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The latest music news, stories, and events of The Original Celtic
Renaissance music group, the Brobdingnagian Bards.
CELTIC GEEK at its Best!
Find out more from the Nagians page.
Our first year at this one weekend faire in Southeastern Arizona. Two Rivers Renaissance Faire was born of a love for all things Renaissance. A time when chivalry was alive and well. When people were realizing art, science and exploration. The Renaissance Faire celebrates the music, food, and fun of the olde world village marketplace. Come experience life in Renaissance Europe. This will be another fun and exciting family event, unlike anything else in Yuma.Feb 1-3, 2008 Two Rivers Renaissance FaireWest Wetland Park Yuma, AZ Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
 
Thu, January 10, 2008 Studio Joe600 Autumn Drive Little Rock, AR Opens at 7:30pm (2-40 min sets) Thu, January 17, 2008 House Concert at Cameron and Stephanie Rowe 3620 Azalea Dr. Destin, FL 32541 Opens at 7pm. First set ~ 7:30pm. Please RSVP. Ph: (850) 650-3002 stephanie @ crcdatatech.com Fri, January 18, 2008 Haeuser House Concert 47167 Highway 445 Robert, LA RSVP to ghislainederouen @ hotmail.com Show at 8pm (2-40 min sets) Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Oh! I was just reminded of a couple of corrections I need to point out if you plan to come see us at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival. If you've checked the faire's schedule, you'll note it differs a bit from the schedule on our website. The times are the same, but the acts are not. Our first two showtimes at 11:45a and 1:00p are listed as "Brobdingnogain". The best Andrew and I could figure out is that this is the Brobdingnagian version of Rogain. Andrew is before (short hair), and I am after (long hair). However, our last show at 2:45 features "Barbie/etc". I have No Idea where the hell they got that from. I mean I don't wear high heels. And I don't think Andrew cross-dresses (aside from the obvious kilt jokes). But then... he did, after all, talk to the entertainment director. So? Hmm...? No. Even with that he's a bit tall to bother with high heels. Just doesn't make sense. But I digress. Those times 11:45, 1:00, and 2:45 are indeed OUR showtimes, withOUT high heels or skirts. Just KILTS! And even then, that schedule is only for the First Half of the Faire. At present, I don't know Where we will be for the second half!?! So the best I can suggest is patience. We might just be playing in the lanes. If that's the case, my guess is that we'll be by Jamie's cottage most of the day. But wherever we are I will let you know as soon as I know something. Slainte! Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Back home from Middlefaire. My first faire solo. It wasn't too bad. I pulled off the shows well enough. Well, I did on Sunday at least. Saturday, I felt like I was in a daze. It was one of those days, I really wish Andrew was there because he could hopefully cover for 'space out' Marc. But again, the shows seemed to go over fairly well with my audience. It was nice playing cat songs too. But it was also tough coming up with other original songs. So many people play the same songs at faires that I wanted to play songs that weren't quite as popular. Andrew and I have that with songs like " Exclamations", " Lily the Pink"... and most of the songs Andrew sings. LOL. I need to find more songs like " Lish Young Buy-A-Broom". I played that a wee bit. I love that song. Such great lyrics. Kinda romantic. Kinda playful. I don't have enough songs like that one. Hmm. Maybe I should write song. I did improv a song. Those are fun. And this was deteriorated into sick, perverted comedy quite quickly... But it was amusing. The Drunken Damsels listening in there didn't help much. The Pervs. ;) I had fun hanging a wee bit with those lasses. And of course, always with the Bedlam Bards too. The bastards have me listening to their music now. Grrr! :) Oh and the Damsels have a cool virgin of "Versions"... wait! Flip that statement. Hoping to get those lyrics to post on the website. But I was saying... Same songs. A friend mentioned the repetition of songs in the Irish music world. Admittedly, I'm HIGHLY guilty of that. But then, I have a devious plan *insert wicked laugh here*, which is to attract new fans to find our other music. And I have been writing a LOT of music recently. Sure, most are instrumental, but not all. And I'm moving in the direction I hope to. Anyway, enough jabbering. It's late. In fact, it's almost midnight... which means....... And help us push that song to #1 on CD Baby!!!! Labels: cd_news, performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Sunday, October 07, 2007
 Well, the Brobdingnagian Bards' New CD, LIVE: Nex Monoceroti, Per Risibus, is here! And we need your help. We want to push this album to #1 on CD Baby. So we would like you help. Please order your copy of our new CD on Monday, October 8th. As an added bonus, the CD will be on sale all next week. Yes, you could buy it from me at MiddleFaire, but we want to totally terrorize the charts on CD Baby and send the CD to #1. So please, please, please purchase your copy of this CD on Monday. And help show the internet world that the Brobdingnagian Bards are better than the crap being forced down your ears by corporate radio. Thanks! Slainte! - Marc Gunn Oh! And if you're signed up to our newsletter, I'll be sending a reminder about his on Sunday evening. PS. And if you already have the new CD from DragonCon, please post your review of the album on CD Baby. Thanks! PSS. And please share this post with others! Labels: cd_news, performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
