MARC GUNN

Marc's Musings: Last Chance to Pre-Order Happy Songs of Death

2009-07-03T15:20:00.002-05:00

MARC'S MUSINGS -- July 3, 2009

- Marc on Tour
- Last Chance to Pre-Order Happy Songs of Death

Published 1-4 times per month. To manage your subscription, go to the end of this newsletter. Visit My Store Now!

Marc's Musings

Greetings Amici and Happy 4th of July!

The summer is in full swing, and I just got back from my first solo summer tour that included two weeks up and back from Chicago. It was a tremendous success, and I want to thank everyone who joined me on the road and made it so. Now I'm back with my cats Tiziano and Torre who are happily shedding all over me. I need to remember to bring some cat hair for the next tour to remind me of home.

After the 4th, I will start gearing up for the next tour which begins in mid-July, up to Maryland and New York. I have several shows scheduled and more coming. And I also hope to setup a couple of meet-n-greets. If you're interested in either, check out my calendar (more details next week) and make sure you email booking at marcgunn.com to tell Jamie you'd like to be a part of either/or, and we'll see what we can do.

LAST CHANCE TO PRE-ORDER 'HAPPY SONGS OF DEATH'

The biggest news right now is that Happy Songs of Death is finished! I sent it off to the printers a couple days ago. The official release is Thursday, August 20, 2009. That is a month later than planned, but since I'll be on the road, it's the best I could do.

HOWEVER! You can pre-order a copy until tomorrow July 4, 2009 with either or both of the cool CD covers offered by Ingrid Houwers and Nikki O'Shea.
If not, you will have to wait until the end of August to get your copy.

AND as a special bonus, my agent Jamie loves this album so much that she has offered to email her Super Secret Recipe for Green Chile Stew to everyone who pre-orders the album. (I still need to find out if that includes me. Because *I* don't have this recipe and yet, it is one of my absolute favorite foods ever! mmm... Drooling just thinking about it.) Oh! And I will also autograph every pre-ordered CD.

So go pre-order the Happy Songs of Death now!

When will you get your copy? The CDs will go out as soon as I have 'em. That means it will be at the beginning of August when I get home from the tour... unless... I can find a way to get them to you sooner... I will do what I can. I know you're as excited about this CD as I am. So I'll try sending them ASAP.

Thanks as always for you continued interest in my music. Slainte!
- Marc Gunn

Quick Links to Marc Gunn

CD, MP3, and Merchandise Store
Upcoming Shows
Street Team
My Podcasts
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Join me in a Celtic Invasion Vacations
Join the trip of a lifetime as we visit exotic locations around the world and sing together.

SONG HENGE
My exclusive archive of great Celtic Music. Subscribe to download scores of great MP3s at no cost. Interact with other friends of Marc Gunn.

About Marc Gunn

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Marc Gunn is Celtic American Musician and Podcaster from Austin, Texas. Good food, good drink and good company. Folk ballads, Irish drinking songs, fantasy, Sci Fi, and cats on the autoharp. Embrace independent Celtic music!

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

Marc's "Weeklies" - This is like when your parents leave town and you have a party

2009-06-23T21:23:00.015-05:00

Yeah. Marc's in Chicago so I get to do the weeklies again. This is Jamie.

And I have something to say about you guys. Having done Marc's booking for a couple of months, I can attest to one thing - that Marc's fans ROCK!

You all have done so much - house concerts, promotion - special shout out to Linda in Chicago, Leah in Springfield, Laura in Cedar Rapids, John in Winchester, KY.

You guys share the passion of Marc's music - and he genuinely cares about how his music affects others. He wants to inspire others, and does. He is generous with his time and treasure - benefit shows, producing CD's that benefit charities, promoting other musicians.

We are all better for knowing Marc. And Marc's true fans understand this.

Thanks, fans!!! I love you ALL!

SONG OF THE WEEK - My choice - "Gypsy Rover" - produced by the brilliant Ari on "Irish Drinking Songs" newly reissued - look for it!

This Week:

-- Quote of the Week: From one of my favorite authors - Paolo Coelho: "When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or on saying we are not ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny."

-- CD of the Week: The sexiest and most poignant song - Marc discovered this listening to the Smithsonian Folkways podcasts - the amazing Nancy Dupree singing "A Woman's Praise" from the CD "A Letter to Young Sisters and Other Poems." Astonishing. Grab the person you love the most and listen to this.

-- Book of the Week: "Emigrants and Exiles: Ireland and the Irish Exodus to North America" by Kerby A. Miller - award-winning book that thoroughly examines the phenomenon that shaped modern American and Ireland.

-- Interesting article: Have to acknowledge all the MJ hoohaa. Read it. Why is it that some creative people cannot function in the real world?

-- Pre-Order Happy Songs of Death Now! Offer still stands - order before 7/4 and you get a super-secret copy of my green chile stew reciple!

-- Celtic Invasion Vacations. The next Celtic Invasion is picked. Marc's gonna spend a week in Dingle, one of the most-beautiful and peaceful parts of Ireland. You catch a glimpse of the town and surrounding countryside at West of Dingle.

-- Promote Tip: Review this iMix of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. You can help promote Marc's 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.

-- Cool videos: This is hilarious. Manuela Horn - Yoddler

Marc Gunn in the News:
The David Tanny Show played "Happy Potter and the Rising of the Moon," "The Leprechaun" and "The Night That Paddy Murphy Died."

Switch on the Code played "The Night That Paddy Murphy Died."

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

7.1 (WINCHESTER, KY) Panzarella House Concert
7.8 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Neutral Ground Coffeehouse
7.11 (COVINGTON, LA) Haeuser House Concert
7.25 (RESTON, VA) Fogel House Concert
7.30 (DENTON, MD) Market Street Public House
8.12-16 (INDIANAPOLIS, IN) GenCon
9.4-7 (ATLANTA, GA) DragonCon
9.16-23 (DINGLE, IRELAND) Celtic Invasion of Ireland 2009
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.

Marc Gunn's Debut at the Saxon Pub

2009-06-22T12:24:00.006-05:00

The first show of my tour went amazingly well. It was at the Saxon Pub. Over forty people showed up to see me perform from local Rennies to cat lovers, some podcast subscribers and even family. For a Sunday afternoon that is usually pretty dead at the Saxon, it was a smashing success.

The one tough part for me was my cold. I caught one a week ago before I left Austin after setting the A/C too cold and blowing on me at night. My voice was a bit hoarse, but no one seems to have thought anything of it.

I introduced a bunch of songs from Happy Songs of Death, as well as a nice mix of music from my growing catalog. I wish I recorded the show, but what with the voice a little under the weather, I just didn't feel like it. But today, I'm feeling better. So hopefully by the time I arrive in Springfield, Missouri for my coffee house gig, I should be in a better shape vocally.

With any luck, the Saxon went well enough that mayhaps I'll have another show there in the coming months. I'm hoping to do a CD release in Austin in late August if I can find a venue for it. So stay tuned.

Meantime, Mid-West get ready for me! :)

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

Marc Weeklies: Hope in the Form of a Musical Tour

2009-06-16T12:24:00.002-05:00

My cat Tiziano is gazing at me lazy-eyed. He was daydreaming before I took notice of him. I haven't had time to do the same as I finish a ton of work perparing for my first solo tour.

It was a produtive day. I finished recording the Pub Songs Podcast with special thanks to Summer Brooks of Far Point Media who helped me migrate the show to their new servers. It motivated me to release another show. What with touring, recording new albums, organizing Celtic Invasion Vacations, and podcasting, the Pub Songs Podcast was neglected. But here it is again, and here's hoping I can release more while I am out on the road.

Meantime, I am packing for my tour with a sense of excited anticipation. Two weeks on the road. I've done it before, but not quite like this, as a soloist. There will be a lot of driving. But I hope to take some breaks on this adventure to watch the setting sun and soak in the beauty of this great country of ours that filled me with pride at JazzFest as I sang along to Pete Seeger performing "This Land".

America is a land of beauty and opportunity. I forget about that all too easily with the flashiness of the cities and my immersion into the internet. That's what this trip will be for me--opportunity. A chance to share to my music with scores of people, to connect with old fans, and to invite new ones into my world.

The tour is based around the input of people like you saying, "I want to hear Marc Gunn perform live," and then going to venues, looking stuff up on the net, and sending it my way so that opportunity might become reality. It's based around you sharing my music with your family and friends, but in a more personal arena, face-to-face, just ten feet away as I play your favorite songs. I hope you will come sing with me.

Listen to the Song of the Week: "Big Strong Cat (My Puddy Tat, Sylvester)" from Whiskers in the Jar: Irish Songs for Cat Lovers

This Week:

-- Quote of the Week: "Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working." Pablo Picasso.

