Lyra Celtica History

April 2006:

Another fantastic weekend in Arran, made all the more successful due to the efforts of the organizers from Common Ground, including Paul Creighton, Ian, Steve, and Gavin (who did a great job of engineering the sound in a difficult hall).
Tam White and Fraser Spiers turned in another great performance on the Friday night with support by Gavin Doole, and then the night finished with a ceilidh by local group the Boguillie Band. The Saturday night was a great evening also, with music from Mancunian singer songwriter Jimmy Carney, Ceolas Folk, a young traditional band from Ayrshire with some of the finest young players of traditional music in the country (winners of several awards and ones to watch in the future) and Lyra Celtica featuring Frank, Lynn and Mark. The night was followed by a late night session and party at the Invercloy Guest House. In fact sessions were taking place over the whole weekend, and this should become an annual event to which all are encouraged to attend.

March 2006:

The Scottish tour was a fantastic success, with a great response at all the folk clubs where Lyra Celtica played, culiminating in a great night at the Girvan Folk Club, where Frank, Mark and Lynn played to a great audience, with support from friend and singer Paul McKenna (please visit Paul’s website from our links page and have a listen to the audio samples - Paul undoubtedly has one of the finest voices on the scene at the moment). Another great night was had at the Dunfermline Folk Club, and thanks to Gifford for inviting the band back. Fife is one of the band’s favourite places to play and it was great to see people come out to hear the band again after seeing us at other clubs: Kevin Hudson & Marian, Diane & Spike, and Dave & Liz Neilson.

March 10th 2006 saw the band play to a full house at the Stonehaven Folk Club, and special thanks to Trudi Clayton for this. It was a fantastic night and great to meet such a friendly crowd of people. The night before saw the band play to the Turiff Fiddle & Accordion Club and a mention must be made of the wonderful Margaret Wilson who not only organized the event but whose kind hospitality will not be forgotten in a hurry.

March 7th 2006 was the Leith Folk Club, and thanks to Callum Duff for inviting the band to a club which is quickly establishing itself as one of the finest in the country. Support on this night was provided by the lovely Christina Smith on the fiddle, sister of Jamie Smith, a young fiddle playing reprobate from Glasgow who we hear may be returning to Scotland soon. March 1st was also a great night this time at the Irvine Folk Club, with support from Legacy, an Ayrshire band with a great library of songs - a library which Frank consults on a regular basis for new material and doesn’t always return the books! Thanks to Joyce Hodge for organizing another successful night.

February 2006

Its always a pleasure to return to the Stirling Folk Club and once again a great audience helped to make the night all the more enjoyable - special thanks to those who put forward some great comments on the band - Peter MacLellan, Alasdair Sim, Seamus Corry, Paul & May, Barry Carter, and Glen Stevenson.

February 24th 2006

saw the band return to the Wildcat Traditional Music Association in Thurso with support from Norman Stewart. A fantastic venue and another great turnout made this a wonderful night - also great to see the young musicians from Thurso High School - a credit to all involved. Also a special thanks to John McLeod for his interest in the band and we look forward to seeing him again.

The Acoustic Music Club (the Polish Club) in Kirkcaldy was a wonderful place to play, with another friendly crowd of people - it was great to see Diane & Spike, and Michael Phillips - also great to meet singer Dawn Diamond there too.

February 20th 2006

was a great night at the Glenfarg Folk Club, and what a pleasant surprise it was to find our favourite sound engineer had come along to do the job for us - thanks John.

The Scottish tour was a brilliant time and thanks to all who attended and to all the organizers whose work and effort can often seem thankless at times. Also thanks to everyone for their kind words and support for the band, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon

February 2006:

Another weekend of Common Ground concerts saw the band performing in Edinburgh and then Kilmarnock on the following night. Another great occasion with sound engineering by the best in the business, John and Kris of Sound Sense.

February 2006 :

What a great start to 2006. The band were
delighted to play a final gig at Billy’s Tap Shoap in Lumhphinnans, Fife. Billy is retiring from the pub trade and asked the band to play a final gig for him. It was great to see members and ex-members of Nazareth there too.

The band agreed that Billy should be awared the “Lyra Celtica Publican of the Year Award” for the second year running. Many thanks to Billy for his kind and generous hospitality and hopefully everyone will meet again sooner rather than later. Possibly for another all-night pool tournament?

Friday 2nd September 2005- An Culturlann.

A great welcome and the best in Irish hospitality was afforded to the band during the first night of their tour at this attractive venue on the Falls Road, Belfast. The band have asked that special thanks be made to Aidan of An Culturlann and best of wishes to his family for the future; thanks to Fiona Heywood and Jim Byrne for their kind hospitality and great company. Aidan’s comments have also been noted regarding the website as he felt that the choice for Mark’s lookalike, Barthez, was a bit flattering and that Telly Savalas may be a better call.