It's nearly time for MiddleFaire. Located in Hillsboro, Texas, just South of Dallas, this small faire is in its second year and our second year performing there. Though there's a small change to the original schedule. Andrew won't be able to make it on the first weekend. So Marc will be performing solo. But come second weekend, we will return with full bardic goodness. Weekends, Oct 6-7 and 13-14, 2007 Middlefaire8581 SH 171 Hillsboro, TX 76645 Cost: $8 Adults, $5 Kids (6-12), Free Children (0-5) Time: 11 AM to Dusk Saturday, 11 AM to Dusk Sunday Middlefaire is located at the SW corner of County Road 1458 and State Highway 171. Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Monday, September 17, 2007
After we leave DragonCon, we're taking the long way home, playing house concerts along the way. Thurs, Sept 6, 2007 McKinney house concert @ 7:30 pm 1453 Carter’s Ridge Road Spruce Pine, North Carolina 28777 Please RSVP. Call (828) 467-0973 Cost: $10.00 Description: Western North Carolina, about halfway between Asheville and Boone. On Highway 226 going towards Spruce Pine, turn right onto Carter’s Ridge Road just beyond the Grassy Creek Baptist Church and across from the Grassy Creek Volunteer Fire Department. It’s the fourth house on the right; park in the yard and come around the back of the house (go to the right of and below the driveway and follow the grassy curve to the left towards and through the chainlink gate). Friday, September 7, 2007 Deese House Concert @ 7:30-10pm 1619 Ashley Downs Dr. Apex, NC 27502 Please RSVP. Call Nathan at (919) 608-2933 Saturday, September 8, 2007 Wilson House Concert @ 7:30-10pm 2302 Liberty Street Parkersburg, WV 26101 Please RSVP. Call Robin at (304) 428-0292 Sunday, September 9, 2007 Panzarella House Concert @ Time TBA 253 S. Main St., Winchester, KY Please RSVP. Call John or Kathy at (859) 744-4235 Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Friday, August 24, 2007
It was 2000 when I first heard the term "filk". We were playing music at a wedding at the Texas Renaissance Festival for a friend. The wedding came to an end, and we were leaving the festival. He joyously took us by the arms and said, "I love your music. And I love that you play filk." Andrew and I both stared at him. "We play what?" we asked in unison? That was my introduction to filk music. Since then, we go to quite a few Science fiction conventions where filkers gather. And quite frequently, you will find us in the filk room, listening and singing with others. It's a great place to try out new songs. For this reason, we were invited to be guests at GAFilk in 2008. If you're big into filk music, then this is the place for you. January 11-13, 2008 GAFilk @ 2:00pm-3:00pm Crown Plaza Atlanta Airport Hotel 1325 Virginia Ave Atlanta, GA 30344 Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
September 22nd is the birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. I wrote my own hobbit birthday song for Bilbo and Frodo's Eleventy-First birthdays. And of course, we recorded an all-original album of Lord of the Rings music with Memories of Middle Earth. Well, we've already received our invitation to perform A Long Expected Party. In 2008, you will find us in the nearest thing to Hobbiton in our mundane world. It's at the Shaker Village in Kentucky. A bunch of LOTR enthusiasts decided to revive the Baggins birthday celebration with a spectacular party in a location that will make you think you're at home in Middle Earth. And we're lucky enough to be booked to perform at this event. Four days of music, guests, and fun. Sept 25-28, 2008 A Long Expected Party3501 Lexington Road (US 68) Harrodsburg, Kentucky 40330 Cost : $250 for 4 days, see website for details Email a friend and tell them to join you at A Long Expected Party. Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
We just received the exciting news. We will return to the Louisiana Renaissance Festival this Fall. But even better than that is we'll be there for the entire run of the faire! The Louisiana Renaissance Festival is a little different from most of the faires we attend. This one is built around a small "lake". Okay, it's more like a pond, but it's a nice-sized body of water. It has beautifully built structures, a great cast, and an atmosphere that leaves me yearning to go back every year. That's why I'm so excited that we now have this notice earlier than usual. Some of our favorite Renaissance Festival performers are there too, like Vince Conaway, The Limeybirds, Craig of Farrington, Paolo Garbanzo, The Tortuga Twins, and lots more. This year, we'll have more intimate stages too, which will add to the atmosphere. Weekends, Nov 3 - Dec 9, 2007 and Friday Nov 23rd (day after Thanksgiving) Louisiana Renaissance Festival46468 River Road Hammond LA, 70401 985-429-9992 Cost : $14 adult 1-day pass Showtimes: Peninsula Stage: 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm Dance: 2:30pm I hope you'll not just be there, but tell a friend. Invite them to experience the faire and share a musical experience with the Brobdingnagian Bards. Labels: performances, renaissance_festivals