-- CD of the Week: "The Hotting Fire" by Kennedy's Kitchen. One of my favorite bands from the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. They have a brand new CD out that I hope to feature it in future episodes.

-- Book of the Week: The Indie Band Survival Guide: The Complete Manual for the Do-It-Yourself Musician by Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan. I finally started reading this book by my friends the Beatnik Turtles. It's a good book. Up-to-date with the latest internet music promotion ideas. I've even learned a few new tricks. That's always nice.

-- Interesting article: Grow Your Own Fresh Air. With only three varieties of plants, you can "grow our own fresh air" indoors, to keep you healthy. Is that true? I'm not sure, but it definitely makes me want to bring some of these plants into my home.

-- Pre-Order Happy Songs of Death Now!. I just got word from Ari that the album will be done Before the end of the month!!! He loved the last song I sent him, "Twa Corbies", which completes a delightful 13 songs of death on this CD. I should have an official song order coming soon too. Thanks for all your patience. Now let me know which CD cover you prefer, pre-order the album today!

-- The latest Pub Songs Podcast is now live. It's a 30-minute show where I tell you all about the Celtic Invasion Vacation, some interesting facts about Happy Songs of Death, and let you know about my upcoming gigs. Plus, lots of music and a brain new affiliation with Far Point Media.

-- Bards Comic. The Bards Comic is alive and growing with new stories coming from artist, Nikki O'Shea. See what my cats think of me going off on tour.

-- Celtic Invasion Vacations. The next Celtic Invasion is picked. We're gonna spend a week in Dingle, one of the most-beautiful and peaceful parts of Ireland. You catch a glimpse of the town and surrounding countryside at West of Dingle.

-- Promote Tip: Review this iMix of 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.

-- Celtic Music Reviews and Features.

-- Cool videos: Hoops and Kilts featured a couple live songs from my Texas Scottish Festival performance. And here is Marc Gunn's Renaissance Festival Demo. If you like the bodhran, I recorded my friend Lucrezia Playing the Bodhran several years ago.

Marc Gunn in the News:

"Johnny Jump Up" and "Beer, Beer, Beer" were played in The David Tanny Show.

"Lord of the Pounce" was played on Mostly Folk.

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

6.21 (AUSTIN, TX) Saxon Pub
6.24 (SPRINGFIELD, MO) The Coffee Ethic
6.26 (CEDAR RAPIDS, IA) Cummings House Concert
6.27 (ELMHURST, IL) Benefit Concert for Feral Fixers at Fitz's Pub
6.28 (BROOKFIELD, IL) Irish Times Pub
7.1 (WINCHESTER, KY) Panzarella House Concert
7.8 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Neutral Ground Coffeehouse
7.11 (COVINGTON, LA) Etoile Restaurant
7.25 (RESTON, VA) Fogel House Concert
7.30 (DENTON, MD) Market Street Public House
8.12-16 (INDIANAPOLIS, IN) GenCon
9.4-7 (ATLANTA, GA) DragonCon
9.16-23 (DINGLE, IRELAND) Celtic Invasion of Ireland 2009
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.

Marc Weeklies: How a Commercial Can Give Guidance to Life, or Some Such Nonsense

2009-06-09T08:32:00.004-05:00

It's funny how "sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't." Who would've thought that old commercial could have such a deep meaning for life. Today, I'll have a Mounds, thank you.

Back once again in New Orleans, I have about a week before I head off on tour gigging in Texas, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and Kentucky. Then I make my way back home in time for the 4th of July with my friends.

Meanwhile, I just got word that Happy Songs of Death will be done sooner rather than later. I just heard the last song that I was waiting on, "Twa Corbies". It sounds amazing. I take a mellow Scottish song about two crows discussing how they will eat a dead knight (Now That's a folk song!), and chippery it up a wee bit.

Speaking of Scots. I had a great time at the Texas Scottish Festival last weekend. The Friday night Ceilidh was a smashing success, and it sounds like they want me back next year to host it again. That would make me happy. My show pulled in a lot of folks who sat and sang along with me. I had such a great time hanging out with Jed Marum, Hugh Morrison, Don Gabbert, and Tullamore. Plus, the Clan Gunn tent and meeting up with The Rogues, Brother, Clandestine, Ed Miller, and finally meeting Deanna of Jiggernaut. I brought home a ton of CDs I need to start ripping so I can get these groups on the next Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.

Oh! I keep getting emails asking me "How was Italy?" Didn't I tell you? It was AWESOME!!!! A universal success which is why I want to do another one, this time to Ireland in September (and Scotland next May). We saw the magic of Tuscany. But even better, we shared some great craic singing songs and sharing one another's company in one of those must-see locations. Check out the Sunset Connoisseurs Society for many more comments and pics.

That's most of the news for now. I could probably go on and on, but I won't. I have other things to do for now. So pass the Mounds.

Listen to the Song of the Week: "I'll Tell My Ma" from Irish Drinking Songs

This Week:

-- Quote of the Week: "When you make music you are acting as a philosopher. You can either do that consciously or you can do it unconsciously, but you're doing it." John Cage from interview with Brian Eno

-- CD of the Week: Anchor Management by The Poxy Boggards. Songs of drinking and revelry, performed by the drinking group with a singing problem.

-- Book of the Week: The Great Cat: Poems About Cats. This delightful anthology gives us a teeming litter of literary tributes to the ever-fascinating, ever-mystifying cat.

-- Interesting article: Quality vs. Quantity. Which is better, producing one great work or a hundred average works? It's the question that taxes artists of all kind. Derek Sivers' has an interesting look at it the topic.

-- Pre-Order Happy Songs of Death Now!. I just got word from Ari that the album will be done Before the end of the month!!! He loved the last song I sent him, "Twa Corbies", which completes a delightful 13 songs of death on this CD. I should have an official song order coming soon too. Thanks for all your patience. Now let me know which CD cover you prefer, pre-order the album today!

-- Celtic Invasion Vacations. The next Celtic Invasion is picked. We're gonna spend a week in Dingle, one of the most-beautiful and peaceful parts of Ireland. You catch a glimpse of the town and surrounding countryside at West of Dingle.

-- Review this iMix: 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.

-- Cool video: "When Kitty Eyes Are Smiling" was featured in a Dingle fun with Fungie in the Sun

Marc Gunn in the News:

"The Cat Came Back..... Cat's Perspective" was played in the Boise and Beyond Podcast.

"Stardust Serenade" was played in Murder at Avedon Hill Podcast Novel.

My Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was picked as a favorite by One Woman Show.

"Monahan's Mudder's Milk" and several other songs from a show at Studio Joe's in Little Rock, AR are now on YouTube.

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

6.12 (COVINGTON, LA) St. John's Coffee House
6.21 (AUSTIN, TX) Saxon Pub
6.24 (SPRINGFIELD, MO) The Coffee Ethic
6.26 (CEDAR RAPIDS, IA) Cummings House Concert
6.27 (ELMHURST, IL) Benefit Concert for Feral Fixers at Fitz's Pub
6.28 (BROOKFIELD, IL) Irish Times Pub
7.1 (WINCHESTER, KY) Panzarella House Concert
7.8 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Neutral Ground Coffeehouse
7.11 (COVINGTON, LA) Etoile Restaurant
7.25 (RESTON, VA) Fogel House Concert
7.30 (DENTON, MD) Market Street Public House
8.12-16 (INDIANAPOLIS, IN) GenCon
9.16-23 (DINGLE, IRELAND) Celtic Invasion of Ireland 2009
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, Sonicbids, 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.

Marc Gunn at The Saxon Pub

2009-06-04T11:08:00.002-05:00

The Saxon Pub is one of those cool institutions for great live music in Austin. Just take a look at the calendar and all the top who's who perform there.

21 June 2009
The Saxon Pub
1320 South Lamar
Austin, Texas
http://www.thesaxonpub.com/
512-448-2552
Age: 21+ to enter
Non-Smoking

Show times: 3:00-4:15pm

Marc Gunn is Celtic American Musician and Podcaster. Good food, good drink and good company. Folk ballads, Irish drinking songs, fantasy, Sci Fi, and cats on the autoharp (I wish they'd get it off it already). Embrace independent Celtic music!

Want to see me perform live? Make a demand!

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

Marc's Musings: Rebirth of the Ceilidh

2009-06-04T00:11:00.002-05:00

MARC'S MUSINGS -- June 3, 2009

- Marc's Music News
- Celtic Invasion of Ireland
- Pre-Order: Happy Songs of Death
- On Tour Texas, MO, IA, IL, KY

Published 1-4 times per month. To manage your subscription, go to the end of this newsletter. Visit My Store Now!

