IOWA MUSIC SHOWCASE PODCAST - Episode 6: Iowa (and Nebraska) Celtic Music

Although Iowans may have more German than Irish ancestry, in music, the Irish and the rest of the Celts are way ahead!

So for your St Patrick's Day enjoyment, I am proud to present Celtic music as only Iowans (and a few Nebraskans) can do it!

And if you want to join the fun, you can take FREE bagpipe lessons from both The Omaha Scottish Pipes and Drums! - http://www.omahapipesanddrums.com/ And if you want to just watch and listen,

The Iowa Scottish Pipes and Drums keep a schedule of appearances! - http://www.iowascottish.com/appearances.html

If you want to know about the song or the artist, click on the name...

Opening - Iowa Music Showcase Opening by Dylan Boyle

Song 1 - "4/4 March - Scotland the Brave, Leaving Liverpool" by The Iowa Scottish Pipes and Drums
Song 2 - "Hills of Ireland" by The Flatland Ramblers
Song 3 - "The Wounded Hussar / Slieve Russell / The Humours of Ballyloughlin" by Chulrua

Song 4 - "Finnegan's Wake" by Wylde Nept

Song 5 - "Salt of the Earth" by The Killigans

Song 6 - "Brothers in Arms" by The Vandon Arms

Song 7 - "Red is the Rose" by Sarah Hobart

Song 8 - "2004 Long March" by The Omaha Scottish Pipes and Drums

Closing - Iowa Music Showcase closing by Dylan Boyle

All rights reserved by the composers and performers. Used by their kind permission.

To download:

https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode6/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode6_vbr_mp3.zip

If you still want MORE Celtic music by Iowans, you're in luck. The following are Iowa Celtic artists that I didn't or couldn't get on the podcast...
The University of Iowa Scottish Highlanders:
http://www.frontiernet.net/~mkisa/Remembering_the_University_of_Iowa_Scottish_Highlanders/Home.html
Gayla Drake:
http://www.gayladrake.com/
Orckes & Trolles:
http://www.premierepets.net/orckes/index.html
Beggarmen:
http://www.beggarmen.com/
Kristin Maahs / Odyssey Trio:
http://www.dmmusicians.com/kristin-maahs.html

Iowa Music Showcase can be listened to and/or downloaded  the following sites:
Home page: http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Iowa-Music-Showcase/364796883703114
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/iowa-music-showcase 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXMPcIaIvvs0Aj4zk2JbXdQ/feed
Bandcamp: https://iowamusicshowcase.bandcamp.com/
ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/iowamusicshowcase
Google+: https://www.google.com/+IowamusicshowcaseBlogspotPodcast
Tumblr: http://iowamusicshowcase.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/IAMusicShowcase/
Other websites:
Spotify profile: https://play.spotify.com/user/iowamusicshowcase
Spotify playlist: https://play.spotify.com/user/iowamusicshowcase/playlist/28c74Ooze3Wk9sH9VezvMf
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamusicshowcase
Instagram: https://instagram.com/iowamusicshowcase

Labels: Celtic music, Chulrua (band), Ep 006, Flatland Ramblers (band), Iowa Scottish Pipes and Drums (band), Omaha Scottish Pipes and Drums (band), Sarah Hobart, Vandon Arms (band), Wylde Nept (band)

Ep 6 - Song 1: "4/4 Marches-Scotland the Brave, Leaving Liverpool" by The Iowa Scottish Pipes and Drums

"The Iowa Scottish Pipes and Drums are based in Des Moines, IA, and were founded originally from the membership of the Iowa Scottish Heritage Society in 1975. Over the last thirty years the band has played for many high profile events, including the Archbishop of Canterbury's visit to Iowa, the Inaugural Ball for the Governor of Iowa, the World Scottish Festival in Montreal and the Victorian Society national convention. In January, 2011, a quartet of pipers played at the Capitol for the newly inaugurated Governor of Iowa's Open House."
- from their website

