| Ireland Tour Details!! | August 26th, 2010 - 1:46pm | ||
|
Brother Mike's Musings... by Mike Larkin... 'When I woke up this morning my wife asked me, "Did you sleep good?" I said, "No, I made a few mistakes." Hellooo all!! Summer is it's last month so I hope you are keeping cool and remembering how nice and hot it is come January when you are cursing the snow. They say August is the least popular summer month but I couldn't disagree more. This Saturday August 28 we will be playing a very special benefit Remembering Kevin Dennis at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4636 N Knox, Chicago IL. The benefit itself starts at 4 PM and goes until midnight. We take the stage later in the evening but come early. Oct 2011 Ireland Tour... For those who went with us in 2008 for the 'Seven Drunken Nights' will remember greatly the laughs and tears we had along the road of the west counties of Ireland. We certainly titled it correctly as well (As my wife will attest to when she woke me up in the lobby of a hotel after a night of drinking and sleep walking.) Well it is time to return!! This time in association with the Irish American Heritage Centers year long 35th anniversary celebrations we will traveling along some of the same roads we did in 2008 plus new ones like Dublin on Oct 6 -13, 2011. Since the IAHC is a family organization they have tamed the title a little to 'Seven Nights in Eire'. Not too exciting but I was unable to produce anything better. It doesn't mean that it won't be as much fun! We promise to top 2008 tour. If you have any suggestions please e-mail them to me and we'll see what we can do. We can always add color to any title. I have some details on the tour. The cost is less than it was in 2008 - $1959 per person, double occupancy which includes air fare and land fees. If you need more info please call Cathy at Tri-Seasons Travel at 847-542-1539. We'll have info at all shows as well as a posting on our web site shortly. September Shows It's funny that I am see more and more celebrations and events for 'Six Month's to St Patrick's Day'. So along with festivals we have in September we also have a few countdown shows.... Saturday the 11th – Fox Valley Irish Fest West Dundee, IL 5 PM Sunday the 12th – Fox Valley Irish Fest West Dundee, IL 2:45 PM Friday the 17th – Kerry Piper Pub Willowbrook, IL 9 PM Saturday the 18th – ½ Way So Southside Irish Parade Fest Beverly Arts Center Chicago, IL 8 PM Sunday the 19th – Fall Fest Des Plaines – Des Plaines IL 2 PM That's all for now, See you Saturday!! Slainte,
|
|||
| | |||
| Southern Yams | August 11th, 2010 - 10:27pm | ||
|
Brother Mike's Musings....by Mike Larkin ' You know when you put a stick in water and it looks bent? That’s why I never take baths...' Hellooo All
I just got to the hotel from the Piggly Wiggly in Charlotte, NC where I needed to pick up some deodorant where I saw a sale sign for 'Southern Yams'. I can't stop singing a variant to an old Neil Young song to myself.
Or a Lynyrd Skynyrd songs : ' A Southern Yam doesn't need him around anyhow'
Being in Charlotte two Wednesday nights in two weeks has been good for my baseball watching. The White Sox have been on TV here both weeks and both weeks they have won.
I'm at a Courtyard by the Airport and it isn't a bad place but I don't think it is in a great neighborhood since there are signs in the parking lot saying that the hotel is not responsible for your car... nice...
St. Al's Irish Fest
This Saturday August 14 we are playing at St Alexander's 1st Annual Irish Fest in Villa Park. We start at 7 PM and it should be a blast. Will it be Joe's triumphant return? Stay Tune....
Speaking of Joe and Hotels -
That reminds me of a story of his we posted Nov. 2007 republished here:
" ...it's around 9:30pm and as I was walking to the elevator, I pass a room service tray in the hallway that has a side dish of asparagus, untouched, a glass of water with lemon that still has the saran wrap on top...utensils not used, and a mystery silver bin covering a plate. I look up ahead of me and behind me and the coast is clear. I lift the silver bin and there is the top and bottom part of a hamburger bun, sans burger, and a side of fries, untouched (allegedly). Now, I love fries. I really love fries. They are my kryptonite. Not steak fries, not potato wedges, not string fries, just medium width, McDonalds-width french fries.....and these were right in my sweet spot. This was clearly the case of some Atkins freak who just spent 40 bucks on a room service burger and glass of wine. Well, one man's garbage is another man's gold.....but this is disgusting....it's like Costanza eating the ecclair out of the garbage....but this seemed different, because I could almost guarantee that this person didn't touch the fries. However, cold fries suck, no matter how good they are hot.....so I test them. Result: Warm to very warm Now I've got what I refer to as a situation. There is that little bottle of Heinz catsup that is in that death-wrap that usually requires a knife or some teeth to open. The knife is in the silverware pile that is still wrapped up in the napkin (which makes me wonder what this dude wiped his hands on) but I really don't want to get caught trying to open the catsup with my teeth while standing over an apparent stranger's room service platter. So I grab the catsup and walk in the other direction, with my book under one arm, and biting at the top of the mini catsup bottle. I finally get a good tear going, and open the bottle, throwing the plastic sealer on the hallway floor (f--king slob). Back down the hall to the tray, I look both ways, gently lift the silver tray again, and dump the catsup on the clean part of the tray. What the f--- is wrong with me..... I actually grab the little salt shaker and season the fries while looking in both directions. I grab 3 or 4, dip in the catsup, and slam them in my mouth. Mmmmm, ….my book is now on the floor, and I've got that same feeling you got when you were making out with your girlfriend in high school, and waiting for her dad to come down the stairs. MAN, these fries are good. As I'm putting the 2nd handful of fries in my mouth, I hear a ding....the elevator. So what do I do? I grab a triple handful, dip them in the catsup, cover up the plate, pick up my book, and hide the fries behind my back as a guest passes me in the hallway. I get to the elevator nook in the hallway, and in 2 bites, shove the fries in my mouth. I look up at my reflection in the elevator door and start laughing my ass off at what a fat hungry dumb-ass I am...."