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Finally home. GenCon was Amazing! I really liked that convention. Made me feel like I was at home. I just wish I coulda gone gaming. But no such luck. But our show at Friday Night Live with Tom Smith, Luke Ski and more was... Wow! We had a standing ovation for our warm up song. hehe... Basically, Andrew was playing "Name That Geek Tune" on the recorder while people shouted out various Sci Fi shows to play tunes from. Then at the end of it, someone, as always, requested "Freebird", and we thought, "What the hell!" We put on a high-energy performance that left me pulling a couple muscles in my legs and skinning my knees. And yes, we had a standing ovation. After that, we had our show. It was awesome. And again, ended with a standing ovation. I'm really not used to that. That was really cool! 300 people cheering and standing in front of their seats. Yeah. That definitely felt like the Rock Star moment. :) Overall, I think we made a good impression. And hopefully, we'll be back next year. Then as I was looking at the program, I saw GenCon Australia. And said to Andrew, "So when you ask Jeanette about GenCon can you check in to Australia too?" hehe. Well, she doesn't handle it, but we met some of the people who do in the Exhibitors Hall. Gave them a press kit and with any luck, next July we'll be in Australia. That'd be soooo brilliant! The only downside for the weekend was the Lonnnnnng drive. Oh! But at least up there it went great. We played in Little Rock, Arkansas to a fantastic audience. I'm hoping we'll be making more trips there in the future. Meantime, just over a week before we drive to DragonCon! WOOHOOO!!!!! Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Monday, August 20, 2007
August 15, 2007 Studio Joe @ 19:30 600 Autumn Drive Little Rock, Arkansas Cost : $10.00 Description: Coffee, espresso, tea, NutriSoda, and munchies will also be available. Studio Joe is a smoke-and-alcohol-free venue. From I-630/I-430 in west Little Rock, take Chenal westward to Autumn Drive (at the corner with Barnes & Noble, Purple Cow, and IHOP). Turn downhill on Autumn and you’ll see the sign on the left almost as soon as you get out of the intersection. It’s the gray building with the green roof. Entrance is around on the back side. Email msminlr [at] gmail.com if you have any questions; be sure to put "Brobdingnagian Bards at Studio Joe" in the subject line. Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Monday, August 13, 2007
We did it at last! We have our confirmation that once again we will return for our sixth time to DragonCon, one of the biggest Sci Fi Conventions in the world. This convention sprawls out between three hotels. There hundreds of guests and tens of thousands of people who show up dressed in fantastic costumes or with cameras to take pictures of fantastic costumes, to visit panels, meet celebrities and more. Fri, Aug 31-Sept 3, 2007 DragonConHyatt Regency Atlanta 265 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30303 Show Schedule: (Times may change) FRIDAY 1-2:30 PM - Art Show 4 PM - Comedy Show - 1st Show Time 8-8:30 PM - Open for Emerald Rose at the Evening at Bree (30-45 minutes) SATURDAY 7 PM - Parsec Awards 10:10 PM - The Signal Podcast (Performing a new Firefly Song) 11:30 PM - Filk Concert (arrive early to get a seat) 1 AM - Firefly Shindig, International North in the Hyatt SUNDAY 5 PM - Concourse 1:30 AM - Pirate Party - Regency V in the Hyatt I look forward to this convention more than just about any other thing we do each year. If we're still playing music at 90, I hope we'll still be performing at DragonCon... though maybe our kilts will look a little too amusing on our ancient legs. But that's a side note... What can you expect if you go? Well, let's see. There's the ever popular Goth satirist, Voltaire. You'll laugh yourself to death with his dark humour. And if you see Celtic folk musicians, Emerald Rose show, you can expect to dance until you drop! There's a lot of funny music this year. The FuMP (Funny Music Project) will be out in full force with artists like Tom Smith, Rob Balder, Worm Quartet, Carrie Dahlby, Throwing Toasters,and Luke Ski will be there. Carla Ulbrich is the Filk Guest of Honor. And two of our favorite bands, Boogie Knights and Bedlam Bards (do you notice a B theme with us too?), will be there as well. Plus, you'll hear Renaissance festival favorites, Three Quarter Ale. There'll be guests from Firefly (Shepherd Book and Badger and folks from The Signal), Sean Astin of Lord of the Rings, Apollo and Starbuck from Battlestar Galactica, and much much more. The list goes on and on. Visit the website to find out more! Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Friday, July 27, 2007
Join us for a relaxed evening of bardic fun in Fort Worth for a summer show. You never know what to expect from a Brobdingnagian Bards concert. This evening will be no different. August 3, 2007 Rush House Concert @ 7:30pm 2526 Boston Ave. Ft. Worth, TX 76103 Please RSVP to Emilee 817-531-2433 House 817-233-8755 My Cell Emilee.Rush@gmail.com Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Thursday, July 05, 2007
I remember reading Dragon Magazine in high school and hearing about this gaming convention of gaming conventions. Mind you, I originally wanted to go play Dungeons & Dragons instead of music, but hey, that's what I do now. And I love what I do! That said, I'm still uber-excited to finally go to GenCon and play music at this great con. Aug 16th-19th GenCon Indianapolis Indiana Convention Center 100 South Capitol Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana 46225 http://www.gencon.com/It's the reason you bother working the other 361 days a year. Life leads up to this: Gen Con-the best four days in gaming, period. Gamblers have their Las Vegas. Jocks have their Super Bowl. But we gamers-ah-we have our Gen Con. It's the literal epicenter of premier gaming. Thousands of gaming enthusiasts gather together and celebrate 96 hours of what we do best: Play hard. Create worlds. Think brilliantly. Be our heroes. Be ourselves. Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Fourth of July is coming and we're visiting friends in Louisiana. So we thought, "Hey! Let's go a little further." And off we're booked for house concerts and some shows. July 6th, 2007 House Concert Cameron & Stephanie Rowe 3620 Azalea Dr. Destin, FL 32541 Opens at 7pm. First set ~ 7:30pm. Ph: (850) 650-3002 stephanie @ crcdatatech.com July 7th, 2007 Tammy's Downtown Café 229 Harrison Avenue Panama City, FL 32401 6pm to ~9pm Ph: (850) 215-3401 envisions@knology.net http://chrisarrant.livejournal.com/128005.htmlLabels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Sunday, July 01, 2007