Marc's Musings

Greetings Amici,

Italy. Wow, what an experience! The whole trip exceeded my expectations of what a Celtic Invasion Vacation could be. Good food, good drink, good company, and a great ceilidh. More about that in a bit, because I am back in the country with a lot of exciting news to share about my music and the weeks to come.

MARC'S MUSIC NEWS
When last you you left your intrepid musician, I talked about releasing five CDs in five months. As much as I thought that might happen, it won't. That's okay. I have plenty to keep me occupied as well as an update regarding upcoming projects.

Happy Songs of Death is almost done. While I was abroad, Ari Koinuma took my recordings and set about recording additional instrumentation, mixing, and mastering the album. He finished everything except... One track from the last song that I recorded had an error on it. I did my best to get that fixed in Italy, with no luck.

As a result, the album is delayed a little bit. It will be July before it is released to those select few who pre-order it.

Yes, the album is now available to pre-order. AND you can also pick your favorite CD cover.

I wanted to try something new this time, and so I commissioned TWO album covers. One by Ingrid Houwers and the other by Nikki O'Shea. Both are done as you can see below and wow! Do they look spectacular or what?!

When you pre-order a copy, you can choose your favorite CD cover or get both for a discount. When the albums arrive, around the beginning of August, I will autograph the CD and send it to you. Otherwise, you will be able to officially purchase the CD on August 23, 2009 (without the autograph sadly).

Meantime, order your copy now! and read reviews of it in my Weeklies.

So what happened to that other album I was working on with Rich Brotherton? It too was delayed. I hope to finish recording it at the end of the summer. And after much consideration, I have decided it will quite appropriately be called The Bridge, featuring many more original songs and a bigger fusion of Celtic music with contemporary jazz and blues.

I should have a new Pub Songs Podcast coming your way with bits from my Italy trip. So stay tuned for much, much more.

OH! And I have new T-Shirts coming that you can pick up in my swag store. Every little bit helps me immensely to continue making a living as the independent Celtic American musician that I am.

MARC GUNN LIVE!
If you watch my blog, you know that Jamie has taken over my booking. And whoa! She's doing an awesome job. I have my first tour of the summer coming in the middle of the month, kicking off with my debut performance at the Saxon Pub in Austin, Texas... on Father's Day!

I need your help spreading the word about all these gigs. So please bring your friends, and if you're not too far away, consider making a trip. Love to see you at the shows where you can pick up a copy of the limited-edition tour t-shirts.

Meanwhile, the tour will take me to Chicago and back. You can see below that the schedule has filled up nicely for June.

6.5-6 (ARLINGTON, TX) Texas Scottish Festival
6.12 (COVINGTON, LA) St. John's Coffee House
6.21 (AUSTIN, TX) Saxon Pub
6.24 (SPRINGFIELD, MO) The Coffee Ethic
6.26 (CEDAR RAPIDS, IA) Cummings House Concert
6.27 (ELMHURST, IL) Benefit Concert for Feral Fixers
6.28 (BROOKFIELD, IL) Irish Times Pub
7.1 (WINCHESTER, KY) Panzarella House Concert
7.8 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Neutral Ground Coffeehouse
7.11 (COVINGTON, LA) Etoile Restaurant
7.25 (RESTON, VA) Fogel House Concert
7.30 (DENTON, MD) Market Street Public House
8.12-16 (INDIANAPOLIS, IN) GenCon
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

I know I wasn't able to hit ALL the places you wanted, but keep the requests coming to booking@marcgunn.com so we can try. In July, I am heading up along the East Coast to Maryland and New York, and I could really use your venue suggestions to get those shows booked. And also, don't forget to make a demand to see me perform.

Now check out the first gig on that list above. I have something interesting to share about it...

REBIRTH OF THE CEILIDH AND CELTIC INVASIONS
Yesterday, I had an interesting conversation with Royce Perry, a Gunn, who works with the Texas Scottish Festival, about the ceilidh.

A ceilidh (or "ceili" in Irish) is an Irish or Scottish social gathering with traditional music, dancing, and storytelling. I will be playing music for the Friday night ceilidh at the Texas Scottish Festival. It sounds like a total blast! But what got me really interested was when I realized the CEILIDH is a big part of what I hope to do with the Celtic Invasion Vacations.

As I said, the first vacation was a tremendous success. Sure, there were very few minor issues as with any vacation. But more imporantly was the glow on everyone's face at the end of the trip as we sat at this cool restaurant on the edge of the street in Rome on our second to last night and talked about what we loved most about the trip.

What did they love best? The community. The ceilidh. Good food, good drink, good company. We had two magical evenings where we made food together, sat around the table, drank wine, talked, told stories, sang songs. That's what a ceilidh is all about. That's what sets the Celtic Invasion Vacations apart from typical whirlwind tour of Italy or Ireland or wherever. It's the community that I love. And this trip was beautiful!

So much so, that I decided to go ahead and start planning another one THIS SEPTEMBER! The dates for the Celtic Invasion of Ireland 2009 are September 16-23. I am now accepting applications. I am taking a very small group with me to Dingle to experience the magic and beauty of the country. I hope you will consider joining me. Details are coming, but click the link above for all the latest updates.

Drop me a line and say hi when you have a moment. Slainte!
- Marc Gunn

Quick Links to Marc Gunn

CD, MP3, and Merchandise Store
Upcoming Shows
Street Team
My Podcasts
Sunset Connoisseurs Society (fan club)

Join me in a Celtic Invasion Vacations
Join the trip of a lifetime as we visit exotic locations around the world and sing together.

SONG HENGE
My exclusive archive of great Celtic Music. Subscribe to download scores of great MP3s at no cost. Interact with other friends of Marc Gunn.

Marc Gunn at GenCon

2009-06-03T16:35:00.004-05:00

Gen Con Indy is the original, longest running, best attended, gaming convention in the world. For over 40 years, Gen Con Indy has been setting the trend and breaking records. Last year, more than 28,000 unique attendees experienced Gen Con Indy. The biggest complaint we hear is that there is simply too much to do, see, and experience. Get lost in a phantasm of art exhibits. Stare at jaw-dropping costumes, or better yet, wear one of your own. Meet the movers and the shakers in the gaming industry. Check out the newest games and get a sneak peek at the latest editions.

And, of course, play your heart out with fellow enthusiasts in a community that understands your passion. What you'll experience at Gen Con Indy is nothing short of IT. You know, whatever "It" is for you? This is IT! Get ready to get there.

Aug 13-16, 2008
GenCon Indianapolis
Indiana Convention Center
100 South Capitol Ave.
Indianapolis, Indiana 46225
http://www.gencon.com/

Show times:
Friday, Aug 14th at 9pm in Indiana Bllrm C
Saturday, Aug 15th at 9pm in Indiana Bllrm C

Marc Gunn is Celtic American Musician and Podcaster. Good food, good drink and good company. Folk ballads, Irish drinking songs, fantasy, Sci Fi, and cats on the autoharp (I wish they'd get it off it already). Embrace independent Celtic music!

Want to see me perform live? Make a demand!

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

Marc Gunn at 2009 Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat Fan Club's "Blood and Gold" Ball

2009-06-03T12:03:00.005-05:00

Marc Gunn will perform at the 2009 Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat Fan Club's "Blood and Gold" Ball on Friday. October 30. Location still to be announced. This is an annual event that draws over 500 fans of all things vampire, Halloween and New Orleans. Marc will perform songs from, among other works, his soon-to-be-released "Happy Songs of Death" CD. For more information, visit the Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat Fan Club's MySpace page.

October 30, 2009
Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat Fan Club's "Blood and Gold" Ball
New Orleans, LA

Marc Gunn is Celtic American Musician and Podcaster. Good food, good drink and good company. Folk ballads, Irish drinking songs, fantasy, Sci Fi, and cats on the autoharp (I wish they'd get it off it already). Embrace independent Celtic music!

Want to see me perform live? Make a demand!

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

Marc Weeklies: Back from Italy

2009-05-29T06:58:00.016-05:00

I am back from Italy, and I am both happy and sad. Italy is home away from home with me, but the Celtic Invasion Vacation turned it into something SO much more. I'm gonna try to put together a Pub Songs Podcast to highlight the exciting times I had. But for now, it's catch up time. And boy, is there a lot to do to catch up. Special thanks to Jamie and Katie for helping me keep the Weeklies running while I was off adventuring.

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

Quote of the Week: "If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." Henry David Thoreau

CD of the Week: "The Iron Horse: The Collection" by Lochshore. "Another best of CD from Lochshore Records, this time it is Iron Horse swinging their way through 15 tracks selected from their 6 albums and makes for a great introduction to one of the groups who forged a new path for traditional Scottish music." Interested?

