Celtic Thunder Update

Exciting Announcement About the Celtic Thunder Cruise

Thank you for checking out the 10th edition of The Celtic Times, our very own Newzine. We want to start out by wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day!

On May 29, 2013, there will be an exciting announcement and update about the first ever Celtic Thunder Cruise. The cruise sails in just less than 6 months and already the cruise is nearly 70% sold.
The announcement will be a letter from Sharon Browne in which she will give you all of the details about the cruise, including some new programming, pricing and some fabulous new and special
perks for the cruise guests. If you are on the mailing list, you will receive your notice by e-mail. If you wish to update your e-mail address to be sure that you receive this letter, please send your
contact information to info@ecpcruises.com. The letter will also be posted on the Celtic Thunder Cruise website and on The Celtic Times. We are very excited about this announcement….you will be too.

All of this exciting news and new developments would not be possible without the support of our fans! If you haven't had the chance to see our newest release MYTHOLOGY, visit our online store! We also would love to hear from those that have experienced MYTHOLOGY. Sharon appreciates all the feedback we receive. It only helps improve your experience with Celtic Thunder as a fan. Take the survey.

US and Canada MYTHOLOGY Tour 2013 is on-sale now! We are visiting new cities and returning to see our friends in our regular stops. Tickets are selling fast so please get your tickets today!

THIS WEEK Australia, including Tasmania, went on-sale! Get your tickets before they are gone. The tour will be in May/June of 2014, to avoid the weather challenges we faced on our last tour!

Wherever you might be in this world, Celtic Thunder has exciting news! For the latest information from Sharon and the guys, check out our blog page!

 

CRUISE UPGRADE OFFER

CHEAP CRUISE UPGRADES - ENDS MAY 31, 2013!

The response to the Celtic Thunder Cruise has been amazing, but HURRY, time is almost up to take advantage of this offer. The Inside Cabins are virtually sold out, as are several other categories of cabins. The Wait List for those cabins is growing and we need to find a way to accommodate those seeking those cabins. We have decided to reward those who have already booked with an opportunity to upgrade their cabins at a very low cost. Those wishing to remain in their cabins may also benefit by this program. Visit the Celtic Thunder Upgrade webpage for details. OFFER ENDS MAY 31!

CELTIC THUNDER DVD AND CLOTHING SALE

COMPLETE YOUR CELTIC THUNDER COLLECTION

May is the month to stock up on those DVD's missing from your collection! Celtic Thunder is offering all DVD's (excluding MYTHOLOGY) at a discount just for the month of May. This special is available to our fans all over the world. Celtic Thunder offers fast worldwide shipping and easy payment transactions. Also, the Celtic Thunder online store is offering 20% all items in the store.

20% off all Celtic Thunder Clothing

USE COUPON CODE: DUBLIN2013

VOYAGE 11

VOYAGE

STORM

HERITAGE

CHRISTMAS

IT'S ENTERTAINMENT

TAKE ME HOME

THE SHOW

HOLIDAYS AROUND THE GLOBE

UNITED STATES - ARMED FORCES DAY- May 18

Many Americans celebrate Armed Forces Day annually on the third Saturday of May. It is a day to pay tribute to men and women who serve the United States’ armed forces. Armed Forces Day is also part of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May. Many events across the United States take place on Armed Forces Day to honor Americans in uniform who served their country in times of war and peace. Those who are honored on this day include people who serve the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any period in May because of their unique training schedules.

CANADA - VICTORIA DAY (Fête de la Reine, French) - May 20

Victoria Day, also known as May Two-Four, May Long and May Long Weekend, is a Canadian holiday on the Monday preceding May 25. Victoria Day is celebrated in honor of the birthdays of both Queen Victoria and the current monarch of Canada. For many people, the long Victoria Day weekend marks the end of the winter and the unofficial start of the spring or summer season. After this weekend, gardeners can be reasonably sure that there will be no more frost until the autumn so they can sow or plant out delicate crops and plants. For the same reason, people with recreational homes in colder parts of the country often go to them to open them up for the summer. In addition, many amusement parks and outdoor attractions open for their summer season this weekend. Notably, stores on Prince Edward Island are only permitted to open on Sunday between Victoria Day and Christmas Day.