I think it was in 1999, our first year as a band, that we last performed at Castle Muskogee. The faire was just a few years old at the time. And even then, it was a cool faire. Nice site, great cast, and lots of good entertainment. I remember playing non-stop for 12 hours on one Saturday. It was amazing. Oh! And we even released our very first CD at the end of the festival. If you were lucky, you never got a copy. That CD was terrible. But what is great is all the entertainment at the Oklahoma Renaissance Faire. Many of our faire friends are out there like Bedlam Bards, Queen's Gambit, Nancy Daily-Green, The Lord Mayor's Company, Shantyman & Bonnie Lass, Red McWilliams, and Lord Kerridwynn. Plus, we'll get to see some folks I've yet to meet like Howl-O. Some come out and join us for our exciting return to OKRF! May 19-20, 2007 Oklahoma Renaissance Faire3400 W Fern Mountain Rd Muskogee, OK 74401 Labels: performances, renaissance_festivals
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Thursday, May 10, 2007
One of our friends sells jewelry in a gallery in Castle Rock, Colorado. That's pretty close to the Colorado Renaissance Festival. Since we haven't been able to make it out there, she thought a Renaissance festival kick-off party would be a great way to start the season. Enjoy the book store, art gallery, internet cafe as they have Renn costume fittings, wine tasting, and even a boba tea tasting, Plus, find some kids activities planned and, of course, the Brobdingnagian Bards. And this will also be a great way to kick off Opus Fantasy Arts Festival in Denver that weekend. Thurs, May 24, 2007 Stoa Galleries @ 6-9pm 425 Wilcox Street Castle Rock, CO (303) 688-1186 Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Thursday, May 10, 2007
We're returning once again to the Tipperary Inn for another exciting performance one of the great Irish venues of Dallas. This time, we're adding a wee bonus... This is part of our Tour for Tara. The Irish government is planning a highway right by the former home of the High Kings of Ireland. The beautiful vista that you may've experienced while visiting Tara in the past, may disappear forever, replaced by a highway. We hope to raise awareness for the upcoming Anam Cara Festival organized by the Global Arts Collective Initiative. Thurs, May 17, 2007 Tipperary Inn @ 8pm-12am 5815 Live Oak St Dallas, TX 75214-7310 (214) 821-6500 No Cover Please help us make this a smashing success. Download a flyer (68k), fill in the info above, and start sharing it with all your friends. Then don't miss this exclusive engagement! Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Just got back from the Four Winds Renaissance Faire up by Tyler, Texas. I must admit it wasn't what I expected. Going from pictures and a few people I expected a desolate faire out in the middle of a cow field somewhere. I was pleasantly surprised. The faire began thirteen years ago. And it is still a fairly small site considering the duration. However, it is bigger than the original Excalibur Fantasy Faire site. Much bigger, in fact. And I was surprised to find that despite its size, the land was well used. Last year, Andrew and I were talking about the "perfect" faire. We thought a smart faire site would do what Excalibur did. Start with a small hexagonal piece of land and add new hexagonal pieces each time you start packing the original pieces. Four Winds forced me to re-think that idea. The majority of their shops line one side of the faire. On the other is a lot of open space for dancing, watching jousts, archery, smithying, and just lounging. You see, I'm still a big fan of small faires. I like the fact that with small faires, you can see all there is to see and only Then, will you really experience the faire. Four Winds is small, but not too small like the old Excalibur where some patrons might wonder if they're getting their money's worth. Here, you have a beautiful site with with well placed stages for belly dancers with loud drums that don't drown out the rest of the shows. They have sharp looking pirate stage, and the acoustics at the tavern and in the pavillion are just... well, very admirable. I've been bummed with a lot of faires because they don't have good music stages. This is the first site I've seen that has Several! Now the one downside was some of the buildings. I'm a little biased towards buildings that look like they are out of the Renaissance. Okay, in this case, I'd like to see some that looked like they were out of Musketeer France (their theme). But there are several that do a brilliant job at keeping the theme. Overall, I must say I loved playing here. This was the first time in a long time that I've been to a faire, the day came to a close, and I was quite ready to leave. I can't wait to go back there in three weeks. April 21-22, 2007 Four Winds Renaissance FaireTroup, TX (South of Tyler) Phone: (903) 839-5271 Four shows daily Labels: performances, renaissance_festivals
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Monday, April 02, 2007
