Jamie again, people - Marc's busy after a weekend working on the next fabulous project, reuniting with the kitties and taking care of things. But he's letting me write the Weekly today for very personal reasons.

When we scheduled the CD Release Party for "Happy Songs of Death" on August 28, it did not occur to me that it was the eve of the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
But it is. And how appropriate. "Happy Songs of Death" is really all about what this anniversary needs to be.

I'm a New Orleans native. Born here. Lived here most of my life. And as an historian (yes, really) I have a perspective on this anniversary that is SO aligned with the spirit of this CD. Tragedies like Katrina - or the Black Death that led to the Renaissance - creates opportunity through displacement.

Now, I am not minimizing the suffering and tragedy. Just noting that the human spirit - and creativity and joy and love - cannot be crushed under even such a catastrophe. That what we remember are the stories of people doing things they never thought they could do. And that now, in the wake of the tragedy, there is an artistic and creative renaissance happening in New Orleans that is just stunning. New performance spaces, new art districts, new people coming here because they believe in the city and all that it stands for. And "Happy Songs of Death" celebrates that. It is informed by Marc's personal investment and interest in New Orleans, by blues and jazz and deeply felt rhythms of the soul.

So, please do come join us at Bacchanal on Friday for the CD release party for this spectacular new CD. Come celebrate with me the rebirth of my city. Thanks for being part of the energy, the direction, the dream.

Listen to the Song of the Week: "Twa Corbies" from Happy Songs of Death Now on Sale!



This Week:

Quote of the Week: "It is possible to provide security against other ills, but as far as death is concerned, we men live in a city without walls." Epicurus

The Examiner posted Part 2 of my interview about Happy Songs of Death. Read Part 1 here

My friend and fantasy artist Marrus has a brilliant new book out and she is doing a book release at Pravda (1113 Decatur Street, New Orleans) this Thursday, 7-ish. She's gonna have a mess o' books (and prints of my art).

CD of the Week: "Gleowien" by Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer. A fresh take on tradition ballads and songs blended with self penned tunes in a traditional style. Every time I listen I find a new gem.

Review these iMixes: I posted a new iMix for people who love have cats and other furry pets. Please review it. Course you can also review the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. You can help promote my music by reviewing this iMix of music from the podcast. There's a TON of great music to choose from. And while you're there, buy a song or the set.

The Garden Sessions is a podcast that features some of the best traditional & contemporary folk music. Lots of great music!

Anyone else out there love Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers? Drop by and listen to the latest CD Whiskers in the Jar on the website.


Marc Gunn in the News:

Michael Angel's Cosmic Grab Bag played "My Father Was a Werewolf.

The Dragon's Lair had nice things to say about my two concerts at GenCon as did Kat.

And I also played my own music on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.


UPCOMING GIGS. Don't forget to make a demand to see me perform.

8.28 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) CD Release Party at Baccannal Wine Bar
9.4-7 (ATLANTA, GA) DragonCon
9.16-23 (DINGLE, IRELAND) Celtic Invasion of Ireland
10.23-25 (DENVER, CO) MileHiCon
10.30 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat Fan Club's "Blood and Gold" Ball
11.7-12.13 (ROBERT, LA) Louisiana Renaissance Festival
1.16.10 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Concert with Jed Marum

-- Check me out on Sunset Connoisseurs Society, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, SoundClick, Demand a Show on Eventful, Wikipedia, Livejournal, and DeviantArt. And if you'd like a CD...


-- Do you have a quote, movie, album, tip or suggestion that you'd like to share in my Weeklies? If so, post a comment with your suggestion here.

---

Originally published at Marc Gunn .com. Read. Interact. Breathe. It's easy; it's free.

Bonjour, everybody - it's Jamie. Marc's busy making up with the kitties for being gone to GenCon so I get to write you again.

Speaking of GenCon - a blast. Marc had a couple of shows, played all over the place, ran into friends from the filk world like The Great Luke Ski and Tom Smith, sold lots of CD's, and fans LOVED "Happy Songs of Death."

Next up - the CD Release Party for "Happy Songs" on Friday, August 28 at 7 PM at Bacchanal Wines and Spirits here in New Orleans. It's a great location, and proprietor Chris Drudge is coming up with a special signature drink (not involving arsenic, I am told). Best of all, it's a benefit for the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic, a great community resource that is keeping musicians healthy and leading the fight for non-smoking venues. So - all kinds of good reasons to come on out - Marc will perform, and I would love to see you there.

