Celtic and Irish Harps's topics - tribe.net

Nuthatch Recordings

2008-01-21T17:54:39Z

(Cross-post)

Go mbeannai Dia annseo! :)

I perform Celtic vocals and harp under the stage-name Fánach. I've just launched a new independent label, and am hoping to release a debut CD by spring 2008.

Sound-samples and merchandise available here:
http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/catsfire/Until_The_Greening.html

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

New Celtic harp CD. Need reviewers.

2008-01-09T23:09:02Z

My debut CD, "In Faerie", is out. Finally. It's 16 tracks (app. 43 min) of original music played on an unlevered Celtic lap harp.

I need reviewers. If you have a blog or other media outlet, and you listen to harp CDs in general, please contact me here at tribes with the URL. I have a limited number of free review copies to send out.

The information is here (http://www.harpsidhe.com) and there are sample tracks on my soundclick site (you can navigate there from the site or from my tribes profile)

Please check out the soundclick tracks first to see if it's your sort of music, though. It's not the usual sort of harp CD. I'm a maverick.

(I hope this is the right place and I'm not out of line to ask. Moderator, please boot this thread if it's Not Ok)

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

where to buy a harp?

2007-11-25T20:03:56Z

hi all,
im looking to buy a harp, it has been a dream of mine for a long time and now i know the time is right.
i wouldnt know where to start though. i dont know anythign about harps and where i would find them ..which are worth it etc. i know i want a smaller one to begin with, and that i can travel with.
somewhere in the UK / internet.
my father told me about a harp maker on the isle of skye, but i have not found out any info on this.
so if anyone has any harp ridden information, do tell!

thank you. such love, holi

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 15 replies

Harp-Builder in Hawaii

2007-10-02T19:05:19Z

Aloha, I am spreading the word about my uncle's line of handcrafted musical instruments called, Brady Instruments. He designs and builds musical instruments such as harps and lyres in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. He does beautiful custom work. For more info on his high-quality pieces check out his website www.brady-instruments.com . Mahalo!
Rachael

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

Harp and Harp Lessons in San Francisco??

2007-09-21T15:03:27Z

Moving to San Fran in a week and one of my major goals this year is to integrate Harp vibrations into my healing practice.

Can someone recommend a beautiful harp teacher in the Bay Area that maybe interested in a bodywork trade?

And a sacred place to buy a Celtic Harp in San Francisco?

Much gratitude.

Day

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

A useful link

2007-09-17T22:24:50Z

Simon Chadwick's Early Gaelic harp info

http://www.earlygaelicharp.info/

Lots of info of varying detail, including a detailed list of references to scholarly articles on the wire strung harp. Also a source for strings for the wire strung harp, including strings of precious metal (Silver, gold.......)

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

Building a harp...

2007-09-17T17:56:38Z

I am considering building my own wire strung harp. I would like to make it in the traditional manner with the box hollowed out of a single piece of wood. Has anyone ever made a harp like this?

I could use some advise on:

Wood - I live on the California coast and would like to use local woods if any are appropriate. Willow is the traditional wood for the box. Does anyone have any experience working with the willow that grows along the California coastal streams or used it for a harp? Other potential local woods: yew - the Kildare harp, built in 1672, is supposed to be of yew, and our local Califoria Nutmeg (Stinking Yew) is a close relative. Like Pacific and European yews, it is also highly resitant to worms and rot, and also being used as a bow wood by the Native Americans, it probably has similar properties. Oak - plentiful, strong, heavy - a good possibility for the harmonic curve and forepillar - the Dagda's harp supposedly was of oak. Box Elder is a close relative of maple - Jay Witcher uses maple on all of his wire strung harps.

Has any one used any of these woods to build a harp or worked with them? Any experience or advise on seasoning these woods?
Does anyone know a good source for seasoned willow or other woods milled to a size suitable for a harp with a single piece box? (at least 4"X12"X28")

Hardware: I will need tapered pins of brass and "shoes of the strings". Anyone know a source? I know of a couple sources for strings (brass harpsichord wire), but the more sources, the merrier!