Lyra Celtica performing the closing concert at the Gig n the Bann festival September 2005.

Lyra Celtica performing at the Gig n the Bann festival September 2005 with the help of festival organizer Brian McCart on flute.

Saturday 3rd September - Town & Country, Magharafelt.

A great crowd at this venue ensured a fantastic night was had by all. An unfortunate turn of events at this time saw Frank’s mother being taken into hospital back home for an emergency operation, and everyone wishes Isa a speedy recovery. It was a difficult time but thankfully Mrs McGuire pulled through, and Frank managed to complete the concert while waiting for news of the operation. Frank has always had a very close relationship with his mother, and this was a very difficult night for him, but we are all greatfull she has come through it okay. Thanks to Gino for the pint; it was much appreciated by Frank.
The band would also like to make special mention of Berni and her husband of Clearwater House B & B in Magherafelt who in typical Irish style, took hospitality to a new level. A very pleasant couple and the band hope to meet you both again.

Sunday 4th September 2005- Gig n the Bann, Portglenone.

The band had the privilege of playing the closing concert for the Gig n the Bann festival on Sunday evening, and were delighted when organizer Brian McCart agreed to join them in stage for a tune. Thanks to Brian Boyle and his crew for their excellent work on the sound. It was also great to see stalwarts of the Bann festival there, Liz and Diana. Another great evening. Thanks to Brian McCart and the organizers.

Monday 5th September 2005 - Black Nun Folk Club, Ballycastle.

A pleasant night at this attractive venue, Kelly’s Bar. Special thanks again to Brian Boyle for more sterling work on the sound.

Tuesday 6th September 2005- Fiddler’s Green, Portaferry.

The band members are all in agreement that one of the most memorable stays was in Portaferry due to the wonderful hospitality provided by Chuck’s old friends Diane and Spike. A great night was had by all here in the wonderful town of Portaferry. The band had the pleasure of meeting some unforgettable characters, particularly Spike and Diane, Davy (great voice), Kieron McElligott (great songs), Jimmy Watson, Davy Simpson, Maureen McCarthy & Jimmy McCarthy. Thanks to Liam for the excellent promotional work. Hopefully we can all meet again soon.

Wednesday 7th September 2005- Sandino’s, Derry.

A fitting end to the week with a pleasant acoustic gig upstairs in Sandino’s in the lovely city of Derry where once again the hospitality was first class. A great venue and a great audience once more.

All in all a fantastic week in Ireland, where the band have helped to further their name. Thanks to all those who attended the concerts and enjoyed the music, and the band look forward to returning again. Additional thanks to all those who helped to make the band feel so welcome. A week not to be forgotten in a hurry.

September - October 2005

A great night at the eponymous Davie Lamp Folk Club in Washington, Tyne & Wear. A fine folk club indeed. The night began with an informal session followed by some songs from the organizers, the lovely Terri Freeman and her husband. The band took to the stage and had a great night, enjoyed by all, with Chuck on especially great form and Frank taking the comedian’s role with some (dis?)tasteful jokes. Great venue and the band had a fantastic night, followed by a pleasant late night session at the hospitality of friend John in South Shields.

July/ August 2005

Lyra Celtica has just finished a stint at this year’s Common Ground festival where they hosted workshops and took part in various concerts. They are all very pleased to have been so involved in the whole event and would like to thank Pete Heywood and family, Paul Creighton and everyone else who was there for a great week. A special thanks are also due to John and Kris of Sound Sense for their excellent work with the sound engineering, and also to friend and gentleman, Malcolm Drennan who took some great photographs of the band.

July/ August 2005

We are pleased to say that our friends at Fintim Records are in the process of setting-up a webpage devoted to Lyra Celtica to promote the new album.

We should soon be seeing the release of singer Paul McKenna’s album and if you haven’t already done so, please visit the Fintim Records website (see our Links page) where you can see a video sample of Paul performing his new single “Take My Hand” with Lyra Celtica.

July 2005

Lyra Celtica played at the Dunfermline Folk Club on 13th July 2005 a great audience made sure that a great night was had by all. The band would like to thank Gifford for his hospitality and look forward to returning again. They look forward to hearing your songs, Gifford.

May/ June 2005

The band recently celebrated the launch of the new album at the Edinburgh Folk Club in June and thanks to all who attended. Our old pal Tam White even stopped by to see if he could blagg a free copy., but wasn’t too keen on our offer of two for £20.00. Surely a bargain at half the price, Tam.
We notice that Chuck’s comic antics have earned him a reputation as the Tommy Cooper of folk music at Footstompin.com. (see links).

Special thanks to Pete Heywood for the photographs, and to Richard and Leslie for their help on the night.
April 2005 - a fantastic start to the festival season at the Girvan Folk Festival where the band were delighted to be involved in the whole event from judging the open stages (no easy feat) to participating in the sessions for which Girvan is so popular. Many thanks to all those who made us feel so welcome.