Already looking forward to Dragon*Con! Marc has a bunch of shows and events. And I will be there, so come find me to tell me where you would like Marc to perform next year as I am busily booking 2010. And don't forget my favorite two words: "House Concert." In fact, I am thinking of holding a little House Concert Tutorial (well, OK it will be more like a party) in my room at the Marriott. Email me at booking@marcgunn.com if you would like to attend. I'll be at Marc's table some, but I am also happy to report that I'm on a panel on the new Alternate History (read "steampunk") Track. It's about what great graphic novels and what an awful movie "League of Extrardinary Gentlemen" was. See - I DO have a life outside of being Marc's agent! Look for the Companion Instructor, Steampunk therapist or lady pirate.

And then there's the super-secret project for this upcoming weekend - but you'll have to wait until next year to find out about that! I know - I'm such a tease...

OK, Marcaholics - see you in New Orleans or Atlanta, I hope!

Love and peace-

Jamie


Listen to the Song of the Week: "I'll Drink From Dusk Til Dawn" from Happy Songs of Death Now on Sale!






This Week:

Quote of the Week: "A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds." ~Francis Bacon

The Examiner did an awesome interview with me about Happy Songs of Death. Part two of the interview should be coming soon.

There Be Baby Dragons!

CD of the Week: Home, Home on the Road by Bryan Bowers. The first album by Autoharp God, Bryan Bowers, made uber famous among comedy music lovers by his performance of "The Scotsman" on Dr. Demento. However, that is just a small piece of the brilliance of this album. Two of my favorite are "Berkeley Woman" and "Prison Song"

A new episdoe of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast is now posted. Don't forget to vote for your favorite song in the show.

Review these iMixes: Irish & Celtic Music Podcast and All for Our Furry Friends. You can help promote my music by reviewing this iMix of music from the podcast. There's a TON of great music to choose from. And while you're there, buy a song or the set.

The Garden Sessions is a podcast that features some of the best traditional & contemporary folk music. Lots of great music!

Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion has second album cover. I had so many people mistake it for an album of cat songs, that I decided I should create a new cover. It's the same album, just a new cover. You can pick up your copy on m

Celtic Music Reviews and Features "Thistle" by Scott Boswell, "Play For Them" by The Booze Brothers


Marc Gunn in the News:

A Novel Friend posted a link to my new music video of "Won't You Come With Me?" from Happy Songs of Death.

Soul Geek announced my attendance as Guest of Honor at MileHiCon in Denver, Colorado.

Podculture played a promo from my Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.

Primofex posted a picture of me from the New Deal Cafe in Maryland.

Eternal Vigilance posted a flyer that features my appearance at the Tru Blood & Gold Vampire Ball in October here in New Orleans.

"The Cat Came Back... The Cat's Perspective" was played on the David Tanny Show. It's from my hit CD, Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers.


UPCOMING GIGS. Don't forget to make a demand to see me perform. Want me to see where I plan to tour this summer?

8.28 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) CD Release Party at Baccannal Wine Bar
9.4-7 (ATLANTA, GA) DragonCon
9.16-23 (DINGLE, IRELAND) Celtic Invasion of Ireland
10.23-25 (DENVER, CO) MileHiCon
10.30 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat Fan Club's "Blood and Gold" Ball
11.7-12.13 (ROBERT, LA) Louisiana Renaissance Festival
1.16.10 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Concert with Jed Marum

-- Check me out on Sunset Connoisseurs Society, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, SoundClick, Demand a Show on Eventful, Wikipedia, Livejournal, and DeviantArt. And if you'd like a CD...


-- Do you have a quote, movie, album, tip or suggestion that you'd like to share in my Weeklies? If so, post a comment with your suggestion here.

---

Originally published at Marc Gunn .com. Read. Interact. Breathe. It's easy; it's free.

Brought to you by Song Henge, the online archive of free and legal Celtic music downloads. Find out more at SongHenge.com

Do you download your podcasts by Hand?
For shame. Let iTunes do it for you.


Today's show is brought to you by Celtic Invasion Vacations.
Travel the world with your Irish & Celtic Music Podcast host, Marc Gunn.
During the day, see the sites and and at night
sing with me. Sign up to the mailing list to
find out next trip to Dingle Ireland this September.
www.celticinvasion.com


Notes:
- The Celtic Top Five. Cast your vote for your favorite song in this show.
- Best of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast Compilation CD
- Become a Member of the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast.
I want to thank all the new and current Members of the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. Your donations and support are always appreciated. If you would like to become a member, for just $20 a year, you will get free access to Song Henge, my exclusive archive of free Celtic music. Visit songhenge.com for details.
- Marc Gunn on the Road. DragonCon, Ireland and England
- Celtic Invasion Vacations
- Marc Gunn's New Twitter Account
- Make a Demand for Your Host, Marc Gunn
- Post a review on your favorite website, like iTunes
- Link to the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast


Download this week's podcast.