Book of the Week: To mark the 476 anniversary of Anne Boleyn's Coronation--The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn by Robin Maxwell "An energetic, full-dress period novel, Maxwell's first, constructed from the adventures of Henry VIII's doomed second queen, mother of Elizabeth I of England."-Kirkus Reviews.

Marc around the Web:

Marc's song "What Do You Do With a Catnipped Kitty?" was played in PodShow, The David Tanny Show. To Check it out:Click Here

The Podcast Fun show played "She Said her Name was Saffron"-Firefly song

Michael Angels Cosmic Grab Bag Podcast played "Don't Go Drinking with Hobbits"

Review these iMixes: Irish Music Hits, Irish Music Gems, and 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.

Interesting Video: Check out the Video Series, "50 things to do West of Dingle", "Buttercup's Lament" is featured in the first episode.

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

6.5-6 (ARLINGTON, TX) Texas Scottish Festival

6.21 (AUSTIN, TX) Saxon Pub

6.24 (SPRINGFIELD, MO) The Coffee Ethic

6.26 (CEDAR RAPIDS, IA) Cummings House Concert

6.27 (ELMHURST, IL) Benefit Concert for Feral Fixers

6.28 (BROOKFIELD, IL) Irish Times Pub

7.1 (WINCHESTER, KY) Panzarella House Concert

7.8 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Neutral Ground Coffeehouse

7.11 (COVINGTON, LA) Etoile Restaurant

7.25 (RESTON, VA) Fogel House Concert

7.30 (DENTON, MD) Market Street Public House

8.12-16 (INDIANAPOLIS, IN) GenCon

8.28 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Bacchanal Wine Bar
10.30 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat Fan Club "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, Sonicbids, 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.

Marc Weeklies: Celtic Invasion Report, More on "Happy Songs of Death"

2009-05-25T13:59:00.035-05:00

Jamie again, for one more week! Marc is back next time, so I'll take this last opportunity to brag about the new CD, Happy Songs of Death just once more.

And check out the live shows; I have been booking like a mad fool, and we have a big announcement that I will let Marc do next week. Yes, you will have to wait for it.

First, though, a note from Marc, sent last week from Assisi. He was in Venice yesterday, and may go to the beach in Ostia today.

It's hot in Rome which is why I escaped it and headed to Assisi today.
Well, that and it's one of the most serene places on the planet. It
was a quiet and reflective day with a great lunch that was only
partially spoiled by the elevator music on the speakers. Rick Steves
didn't mention that. Ah well.

I had much quiet time to reflect. I definitely *think* better when I'm
cooler. That's one of several reasons I'm heading North to Padova. I
want to visit family and I also want to escape to the mountains and
Bassano, home of Grappa. Mmmm... I can't wait.

Assisi is one of my favorite places. I wish I could wander about listening to Hearts Ease there.

Other members of the Celtic Invasions group are avid photographers, and are back in the states, so I am guessing Marc may post some pics next week.

And remember that Marc is contemplating another trip this year, to Ireland in September. Air fares on Aer Lingus have been killer low, so it is a great time to think about autumn in Erin.

Now some more about Happy Songs of Death:

Some of these songs you may have heard Marc perform on other CDs or shows, but you have not heard them like this. Marc and Ari Koinuma have breathed magic into all these tracks. Here are more previews:

Won't You Come With Me? (Gunn) is another original, a murder ballad about a sailor having an encounter with a girl who cleans fish for a living. I will not spoil the ending for you, but it will sure make you think twice about a beachside pick-up. This one will be fun for the Happy Songs of Death show at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival in November.

Johnny Jump Up just may be my favorite song on the CD, because it is a really new take on such an old standard: jazzy, sexy even.

Whiskey You re the Devil is a great old song about Irish soldiers fighting with The Duke of Wellington against Napoleon. I love this version; it feels more authentic than either the Clancy Brothers or Pogues covers. I can see Marc now, slogging along some muddy path in Portugal, singing away. In an 1812 uniform of course; gotta love the garb.

Well, that is my take. I was not sure about this whole idea at first but now I am breathlessly anticipating the release of Happy Songs of Death.

Listen to the Song of the Week: "When Kitty Eyes are Smiling" from Live at the Cactus Cafe: Cat Songs and Celtic Music

Quote of the Week: "If music be the food of love, sing on till I am filled with joy" Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare.

CD of the Week: The Celtic Viol by Jordi Savall. "Jordi Savall reveals the hidden beauties of Irish and Scottish music from 17th to 19th Century. The transcription from fiddle to baroque viol sounds so obvious that everyone realizes the closeness of traditional and ancient repertoires at once. Some of the pieces are irresistibly vivid and virtuosic, some are more melancholic-but all of them deserve the renasissance Jordi Savall offers them in this collection" -Amazon Review

Book of the Week: From St. Francis To Giotto by Vincent Moleta. "From Francis to Giotto Brings together and reviews some of the most familiar expressions of early Franciscan culture, such as the fresco cycle in the Upper Church of San Francesco and Canto XI of Dante's Paradiso, while it merely touches on related questions such as the debate over poverty and the influence of Joachim of Fiore. These issues, though they loom large in the early history of the Franciscan Order and have become a preserve of scholars, are not central to the theme of this book." Vincent Moleta.

Review these iMixes: Iri sh Music Hits, Irish Music Gems, and Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. Marc's started messing with iMixes on iTunes as a promotional tool. He could really use your help. Go post a review. And if you like some of the music, pick up a copy. It's filled with some of the songs and tunes from Marc's extensive catalog of Celtic music.

Marc Heard Round the World: Just a few of the places that played Marc Gunn music recently:

David Ritche's SoundClick station added "Isn't It Grand, Boys?
"The Bridge" was played on TSP Radio's "All Folked Up" which is heard on 400 radio stations around the world
Punky Pete's SoundClick station added "When Irish Eyes are Smiling"

-- UPCOMING GIGS

Don't forget to make a demand to see Marc perform!

6.5-6 (ARLINGTON, TX) Texas Scottish Festival
6.21 (AUSTIN, TX) Saxon Pub
6.24 (SPRINGFIELD, MO) The Coffee Ethic
6.26 (CEDAR RAPIDS, IA) Cummings House Concert
6.27 (ELMHURST, IL) Benefit Concert for Feral Fixers
6.28 (BROOKFIELD, IL) Irish Times Pub
7.1 (WINCHESTER, KY) Panzarella House Concert
7.8 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Neutral Ground Coffeehouse
7.11 (COVINGTON, LA) Etoile Restaurant
7.25 (RESTON, VA) Fogel House Concert
7.30 (DENTON, MD) Market Street Public House
8.12-16 (INDIANAPOLIS, IN) GenCon
8.28 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Bacchanal Wine Bar
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, Myspace, SoundClick, Demand a Show on Eventful, Wikipedia, Twitter, Facebook, Livejournal, Sonicbids, and DeviantArt. And if you'd like a CD...

More from Marc next week. In the meantime, enjoy Memorial Day by sitting back and taking it easy.
Love and respect from Jamie

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

Marc Weeklies: "Celtic Invasion" News, some "Happy Song of Death" Commentary

2009-05-18T14:17:00.028-05:00

This is Jamie again - and word from Marc and the Celtic Invasion:

"Ciao tutti,

Italy is amazing. This trip has been almost perfection. I say almost
because one person had trouble connecting. And then I made the mistake
of driving in Florence. Dio! I won't do that again. It was horrible.
I'm still shaking in paranoia two days later. lol

Otherwise, I think I want to do this trip EVERY year. Okay, not sure
if I can by our Villa overlooking San Gimignano is stunning and
relaxing. We spent a couple evenings making dinner together, drinking
and enjoying the craic with even a wee bit o'music. Sadly, tomorrow,
we drive to Rome. So no more Toscana. Ah well... Next time.

Salute!"

More next week...and one of the intrepid travelers, Tom Emerson, has been blogging some at the Sunset Connoisseurs Society website - if you're not a member yet, join now and join in the fun - go tohttp://www.marcgunn.net/

"Happy Songs of Death" is Going to be GORGEOUS
Marc won't say enough himself about how great his new work is - so I will. I've been lucky enough to hear some of the tracks and can tell you that especially the new material is just breathtaking.

Marc had the good sense to work again with a great producer and musician, Ari Koinuma, who produced "Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion" a couple of years ago. Ari just "gets" Marc and his music, adding great instrumentation that enhances Marc's voice and the harp. I love watching creative process, and have been having a blast watching all this coming together. Here's what to expect on a few tracks-

-Foggy Dew(Kearney/O'Neill)- that great chronicle to the Easter uprising of 1916 gets a whole new perspective with Marc in full rebel voice, some just scandalous trills and overall jazz treatment.