As we go out on tour more and more, we ask fans if they're willing to host a house concert for us. Typically, we get a lot of enthusiastic fans writing, "you should play here..." I do greatly appreciate all your suggestions. However, I guess I also find it frustrating some times. Making venue suggestions is great IF I know we're gonna follow up on these things. Now and then, we go out of our way to contact venues that people submit. But more than likely, we don't. I accept that. Our time is limited, and cold calling pubs or folk clubs takes too much time for any booking agent which is why we usually only play places where fans take an active interest in getting us out to a venue. So here's the deal. If you want us to play at club near you, talk to the pub or festival yourself. Take them a CD. Play it for them. Ask them if they'd be willing to book us at their venue. Follow up. Once you get a response talk to Andrew. You are now the promoter who's job it is to get as many fans into that club for us to make it worthwhile for the venue to bring us back. Course, if you decide to host a house concert, the same situation is true. Your job is to promote the event. We can usually bring in a few extra people to a venue, but most of it is up to you. I don't say this to stop you from contacting us. But knowing how we book gigs, I figure now it might be better to have fewer responses from Nagians who are willing to make things happen... Interestingly, that's how I booked Voltaire at Elysium. I went in as a fan and said, you need him to play here. Now, the club wants him there twice a year. Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Some people realize that when you can't get enough of something, you have to take matters into your own hand. That's what a few Nagians decided to do down in San Antonio. It's just an hour a way, but we never play there. So what were the options? One, contact a venue and serve as a promoter to have us play at that venue. Or two, have us play a house concert at your place. They chose TWO. Saturday, February 17, 2007 Villarreal House Concert @ 6pm-8:30pm 119 Laurelwood San Antonio, TX, 78213 Call or email Kim to RSVP 210-541-9892, 210-240-1340 kimbervillarreal @ sbcglobal.net Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Friday, February 16, 2007
We're starting to compile our St. Patrick's Day gigs. They are still in the works. But here's what we know of so far for my birthday, March 17, 2007, St. Patrick's Day. St. Patrick's Day for Kids Dougherty Arts Center at 10:30am 1110 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX, 78704 (512) 397-1468 Sponsored by the Austin Celtic Association. Things Celtic St. Patrick's Day Celebration Things Celtic at noon 1806 West 35th Street Austin, Texas There's lot more music and entertainment, including: Brobdingnagian Bards (noon), Celtic Storyteller (1pm), Doc Grauzer (2pm) You can find more St. Patrick's Day events in Austin from our St. Patrick's Day website (as they become available). Or check out the Austin Celtic Calendar where you can find a whole slew of Austin Celtic events and gatherings, plus some free St. Patrick's Day MP3s. Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
THE ONE RING CELEBRATION 2007 Presented by Creation Entertainment in association with TheOneRing.net and authorized by New Line Cinema BURBANK, CA Fri., Sat. & Sun. March 9-11, 2007 The Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel (formerly The Hilton) Updated: January 19, 2007 STAY OVERNIGHT WITH US AT OUR HOST HOTEL & PARTY! Journey with us as THE ONE RING CELEBRATION moves to a new location in 2007: the gorgeous Burbank Airport MARRIOTT, site of many of our most famous conventions! The hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the Burbank (Bob Hope) Airport, features a newly renovated convention center which we occupy fully, wonderful sleeping rooms, a hopping bar and fine restaurant, Starbucks coffee in the lobby, and a warm and friendly staff used to fans! (After all we now run four other big fan conventions here!). Burbank itself is convenient to all of Southern California's sites and attractions! 2007 GUEST STARSBILLY BOYD Pippin in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy DAVID WENHAM Faramir in Lord of Rings Return of the King and he is starring in the new film "300". ANDY SERKIS Gollum (Smeagol) in the Lord of the Rings trilogy as well as Kong in in the latest King Kong film. Appearing Sunday. DOUG ADAMS As a musical associate of composer Howard Shore, he has been working closely with Howard on the release of the Complete Soundtrack Recording box sets. He's done all the liner notes. He will give a great presentation on the themes used in the music to represent various races or characters at ORC. Jan. 11: We have been informed by Elijah Wood's representation that he will be filming in Europe on a job he just got. He therefore will be unable to attend this year's convention, unfortunately. We look forward to working with Elijah again soon and wish him well on this new film! All guests and events are tentative and subject to change. All guests have the right to cancel their appearance if film or television work will not allow them to make the convention. 