solid vocal harmonies. SlipJig plays with (mostly) traditional instruments in a (mostly) traditional style and while they make an effort not to break tradition, they admit to really bending it on occasion. Members include: Jennifer Allen who handles most of the guitar-work and vocals, fiddle, whistles and bodhran; Mike Clem playing mandolin, tenor banjo, guitar, whistle and bodhran; Stephenie Holtkamp, fiddle and mandolin; Mike Lyon on whistle, low whistle, uilleann pipes, Scottish smallpipes; Craig Pitman on guitar and bouzouki; and fiddler Phil Williamson. Visit them at www.slipjigband.com or contact Phil at fiddler6@aol.com .
Russell Hopper - Fiddler
(based in Birmingham) A native of Charleston, SC, Russell Hopper has been playing the Irish traditional fiddle since the age of 15 and has performed throughout the United States and Ireland. Russell holds an MA in Irish Traditional Music Performance from the Irish World Music Centre Limerick Ireland where he studied with many of the most respected Irish traditional musicians in the world today.Russell performs either as a soloist or with an ensemble of 2 to 4 musicians. In addition to performing, Russell teaches Irish fiddle to students of all skill levels. Call 205-789-7001 for more information or e-mail at russellhopper@yahoo.com.
Lynch & Cannon
(based in Huntsville)
Lynch & Cannon is an Irish/Celtic duo formed in November, 2005. Larry Lynch, formerly of The Front Porch String Band and Henri's Notions, and Denny Cannon, formerly of Good Fortune Céili Band and SlipJig Celtic Band, had played together on a couple previous occasions, but decided to team up after sharing some sessions at Finnegan's Pub, the local Irish pub in Huntsville. Lynch and Cannon take pride in tight instrumentation and vocals, ranging from slow airs to hard-hitting seafaring songs, jigs, and reels, including songs in Irish and Scottish. Their repertoire includes several original tunes and songs. Larry trades off between fiddle and bouzouki, while Denny handles guitar and whistle. For more information, contact (256) 772-2974 or drcannon@knology.net.
Celtic Music Clubs and Organizations
The Celtic Music Society of Montgomery
Founded in 2002, is dedicated to presenting Celtic acoustic music in private settings. Their highly successful concert series has introduced hundreds of new fans to Celtic music. CMSM is always looking for new friends to help with their quest. For more information, contact Gwen Orel at gwenorel@knology.net or Chris and Lori Fly at celticgator@hotmail.com .
Shoals Celtic Concerts
The very best in live Celtic music is presented in Florence by Shoals Celtic Concerts. Since its creation in 2003, the SCC has brought Jim Malcolm of Old Blind Dogs and Teada' to North Alabama for live performance. More top names are scheduled to appear soon. A exceptional opportunity for fans of Celtic music in North Alabama! Visit their web site at: www.shoalscelticconcerts.com
Birmingham Harp Ensemble
Local folk harp enthusiasts who learn and perform together in the greater Birmingham area. For more information, contact Judy Dietz at jdeitz2@bellsouth.net .
The Good Fortune Celtic Arts Community
This wonderful collection of musicians, dancers, storytellers and fans in North Alabama gather regularly to share and enjoy the Celtic arts through sessuin, performance and social occasions. The GFCAC serves as a great resource for Celtic arts instruction and experience in the Huntsville/Decatur area. For more details: gfband@hiwaay.net .
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE)
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann is an internationally dispersed organization with over 400 branches worldwide. As a local branch in the Birmingham area, CCE is committed to carrying on the mission statement of "Promoting the Culture and Arts of Ireland at Home and Abroad through Music and Dance". Comhaltas national is a non-profit organization with a 501c3 status. The Birmingham CCE branch is very active in the Birmingham area. Please feel free to contact Marty Bostick (Chairman) at the following: 205-640-8976, marbos@alcce.org . Visit them at http://www.alcce.org/alcce/index.php .
Celtic Music in Alabama:
Instruction,Session and Resources
Celtic Music Instruction
The Alabama Celtic Association offers a Music Resource Guide which lists teachers for the following insturments and styles:
Scottish Highland Pipes
Scottish Drumming
Uillean Pipes
Irish Accordian
Mandolin
Irish Flute
Tin Whistle
Bodhran (Irish Drum)
Celtic Harp
Irish Fiddle
Guitar and Bass
This listing is available free to the public. ACA doesn't negotiate fees, arrange lessons or otherwise support student-teacher interaction. This ACA Music Resource Guide is offered as a place to start. To receive the Guide, send your e-mail request to: celticalabama@gmail.com . For Celtic artists seeking bookings, ACA also has a Venue Listing for Music Performance.
Session in Alabama
If you are a looking for a session to sit in on, be sure to check the Calendar at www.CelticAlabama.org for public sessions as they occur. Be sure to join our Celtic Alabama News Mailing List below to get the latest updates. Here are a few regular sessions around Alabama (always confirm time and location before traveling):
Auburn Area
Auburn's traditional Irish session is hosted every 2nd AND 4th Tuesday of the month at the Olde Auburn Alehouse, starting around 7pm. Join their mailing list at AuburnIrishSession-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
This listserv includes reminders of the sessions, as well as any discussion about the session, tunes, and related events.. For details and directions contact: miller.scott2@charter.net
Huntsville Area
Members of the Huntsville and Decatur Celtic music community hosting regular public Celtic session and tuneplay on the first Tuesday of every month at the Corner Grill and Pub in Huntsville. For details and directions, contact: gfband@hiwaay.net . Another weekly Thursday night session in is in Huntsville; 7:30-10:30 (or so): SlipJig Celtic band members and friends host a weekly session on Thursday nights at Finnegan's Pub on South Parkway in Huntsville. Tunes and songs. Always a fine time! Skilled players, interested on-lookers, and innocent by-standers are welcome! For additional information: Phil@slipjigband.com
Birmingham Area
Regular Irish music session is offered on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 7:00pm - 10:00pm at CoolBeans in Homewood right next to New York Pizza and Broadway BBQ. CoolBeans Coffee House - www.coolbeansweb.com - is a non-smoking, family friendly environment. Musicians and fans welcome. For more details contact, Marty Bostick at marbos@alcce.org
Mobile Area
Irish Music Session hosted by members of Mithril in the Fairhope area on Sundays, 6:00 to 8:00pm at Café Amore, 103B N. Bancroft Street, Fairhope. For more information: 251-928-0987 or 251-928-2719 or flyingfrog@aol.com .
Looking for a great radio resource for
Celtic Music in Alabama?
Check out "The Thistle and Shamrock" show which airs weekly on National Public Radio stations throughout Alabama. Each week explores a different face and theme of Celtic music. The show features Celtic artists and music, old and new, from the British Isles to the shores of North America - it's a Celtic musical odyssey every week! The Alabama Celtic Association has sponsored The Thistle and Shamrock on WUAL (Tuscaloosa/Birmingham) and on WBHM in Birmingham. You can find "The Thistle and Shamrock" at following locations and times:
Dothan - WRWA 88.7 FM Sundays at 6 P.M.
Huntsville - WLRH 89.3 FM Sundays at 2 P.M.
Tuscaloosa - WUAL 91.5 FM Fridays at 6:30 P.M.
Montgomery - WTSU FM Sundays at 6 P.M.
