USG Performing Arts Presenters & Big Apple Feis Presenters under Artistic Director : Unateresa Gormley Presents: A Showcase of * Music * Dance * * Song* & * Talent * in Grand Central Station, NYC Sephira, under the invitation of Unateresa Gormley , USG Performing Arts Presenters and The Big Apple Feis were performing with over 50 dancers from all over the tri state area, and the Pearl River Group of fabulous session musicians in Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Station for Tourism Ireland and the Northern Ireland Titanic Experience. Titanic NI Experience, was a major success.. 7 days, four shows per day gave us the chance to showcase our talents. A great big thank you to the Irish Tourist Board, Tourism Ireland for giving us this opportunity, history was made breaking barriers, the Ministers and officials applauded us. Counsel General welcomed us at his Residence looking over NYC, This whole project was one of the most rewarding experiences to date. USG Presenters was a major success due to the great talents of Sephira, Margie Mullvihill, Rose Conway Flannagan, Patty Furlong, The Pearl River Group, Mairie McVicker, and all the over 50 dancers that traveled over 6 & 7 hours to make the show. I can't thank you enough for your talents and dedication. The future of USG Presents has begun and you are all part of it. Hat's off to all of you. Well, done. And see you all soon!!!!!!!!!!

A Festival Of Irish Theater Across New York City

A festival of Irish Theatre

Across New York City | 1stIrish.org

September 7 to October 4, 2010

POWERED BY

ORIGIN THEATRE COMPANY

George Heslin

ORIGIN Theatre Company, founded in 2002 by George C. Heslin, is a not-for-profit

cross-cultural theatre company dedicated to the cultivation, development, and interpretation

of new and emerging European playwrights by offering New York audiences American

premieres of their work.

Origin has been carving a place for innovative, European writing in New York since its inception in 2002.

The company has produced several critically acclaimed productions, including the world premiere of

Rundown by award winning Irish writer Mark O’Rowe. This was our inaugural production,

launching the career of Mr. O Rowe, who subsequently went on to be presented at Fishamble Theatre Company,

The Bush Theatre London, The Abbey Theatre and most recently Dublin’s Gate Theatre.The American

premiere of

Mistermanby award winning Irish writer Enda Walsh(Stewart Parker award for best Irish Writer 2000),

opened off-Broadway and played to sold-out houses. It was later invited to play the prestigious

Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and finished at the Dublin Festival where it was short-listed

in the best production and best actor categories.

Through the formation of dynamic connections between New York and Europe, we have

presented the American premiere ofCommunion by Aidan Mathews, one of lreland's leading talents,

Crestfall by Mark O Rowe,Trousers by David Parnell and Paul Meade, and The Shape of Metal

by Tom Kilroy. We were honoured to be the first company in the U.S. to present the work of

British writer Samuel Adamson, with our production of Clocks and Whistles.

Origin is committed to its cross-cultural mission, and will continue developing new plays with our

Reading Room Series at Fordham University and our Mondays of May reading series at

NYU Glucksman Ireland House. Each year we feature plays from Scotland, Wales, England and Ireland.

The four events have been supported by NYU Ireland House, The Wales International Center and The

Irish Consulate. Origin already has a far-reaching portfolio of new-writing projects in development.

To date, Origin has successfully co-produced with the Guna Nua Theatre, Dublin; Irish Arts Centre, NYC;

The Civic Theatre, Dublin; The Irish Repertory Theatre, NYC; Daedalus Theatre, NYC; EVN Productions, NYC;

Fat Chance Productions, NYC; and Draoicht Arts Centre, Dublin.

George Heslin The Holy Ground gets critic pick in Backstage

http://www.backstage.com/bso/reviews-ny-theatre-off-off-broadway/the-holy-ground-1004115112.story

The Holy Ground

www.backstage.com

Grief works its own miracles, and it is miraculous how much drama author

Dermot Bolger packs into "The Holy Ground," considering that it's a one-hour,

one-woman story of an empty, thwarted life.