You can also order their two CD's at their website - http://www.iowascottish.com/

Lineup:
Tom Mulvehill - pipe major
Susan Frambach - pipe sargeant
Ron Best - pipes
Mel Ploessel - pipes
Grant Purdy - pipes
Mort Seldenfeld - pipes
Susan Seldenfeld - pipes
Joel Severinghaus - pipes
Bruce Smith - pipes
Chris Tyrell - pipes
Chuck Leibold - lead drummer
Chad Lensch - snare drummer
Adam Best - tenor and snare drummer
Bob Henderson - bass drummer

Home page:
http://www.iowascottish.com/

IMSC Ep 6 - Song 2: "Hills of Ireland" by The Flatland Ramblers

'The Flatland Ramblers, (formerly known as The Flatland String Band,) a traditional old-time band based in Polk County, Iowa, plays a lively mix of American mountain tunes and Celtic instrumentals. If you like music of the 1800s as it was played in 1975, you'll love this band! Funky enough for a barn dance, hip enough for the coffeehouse, we play 19th century music for the 21st century. Perfect for farmer's markets, Civil War reenactments, Renaissance fairs, céilís, keggers, political rallies, weddings, wakes, hog roasts, hoolies, hoedowns, shindigs and shivarees!"
- from their website

Lineup:
Scott Ross - 5-string banjo, cittern, bodhran
Jeanne Witt - flute, piccolo, pennywhistle, mandolin
Barbara Shultz - mandolin, octave mandolin, tenor banjo
Donna Ritchie - guitar, Jew's harp

photo by d.j.

Home page:
http://www.flatlandramblers.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/flatlandramblers

ReverbNation:
http://www.reverbnation.com/theflatlandramblers

IMSC Ep 6 - Song 3: "The Wounded Hussar/Silieve Russell/The Humours of Ballyloughlin" by Chulrua

"Chulrua (pronounced cool-ROO-ah), translates from the Irish as "red back," and was the name and distinguishing feature of the favorite wolfhound belonging to ancient Irish hero Fionn MacCumhaill.

"Our concerts are in keeping with the old tradition—music in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, and tunes offered as they were handed down from generation to generation in Ireland.

"The heart of Irish music is the session, where tunes are played and traded, and conversation about music is the central theme. Sessions can be held anywhere, but are usually the best—and most relaxed—in a small, intimate place like the kitchen of a house or a small pub. The music we present onstage comes from that tradition."
- from their Facebook page

Lineup:
Pat Egan - guitars, vocals
Paddy O'Brien - acordion
Timothy Britton - whistles, pipes, flutes

Home page:
http://paddyobrien.net/chulrua/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/chulrua

IMSC Ep 6 - Song 4: "Finnegan's Wake" by Wylde Nept

"Wylde Nept is a cast of colorful characters that specialize in charging up a crowd with raucous pub tunes from all over the Celtic and sea-faring world. Whether the band is playing classic tunes of rebellion, mirthful ballads, maritime sea chanteys, popular originals, or just good, old-fashioned drinking songs, the goal is always to give the crowd a rollicking evening of friends, music, and merriment. Over the past ten years, Wylde Nept has built a loyal following around the fresh, youthful energy they pump into the classic songs of the British Isles."
- from their ReverbNation page

Lineup:
Westan James - Vocals
Steven James - Accordion and Vocals
Jon Southwood - Guitars, Mandolin, and Vocals
Wayne "The Punisher" Twombley - Guitars and Vocals
Brian Fahrner - Bass and Vocals
George "The Littlest Viking" Curtis Jr. - Bodhran, Dumbek, and Vocals

Home page:
http://www.wyldenept.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/WyldeNept

ReverbNation:
http://www.reverbnation.com/wyldenept

IMSC Ep 6 - Song 5: "Salt of the Earth" by The Killigans

Okay, I have to admit, this band is not Iowan. These are Nebraska boys. But it is Celtic music.