Tools: I'll need a tapered reamer - I think I found one of these at a source I had found for tapered pins, but lost the link. Any suggestions? Any other special tools I might need? Augers and chisels for hollowing out the box, calipers tp guage thickness.....Any advise on what has worked for you , what tools were used historically or what modern tools might speed up the process?

Lots of questions, but any advise or encouragement is appreciated. I am sure this will be a long learning process and it will probably take several harps to get it right. But each harp will be unique and a new lesson.

Thanks,
Bob

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

harp lessons in Santa Cruz

2007-08-15T21:33:22Z

Hello,
does anyone know where or who i could go to in Santa Cruz, CA to recieve harp lessons? i've always wanted to learn and i feel the time is right.

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 1 reply

An embarassing harp moment

2007-06-11T02:22:19Z

Well, I'll be a feral gypsy harper at the Ojai Ren Faire this weekend. I hope to make up for Escondido, where I had my most mortifying public playing experience so far.

We were to do a presentation for the queen - a scarf dance accompanied by drum, recorder and harp and flute. Fifteen minutes before the show, we rehearsed and it was perfect. But when the queen's court came to our encampment, it was crowded enough that need to move my harp out of the way, and ended up with a shrubbery between myself and the other musicians. This proved my downfall, because I couldn't see the drummer and she was playing softly enough that I couldn't hear her over the harp unless I was playing out of time - which I proceeded to do, horribly.

It was bad, just bad.

And all because of a shrubbery.

Ni!

-- T
Also supposed to go see Loreena McKennitt in concert tomorrow, but with the wildfire in Griffith park, who knows if it will go on.

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 1 reply

Harp area schedule for Solstice Festival in So Cal, June 22-24

2007-05-09T21:18:05Z

Here's the harp area schedule for the Solstice Festival.

25th Annual Summer Solstice Folk Music, Dance and Storytelling Festival

June 22-24, 2007
Warner Center Marriott
in Woodland Hills, CA

http://www.ctmsfolkmusic.org/festival/Solstice/default.asp

Saturday:

11:00 - 11:50
IT'S ALL AN ACT
Kim Robertson
all levels

12:00 - 12:50
THE WIRE-STRUNG HARP (demo stage)
Patrick Ball
all levels

1:00 - 1:50
MUSICAL SANDWICHES
Kim Robertson
beginning

2:00 - 2:50
HEY! LET'S PUT ON A SHOW! (part I)
Patrick Ball
int/adv

3:00 - 3:50
IMPROV KINDERGARTEN
Kim Robertson
beg/int

9:30 - 10:15
Evening Concert
Patrick Ball

Sunday:

10:00 - 10:50
SECRETS OF SIMPLICITY
Kim Robertson
all levels

11:00 - 11:50
HEY! LET'S PUT ON A SHOW! (part II)
Patrick Ball
int/adv

12:00 - 12:50
??? storytelling ???
Patrick Ball

12:00 - 12:40
Elaine Weissman Concert Stage
Kim Robertson

1:00 - 1:50
THERE'S MORE TO LIFE THAN JUST PLAYING THE HARP
Patrick Ball
intermediate

2:00 - 2:50
ARRANGING REPAIR SHOP
Kim Robertson
int/adv

* * *

PATRICK BALL WORKSHOP TOPICS

------------------------------------------------------

THE WIRE-STRUNG HARP

- wire-strung harp workshop on the demo stage

Basically, a lecture/demonstration about the wire strung harp, it's history, what makes it unique, etc. (Some R-rated tidbits about O'Carolan perhaps?)

HEY! LET'S PUT ON A SHOW! (parts I & II)

- show creation workshop (two parts)

Patrick has put together several one-man shows (e.g. "O'Carolan's Farewell to Music", "The Fine Beauty of the Island") and is about to open an ensemble show ("The Flame of Love"). These will be two one-hour workshops on what process he went through to go from the initial concept to a successful performance. The two parts will focus on different shows, and so will provide different insights.