This Week:

"Time Out" by Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer
from Gleowien

"Jury Duty Waltz" by Cady Finlayson
from Irish Coffee

"Down" by Clandestine
from Red

"The Butlers of Glen Avenue/Leslie's March" by Beyond the Pale
from Queen of Skye

"Airdi Cuain" by Mactalla Mor
from The New Colossus

"Whiskey, You're the Devil" by Marc Gunn
from Happy Songs of Death

"The Weasel In The Henhouse And Ships Are Sailing" by Kennedy's Kitchen
from The Hotting Fire

"Dulaman" by Nancy Daily-Green
from Delia's Hearth

"Skipping to Dublin" by Keelhaul
from A Maritime Tradition

"Roddy McCorley" by Adam Alexander and Joe Travers
from The Perfect Pint

"Hunting The Wren" by Heather Dale
from The Green Knight

"Weekend Irish" by Barleyjuice
from The Barleyjuice Irish Collection

"Scatter the Mud" by Irish Experience
from Green Energy

"Only Good News" by The Elders
from Gael Day

If you enjoy this show, subscribe to the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. This is our monthly ezine that will link you to artists offering free Celtic music downloads. Just visit www.celticmp3s.com to subscribe.

Find out more about the artists in this show and in past shows by visiting us at www.celticmusicpodcast.com. While you're there, visit the link for our Celtic Music CD Store on CD Baby. And support the artists who support this podcast: buy their CDs, see their shows, and drop them an email to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast.

PROMO - DragonCon - Sci Fi Convention in Atlanta, GA

THE CELTIC TOP FIVE
In every episode of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, I ask you to vote for your favorite song in that podcast. The most-popular song is then featured at the end of the next podcast. Here are the most-popular songs from the last show.

5. "Tejas Go Bragh" by Don Gabbert
4. "Grace" by Jed Marum
3. "Gypsy" by The Rogues
2. "Cuckoo's Nest/Old French/Klezmer Redwing" by Beyond the Pale

1. "Arthur McBride" by Tullamore
from Wild and Wicked Youth

Funny. Just yesterday, I was telling the folks on my newsletter how I was happy to be home. Now I'm excited because I'm flying up to GenCon tomorrow. Reminds me something I heard about Johnny Cash in the movie Walk the Line. Whenever he was out on the road, he would get tired of it. Whenever he was home, he couldn't wait to get out on the road. I heard the same about Bob Dylan.

Maybe once I get a wee bit more settled I'll relax and enjoy my home a bit more. When I moved to New Orleans, I planned it as a temporary move. So I didn't bring good furniture to relax in. Just office stuff, recording gear, eating utensils and a place to sleep. Now I need to go home and get something more comfortable so my downtime at home is much more relaxing. Then I'll have a better place to sit for Torre to climb into my lap and relax as well. Gotta think of the cats.

Promotion for Happy Songs of Death is going along great. I now have BOTH CD covers and have mailed out the last of the pre-orders today. So look to your mail if that's you. The rest of you, I hope will pick up your copy on Thursday, August 20th, when I hope to officially release the CDs on CD Baby.

There are a couple more edits to be done on my music video too. I'm patiently waiting to share that with you. I'm SO happy with the video. And I must admit, I want MORE music videos for this CD. There are so many visuals I can imagine for all these songs. Hey! So if you know anything about making setting video to music, have at it! I'd love to see what you come up with.

Finally, I am booked for MileHiCon in Denver in October. We're looking for a couple extra venues in Colorado that I might be able to perform at. If you have any thoughts, email Jamie at booking@marcgunn.com.

Now, off to pack for GenCon! OH! And I'll have copies of Happy Songs of Death available there as well. So get your CDs before they are official. Slainte!


Listen to the Song of the Week: "Waxie's Dargle" from Happy Songs of Death


CD of the Week: Courage & Patience & Grit By Great Big Sea. "Newfoundland's own Great Big Sea have gradually consolidated a reputation as one of the greatest neo-Celt bands, from anywhere in the Six Nations or, as in this case, beyond. Drawing upon their homeland's strong Irish and Scottish ancestry and centuries-old seafaring heritage, they have fashioned a roistering, danceable sound and a live presence not unlike a bar-band but operating on a massive scale." Amazon ReviewReview these iMixes: Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. I've started messing with iMixes on iTunes as a promotional tool. I could really use your help. Go post review. And if you like some of the music, pick up a copy. It's filled with some of the songs and tunes from my extensive catalog of Celtic music.