"The Killigans are a seven piece “folk-punk” band from Lincoln, NE. The Killigans “sound” combines the diverse musicals tastes of the bands members; fusing Punk Rock, Folk, Country and Western, Celtic, European folk, Americana, and other types of music into an upbeat, foot-stomping, beer-raising party. Lyrically, the songs range from classic storytelling to rebel songs to ballads to middle class anthems. The Killigans are a band who thrive on live performance and crowd interaction."

"THE KILLIGANS were born in a filthy garage in 2004, hammered together out of the spare parts of other Nebraska bands and fueled by a love of good whiskey, great friends, late nights, buzzing tattoo needles and crusty old punk rock albums. They have existed in various incarnations since their inception, but as their rabid fans will testify, they have never failed to ignite the passions of anyone who wanders close enough to hear their foot-stomping, glass-raising anthems for tenacious underdogs, lonely vagabonds, and anyone who’s just trying to make it in this world. Their rapidly-growing body of work draws from the most enduring, vibrant aspects of American music – the storytelling of folk, the fighting spirit of punk rock, the heartfelt poignancy of country and the unforgiving grit of rock ‘n roll.
- from their website

IMSC Ep 6 - Song 6: "Brothers in Arms" by The Vandon Arms

"In a damp, cold basement just off of Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa, The Vandon Arms started off as a group of friends playing the music they loved for no one but themselves. There were no fans, no Myspace or Facebook pages, nothing for sale, and no disillusions of being rich and famous. The early get-togethers resembled drunkin sing-alongs more than any band rehearsal. The group and their friends would belt out old Irish choruses at the top of their lungs for hours...

"...Buz, Clint, Hutch, Craig, and Moosher still carry on the same attitude that came with those early basement sing-alongs. Their music and live shows are simply about having fun, not making money, being cool, not being cool, or anything else that too many other bands get caught up in. This has always been and always will be the band's philosophy..."
- from their Facebook page

Sad to say, Des Moines lost its very own Celtic punk band! Life took over and spread them across a few states. But I still recommend getting and downloading their music if you're into Celtic punk.

Lineup:
Buz, Clint, Hutch, Moosher, Craig, and Clayton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vandon-Arms/10920399522

BandCamp: https://thevandonarms.bandcamp.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheVandonArms

IMSC Ep 6 - Song 7: "Red is the Rose" by Sarah Hobart

"Sarah is a brilliant musician and educator living in Central Iowa. She is a versatile singer who accompanies herself using an instrument rooted in the folk tradition; the dulcimer. Sarah delights audiences with her clear and lovely vocals, her inspired choice in music, and her ability to pull listeners into far off worlds, whether it be ancient Ireland or modern-day New Orleans...

"From her website: Sarah Hobart discovered a love of her ancestral Irish folk music while distracting herself from her studies in opera in college. She now writes original music as well as exploring the rich cultural heritage of Celtic, Apalachian, and other World musics. Her vocal qualities range from powerful to ethereal, enhanced by the enchanting sounds of her lap dulcimer..."
- from a Facebook event

Ep 6 - Song 8: "2004 Long March"by The Omaha Scottish Pipes and Drums

Some may complain of me including an Omaha group here, but as far as I'm concerned, Omaha is an honorary Iowa town!

"The Omaha Pipes and Drums has been thrilling audiences with their repertoire of Traditional Scottish and Irish music since 1970...

"In 2004, the Omaha Pipes and Drums competed in three games in Scotland; North Berwick, Bridge of Alan, and the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. The band finished in 6th place in Grade 4 at Bridge of Allan, 8th Place in Grade 4 at North Berwick, and 7th place in the qualifying rounds of Grade 4B at the World Pipe Band Championships...."
- from their home page

And they provide FREE bagpipe and drum lessons! - http://www.omahapipesanddrums.com/Home/tabid/38/Default.aspx

Home page: http://www.omahapipesanddrums.com/Default.aspx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Omaha-Pipes-Drums/106189436076154

IOWA MUSIC SHOWCASE PODCAST - Episode 5: The Early Birds

Sorry this is one is late. Afraid overtime on my day job, a flu bug, insomnia, and a mix up on music rights conspired against me!