THERE'S MORE TO LIFE THAN JUST PLAYING THE HARP

- showmanship: integrating spoken word and harp

The solo harp is great as background for some other event, but at the center of attention for an extended period, unrelieved harp music can get boring or even annoying. Fortunately, the spoken word is an excellent counter for the harp. This workshop will go over the use of poem and story to provide breaks in the music and control the tension of the performance.

Patrick is doubtful about this workshop. (It was my idea.) His comment was "This one sounds like something that only you and I will attend. But, I'm game for it. Be sure to bring your dogs to fill up the space." Was I that far off the wall with this?

* * *

KIM ROBERTSON WORKSHOP TOPICS

------------------------------------------------------

IMPROV KINDERGARTEN:

You've never improvised and are not even sure what it means. Here are some basic building blocks for getting started, without any scary music theory. Learn easy one and 2-hand patterns that are as fun as finger-painting back in kindergarten. These patterns and formulas will help you learn the geography of your harp and will be useful in creating arrangements down the road. Hands-on for beginners to intermediate, no reading ability necessary but basic 2-hand coordination helpful.

---------------------------------------------------------------

IT'S ALL AN ACT:

Playing the harp generally equals playing in front of an audience, usually long before you feel ready. In this workshop, learn techniques to increase your comfort level in your pieces (musical safety-nets, vamps, exit points, etc) as well as for any of your various performance demands (weddings, concerts, etc) that will help you be or at least ACT like a bold, confident performer. Exercises include tips on stage-fright, speaking and using humor on stage. For performers or aspiring performers, no reading ability necessary, Lecture and hands-on, auditors welcome.

------------------------------------------------------

ARRANGING REPAIR SHOP:

This workshop is geared for intermediate to advanced players who have reached the dreaded "arranging plateau", where all your pieces seem to sound alike. Learn ways to jump-start your pieces, using interludes, improv, inner harmonies, rhythmic patterns that will create tension and release and help you tell a new story with each arrangement. Intermediate/Advanced, Hands-on.

------------------------------------------------------

MUSICAL SANDWICHES:

A look at 2-hand chord "sandwiches", voicings and rhythmic progressions that will bring a new dimension to your playing. They can be used for expanding arrangements as well as improvisation and self-expression. Hands on, all levels. Ideal for "Right-brain" intuitive people. No musical knowledge required, but basic 2-hand coordination helpful.

------------------------------------------------------

SECRETS OF SIMPLICITY

The phrase "less is more" was coined by jazz musicians but is an equally apt mantra for harpists. In this workshop, discover how playing fewer notes can actually produce more sound and richer arrangements. Learn exercises for tone and phasing, stabilizing rhythm and leaving space between the notes. [All levels, hand-on, ability to read music not necessary]

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

Celtic harp concert Sat. 4/21 in Pacifica, CA

2007-04-17T19:57:31Z

Join Triskela Harp Trio this Saturday evening in Pacifica for an enchanting
"Concerts by the Sea," as part of the Pacifica Performances Concert series

WHEN: Saturday, April 21, 2007. 7:30 PM
(doors open at 7 PM).

AT: Sanchez Concert Hall;
1220 A Linda Mar
Boulevard; Pacifica, CA 94044.

TICKETS: General admission: $20; students and
seniors: $15.

TO PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS:
visit http://www.pacificaperformances.org/
or call 650-355-1882.

*******************************

Triskela -- a vibrant neo-Celtic harp trio -- weaves a sophisticated tapestry of melodic intricacies with their original works and fresh interpetations of traditional Irish and Scottish folk music. From lively dance tunes, to hearfelt ballads and stirring airs. Triskela members
Diana Stork, Shawna Spiteri and Portia Diwa will take you on a musical trip through the pastoral British Isles and beyond. The stirring beauty of the harp is complimented by sweet, lyrical vocals, flute, whistle and traditional Irish drum along with guest musicians Peter Kasin on fiddle, Teed Rockwell on percussion, and dancer Eileen Danz for this special Pacifica Performances debut!