UNITED STATES - MEMORIAL DAY- May 27

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formally known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women, who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season. It is traditional to fly the flag of the United States at half mast from dawn until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.

Sources :http://www.timeanddate.com

HOMETOWN EXTRA FOOTAGE

Behind the scenes footage of the boys hometowns.

May Q&A from Celtic Thunder on Vimeo.

For next month's Q&A with the principals of Celtic Thunder, make sure to submit your favorite questions, for the upcoming newsletters.

DUBLIN News: DUBLIN DANCE FESTIVAL


May 14th-26th, 2013

Dublin Dance Festival is the leading dance event on the Irish arts calendar. Each year in May, the Festival brings together dance artists and choreographers from across the world to share vibrant contemporary dance with audiences in Ireland.

2013 will see the 9th Festival. In this short time, the Festival has developed a dedicated audience for dance in Ireland. Since its establishment in 2002 under founding Artistic Director Catherine Nunes, the Festival’s ambitions have been big and brave. The Festival became an annual event in 2008 reflecting the popularity and position it had gained. Laurie Uprichard led the next four Festivals, building audiences in addition to the event’s national and international profile.

View the festival programme for detailed information and dates of these exceptional performances.

A BIT OF IRISH HISTORY - top 10 facts

• Ireland is the only country in the world which has a musical instrument – the harp – as their national symbol. The oldest known harp in existence is housed in Trinity College, Dublin. It dates back from at least 1300.


• Ireland is the third largest island in Europe and the twentieth largest in the world.


• Up until 1973, many women employed in the public service faced mandatory retirement once they got married.


• The first Irish Constitution was signed at Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel.


• There are no postal or ZIP codes in Ireland outside of Dublin and Cork city.


• The longest place name in Ireland is Muckanaghederdauhaulia, in County Galway.


• James Joyce once described Guinness stout as "the wine of Ireland."


• Shannon became the world’s first duty-free airport in 1947, and we’ve been buying tax-free liquor and perfume ever since.


• One of the most popular radio shows in rural Ireland is still the daily broadcast of local obituaries.


• The Newgrange passage tomb in County Meath was constructed around 3200 BC, making it more than 600 years older than the Giza Pyramids in Egypt, and 1,000 years older than Stonehenge.

source: http://www.irishcentral.com

MEET THE BAND

DECLAN O'DONOGHUE

Declan began his music career at a young age while growing up in Galway and has had the opportunity to play alongside many musical icons including Michael Flatley’s Celtic Tiger show.

Declan began touring with Celtic Thunder as the drummer on their first tour and has extensively toured America, Canada and Australia. When off the road, Declan also works as a sound engineer in a recording studio back in Ireland where he has worked with many contemporary musicians.

On tour if Delcan isn't rocking out the drums during the show, he's focused on fitness. He's like a personal trainer to the other artists and crew on the road. Sharing his knowledge of health and wellness, Declan encourages fitness by leading workouts almost daily.

Celtic Cooking Corner

McNally's FADGE - IRISH POTATO BREAD

Fadge is also called potato bread in Ireland. They are not dissimilar to a Tattie Scone and delicious served with a Full Irish Breakfast. They are quick and easy to make and are a useful way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. This Fadge recipe suggests cooking in butter but if you want a special treat then cook in the grease from your breakfast fry-up.

Method
Mash the potatoes. Place the mashed potatoes back into the pot and cook over low heat for 5-8 minutes to remove some of the moisture. Add the salt and butter. Work in enough of the flour to make pliable dough. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and pat the dough to form a circle about 9 inches on diameter, 1/4 inch thick. Cut the circle into quarters and fry on a hot pan for about 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly browned.

Note:
Melt one tablespoon each of butter and olive oil in the pan. Butter burns easily; the addition of olive oil allows frying at a higher temperature without the butter burning.

Thank you for all the recipe submissions to candice@celticthunder.ie. Please keep them coming. Enjoy!