On this episode, we feature all the artists who submitted their work without any prompting. They saw my posts about this podcast, and sent me their work without me asking them!

And I appreciate it that they are willing to let my podcast feature their music! Thank you very much, guys!

And if you would like to join the fun, just an audio file or link to me at iowamusicshowcase@gmail.com.

If you want to know about the song or the artist, just click on thename... 

Opening - Iowa Music Showcase Opening - Dylan Boyle

Song 1 - "Chasing Heaven" by Ryan Sheeler

Song 2 - "Ladycop (digital Hoffman demo)" by The Wych Elm

Song 3 - "Roadkill" by Virginia Creeper

Song 4 - "The Fossil Lights" by Prisms & Portals

Closing - Iowa Music Showcase closing by Dylan Boyle

All rights reserved by the composers and performers. Used by their kind permission.

To download:

https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode5/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode5_vbr_mp3.zip

I did get three songs from Bob Wissinger who played keyboards with a Des Moines band from the 1960s, Tommy T's Federal Reserve (https://www.iowarocknroll.com/inductees/45/tommy-tucker-the-esquires-federal-reserve/) (originally Tommy Tucker & The Esquires). Unfortunately, I couldn't get the rights to play any. But I managed to find one of their songs on YouTube! You can check it here - http://youtu.be/rCoBygXFHyY. 

Next episode: We celebrate St Patrick's Day with some Iowa Celtic music!

Iowa Music Showcase can be listened to and/or downloaded on the following sites:

Home page: http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Iowa-Music-Showcase/364796883703114
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/iowa-music-showcase 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXMPcIaIvvs0Aj4zk2JbXdQ/feed
Bandcamp: https://iowamusicshowcase.bandcamp.com/
ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/iowamusicshowcase
Google+: https://www.google.com/+IowamusicshowcaseBlogspotPodcast
Tumblr: http://iowamusicshowcase.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/IAMusicShowcase/
Other websites:
Spotify profile: https://play.spotify.com/user/iowamusicshowcase
Spotify playlist: https://play.spotify.com/user/iowamusicshowcase/playlist/28c74Ooze3Wk9sH9VezvMf
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamusicshowcase
Instagram: https://instagram.com/iowamusicshowcase

Labels: acoustic, alternative music, Early Birds, Ep 005, experimental, folk music, podcast episodes,podcasts, Prisms and Portals (band), Ryan Sheeler, singer/songwriter, Virginia Creeper (band), Wych Elm (band)

IMSC Ep 5 - Song 1: "Chasing Heaven" by Ryan Sheeler

"Ryan is a composer, instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, educator and music researcher from Ames IA. He has studied guitar, composition, conducting, and musicology at Iowa State and the University of Iowa.

"He has won awards from ASCAP, The Iowa Motion Picture Association, and the Paramount Group. Ryan is also co-author of From Bakersfield to Beale Street: A Regional History of American Rock n' Roll with David Stuart and Scott Anderson (2nd edition - 2009, Kendall-Hunt).

"Ryan's latest solo album is entitled Polk County Line (2011)."

- from his Facebook page

Lineup:

Ryan Sheeler - lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitar

Scott Draper - keyboards
Randy Baumeister - bass
Clark Bishop - drums

new promo pic for 2011 - thanks to Kara Cipolloni

Website: 

http://www.ryansheeler.com/

Facebook: 

https://facebook.com/ryansheeler

ReverbNation:

http://www.reverbnation.com/ryansheeler

IMSC Ep 5 - Song 2: "Ladycop (digital Hoffman demo)" by The Wych Elm

The Wych Elm describe themselves as alternative, experimental folk rock, and "male/female vocals with rock music which veers towards both traditional songcraft and bizarre art-rock. Guitars, Moog-y keyboards, drums and bass instrumentation. Everyone writes their own songs so there's a variety element to live programs."