*******************************************

ABOUT THE TRIO:

Triskela has been performing together since 1997 playing an eclectic mix of traditional Celtic music, as well as Medieval, Renaissance, Latin and original works. Like the ancient, three-branched symbol the group is named after (the triskele), members Portia Diwa, Shawna Spiteri and Diana Stork find inspiration in performing together and presenting their unique arrangements of traditional and contemporary music to audiences at such venues as Grace Cathedral and Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco, and the Festival of Harps in Rohnert Park.

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

Making my fantasy of playing harp to accompany Flamenco come true

2007-01-27T23:49:36Z

About the time I joined Tribe, my two fantasies were to play harp to accompany belly dance and to accompany flamenco.

Well, I'm half way there! Been taking my harp to a drum circle, playing at a couple faires, and in October had what I consider my public debut as an accompanist at a local MECDA Halloween party. After that I was invited to play at a belly dance showcase that happened last Sunday. (It was so cool, playing with three great drummers.)

So now I'm starting to think about Flamenco. Here's my ultimate fantasy: Two dancers, a man and a woman. Behind each of them a cantaor, to sing them on and beat time with a staff. Behind *them* a guitar on the man's side and a harp on the woman's. The guitar would provide harder, more rhythmic chops, while the harp could bring out more sweetness and resonance than a guitar can attain. Perhaps the harp would be more to accompany the brazeo/arm work?

What do I need to do to prepare myself , so an opportunity to make it happen can come to me? I know I need to get my rhythm/compas to be rock solid. I'm hoping the drum circle will help me with that. Anything else I should be thinking of?

-- Timothy

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

Go mbeannai Dia anseo!

2007-01-20T09:36:01Z

Greetings to the Tribe...just found it and signed on this morning. :) I took up harping in 1990, and now play 24-string Celtic and 30-string Gothic.

Anyway, cheers!

~Fionn

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 3 replies

looking for harp teacher in Lake or Sonoma County

2006-12-14T03:13:00Z

Hi! I am a beginning harper, looking for a teacher. Any recommendations? Santa Rosa, Napa, Clearlake, Lakeport, somewhere around there. Thanks.

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 1 reply

Looking for a concertina instructor

2006-11-14T23:55:35Z

I know this isn't about the harp, but I'm hoping that some of Celtic musicians out there might know of a teacher for concertina in the San Francisco Bay Area? I need to find someone on the Peninsula, SF, or Berkeley/Oakland area who can teach in the evenings or weekends.

Thanks for any help,

Shawna

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

Celtic harps / World fusion concert in Berkeley 11/8/06 8pm

2006-11-01T23:29:54Z

Nov. 8, 2006. 8 - 10 PM. Triskela and Geist at Strings. 6320 San Pablo Avenue (near Alcatraz), Berkeley, CA. http://www.strings.org/home.html 510-653-5700.

Enjoy an intimate concert with Geist World Fusion Trio -- Diana Stork, Neo-Celtic Harp, Teed Rockwell, Chapman Stick, Mika Scott, Percussion; and Triskela Celtic Harp Trio -- Diana Stork, Shawna Spiteri (with vocals), Portia Diwa. As a special treat, there will also be a Latin American Harp Duet by Portia and Diana on their Paraguayan and Venezuelan Harps.

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

Free harp concert & lecture - SF Main Library 11/14/06

2006-11-01T23:09:23Z

November, 14 2006 at Festival of Harps Day at Koret Auditorium
San Francisco Main Library; 100 Larkin Street
Cost: FREE

Dram, Swedish Harp & woodwind duo: 6-7pm
Triskela Celtic Harp Trio: 7-7:30

Since the beginning, Dram has gained international reputation as guardians and renewers of the rich treasure trove of Swedish traditional music. Musicians Erik Ask-Upmark and Anna Rynefors are both "riksspelmaen" ("Official Master Musicians of the Realm") and combine ancient instruments to create new sophisticated sounds centered around the traditional Celtic Harp and the unique Swedish woodwind instrument, "Nyckelharpa". Swedish and medieval bagpipes provide the endless drone -- or dram -- from which the group gets its name.