-Red, Red and Black-may be my personal favorite - but then I'm an historian and it's about the plague. Simple and fun!

-Waxies Dargle-you might recognize the tune as "The Girl I Left Behind Me" but this version is about the rousing annual outing to Bray by Dublin's candlemakers ("waxies"). The pay-off is in the last line - shhh - no spoilers here, and again, Marc's voice makes you want to jump up and run off with the waxies.

If Marc lets me when he gets back, I'll keep up the little notes about "Happy Songs of Death."And since he's not back next week, I'll have at least one more go.

Look at past posts for the beautiful CD covers by twin art goddesses Ingrid Houwers (www.ImbasCreations.com) and Nikki O'Shea.

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

Quote of the Week:Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.- Miriam Beard

CD of the Week:Soulstice by Todd Denman & Aniar - "an unlikely fusion of R&B, gospel, and Irish music that sounds so natural and obvious it makes you wonder where this music has been all this time." - "Keyboard" review-daughter Katie gave me this one.

Book of the Week:The Passion of Artemisia by Susan Vreeland - Although the novel purports to cover the life of the painter, the painting serves as a touchstone, foreshadowing Artemisia's rape by Agostino Tassi, an assistant in her father's painting studio in Rome; the well-documented (and humiliating) trial that followed; the early days of her hastily arranged marriage; and her eventual triumph as the first woman elected to the Accademia dell' Arte in Florence. Beyond the paintings Artemisia left behind, Vreeland's vision may be as close as we can come to understanding the anger and ambition that kept this talented woman at the doors of the Accademia, demanding entrance, in a time when respectable women rarely left their homes.-Regina Marler

- Review these iMixes: Iri sh Music Hits, Irish Music Gems, and Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. Marc's started messing with iMixes on iTunes as a promotional tool. He could really use your help. Go post a review. And if you like some of the music, pick up a copy. It's filled with some of the songs and tunes from Marc's extensive catalog of Celtic music.

Marc on Podcasts...

The Knitter with Critters Podcast played Lord of the Pounce.
Podcast Fun Show played Beer, Beer, Beer.
livingwestofdingle played Molly Malone... Cats Perspective/Planxty Hewlett.

-- UPCOMING GIGS

Don't forget to make a demand to see Marc perform!

5.7 (COVINGTON, LA) St. John's Coffeehouse
7.8 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Neutral Ground Coffeehouse
5.13-22 (TUSCANY, ITALY) Celtic Invasion of Italy
6.5-6 (ARLINGTON, TX) Texas Scottish Festival
5.12 (COVINGTON, LA) St. John's Coffeehouse
6.21 (AUSTIN, TX) Fiddler's Hearth
6.26 (CEDAR RAPIDS, IA) House Concert - Laura Cummings
6.27 (ELMHURST, IL) Benefit Concert for Feral Fixers
6.28 (BROOKFIELD, IL) Irish Times Pub
8.28 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Bacchanal Wine Bar
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, Myspace,SoundClick, Demand a Show on Eventful, Wikipedia, Twitter,Facebook, Livejournal, Sonicbids, and DeviantArt. And if you'd like a CD...

More from Marc and the Invasion next week. In the meantime, run a warm bath, throw in some lavendar, put "Heart's Ease" on and relax!
Love and respect from Jamie

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

Marc Weeklies: Celtic Invasion Underway!

2009-05-13T20:15:00.014-05:00

Marc Gunn and a group of intrepid travelers have arrived in Tuscany. They are ensconced in a luxury villa overlooking vineyards and Lombardy cedars. Can't wait to hear more! In the meantime, back here in Louisiana, this is Jamie Haeuser, Marc's booking agent. I'll be conveying some news of the Invasion as it progresses, and sharing some news and perspectives on some of the great work Marc has been doing lately.

SUMMER TOURS

See the gig schedule below for details - Marc's schedule for this summer (I think he just wanted to get out of New Orleans in the summertime) takes him to the Midwest in June, the Mid-Atlantic states in July and the New York/New England area in August. I've got a number of things cooking but am always happy to hear from you all about venues. Just send a note to booking@marcgunn.com and we'll see what we can do. And don't forget - everyone whose suggestion results in a booking gets a free "Marc Gunn Summer Tour 2009" T-shirt!

HOUSE CONCERTS

My favorite venue to hear Marc play is a house concert. It's a national phenomenon that is bringing great independent music to the most intimate and comfortable of settings. I've done a bunch, and hope I can talk some of you in the tour areas to consider doing one. Lots of fun! Again, drop us a note at booking@marcgunn.com and we'll handle the rest.

NEW MUSIC

Just you WAIT! I've gotten to hear some of what Marc Gunn's been working on and I can't tell you how excited I am. "Happy Songs of Death" is going to be brilliant! I wasn't sure at first but I am completely sold - and you get to pick from two different CD covers.

See the posting below to pre-order. And even MORE great stuff coming later in the summer!

Song of the Week: In honor of travel and cats - "Roll the Cat Chariot Along" from Live at the Cactus Cafe: Cat Songs and Celtic Music

This Week:

-Quote of the Week: "The Creator made Italy from designs by Michaelangelo" - Mark Twain

-CD of the Week: "Bootleg Six-Pack" by the Mammals - great live folk music from Ruthie and Mike. We saw them play at Jazz Fest in New Orleans this year with Pete Seeger - fabulous stuff!

-Book of the Week: "The Enchantress of Florence" by Salmen Rushdie - here's what the Amazon review had to say - "Trying to describe a Salman Rushdie novel is like trying to describe music to someone who has never heard it--you can fumble with a plot summary but you won't be able to convey the wonder of his dazzling prose or the imaginative complexity of his vision. At its heart, The Enchantress of Florence is about the power of story--whether it is the imagined life of a Mughal queen, or the devastating secret held by a silver-tongued Florentine. "

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

5.7 (COVINGTON, LA) St. John's Coffeehouse
7.8 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Neutral Ground Coffeehouse
5.13-22 (TUSCANY, ITALY) Celtic Invasion of Italy
6.5-6 (ARLINGTON, TX) Texas Scottish Festival
5.12 (COVINGTON, LA) St. John's Coffeehouse
6.21 (AUSTIN, TX) Fiddler's Hearth
6.26 (CEDAR RAPIDS, IA) House Concert - Laura Cummings
6.27 (ELMHURST, IL) Benefit Concert for Feral Fixers

8.28 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Bacchanal Wine Bar
11.7-12.13 (ROBERT, LA) Louisiana Renaissance Festival
1.16.10 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Concert with Jed Marum

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

More from Marc and the Invasion next week. In the meantime, sit back, pour a tall glass of something cold, put "Heart's Ease" on and relax!

Love and respect from Jamie

-- 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.

Happy Songs of Death

2009-05-07T08:02:00.015-05:00

Last day to pre-order, July 4, 2009.
Order Soon!!!!

In memory of Michael Younger.

"Happy Songs of Death" is a joyful juxtaposition of the morbid and the comic that celebrates murder ballads, the Black Death and starving to death. Celtic songs, American songs - and notably several of Marc Gunn's original compositions all affirm that death is just the other side of life! Artists through the centuries have found inspiration in these same themes. Join Marc Gunn in a fresh look at all things mortal.

"Life does not cease to be funny when people die anymore than it ceases to be serious when people laugh." - G. B. Shaw

This album began many years ago when I was introduced to the music of Italian musician Angelo Branduardi. He had a delightful little song called "La Pulce D'Acqua". One day, I decided to translate it and found out the title meant "the flea of the water". Intriguing, I thought. So I tried translating more and a wild idea came to me. This song was about the Black Death!

In fact, it wasn't, according to some Italian friends who actually understood the meaning of it. I was disappointed by that, but thought it would be cool to write an upbeat song about death. Then while chatting with Andrew McKee, my former bandmate with the Brobdingnagian Bards, the title arose--Happy Songs of Death. It took me four years or so for the album to come about, but here it is.

The songs are an upbeat mix of traditional folk songs and original songs about death. There are murder ballads, people rising from the dead, war, my own song inspired by the Black Death, and a general celebration of the dead.

I was so excited about this album that I had TWO CD covers designed for it. One by Ingrid Houwers who desiged by Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers CDs and the other by Nikki O'Shea who designed my What Color Is Your Dragon? CD and the Bards Comic.

Track listing (not in order):

Clementine Blues
Foggy Dew (Kearney/O'Neill)
High Jeannie High
I'll Drink from Dusk Til Dawn (Gunn)
Isn't It Grand Boys?
Johnny Jump Up
Jug of Punch
Red, Red, and Black (Gunn)
Rosin the Bow
Waxies Dargle
Twa Corbies
Whiskey You're the Devil
Won't You Come With Me? (Gunn)

Thanks to everyone who happily embraced this somberly delightful idea. Special thanks to those who passed on to greater things.