Wall Photos

The Prophet of Monto gets beneath your skin….Listening to this yarn is highly entertaining.

It makes you feel as if you have been button-holed by its 2 Dubliners, who won’t let you

go until they have delivered their strange and unsettling story in toto…..The author,

by putting his imagination to work, gives us characters we can care about…

.Theaterscene.net

By:Georganne Aldrich Heller

The Prophet of Monto, - Off-Broadway:Plays reviewed by Deirdre

Donovan on TheaterScene.net

www.theaterscene.net

Laoisa Sexton and Michael Mellamphy Photo by Dan Brick If you suddenly hear more

New Yorkers speaking with a brogue, chances are they have just left the Flea Theater,

where John Paul Murphy’s The Prophet of Monto is running through September 25th.

Murphy’s comic drama of love, lust, and lost dreams ...

George C. Heslin:

Artistic Director

George has been an actor, director and producer for seventeen years. He is a graduate of the Samuel Beckett Centre Trinity College Dublin,The Abbey Theatre Dublin Directors Program and The HB Studio New York where he studied with the legendary Uta Hagen.

Prior to college he was resident stage manager at Dublin’s Gate Theatre where he worked on 11 productions. He spent time in the drama department in RTE Irelands national TV station.

As an actor he recently completed the Broadway national tour of the hit show Stones In His Pockets. In New York he has appeared in many off-Broadway productions including Juno and The Paycock at The Roundabout , The Blowin of Baile Gall Irish Arts Centre and The Colleen Bawn Irish Repertory Theatre (Drama Desk Nomination) and his one man show Misterman (short listed for best actorat the Dublin festival). Regionally he has played at The Kennedy Center, Old Globe San Diego, Pittsburgh Public, Studio Arena Buffalo,
Virginia Stage Company, Penguin Rep, The Caldwell Theatre Florida and Syracuse Stage, to name a few.

London stage appearances include The Kings Head, The Drill Hall and he has played twice on London’s West End with Philadelphia Here I Come and The British Premiere of Elegies.

In Ireland he has worked with almost every theatre company including The Abbey Theatre Ireland’s National Theatre, Druid Theatre Company, The Gate, The Olympia ,Passion Machine, and The Lyric Theatre Belfast.

Film and TV includes The Boxer, De ja Vu, Third Watch and As The World Turns for C.B.S. Feature films include Three Days In Dublin with Gretchen Moll.

SECOND IRISH FEST SET FOR PEEKSKILL

SECOND IRISH FEST SET FOR PEEKSKILL

Following a smashingly successful inaugural event, the Hudson Valley Irish Fest returns to Peekskill’s Riverfront Green on Saturday, September 25, 2010.
AOH Division 18, Peekskill along with Peekskill St. Patrick’s Parade Committee are the main sponsors of the event. The community-based, not for profit cultural event was established to celebrate and promote the rich Irish-American heritage that exists in the lower Hudson Valley.Last year about 3,000 people attended the festival and promoters are promising bigger and better things this year.
The second annual Fest will run from 11a.m. to 7 p.m. and will feature music by
Shilelagh Law, Celtic Cross, Mary Courtney, The Ruffians, Seisiun, and -- direct from Ireland -- Pat Whelan, as well as massed pipe bands, step dancers and the finest traditional Irish musicians in the Hudson Valley.
In addition, the Fest features the work of outstanding artists and craftspeople from both Ireland and the Hudson Valley. There also is a wonderful children's area with storytelling, crafts, and other activities.A wide variety of tempting food and refreshments will be available.
The beautiful Riverfront Green lies along the Hudson River immediately adjacent to MTA MetroNorth's Peekskill train station. Ample free parking is also available.
The Fest’s website: www.hudsonvalleyirishfest.com features many pictures from last year’s event. For more information please contact Dan Dennehy, chairman, at (914) 588-2710 or dandennehy@hotmail.com

This link will take you to an article on a child's experience last year:
http://homeschoolingonhudson.blogspot.com/2009/10/hudson-valley-irish-festival-at.html
Follow: http://www.irishexaminerusa.com/mt/2009/09/22/the_hudson_valley_irish_fest_c.html

Interview with Stephen Carolan by Antonio Pacelli

Interview with Stephen Carolan

www.antoniopacelli.com

We were lucky enough to meet Stephen Carolan, the musician behind the new Irish dance CD Ceol. We thought we would ask the 2 x World Champion a few questions on your behalf!