Stained Glass Gallery. Eastern Iowa's Premiere studio for stained glass.


MARC GUNN IN THE NEWS

---

Originally published at Marc Gunn .com. Read. Interact. Breathe. It's easy; it's free.

Bonjour, all - Jamie again, just back from NYC where I caught one of Marc's shows. He's busy at another gig so here I am again. BUT WAIT!

Before I do anything else, mark your calendars - CD Release Party for "Happy Songs of Death" on Friday, August 28 - 7 PM at Bacchanal Wine Bar - 600 Poland Avenue in the Bywater area of New Orleans. Going to be a WAY fun time, and a benefit for the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic, with donations at the door in lieu of cover and Marc is donating $5 for every CD sold. So come on out, be the first to hear music from the new CD - free parking, casual, and I'm working with the great folks at Bacchanal on a signature drink special.

Well, NYC was a kick. Marc ended up the tour with a show at An Beal Bocht in the Bronx and the one I got to attend at the Ceol Pub in Brooklyn. Thanks to the effervescent Bonnie and friends from Long Island, representing the ICon contingent, some other fans and long-lost friends of Marc. Just a great show - even with the water balloon sent careening through the front door. Thanks to our friend who took it so well in stride! And thanks to Loretta at Ceol for the warm welcome.

LOVED that neighborhood - Smith Street - in Brooklyn - enjoyed a couple of cocktails just down the street at the Clover Club where champion bartender Brad mixed up some cool things. Clover Club was recently named "Best New Bar in the World" by the New Orleans-based group "Tales of the Cocktail" and I can see why.

And speaking of New York - my favorite ex-New Yorker, Marc's friend Marrus' new book, "Lightsurfing: Living Life in the Front of My Mouth" is now available on her website, www.Marrusart.com. Check out this irreverant picaresque tale that explores one dynamic personality who makes life, art and perspective work.

Hey all,

I have a couple big shows up here on the east coast. The first is this Thursday in Denton, Maryland. The first is at Market Street Public House at 7:30pm. It's an early evening show, which means you will be able to come out, enjoy the music and then still be able to go to work easily on Friday.... well, unless you just want to hang out and drink with me afterward. Then it might be a tad bit harder. hehe ;)

Thursday, July 30, 2009
Market Street Public House
200 Market Street
Denton, MD 21629
202.965.4448
www.publichouseonline.com
Show starts at 7:30pm

The next show is in the Bronx! How cool is it to say, "I have a show in the Bronx!" Well, that's where it is at. But this one is at 9:30pm this Saturday. It's on a weekend, so you can come stay out late with me and sing some Happy Songs of Death like you've never done before.

Saturday, August 1, 2009
An Beal Bocht Cafe
445 West 238th St
Bronx, New York 10463
(718) 884-7127
www.anbealbochtcafe.com
Show starts at 9:30pm

Those are the next two gigs scheduled. The bigger the turnout, the more likely I'll be back up this way touring. So please, bring some friends. Come out out and support live independent Celtic music... and me. :)

Hey - Jamie here - Marc's up north somewhere, which considering I live in New Orleans, allows for a lot of options. BUT we rendezvous this weekend for his debut in New York City. THAT'S RIGHT! NEW YORK! So check the show listings for his two shows there.

Maybe it was my love of the Kingston Trio singing "Tom Dooley" as a child, or maybe it was totally inspired by watching Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, but when the desire to write a murder ballad overtook me, I ran with it. The song that erupted from my autoharp ended in murder. It also sparked a desire to release an album of lots of fun and happy songs of death. The new CD is out in August 2009!

"Won't You Come With Me?"
From: Happy Songs of Death
Download MP3: 192 kbps
Buy MP3 for 99 cents: 320 kbps or iTunes
Read Lyrics: "Won't You Come With Me" Lyrics

You can support independent Celtic music and me.
Join my Street Team and buy my CDs!

Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy the music, please purchase the MP3, buy the CD, post a review, repost this blog, or tell a friend. Every little bit helps to make to keep these free MP3s coming. Thanks! Find out more about the MarcSongs Podcast now, or subscribe here: http://www.marcgunn.com/podcast.xml.

---

Originally published at Irish-Song-Lyrics.com. Find lyrics, free MP3s, and chords to Irish folk songs.

Brought to you by Song Henge, the online archive of free and legal Celtic music downloads. Find out more at SongHenge.com

Do you download your podcasts by Hand?
For shame. Let iTunes do it for you.