All songs traditional, except as noted. Instruments: Marc Gunn (autoharp, vox), Ari Koinuma (guitar, mandolin, percussion, bkg vox), Jamie Haeuser (bodhran, bkg vox), Mike Younger (bkg vox). Produced by Ari Koinuma. Graphics by Ingrid Houwers and Nikki O'Shea.

I plan to release this CD on 20 August 2009. But right now you can pre-order it. Pick your favorite cover or order both and save. Click the cover to see a larger version (not necessarily final versions)

Happy Songs of Death, $15
Graphics by Ingrid Houwers.

Happy Songs of Death, $15
Graphics by Nikki O'shea.

Happy Songs of Death, $25
2 CDs that include one copy of each CD cover.

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

Marc Weeklies: Funny Thing About Life and Death...

2009-05-04T20:53:00.005-05:00

If you like Marc Gunn, you might like Christy Moore, The Clancy Brothers, Christie Hennessey, Lisa Kelly, Davie Arthur, Celtic Woman, Brobdingnagian Bards, Carl Peterson, Loreena McKennitt, Ceann, The Rogues, The Wolfe Tones, Wicked Tinkers, Emerald Rose, Bedlam Bards, Heather Alexander, Jolly Rogues, Joni Minstrel.

Holy moly! Just nine more days until the first Celtic Invasion Vacation. Italy is soooo close I'm aching for it. Can't wait to eat... anything there. It's funny even the rest stops on the autostrada have better Italian food than most places in the States.

Before I leave, I have two gigs at the end of the week (see below). I also have a deadline to finish the last two songs for Happy Songs of Death. If I don't, I might not be able to finish the album until July! Ugh. Hope beyond hope I can finish it this Saturday. It's my last chance. At least, my computer seems to be running properly now. Keep an eye open for a pre-sales of Happy Songs of Death later this week.

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

This Week:

-- Quote of the Week: "Life does not cease to be funny when people die anymore than it ceases to be serious when people laugh." - G. B. Shaw

-- CD of the Week: Reflections by Sullen. Spoken word, poetry, hip hop, a capella, Slam.

-- My latest CD Live at the Cactus Cafe was made an Editor's Pick at CD Baby. Now that's way cool in itself, but to top it off, the album was featured on Sunday, April 19 on the CD Baby homepage. Way brilliant! Read the press release.

-- ALEP Inspirational Posters. I don't know if this is open to all to see, but this is a fun look at A Long Expected Party that took place last Fall. Bilbo's birthday has grown to an even bigger legend than ever.

-- Bodhran Masters Class. Wanna learn to play the bodhran. Cool online video from an American living in Scotland.

-- Ingrid Houwers has a new website ImbasCreations.com. She is also working on one of the covers I'm designing for "Happy Songs of Death".

-- Let's hear it for Cat Ladies. In this case, Susan Doyle who blew everyone away on "Britain's Got Talent" with her performance of "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Mis. Exquisite performance. And yes, she's a cat lady!

-- Two Lumps. An ongoing comic about the adventures of two deranged housecats.

-- Celtic Invasion Vacations. I leave in 10 days! The next one is schedule for May 2010. Scotland. Details coming in June.

-- Capt Billy's Guide to Pirate Parenting. A parody of parenting books. What a fun idea.

-- Celtic Radio. This is the place to go to listen to Celtic music 24/7. Lots of great music. Plus, they play my podcasts as well. Head on over and request my music.

-- My newest of new CDs "Live at the Cactus Cafe" is now up on itunes.

-- Review these iMixes: Irish Music Hits, Irish Music Gems, and 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.

-- Wanna see me live? Alorarose posted a bunch of live videos of my shows at I-Con. Check out the Cabaret in particular. Do you have any videos? Post 'em!

-- Celtic Music Reviews and Features: "Botany Bay" by Adam Alexander and Joe Travers, "Risin' Of The Moon" by Terry Griffith, "The Dublin Reel" by Beer Belly, "Open Road" by Circled By Hounds, "The Prodigal One" by Victoria Trestrail, "All Day Long" by Bote, "Jesse James" by Madd Paddy, "Birks of Invermay" by Jesse Ferguson

-- Cool video: I-Con Review with a special mention of yours truly!!!

-- Pictures from Starfest. Posted on Facebook. So not sure if anyone can view them though.

-- Leprechaun Watch. A website with video cameras posted to spot leprechauns in Ireland.

-- I posted two old parodies I wrote from college last week: Twist and Dunk (parody Twist and Shout) and I'm the Phone Caller (parody: The Wanderer).

-- MemorTrees. They are creating an art installation for Burning Man called memortrees that will inspire self-reflection towards creating self-empowerment. The theme this year is "Evolution" and memortrees is an invitation for people to actively participate in theirs. Become a patron with limited-edition prints.

-- Sound Advice from Ariel Hyatt. A lot of great music promotion tips via interviews.

-- Marc Gunn in the News:

The Celtic Myth Podshow is playing a bunch of my music. Even setup this contributors page for me.

"St Patrick Never Drank" was played on Comedy 365.

Blog Oklahoma Podcast played my song "The Mining Ship the Red Dwarf".

You Can't Make It Up Podcast played "The Cat Came Back... The Cat's Perspective".

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

"Johnny Jump Up" was played in the Podcast Fun Show.

The Glocal Family played "Jasper Tabby Kitty Cat-y".

Yarnspinners Tales played "Kitty's Rambles" and "Wild Mountain Thyme"

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

5.7 (COVINGTON, LA) St. John's Coffeehouse
7.8 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Neutral Ground Coffeehouse
5.13-22 (TUSCANY, ITALY) Celtic Invasion of Italy
6.5-6 (ARLINGTON, TX) Texas Scottish Festival
5.12 (COVINGTON, LA) St. John's Coffeehouse
6.21 (AUSTIN, TX) Fiddler's Hearth
6.26 (CEDAR RAPIDS, IA) House Concert - Laura Cummings
6.27 (ELMHURST, IL) Benefit Concert for Feral Fixers
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, Sonicbids, 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.

Marc Gunn at Texas Scottish Festival

2009-04-29T11:34:00.001-05:00

The skirl of the Pipes, the cheers of encouragement for the Athletic events, and the swirling of the Highland Dancers reminds all Scots of our rich and glorious heritage. It's the Texas Scottish Festival, one of the largest Scottish gatherings in the United States and known as the preeminent Scottish Entertainment Festival in North America.

Weekend, June 5-7, 2009
Texas Scottish Festival
Maverick Stadium
1307 W Mitchell St
Arlington, TX 76013

Show times:
Friday, June 5, 2009
9:30pm at Ceilidh

Saturday, June 6, 2009
7pm at Glenuig Tent

Marc Gunn is Celtic American Musician and Podcaster. Good food, good drink and good company. Folk ballads, Irish drinking songs, fantasy, Sci Fi, and cats on the autoharp (I wish they'd get it off it already). Embrace independent Celtic music!

Want to see me perform live? Make a demand!

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

Marc Gunn at Neutral Ground Coffeehouse in New Orleans

2009-04-29T11:14:00.004-05:00

Neutral Ground Coffeehouse is New Orleans oldest coffeehouse, dating from 1974, under the name Penny Post. It features music and poetry nightly, plus paintings, sculptures and the prerequisite coffee, tea and pastries.

This is my first non-pub gig in New Orleans. I hope you will help make it a great one!

Neutral Ground Coffeehouse
5110 Danneel Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
504-891-3381

Show times:
Thursday, May 7, 2009
10-11pm

Marc Gunn is Celtic American Musician and Podcaster. Good food, good drink and good company. Folk ballads, Irish drinking songs, fantasy, Sci Fi, and cats on the autoharp (I wish they'd get it off it already). Embrace independent Celtic music!

Want to see me perform live? Make a demand!

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

Marc Gunn at St. John's Coffeehouse in Covington

2009-04-29T11:00:00.006-05:00

St. John's Coffeehouse is a nice little coffeehouse and music venue in Covington, LA. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a very warm and inviting venue. The kind of place I like to play share music with friends.

St. John's Coffeehouse
535 E. Boston St.
Covington, LA 70433
985-893-5553

Show times:

Friday, May 8, 2009
7-9pm

Friday, June 12, 2009
7-9pm

Marc Gunn is Celtic American Musician and Podcaster. Good food, good drink and good company. Folk ballads, Irish drinking songs, fantasy, Sci Fi, and cats on the autoharp (I wish they'd get it off it already). Embrace independent Celtic music!