2007 Convention EventsBEECAKE The amazing band featuring Billy Boyd will be playing a concert during the weekend. Due to long-standing public demand we are flying in the band from Europe to appear! We'll keep you posted on ticket prices and other information but get set to be with us for the fun! BROBDINGNAGIAN BARDS The Brobdingnagian Bards (pronounced brAHb'ding-näg-EE-en) hail from Austin, Texas. They take traditional Irish and Scottish folk songs, mix it up with Lord of the Rings music to create a unique brand of Celtic Filk. And when they say "unique", believe it! How many bands do YOU know that play autoharp, recorder, and mandolin... while wearing KILTS?! The Bards (or if you're from Chicago "Da Bards!") were voted the ..1 BEST PERFORMING NOVELTY BAND in the 2004-5 Austin Music Awards. They are the 'Godfathers of Celtic MP3s'. Over FIVE MILLION MP3s have been downloaded by their fans online. Over a million MP3s were from one song, "Tolkien (The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings)". They continue to give away over a dozen free Celtic MP3s from their website at http://www.thebards.netIn July, they released a NEW CD-BROBDINGNAGIAN FAIRY TALES. This is the eighth album from The Bards, and it features many of their hit songs inspired by contemporary Sci Fi culture from "Star Wars" to "Buffy, The Vampire Slayer", "The Last Unicorn" to "Schoolhouse Rock". MIDDLE EARTH IDOLS M.A.R.S. Productions presents Middle Earth Idols, a film parody of American Idol featuring Lord of the Rings characters, with celebrity guest judges Kiran Shah (LOTR), Daniel Reeve (LOTR), Dean Haglund (X-Files), Grant Wilson (Ghost Hunters) and more! Special musical performance by Emerald Rose! Who will be the next Middle Earth Idol? 2007 ORC MUSIC VIDEO CONTEST Rules: one music video about Lord of the Rings may be submitted on DVD only (please no computer- based media like CD accepted). Only footage from the New Line Rings trilogy or home made video can be used. Entries are judged on the following criteria: video quality, audio quality, editing quality, inventiveness, song selection, and originality. Humorous submissions are encouraged. Entries can not be returned, and person submitting entry is granting Creation the right to play this entry in perpetuity at Creation events worldwide. Creation does not sell music videos so your entry will never be sold as a commercial product, just presented at our events. Winners will receive a $100 gift certificate good for Creation products and services worldwide (if both your entries are selected you will still be entitled to only one gift certificate). Winners will be announced and certificates awarded on site at our Burbank event; if you are not present we will mail the certificate to you so be sure to include your return address, phone number and e mail. You may call our offices to confirm receipt of your entry but we do not announce winners until the event. All entries are due at Creation offices by Feb. 20th with no exceptions. Please send entries to: Creation Entertainment ORC Video Contest 217 South Kenwood Glendale, CA 91205 Thanks and good luck! http://www.creationent.comLabels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
ColdTowne Theater Presents: see. hear. speak. two. 3 nights of film, music and comedy Thursday, January 18 through Saturday, January 20 see- Thursday, January 18 at 8pm. A night of Comedy short films from local and national acts, featuring work from Studio8.net and more! hear- Friday, January 19 at 8 and 10pm. Austin's finest musical comedy acts hawk their wares at the ColdTowne Theater for one night only in flagrant disregard of local noise ordinances. hear will feature the following acts: 8PM Phil Aulie's Ukulele (ukulele songs) Jerm Pollet (improvised songs) CockSound (rap) Swingin' Sammy Gold and the Sultan Bearded Lamb (It's a surprise!) Southpaw Jones (humorous folk music) 10PM Coolio Populore (faux-brazil) Bill Stern (improvised songs) Jeff Luna Owen Egerton (a man, a beard, and a keyboard) Mr. Happy Ray of Sunshine OBGYN and a Purple Bear with No Birthday Terp 2 It (rap) The Brobdingnagian Bards (irish/celtic) <----- THAT'S US! :)speak- Friday January 20 at 8 and 10pm Austin's finest comedy auteurs speak from their collective hearts with two slots of one man shows. ColdTowne Theater. http://www.coldtownetheater.comAirport and 481/2 St. next to I Luv Video. 512-524-2807. $10 Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Elysium is Austin's premiere Goth club and industrial haven. Voltaire is a brilliant Goth musician and satirist from New York City. The Brobdingnagian Bards are Austin's Original Celtic Renaissance. Add a bit of drinking songs and some mystical Lord of the Rings inspired-music and you have an idea of what we're about. Once again, we return to Elysium to share Celtic comedy with the Austin Community. And once again, we share the stage with one of my favorite Goth musicians, Voltaire. Come join us! Date: Thursday, February 8, 2007 Time: 10 pm Guymon Adams, 11pm ( Brobdingnagian Bards), 12am ( Voltaire) Location: 705 Red River City: Austin, TX 78705 Phone #: 512.478.2979 Cover: $10 in advance, $12 at the door Age: Must be 21 or older to attend. Website: www.elysiumonline.netDownload flyers:We could use your help promoting the show. Please consider downloading a flyer and posting it in your place of business. Thanks!Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Sunday, January 14, 2007
We're less than six months away from our trip to Ireland. I am hoping to visit some of my friends in Italy after the trip, and Andrew would like to see more of Europe too since he's never been. So it is time to find out just how many fans we have there. It's time to start booking some gigs. And you can help. We've never toured in Europe before. So we don't know where to play at all. We also don't know what kind of fan base we have there. So we may end up busking, but we'd like the opportunity to play for fans. Ideally, we'd love to put together some house concerts. But I understand that Europe is not as open to house concerts as we are here in the states. Nevertheless, we're gonna look into this idea. The other problem is finding venues AND communicating with them. So here's where you can help. If you live in europe, would like to see us play live, are interested in a house concert, or would be willing to talk to a venue for us, please contact us and let us know how yo are willing to help. We will keep you up-to-date with what we were able to book. Thanks! Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Their Graces, Duke Sir Kane and Ilissa, invite the Known World to their annual party, the SCA / Sci-Fi convention, ShadowCon XI! Come join us for a winter weekend indoors! There will be fencing, heavy weapons and tourneys. There will be gaming, D&D, Vampire LARP, computer gaming, board games, an International game room, Merchants Masquerade (Historical, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy), Hall costume contest, Belly Dance lessons, Friday night Karaoke, Saturday night Haffla (Belly dance party), Kane's Auction of the Strange and Unusual, and MORE. ShadowCon XIJanuary 5th, 6th & 7th, 2007 Holiday Inn MEMPHIS-MT. MORIAH RD & I-240 2490 MT. MORIAH RD. MEMPHIS, TN 38115 UNITED STATES Hotel Front Desk: 1-901-3628010 Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
We were out at the Texas Renaissance Festival a few weeks back and ran into one of our dear friends at faire, Stacy. She's been asking us to come do a house concert in Houston for a few months now. So we finally confirmed that we would definitely do a house concert there. We haven't played in Houston in a few years so this is an exciting opportunity. If it's anything like our show in Dallas last month, I'm sure there will be limited seating available. So RSVP ASAP to make sure you can attend. Friday, December 1, 2006 Tarik and Stacy Bakri House Concert @ 7:30pm-9pm 2731 Creek Terrace Drive Missouri City, Texas 77459 Call or email Stacy to RSVP. stacyann @ houston.rr.com or by phone at 281-208-4429 $10 donation Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Once again, I find myself amazed by Elysium... on many levels Last year, I met a Goth friend online who invited me to the club. So I wanted to go for a while, but never made it out. Please being a Goth-o-phile, I was anxious to experience the club. But I didn't. It wasn't until this year, when I talked another friend into going there for a 80s Goth night. And then learned about their 80s night on Sundays. I went back for one of those and had a blast. I liked the club. It had a good atmosphere. Dark and swank. Since the smoking ban went into session Austin, it's not too been too bad for cigarette smoke... That doesn't mean it doesn't exist, but it's not unbareable though. So after I-Con in New York, and spending another amazing evening hanging out with Voltaire, I decided I wanted to get him into the club. So I hunted down the agent, did the footwork, and I was impressed by the character of the owners who booked the club. Good people. And great character. Of course, the show was a rousing success. So now we're up to the present. Friday night, we had our first show there where we shared the evening with two Goth bands. In case, you didn't know, we're not Goths. We're more geek than Goth. We've played a lot of shows here in Austin. I love playing shows in Austin. It's so much easier than being on the road. But it's also so much easier to be complacent. Most of the venues we've played in Austin have been half-hearted in supporting us. To them, it's all about how many people we can bring in on a dead night. That's fine. I accept that that is the fate of a musician. That's usually what it's about. We're kinda fortunate to perform at Ren Faires and Sci Fi Cons, where that's not the primary issue. Oh and I should mention that many venues also don't want to pay because in Austin, musicians are a dime a dozen. So why pay good musicians when you can get some for free? Elysium--a Goth club--is the first place I've played in Austin where I feel we are treated with respect. I like that. A lot. To know that the club sees your value. They know what you can do, what you can do for them, and what they can do for you. And they are willing to help you attain that goal. I know Elysium, as a venue, doesn't serve all of our fans. So I am on the lookout for more venues like it that will reach our other fans. But I am a huge supporter of independent businesses that are run from the heart. And Elysium is just that sort of business. I can't wait until we return there in another three months. Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Sunday, October 08, 2006
I don't think I've mentioned yet that we are going BACK to ELYSIUM, Austin's premiere Goth club. Bards dressed in black with dark humor... What am I saying, Andrew couldn't be dark if he tried! Well, I can! Really I can! Read my poetry, you'll see. It's not all Jedi, fish and chips. Anyway, mark your calendars. We'll be there on Friday, October 6th at 10pm, opening for two killer local Goth bands: Ear to Anon and Lila's Medicine. What do we have in common with them? Very little musically. Though I bet they like Star Wars and drinking. I mean, who doesn't... except Andrew. Well, I mean he likes Star Wars, but not drinking... alcohol at least. I mean, he likes his sweet tea... bad tangent, where was I? Our last show at Elysium was, well, like a show at Sci Fi Convention. High-energy and amazing fun! Tell your friends and your friends' friends. And share the news with everyone you can. Date: Friday, October 6, 2006 Time: 10 pm ( Brobdingnagian Bards), 11pm ( Ear to Anon), 12am ( Lila's Medicine) Location: 705 Red River City: Austin, TX 78705 Phone #: 512.478.2979 Cover: TBA Age: Must be 21 or older to attend. Website: www.elysiumonline.netLabels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