Here is what he had to say and his time in the world of Irish dancing..

Hi Stephen, thanks for talking to us, lets start by asking how you became involved in Irish dancing?

Well some of my cousins danced before me and I just followed in their footsteps!

What age were you?

I was quite a late starter - I was 8!

What did you like most about Irish dancing when you started?

I think the music has always been my favourite thing about dancing - it makes me want to dance

You've had a lot of success as an Irish dancer, what do you attribute this too?

I think that I became successful as a dancer through a combination of many different things..... such as sheer hard work & determination, positivity, brilliant dancing teachers and support of family and friends.

What is your most memorable moment from your Irish dancing career?

My most memorable moment was definitely winning the Worlds for the second time in 2007 with a perfect score of 700/700 points!

I couldn’t believe I had won the title again and I also knew that that was the last time I would compete, so it was a great feeling to finish on such a high.

Did you dance with any of the shows?

Yes - I did a world tour for one year as a Principle Male Lead Dancer & Troupe Dancer with Rhythm of the Dance. It was a fantastic experience and I had the opportunity to perform in many different countries in front of thousands of people every night.

When did you become interested in playing music? Do you have musical family?

I have a very musical family but none of them play traditional music.

I have always been interested in traditional music myself although like the dancing, I was a very late starter - I only started to play the keyboard (‘feis machine’) when I was 16! I am self-taught and have learned everything I know by ear. I have been playing at feiseanna for about two years now.

Did you start playing Irish dance music straight away?

Yes - I only ever wanted to learn traditional music but I have recently begun to learn some other styles to broaden my repertoire of music in general.

What was it like playing at your first feis?

It was very exciting/nerve-racking!

It was quite a surreal experience for me, it was so different to be playing sidestage as a musician and not dancing on stage as a dancer.

What musicians do you most admire?

I would have to say that it was the very first keyboard musicians that I heard playing that I most admire - Liam Bradley, Francis Ward to name but a few. Their sound was so unique and not like anything that I had ever heard before.

What are your favourite tracks on the new CD?

My favourite track most definitely has to be Track 8 (Hornpipes 113).

The first hornpipe is called ‘Funk In Class’ written by SeánÓg Graham and it’s my favourite tune to play and dance to.

The second tune is one of my own compositions called ‘Stale Appletart’. It’s a very different tune to the first but I think it compliments ‘Funk’ very well.

I also love track 5 (Reels 113) - they are some of my favourite reels to dance to, especially the last tune on that particular track, ‘MacArthur Road’.

Any tips for others musicians looking to start the feis circuit?

One thing is for sure - you definitely need patience! Feiseanna can have very long days sometimes and some require intense concentration - especially for set dances. You need to have a decent repertoire of tunes that dancers like to dance to and also to avoid boredom!

This may seem odd but I think you also need to be physically fit - I find that it definitely helps as I get tired more easily when I’m not fit.

Well, we look forward to seeing you more on the feis circuit! We just have time for our usual quick fire round, so here we go..

Favourite Desert?

Strawberry Cheesecake!

If you could meet anyone in the world who would it be?

I would love to go to a bar with Fred Astaire, Roger Federer and the character, ‘John Locke’ from the TV series LOST!

Helicopter or submarine ride?

Definitely a Submarine Ride for all the LOST fans out there!!!!

Thanks for speaking with us. We wish you every success with the album!