Want to see me perform live? Make a demand!

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

"Heart's Ease" Review at Where Y'At Magazine

2009-04-29T08:52:00.005-05:00

From the April issue of Where Y'At Magazine.

Marc Gunn
Heart's Ease
Mage Records

There is a secluded gateway to a place of Zen within each of us that can be unlocked by the purest selections of music. Wing beats of dragonflies spin the crank of an heirloom music box toward the very essence of innocence itself with Heart's Ease. There is whimsy and character-come-to-life eloquence in the tonality and progression of "Fairy Tale Waltz." Writer and musician Marc Gunn shares his generosity of spirit and irrepressible charm through these original reflections on belief, fantasy and mystique. "Wildflowers in Party Field" is a walk on the exiled side of a childhood long forgotten. The autoharp, which Gunn refers to as 'the instrument of middle schools and German engineers', is this artist's instrument of choice, and one he's had by his side through his years as half of The Brobdingnagian Bards, a popular Ren Fest Celtic duo. Now exploring his solo career, Marc adds this harmonic existential offering to a long line of Celtic albums, and as a recent NOLA transplant, Mr. Gunn is our very own Renaissance man. Huzzah!"
-Dionne Charlet

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

Marc's Musings: Summer Tour Plans Announced

2009-04-28T21:12:00.005-05:00

MARC'S MUSINGS -- April 28, 2009

- Marc's Music News
- Recording a Lot of Music
- New CDs: Live at the Cactus Cafe, Heart's Ease and Best of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
- Gigs: Louisiana, Italy and Texas.
- Where Do You Want to Go Next

Published 1-4 times per month. To manage your subscription, go to the end of this newsletter. Visit My Store Now!

Marc's Musings

Greetings Amici,

I was talking to a fan earlier who was raving about my latest CD Heart's Ease. She loves the new album, but when I told her it would be a couple years before I do another instrumental album, she was saddened.

My response. "I've written more music in the past six months than I've done in the past six years, so be patient. I might finish the album sooner than later." It is so true too. I have recorded SO much music over the past few months, it blows me away. Now, I don't expect to keep this level of production up. In fact, I'm starting overextend myself. But for now I'm excited to announce another one! But first...

MARC'S MUSIC NEWS
Heart's Ease is enchanting listeners. If you now own a copy, I invite you to post a review so others can hear about how much you enjoy the album. Also check out this glowing review from a local New Orleans magazine.

The other album I released last month was Best of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. The new compilation was released just days before St. Patrick's Day. The glowing reviews are still flowing in for the album which you can listen to for free when you subscribe to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. Course then you can catch up on my St. Patrick's Day specials. That's 3 1/2 hours of great Celtic music that is not to be missed. Go download it today. (Hint. It's just an MP3 AND you can now stream the shows from the website)

How are the other CDs coming along?

Live at the Cactus Cafe is now on sale. This fun new live album was selected by CD Baby to be featured on their homepage. They loved the album!

Happy Songs of Death is getting closer to completion. I finished most of the tracks, but there are a couple songs that still need recording. I really hope I can finish those up before I fly off to Italy in 14 days. Meanwhile, Ari Koinuma, who is producing the album, is nearly finished adding additional instrumentation to the tracks that are done. Three or four years after Andrew McKee and I jokingly came up with this title, and it is almost brought to life.

As if that wasn't enough, I wrote a very cool song last month. I got so excited I booked more studio time with Rich Brotherton. The recording went beautifully, but I still have to finish up a few more tracks. However, I decided to postpone that until after I release Happy Songs of Death which I hope to have out by June with at least TWO different CD covers to choose from. One from Ingrid Houwers (check out her newly designed website) and the other by Nikki O'Shea (who publishes the Bards Comic and designed my What Color Is Your Dragon? CD cover). If you have a CD cover you'd like to submit, send it to me.

I now have a regular special CD offer--5 CDs for $62. That should give you a chance to catch up on my overzealous CD production schedule. But order soon if you want them before I head to Ireland. Thanks for your support.

MARC GUNN LIVE!
I had a huge bunch of shows over the past few weeks, including shows in Texas, New York and Colorado. Now as I get ready for my first Celtic Invasion Vacation, I'm reminded of my plans for this summer--touring. I have three tours planned for this summer heading North and East. We are still looking for venues, so please contact my booking agent after you check out the Summer Touring Plans.

And don't miss these upcoming shows!!!!

5.7 (COVINGTON, LA) St. John's Coffeehouse
7.8 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Neutral Ground Coffeehouse
5.13-22 (TUSCANY, ITALY) Celtic Invasion of Italy
6.5-6 (ARLINGTON, TX) Texas Scottish Festival
5.12 (COVINGTON, LA) St. John's Coffeehouse
6.21 (AUSTIN, TX) Fiddler's Hearth
6.26 (CEDAR RAPIDS, IA) House Concert - Laura Cummings
6.27 (ELMHURST, IL) Benefit Concert for Feral Fixers
11.7-12.13 (ROBERT, LA) Louisiana Renaissance Festival

Remember, the demands are growing. Make yours today. Don't forget to download the latest Pub Songs Podcast. This show features a live show done at a house concert in Destin, Florida.

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO NEXT?
I leave for my first Celtic Invasion of Italy in two weeks. I can't believe it! Time has flown by. But here we go. Six of us off to visit some of my favorite places on the planet.

Meanwhile, I have a bunch of people asking me if I'm gonna do it again. And you betcha, I am! Right now, I'm I'm planning on a Celtic Invasion of Scotland in May 2010 and Ireland in September 2010.

I was also sorta thinking about another trip to Ireland THIS September. But I need to know the interest. If you think you would like to do a 7 day vacation to Ireland in September and are willing to pay about $2200, then let me know ASAP. Send an email to marcgunn@celticinvasion.com. I need to know your interest in the next week if I'm gonna make something happen.

Meantime, if you were forwarded this or haven't yet, sign up to the mailing list, and join the discussion on the Sunset Connoisseurs Society website.

Slainte!
- Marc Gunn

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Marc Gunn is Celtic American Musician and Podcaster from Austin, Texas. Good food, good drink and good company. Folk ballads, Irish drinking songs, fantasy, Sci Fi, and cats on the autoharp. Embrace independent Celtic music!

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

Summer Tour News

2009-04-09T11:07:00.003-05:00

I am excited to announce not one, not two but THREE tours in the works for this summer!

That's right -- on the road again and can't wait. Late June takes me to the Midwest, July to the East Coast and August to the Northeast.

And I need your help!

While I have anchor events in each region, I plan on filling with other events such as house concerts or shows in other venues such as Irish pubs or coffeehouses.

Here's what you can do:

Consider hosting a house concert. Jamie Haeuser, who has thrown a bunch of house concerts, has updated the "Guide to Hosting a House Concert", a comprehensive look at one of the most fun ways to see your favorite musicians perform. Take a look and contact Jamie at booking@marcgunn.com to see if we can make the timing work.

Recommend a venue. Just let Jamie know the name and, if possible, contact person at your favorite pub, coffeehouse or other venue, and she'll take it from there.

And everyone whose suggestion results in a show will receive a FREE copy of "Heart's Ease," my new instrumental CD, AND a limited edition "Marc Gunn - Summer Tour 2009" T-shirt!

So -- to ensure that you can hear some of the GREAT new music I've been working on over the past few months, get cracking and contact me or Jamie. Thanks!

Become a Patron of the Arts by Hosting a House Concert

2009-04-09T09:32:00.007-05:00

by Jamie Haeuser

Jamie Haeuser is my booking agent and has been kind enough to host many house concerts over the years for me. The shows are always well-attended and are brilliant examples of what a good house concert can be. When I asked her to write about her experiences, she came up with following great advice on how you too can become a Patron of the Arts by hosting a house concert.

A house concert is simply a live music performance in your home. You invite people to watch a live show by a favorite musician. Guests donate a few dollars, enjoying a comfortable smoke-free environment to hear great music.

Hosting a house concert is rewarding, fun and fairly easy to do. It's a great way for music enthusiasts to help musicians succeed and grow their fan base

The steps include:

Making decisions about what, when, who and how
Publicity
Logistics

Decisions to Make

By paying attention to some details early in the process, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable event.