Today's show is brought to you by Celtic Invasion Vacations.
Travel the world with your Irish & Celtic Music Podcast host, Marc Gunn.
During the day, see the sites and and at night
sing with me. Sign up to the mailing list to
find out next trip to Dingle Ireland this September.
www.celticinvasion.com


Notes:
- Vote in the Celtic Top Five. Cast your vote for your favorite song in this show.
- Best of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast Compilation CD
- Become a Member of the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast
- Marc Gunn on the Road. East Coast Tour to Denton and Greenbelt, Maryland, and in the Bronx and Brooklyn
- Irish American Story Project
- ICMP on the Celtic Friends Network
- Celtic Invasion Vacations
- Marc Gunn on Twitter
- Make a Demand for Your Host, Marc Gunn
- Post a review on your favorite website, like iTunes
- Link to the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast


Download this week's podcast.


This Week:

"Cuckoo's Nest/Old French/Klezmer Redwing" by Beyond the Pale
from The Music Plays Me

"Country Dance Reels - 4x32 Bars (Reels)" by Hugh Morrison
from Ali MacGregor's Music Collection

"Grace" by Jed Marum
from Lonestar Stout

"Arthur McBride" by Tullamore
from Wild and Wicked Youth

"The Hair Reels" by Clandestine
from Red

"Won't You Come With Me" by Marc Gunn
from Happy Songs of Death

"The Gallawa Hills" by Ed Miller
from Never Frae the Mind

"Tejas Go Bragh" by Don Gabbert
from Alone on the Porch

"Big Liza Jane/Frosty Noon" by Mason Brown
from When Humans Walked the Earth

"Gypsy" by The Rogues
from 5.0

"The Shepherd Lad" by Jiggernaut
from Evolution

"Chimes" by Brother
from One Day

"Seasons" by The Killdares
from Secrets of the Day

If you enjoy this show, subscribe to the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. This is our monthly ezine that will link you to artists offering free Celtic music downloads. Just visit www.celticmp3s.com to subscribe.

Find out more about the artists in this show and in past shows by visiting us at www.celticmusicpodcast.com. While you're there, visit the link for our Celtic Music CD Store on CD Baby. And support the artists who support this podcast: buy their CDs, see their shows, and drop them an email to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast.

PROMO - Buffy Between the Lines

THE CELTIC TOP FIVE
In every episode of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, I ask you to vote for your favorite song in that podcast. The most-popular song is then featured at the end of the next podcast. Here are the most-popular songs from the last show.

5. "Rocks of Rodel" by Kiss the Mistress
4. "Gravel Walk/Elzic's Farewell" by The AM String Band
3. "Will Ye Go to Flanders" by Slan
2. "Folk's Not Dead" by Fiddler's Green

1. "Stand With Me Boys" by The Blarney Rebel Band
from Buy My Soul

Greetings amici!

This past weekend, my amazing agent and idea goddess, Jamie, and I sat down to plan next year. I can't begin to tell you how cool it is to plan out next year. Where I am gonna be? What am I gonna do? Those are not easy questions to answer a year in advance, but they SO necessary if you really want to do more than just stumble around blindly.

However, I'm not yet ready to reveal all. After all, we still have a lot of shows to book. And first things first--Happy Songs of Death!

As you've heard, the new CD is done. In fact, I had one of the album covers (Ingrid Houwers' cover) mailed to some friends in Georgia. They tell me it arrived today. Thursday I drive to Georgia. I can't wait to see the album! But this means it will be with me on the tour. That also means I will start mailing out copies of the CD when I hit Maryland.

Meanwhile, I sent Nikki O'Shea's CD cover a few days ago. So it might take a little bit longer to get to you. But I'm gonna do my best to expedite the process.

In addition to planning on how I can get the word out for the new CD, I also made some tentative plans for FOUR, count 'em FOUR Celtic Invasion Vacations next year. Including one in early January right here in New Orleans. Yes, the first U.S.-based Celtic Invasion. All the details will be coming soon, but it's the same weekend I'll be performing with Jed Marum. You're in for one helluva show!

I'm sure there's a ton other things I've forgotten. It was a hugely productive weekend though. We talked about promoting shows at GenCon and DragonCon (HELP!?) and Anne Rice Vampire Ball and lots of Sic Fi Conventions and Celtic Festivals, touring and so much more. So much so that's almost overwhelming. If I didn't have a Jamie and you helping me out, I'd be in sorry shape. Soooo... *sigh* thank you!


Listen to the Song of the Week: "Lord of the Pounce" from Live at the Cactus Cafe: Cat Songs and Celtic Music


Quote of the Day: "Most people would like to be delivered from temptation, but would like it to keep in touch." - Robert Orben