Two-time World Champion Irish Dancer releases his debut album 'Ceol'

At the age of 8 Stephen joined the Miriam McCarthy School of Dancing in his hometown Drogheda, Co.Louth. Here he enjoyed many years of both solo and team dancing. In 2002, Stephen decided to concentrate on his solos and joined Scoil Rince Oirialla in Dundalk, Co.Louth under the mentoring of his teachers, Francis Curley, Olive Burnes-Crowley & Fiona Harold, and Sonia Leonard & Angela Gorby after the amalgamation with the Leonard School (2005). Through sheer hard work and determination, Stephen’s dreams of success were finally achieved. He won numerous major championships including three Ulster Championship titles in a row (2004, 2005, 2006), one All-Scotland Championship title (2005), one British National Championship title (2005).

Stephen also won the two most prestigious titles in Irish Dancing - the All-Ireland Championships in 2006 and two World Championships in 2005 & 2007, winning his second World title with a perfect score of 700 points out of a possible 700 in the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. After this amazing feat, Stephen felt the time was right to retire from competitive dancing. A world tour as a Principal Male Lead Dancer with Rhythm of the Dance soon followed, performing in 13 different countries including America, China, Portugal & Holland.

Stephen’s musical talent became apparent at a very late age of 16. Although taught different styles of music such as jazz and pop by his music teacher, John Murphy, Drogheda, he realized that it was traditional music that he wanted to play. Having returned to Ireland from his world tour in 2008 to complete his B.A. degree (Irish & Geography) in St.Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, he began to concentrate on his traditional music. Within a few months, Stephen was back on the feis circuit again - this time sidestage as a professional musician! Stephen has been playing now for over 2 years. He has been working on his CD for the past few months and is delighted to release his debut album, Ceol.

Ceol contains 18 lively tracks and is suitable for all Irish Dancers to practise to, from beginners to open standard, containing a great selection of tunes old and new. It also features the brand new An Coimisiún Set Dance, Planxty Hugh O’Donnell, at speed 69. Stephen recorded, traditionally arranged and produced the album himself as well as the cover design. Ceol will be officially released in September 2010 and will be available to purchase at all good Irish Dancing vendors or alternatively online at antoniopacelli.com.

Stephen Carolan Available now! Check out the page for a list of vendors in the info section! Enjoy! :)http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-Carolans-Debut-Album-Ceol/105333912853920?ref=mf

Stephen Carolan's Debut Album: Ceol

Stephen Carolan, former 2-time World Champion Irish Dancer, releases his debut album, Ceol, this coming September 2010. Ceol has 18 lively tracks suitable for all Irish Dancers to practise to, from beginners to open standard, containing a great selection of tunes old and new. It also features the brand new An Coimisiún Set Dance, Planxty Hugh O'Donnell, at speed 69! If you would like to book Stephen to play at your feis or order CD’s from him at a SPECIAL DISCOUNT PRICE (for registered teachers only), you can contact him by sending an email to scarolan3@gmail.com for more information. Don't forget to check out the tracks that can be listened to up on the wall and the boxes section of this page - Reels 113 (Full), Hornpipes 113 (Full), Slip Jigs 113 (Clip)! Ceol will be available to purchase at all good Irish Dance vendors or online at antoniopacelli.com & derryreel.co.uk from September. Go raibh míle maith agaibh agus bainigí taitneamh as! LIST OF FEIS DATES & MUSIC SCHEDULE 2010: AUGUST 14th - Michael Shanley Feis, Kiltyclogher Community Centre, Leitrim SEPTEMBER 12th - Féile Lough, Silversprings Moran Hotel, Cork 26th - Dot Redmond Memorial Feis, TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar OCTOBER 2nd & 3rd - Belfast Championships, Beechlawn House hotel, Dunmurry 9th & 10th - Kileavy Feis, Community Centre, Newry 16th & 17th - Vienna Feis, IDCV, Vienna 23rd - Ballintogher Feis, Ballintogher Hall, Sligo 28th - 31st - Oireachtas Rince Uladh, Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny NOVEMBER 19th -21st - Oireachtas Rince Laighean, Citywest Hotel & Convention Centre, Dublin DECEMBER 3rd - 5th - CRN Dublin Regional Championships, Roadstone GSC, Dublin