Attendance: How many people will fit comfortably in your home? Most houses can easily accommodate 30 or so people. Do you have enough seating space?
Date? Take some care in scheduling the event. Usually Thursday, Friday or Saturdays are best, and I prefer evenings at about 7. Make sure that your event is not in conflict with other events that might draw away your target audience.
Open or Closed Event? Do you want to invite only friends or will you open it up to the general public? This is a key decision, and should be based upon how comfortable you are in having people you don't know in your home. I can reassure you that in many years of hosting house concerts for several different performers, I have never had a problem with theft or other trouble. Generally, opening the concert up to the public really means circulating publicity to existing fan groups or other affiliated groups - in my case, people associated with the Louisiana Renaissance Festival. I would not recommend notices in local media, at least until you get comfortable by holding a concert or two
Donation? How much will you ask people to donate? Discuss this carefully with the performer. If the performer is going to be in the area anyway, house concerts are more feasible than a special trip with travel expenses. My donation amount is usually about $10-15 per person.
Responsibility for Publicity? Will you and/or the performer be responsible for publicizing the event?
RSVPs/Reservations? I usually ask people to email me or notify me on whatever networking site I am using if they will be attending. I don't enforce it, but it gives me an idea of how many people I can expect. If attendance is minimal a few days before, I might turn up the publicity a little (see below).
Refreshments? Some people who give house concerts encourage a potluck supper or something similar. I do not, in general, because sometimes that means that people gather talking in the area where the food is served instead of attending the performance. I usually make my concerts BYOB, and I provide ice, mixers and plastic cups. I may also serve coffee and/or tea. Then after the concert, I might put out some light appetizers - but that is not necessary. DO have water on hand for the performers.

Publicity

Getting the word out is key. I usually rely on postings by the performer, and to my own friends on MySpace, Facebook, etc. You might recruit friends also to post on networking sites, and post to affiliate groups as described above. The goal is to get word out to people with an interest in the kind of music you will be offering. If you live in a smaller town, a poster or two at a friendly store owner's place of business might be a good idea. Once you get comfortable with hosting house concerts, consider a notice in your local newspaper if in a smaller town.

Logistics

Helpers - Recruit 2-3 friends to help with set up and clean up. Performers will usually donate a CD or two as rewards.
Set Up - Choose the location for the performer to be, then set up around that area. I move my large coffee table out of the way, turn chairs around to face the performers, move 2-3 benches (piano bench, wooden side benches) close by, etc. Folding chairs are handy. I also have a balcony overlooking the performance space where I might put a few chairs. You get the idea.
Table - Set up a narrow table at the entrance where people will arrive. Have a friend man the table to collect donations. The performer may want to lay out merchandise - CDs, T-Shirts - here as well, if so, make sure and ask about recordkeeping and inventory.
Tickets? I don't print and collect tickets. Instead, I use a visual - give people Mardi Gras beads, or tie a ribbon around their wrist to show they have paid. That makes it easy to keep track. I ask the person at the table to keep a headcount, too.
Children - Think about whether you want children to attend. I always do, from small babies on up. I have an attached mother-in-law apartment that we set up as an alternative spot for children - and never use it because the kids like to be there for the music. I do suggest that you discuss options with parents in case a child becomes disruptive.

Enjoy!

The work detailed above is pretty minimal in exchange for the enjoyment you'll get out of hosting a house concert. I love being a sort of poor-man's-patron-of-the-arts, and have made many lasting friendships by doing so.

Please feel free to email me at jamiehaeuser@gmail.com if you need more information, or just to chat about house concerts.

To book a house concert with Marc Gunn, email me at the address above or to booking@marcgunn.com

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

Marc Weeklies: I-Con Fairy Tales

2009-04-08T22:43:00.002-05:00

I'm just back from a great weekend in New York at I-Con. I confess I was a little blown away that people knew me. I've played that convention with Brobdingnagian Bards for, what, seven years now, but I never really realized that people knew ME individually. It was a bit of an eye-opening experience to see people come out for my headlining of the Cabaret and all the wonderful responses before, after, and during shows. So thanks to everyone who made this weekend great!

You won't believe it. I'm heading out on tour this summer. I have more details coming in a follow up blog.

Listen to the Song of the Week: "Fairy Tale Waltz" from Heart's Ease

This Week:

-- Quote of the Week: "Justice is what love looks like in public" - Justin Dillon, Call + Response.

-- CD of the Week: The FuMP, Vol. 13 by Artists of The FuMP. Features my song "A Drop of Vulcan Blood" and many great songs by some of the best comedy musicians out there.

-- Celtic Invasion Vacations. Anyone willing AND able to join me in Ireland in this September? I'm thinking of going and would LOVE to have you join me. But a tentative head count.

-- Celtic Music Reviews and Features: "The Twa Corbys" by Scott Boswell, "Pigeon on the Gate" by Annie B. Jamieson Elementary School Grade 7 Irish Orchestra, "Park the Car" by Doug Folkins, "The Butterfly/Miss McLeod's/Pigeon on the Gate" b..., "Toss the Feathers/Cooly's Reel" by Leprechaun Water, "The Dolphin Song" by The Blarnacles, 17 Free St. Patrick's Day MP3s for 2009.

-- The Best of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast compilation CD is now on iTunes.

-- My Lasik folks in Austin have a new blog. Have I told you how much I have loved having my eyes fixed?

-- I received a fantastic introduction at the I-Con Cabaret this weekend by John Sheehan of the No Parking Web Comic with funny references to the Bleeding Nose Bards event from last year.

-- Marc Gunn in the News:

"A Lil' Bit of Love" hit #2 on the Blues Charts of SoundClick with no promotion at all!

"St Patrick Never Drank" has a new video from this year's St. Patrick's Day in Dublin. It's now on YouTube.

"Don't Go Drinking With Hobbits" was featured on It's A Frog's Life Acoustic Podcast.

"The Leprechaun" was featured in Guy in a Tie.

My cat version of "Danny Boy" was played on Much to Do About Nothing. Much To Do About Nothing is an eclectic podcast where you will find a mix of podsafe music and odd news views and essays and what ever comes out of my slightly strange brain . All from my vantage point here in beautiful and wild west end of our Nations Capital Ottawa Canada

-- UPCOMING GIGS. Don't forget to make a demand to see me perform. I have a booking agent organizing three tours this summer heading up to the mid-West and Northeast. We need your venue suggestions. Email to booking at marcgunn.com. I'll have more details coming in a blog very soon.

4.12 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) The Kerry Irish Pub with Craig of Farrington
4.17-19 (DENVER, CO) StarFest
4.23 (COVINGTON, LA) Etoile
5.13-22 (TUSCANY, ITALY) Celtic Invasion of Italy
6.5-6 (ARLINGTON, TX) Texas Scottish Festival
6.27 (ELMHURST, IL) Benefit Concert for Feral Fixers
11.7-12.13 (ROBERT, LA) Louisiana Renaissance Festival

ATTENTION! I am looking at touring this summer. I need you to send me 3-5 non-smoking venues in your area. Not pubs.

-- Check me out on Sunset Connoisseurs Society, Myspace, SoundClick, Demand a Show on Eventful, Wikipedia, Twitter, Facebook, Livejournal, Sonicbids, 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.

Free MP3 - Buttercup's Lament (Princess Bride)

2009-04-01T20:52:00.002-05:00

Who doesn't love The Princess Bride? I sure do. I wrote this song in December 2000. It began with the idea of a woman who's True Love was lost at sea. But as the story developed, it reminded me of Buttercup's "True Love"--Wesley--in the cult classic. So I named it after her. It's a sad, but beautiful song. I first recorded the song for my first solo CD, Soul of a Harper. It went on to be a fan favorite.

"Buttercup's Lament (Princess Bride)"
From: Soul of a Harper
Download MP3: 128 kbps
Buy MP3 for 99 cents: 192 kbps or iTunes
Read Lyrics: "Buttercup's Lament" 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.

Marc Gunn Music Stimulus

2009-03-25T00:50:00.004-05:00

I have released a lot of CDs in the past year. So many that many of my fans are having trouble keeping up. While I don't expect this production will continue past June, I thought I'd make you a special offer so you can catch up. Think of it as a Marc Gunn Stimulus if you like.

For the next month, you can buy any five CDs of your choice from my growing catalog. This offer is good for only the following CDs:

Live at the Cactus Cafe: Cat Songs and Celtic Music (2009)
Heart's Ease (2009)
What Color Is Your Dragon? (2008)
Whiskers in the Jar: Irish Songs for Cat Lovers (2008)
Going for Brogue: Irish Pub Songs and Sea Shanties (2008)
A Tribute to Love (2008)
4 Drunk's Sake: Live Songs from an Irish Pub (2008)
Irish Drinking Songs (2007)
Irish Drinking Songs For Cat Lovers (2005)
Soul of a Harper (2004)

Plus, the following albums from Mage Records:

Best of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast (2009)
Renaissance Festival Podcast Compilation (2008)
Victims of Irish Music (2007)
The Secret World of Celtic Rock (2005)
Bow Triplets : One Spot On Earth (2002)

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