Triskela Celtic Harp Trio -- Diana Stork, Portia Diwa & Shawna Spiteri (harp & vocals) -- play stunning original compositions, fresh arrangements of traditional Irish and Scottish tunes, plus music from around the world. They have been featured at the prestigious Festival of Harp Concert Series, the Bing Music Series at Stanford, SF City Hall and Yerba Buena Gardens. Their new CD -- "Voice of Tara" -- has been heard on the nationally syndicated radio show "Echoes".

Arrive early and enjoy a light dinner at the cafe right by the auditorium.

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

Triskela Celtic Harp Trio at Grace Cathedral - 11/10/06 Free!

2006-11-01T22:58:12Z

Take a spiritual walk along the labyrinth carpet in beautiful Grace Cathedral. Triskela will provide heavenly music for your meditation. 6:15-8pm Free of charge.

Grace Cathedral; 1100 California St., San Francisco, California

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

free Celtic harp concerts at Solano Stroll - 9/10/06

2006-09-10T16:26:35Z

Today is the east bay's oldest street festival -- the Solano Stroll -- and lever harpists will be out in full force at A Cheefull Noyse music store. Here's the line up:

11am - 12pm Maureen Brennan (harpist for Wake the Dead)
12pm - 1pm Trillium harp trio (Maureen Brennan, Patrice Haan & Diana Rowan)
1pm - 2pm and 2:45pm - 4pm Triskela harp trio (Portia Diwa, Shawna Spiteri & Diana Stork)

A Cheerfull Noyse is located at 1228 Solano Ave between Talbot & Evelyn Streets. Come on out to enjoy the mile long street festival and stop in for the free concerts at A Cheerfull Noyse

http://www.solanoavenueassn.org/strol.htm

http://www.acheerfullnoyse.com/

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

GA southern university goes Celtic

2006-08-21T22:44:43Z

http://class.georgiasouthern.edu/irish/celtic/index.html#hurdyintro

check this out!!

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

(songspell)

2006-07-29T19:41:24Z

Cerridwen's Kiss

I was a purple flash of lightening.
I was a indigo raindrop on a flower petal.
I was a blue note within a Bard's song.
I was a green blade of grass on a sacred hilltop.
I was a yellow salamander in the mire.
I was an orange cat hunting prey.
I was a red-clothed woman heavy with child.
One day I will reach godhood.
And when my deity passes,
As I fade through the veils of Summerland,
I will be an Oak again...

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

Celtic & Latin harp concert Sat. 6/3 in Berkeley, CA

2006-06-02T00:45:39Z

Multi-Cultural Music Fellowship and St. Mary Magdalen parish present a
Benefit for the Julie and Paul Rogers Memorial Harp Scholarship Fund

An Evening of Harp Music
Saturday, June 3rd, 8:00 pm
St. Mary Magdalen Church

Featuring 3 Harp groups:

* * * Bay Area Youth Harp Ensemble * * *

* * * Pleiades Harp Ensemble * * *

* * * Triskela Harp Trio * * *

Diana Stork, Shawna Spiteri and Portia Diwa with Teed Rockwell, Percussion
Triskela will have their new cd "Voice of Tara" available for sale for the first time (we're talking hot off the presses!)

St. Mary Magdalen Church
2005 North Berryman Street, Berkeley
(near Shattuck and Rose)

Tickets available at the door starting 1 hour before show and
by calling and reserving seats at: 510-548-3326

Minimum suggested Donations: $7 children and seniors; General, $15
24 hour message Line: 510-548-3326
MCMF website: www.california.com/~mcmf/foharps.html

You can also hear Shawna this Friday June 2nd from 1:00-1:30pm on FM 89.5 (KPOO). She'll be doing an interview and playing some pieces from the new Triskela cd on the program "La Verdad Musical" hosted by Avotcja. Hope you can tune in!