We're still at FenCon right now, but I'm a little awed. At long last, we met two people whose names we've only known from years of playing songs by these two people. They are Randy Farran and Claire McMurray. Those two authored " Do Virgins Taste Better" and " The Dragon's Retort" respectively. Andrew was first introduced to the first song through his sister in our first year together. After doing some research online, he found Claire's song "The Dragon's Retort". We combined those two songs together when we first started playing at Excalibur Fantasy Faire. It was our first "hit". So we recorded them individually for our first CD, Marked By Great Size. But Nagians wanted to hear the two songs together, as we perform them live. So when we started recording A Faire To Remember, we decided we would indeed record those two songs together. It's been one of our most-popular songs since. Nevertheless, Randy and Claire have been sorta secret heros of mine ever since. I caught a little of Randy's show he had today, which was fantastic. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that Claire was at the convention too. So I was disappointed when we performed our "Medley" when I realized I mentioned Randy Farran as an author, but not Claire McMurray. And even more ironic was that Claire was in the audience and Randy wasn't. LOL. Anyway, my apologies Claire!!! Oo! On an extra exciting note, Claire asked about my solo cat CD, Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers and she's planning to submit a song for the next cat album. Oh! And Cedric of the Bedlam Bards has a couple more songs planned for the album, too. All in all, FenCon is just brilliant fun, while being soo much more relaxing than DragonCon. Though it just makes me miss DragonCon all the more. I can't for next year. However, I'm now also really hoping that FenCon will have us back next year. It's a good time all around. Slainte! Labels: cd_news, performances, song_lyrics
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Saturday, September 23, 2006
DragonCon is over. And I am wiped! You can see it by the bags underneath my eyes. That, and the new sinus infection. This was by far the busiest we've been at DragonCon. We had more shows than ever. Non-stop musical mayhem... or something like that. I tried getting a lot of rest, but I guess it didn't work. Next year, I need to remember to starting early preparing for DragonCon... training if you will. Regular daily exercise so that I don't get too tired that way too. Saturday evening I disappeared into my Happy Place there was so much stimulation. Some highlights: We played for the Masquerade. It was awesome playing to a good 4000 people. My vocal mic had probs. So before we played "Jedi", we swung into "In the Mood". Both were a huge success. The filk shows were wild, packed. Friday, there were so many people we moved the show into the hallway only to have the Fire Marshall close us down. Saturday and Sunday both had lines out the door. We definitely need a bigger venue. Oh and after the Friday show, I was tired and delirious. I was posing in front of a statue of Jabba the Hutt doing... well... my best Leia impression, along with other embarrassing, blackmail pictures that I'm sure will show up online soon. Richard Hatch of Battlestar Galactica fame pulled us aside on the Walk of Fame and asked us to play song. That was cool. I was surprised by the number of Celtic festivals and Scottish games asking to hire us for their events. I just don't expect that much at Sci Fi cons. I got a copy of Voltaire's new LIVE CD that was recorded at Elysium in Austin. My name was placed prominently on the back of the CD, "recorded by". Woohoo! I'm on a Voltaire CD. ;) Mmm... Good food with West of the Moon folks. We missed out at playing for Slice of SciFi and WingingIt, but I went to a Room Party of Michael and Evo's that was just brilliant. Author, Scott Sigler, "sang" a wild version of "Wild Rover" with me there. It was brilliant. As soon as I get a chance to mess with the the Sunday night filk show, I hope to post it as a Brobdingnagian Bards Podcast. Keep an eye open for that. The "Jedi Drinking Songs Prequel" went over great this weekend, though we kinda screwed up our performance of it in the Parsec Podcast Awards. But it was cool when Tracy Hickman of Dragon Lance fame expressed his love of our music. The Jedi Assembly seemed to dig the song as well. Sunday on the Concourse, I had a blast playing "Health to the Company" with Bedlam Bards and Pandora Celtica. And Cedric's (of the Bedlam Bards) sign language interpretation of "The Unicorn Song" was a huge hit!
I guess that's all I can think of right now. Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
We're heading back to DragonCon for a weekend of geeky entertainment. On the way back, we'll be playing a few house concerts. To join the fun, just RSVP ASAP. :) Friday, September 8, 2006 Pettingill House Concert @ 7:30-9pm 3671 High Bluff Dr. Largo, FL 33770 Call or email Deborah and guy to RSVP. columella@blackfish.biz or by phone at 727-321-1106 $10 donation Sunday, September 10, 2006 John & April Leake House Concert @4pm-6:30pm 205 Grand Prix Dr. Crestview, FL 32536 (850) 423-0122 Call to RSVP. $10 donation Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Ask and ye shall receive... eventually. After years of fans asking, we were thrilled to receive an email from the Tipperary Inn in Dallas asking us to come perform at their pub. So we are now booked there in October. Four hours of bardic goodness. Tipperary Inn @ 8pm-12am 5815 Live Oak St Dallas, TX 75214-7310 (214) 821-6500 No Cover Please help us make this a smashing success. Download a flyer (68k), fill in the info above, and start sharing it with all your friends. Then don't miss this exclusive engagement! Labels: performances
--posted by Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
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