This Blogpost is jammed packed with news of events, releases, a delightful podcast guest appearance and the exciting news that a new recording project is soon to be started! Hold on to your hats everyone … here we go!
I was thrilled to be a headlining artist here on the Isle of Man at Yn Chruinnaght Celtic Gathering 2021. The gig was somewhat thwarted by the sharp rise of CV19 on the tiny Isle which kept the majority of music lovers away from the Peel Centenary Hall last Friday July 23rd. However we were delighted to be able to share the entire show via the wonderful technology of Live Streaming which was shared to Yn Chruinnaght’s FB page. Set 1 available: HERE (Start around 13:30.)
Set 2 available: HERE (Start around 3:30.)
I was joined by my talented band of Friends: Christy DeHaven, Lindsay, Steve and Callum Rowe and Jack Divers - only our second ever gig. We hope to make it into double figures one day! Between us we made some beautiful music. The brave souls who joined us in person were enthusiastic in their appreciation. The feeling of community spirit created between us all was truly up-lifting. Hurrah for live music!
My mum came along with my lovely cousin Alan and his gorgeous wife Clare who just about managed to keep her out of trouble (no easy task!). Hilariously ... she was dolled up to the nines in a sparkly lurex dress, sparkly sandals and (on one of the hottest nights of the year!!) her faux fur coat! She had fun and that's what matters! Here we are sharing our sparklyness at half time:
I’ve mentioned numerous times over the last few years about the I AM OF IRELAND/Yeats in song project that I’ve been involved with. I feature on three of the 24 tracks that make up this beautiful CD . I am delighted to be included in such a pantheon of highly respected Celtic artists, alongside wonderful American composer Raymond Driver whose project this is, and his hard working engineer Gabe Rhodes and producer Paul Marstellar. The album is finally available for Download and the reviews so far are wonderful. It is always an honour to be invited and included in a creative undertaking. So many kind, thoughtful, talented and supportive collaborators here … it is a beautiful work of art that I’m very proud to be a part of.
Today (Saturday July 31st 2021) I will be the special guest on The Spiritual Geek Out Podcast, the fabulous creation of Diane Hudock, a very dear friend of mine who lives in Los Angeles. She is a wonderful spiritual teacher, Biofield practitioner, healer, actress, comedienne and all round gorgeous woman. This is an unusual interview for me given that the general leaning is on our spiritual experience but I enjoyed it immensely. Warning … there be dragons in this here conversation! There's also an exclusive video of me toning in a fabulous cave beneath Peel Castle - link available in the show notes.
In more personal news, my veg is really doing well! We've enjoyed delicious Charlotte potatoes, sensational cherry tomatoes, wonderful courgettes and a selection of dark green leafy goodness. I am utter beguiled by nature's bounty - really! It's amazing.
These beauties are seedlings mostly from an organic red pepper bought at Tesco (other shopping establishments available!;) ... I'm enamoured of a wonderful book "Regrown" that encourages us to re-use kitchen scraps ... it works! Have a go yourself!
And finally … with the support and encouragement from numerous friends on and off the island I applied for an Isle of Man Arts Council grant to produce a CD of 10-12 original songs inspired by Manx Folklore and the glorious mystical/mythical landscape of the Isle Of Mann. I’m delighted to say I now have in place half the funds to complete this project and am in process to apply for the balance through another grant giving body here on the tiny isle … I’ll have to wait till September to see if I’m successful with that! But I’m excited to begin the creative process which starts now! I shall be sharing my creative endeavours along the way!
Phew! That’s a whole heap of stuff to share in one Blogpost … there will be more … I just can’t say when! ;-) x
Stay well and keep rising above the turbulence!
Endless blessings x Christine x