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

harp lessons

2006-03-31T23:04:33Z

Hi all,

I just rented a harp to learn to play and I was wondering if I could get any suggestions on harp instructors in LA or places where I can buy music for the harp. I've had 7 yrs of paino lessons, so I can read notes...

thanks!

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 1 reply

My Celtic name is Freedom. (it's Frith in English)

2006-02-21T02:16:14Z

I have just discovered thiS!

So...if Freedom=Frith in the CeltiC realm...then it is a really good thing that my big dream is to manifest a Harp to plaY.

I wander aloT. My life is deep, clear and in tune with nature.
I have come accross two opportunities so far in this life, where I was able to play the harp.

The first time I was alone in bliss in a friends strawbale round kiva building in the mountains...wow.

The second time, I was visiting UMIC(you can find it on my tribe list) when it was full of instruments, including a harP, and I played it along with a boy who was playing Crystal singing bowls! His mother asked me if I was a professional, and I said that I am simply intuitive (smiling))

I do not have alot of money at this point in my life...but Everything is changing... and I still dream of finding one.

And for now, I am happy to have a healing singing Voice!

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 2 replies

String Recommendations

2005-08-12T06:42:35Z

I have a Medium Sized harp I'd say about 4' tall ... I believe it's made in Pakistan and has 5 Octaves (40 Strings with levers on the machine tuners) ... The strings appear to be Nylon and are color coded red for 'C' strings and Blue at the 'F'
I am new to the harp ... so excuse me if some of my terminology is incorrect.
Anyway, does anyone have any recommendations on where I can get a decent set of strings for a good price?

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 6 replies

The Only Book About Loreena McKennitt

2005-06-14T19:24:09Z

I just wrote a book called "Travels With Loreena McKennitt - My Life as a Friend”. According to one London journalist, "It's not only a must for every Loreena McKennitt fan but for anyone interested in the phenomenon of "Celebrity"”. The book is a behind-the-scenes look into the world of stardom and the consequences of fame. It is a gripping tale focusing on the relationship of two close friends and the impact on the friendship when one rockets to superstardom.

Many of you know Loreena through her music and her concert appearances. My book is about Loreena behind the footlights, about Loreena not only as a talented and famous musician but as a real human being.

For more information about me, my books and how to order signed and dedicated copies, please visit my website at http://www.niemaash.com or email me at purpleinc@fastmail.fm.

Niema Ash

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 0 replies

Welcome

2005-05-07T12:26:27Z

I was raised with the harp. The sound of the strings is the heartbeat of home to me, as my father taught me how to play when I was young, and built my first harp by hand. I may have been too young and stupid to appreciate what a gift that was, and only recently within the last couple years have I acquired another. An Argent Fox wire strung lap harp, and I love it. But no harp holds a candle to the masterpiece my father plays now. I would post some history here on the celtic harp, but I know for a fact I will fuck it up, as I get new information all the time on history, technique, construction and music, and I am terrible at remembering things like dates. Bear with me. In teh meantime, welcome, share what you know and what you love...

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 1 reply

new as well!

2005-02-16T03:38:57Z

Hi, I am new as well to this tribe and would love to know if there are any harp builders in here...I'm interested in building my own harp, would like to know if anyone has experience and ways to do it? What kind of wood, dimensions, spacing of chords...etc....thank you!!! Best of wishes to y'all!

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 4 replies

new to tribe and i have some questions

2004-10-18T15:48:16Z

hello all. im new to the tribe and would like some opinions on what would be a good beginner harp, at a reasonable price. i looked at some at the kc irish fest, that seemed to be a farce but i degress, i found stoney end music. they had some beautiful harps, they sell finished and kits. i was wondering if anyone had any advice on size to start with or a company to deal with? thanks all

posted in Celtic and Irish Harps - 1 reply