Lineup:

Cheyenne - guitar and vocals

Tyler - bass and vocals

Jason - drums

Lindsay - keyboards

Website: 

http://www.thewychelm.com/

Facebook:

https://facebook.com/TheWychElm

Bandcamp:

http://thewychelm.bandcamp.com/

IMSC Ep 5 - Song 3: "Roadkill" by Virginia Creeper

Photo by Rebekka Brown/Iowa State Daily

"Virginia Creeper formed in 2008 when Mike McCullough and Michael Martin began playing “guerilla gigs” in the atrium of the Design building at ISU, playing mostly Martin’s originals as well as occasional covers in the americana and acoustic-rock genres. The duo’s sound is built around the interplay of Martin’s thick and drony acoustic guitar rhythms with McCullough’s mandolin improvisations."

- Micheal Martin on Virginia Creeper

IMSC Ep 5 - Song 4: "The Fossil Lights" by Prisms &Portals

"Prisms & Portals’ music might be described as hypnotic, progressive, cinematic and explosive instrumental rock, interspersed with electronic music, glitchy textures and droning ambient soundscapes. Subtle influences may be heard throughout the music spanning from bands such as Tool, King Crimson, Vessels, 65daysofstatic, Woven, Aphex Twin, Jacaszek and more."

- Shaun Riekena of Prisms & Portals

Lineup:

All instruments - Shaun Riekena

Additional atmospheric guitars - Todd Riekena

Website: 
http://www.prismsandportals.com/

Facebook
https://facebook.com/prismsandportals

Bandcamp:

https://prismsandportals.bandcamp.com/

IOWA MUSIC SHOWCASE PODCAST - Episode 4: Iowa Metal Music

On this Valentine's Day weekend, we do a 180 from last time, and showcase some recent metal music from our fair state! Because what more's metal than the risk of getting your heart ripped to shreds! Yeah!

And, yes, IMSC can jump from hip-hop to metal! That's the way we roll, folks!

But seriously, Iowa metal, like Iowa hip-hop, is a thriving, if often neglected, scene! And, a surprise to some people, even Iowans, our metal scene is more than just Slipknot!

All the tunes here were sent in when I sent out word of doing a metal show on Facebook. Your music, metal or any different genre, can joined this esteem group! Just send an audio file or link to a free download to iowamusicshowcase@gmail.com!

If you want to know about the song or the artist, just click on the name...

Opening - Iowa Music Showcase opening by Dylan Boyle

Song 1 - "Day Late $hort" by HeavyWeight

Song 2 - "The Mirror Never Lies" by Unity

Song 3 - "Triplets (demo)" by Arent We All

Song 4 - "Mirrors (demo)" by The Point Past Insanity

Song 5 - "Angel on Sunday" by Lakeshore

Closing - Iowa Music Showcase closing by Dylan Boyle

All rights reserved by the composers and performers. Used by their kind permission.

To download
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode4/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode4_vbr_mp3.zip

Next week: The early birds! Some of my first submissions!

Iowa Music Showcase can be listened to and/or downloaded on the following sites:
Home page: http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Iowa-Music-Showcase/364796883703114
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/iowa-music-showcase 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXMPcIaIvvs0Aj4zk2JbXdQ/feed
Bandcamp: https://iowamusicshowcase.bandcamp.com/
ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/iowamusicshowcase
Google+: https://www.google.com/+IowamusicshowcaseBlogspotPodcast
Tumblr: http://iowamusicshowcase.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/IAMusicShowcase/
Other websites:
Spotify profile: https://play.spotify.com/user/iowamusicshowcase
Spotify playlist: https://play.spotify.com/user/iowamusicshowcase/playlist/28c74Ooze3Wk9sH9VezvMf
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamusicshowcase
Instagram: https://instagram.com/iowamusicshowcase

IMSC Ep 4 - Song 1: "Day Late $hort" by HeavyWeight

"Hailing from the small overlooked town of Muscatine, IA, HeavyWeight started out as just a means for 5 guys to play music while holding down the basic adult juggling act of family and work.  With musical backgrounds ranging from doom style rock/ metal to the fast paced hardcore style, HeavyWeight molds all these sounds into one solid monster wall of sound.

"Expect nothing less from HeavyWeight then a high energy show and a loud ringing in your ears when it's over."Mat
- from their website

Lineup:
Matt Parrott - Guitar
Jason Wieskamp - Guitar
Sam Koester - Drums
Scott Moomey - Bass
Nathan Regennitter - Vocals

Website: http://heavyweightiowa.wix.com/hvwt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeavyWeight.IA

Bandcamp: https://heavyweightiowa.bandcamp.com/

IMSC Ep 4 - Song 2: "The Mirror Never Lies" by Unity

"Unity is a Melodic Power metal band from Iowa.  It was formed in November 2010 by Alonso “Zo” Donoso.  Alonso decides to leave his previous band and start a new musical project.  Zo’s idea was to create music that was more European oriented and Melodic, yet powerful and raw.

"Unity’s music could be described as Melodic Heavy Metal with European Power Metal influences. Unity takes influences from different bands and backgrounds to create something fresh but yet classic with catchy riffs and powerful melodies."

- from their website

IMSC Ep 4 - Song 3: "Triplets (demo)" by Arent We All

"Founded by Des Moines based musicians & long time collaborators; Ben Shields, HorHey Pachelli and Mark Boals. Mike Farrell joined the band on vocals in 2010 after a tour of duty in Iraq, and Arent We All spent the next two years writing music. Finally making their debut in 2012 in Des Moines at The House of Bricks.

"Drawing influences from all the different genres of music that have influenced them throughtout the years. Arent We All strives to employ a unique sound implementing powerful drumming, unique bass riffs, and haunting guitar to bring this band together.

"Come see a show, listen to the music, watch the video, we dont care. Love us, hate us, tolerate us, doesnt matter. Just enjoy whatever music you want to enjoy, we just hope you enjoy ours."
- from their ReverbNation page

Lineup:
Mark Boals- Drums
Ben Shields- Guitar/vocals
Mike Feral- Vocals
HorHey Pachelli- Bass/ Vocals

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArentWeAllBand

ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/arentweall

Ep 4 - Song 4: "Mirrors (demo)" by The Point Past Insanity

"The Point Past Insanity originates out of Iowa & is a metal-core band that is still pretty fresh in the scene.They do however have an EP almost finished. They are heavily influenced by Oh Sleeper, The Haunted, and The Color Morale. They are pretty chill guys, catch them in town someday for an ecstatic performance!"
- Sophia Marie Wheeler - One Zine,One Love.

Lineup:
Stephen VanPoortFliet - Lead Vocals
Michael Fleming-Wiegand - Rhythm Guitar
Austin Bemisdarfer - Lead Guitar
Sloan Janssen - Drums
Nick Jordan -Bass

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepointpastinsanity

ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/thepointpastinsanity

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-point-past-insanity

IMSC Ep 4 - Song 5: "Angel on Sunday" by Lakeshore

"Lakeshore is a four-piece new age music group with primarily rock/post-hardcore influences."

- from their website

Their influences include Blessthefall, Memphis May Fire, Hands Like Houses, Atreyu, Avenged Sevenfold, A Day to Remember, Bullet For My Valentine, I See Stars, and many more.

Lineup:

Spencer Cole – Drums/Vocals
Brice Berger – Lead Guitar
Taylor Davis – Bass
Luke McMichael – Vocals/Guitar

Website: http://lakeshoreband.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lakeshorebandofficial

Bandcamp: http://lakeshor.bandcamp.com/