|
|||
| | |||
| This Doesn't Rhyme | July 29th, 2010 - 5:33pm | ||
|
Brother Mike's Musings...by Mike Larkin- 'Best family advise I was ever given- Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake.' Helooo All... Hope your summer is going well. Work continues on the next CD and it is going well. No word yet on Ireland 2011 details but I should get them shortly. We will be playing at Oak Lawn Irish Fest on Saturday July 31 from 4 to 7:30 PM. It a great fest put on by the Goal Post Pub so come and join us. Two Poems I'll leave you with this piece of perspective.... WOMAN'S POEM: Before I lay me down to sleep, I pray for a man who's not a creep, One who's handsome, smart and strong. One who loves to listen long. One who thinks before he speaks, One who'll call, not wait for weeks. I pray he's rich and self-employed, And when I spend, won't be annoyed. Pull out my chair and hold my hand, Massage my feet and help me stand. Oh send a king to make me queen, A man who loves to cook and clean. I pray this man will love no other, And relish visits with my mother. A MAN'S POEM: I pray for a deaf-mute gymnast nymphomaniac who is well endowed and owns a bar on a golf course, and loves to send me fishing and drinking, This doesn't rhyme and I don't give a crap. Until next update... Slainte, Dan Larkin www.celticratpack.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Larkin-and-Moran-Brothers/49223728768 www.myspace.com/thelarkinandmoranbrothers |
|||
| | |||
| Irish Fest Chicago July 2010 | July 23rd, 2010 - 9:15pm | ||
|
Brother Mike's Musings.... by Mike Larkin ' It's summer vacation time and I asked my wife if she could take any cruise she wanted, which would she take? She said, "Tom.".... (She can take that nut as long as I get Katie)..' Helloo All... Yes it is summer time and I hope you are enjoying the warm weather. We are playing an early show this Saturday July 24th for the 3 on Three For JG fundraiser at Mother McAuley's HS at noon (http://3onthreeforjg.org/). Jimmy Griffin was a great kid from the south side who left our world all too soon at the age of 23 last year playing college basketball. Next week we will be playing at Oak Lawn Irish Fest on Saturday July 31 from 4 to 7:30 PM. It a great fest put on by the Goal Post Pub so come and join us. 2011 Ireland Tour We have some preliminary plans being set with the Irish American Center to tour Ireland in Oct 2011. I'll have details on the next update but if you went with us to Ireland last time or heard about it from friends this is an event you wont want to miss. Details next time! That's all for now!! Slainte, Dan Larkin www.celticratpack.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Larkin-and-Moran-Brothers/49223728768 www.myspace.com/thelarkinandmoranbrothers |
|||
| | |||
| Heaven has a price... | July 9th, 2010 - 3:00am | ||
|
Brother Mike's Musings... by Mike Larkin.. ' I went to a restaurant that serves 'breakfast at any time'. So I ordered Scrambled Eggs and Hash Browns during the Eisenhower Administration...' Aloha.... I must confess I am writing this from Wailea Beach in Maui. Danny's watching the house so I can broadcast this. We have a show this Saturday at Irish Fest Chicago at 3:30 PM which will be a blast so come see my tan!! (Not really, using SPF 50 on my Irish skin). I guess my point is that who wouldn't want to live in Hawaii. It is pretty close to heaven on earth. I called Mike and told him and then complained about the price of a gallon on Milk - ($6 on the low end, $10 at the convenience store.) Mike commented - ' So heaven has a price?' Anyway I'm keeping it short. It's time for another Mai Tai... Aloha nui loa, Dan Larkin www.celticratpack.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Larkin-and-Moran-Brothers/49223728768 www.myspace.com/thelarkinandmoranbrothers |
|||
| | |||
| My Thumb is Still Broken | June 23rd, 2010 - 11:24pm | ||
|
Brother Mike's Musings ...by Mike Larkin...' I recently discover an important point in life - Never wear a backward baseball cap to an interview unless applying for the job of umpire...' Helooo All It's been a few weeks since I put out an update. So it being on 23rd of June as I sat weaving all in my loom, I decided I better get cracking. We just came off a few busy weeks and summer is finally underway. Pretty good storm today too. Had a great time in Osh Kosh (B'gosh) Wisconsin and we were happy to help out at the Natasha McShane Fund Raisers at the Irish American Heritage Center and Gaelic Park. I heard both were very successful and she will need it in her recovery. I also found out that there is competition between the North Side Irish and South Side Irish just like the Sox and Cubs game coming up this weekend. When we made it to Gaelic Park on the South Side a women I knew inquired about the presentation at the Center on the North Side. I of course had to assure her that the South Side's was bigger although I really didn't know.... We have posted a YOUTUBE video on our news web site of Osh Kosh Irish Fest on the News page of the web site. We also have a small spot on the CBS2 story of the Natasha McShane Funraiser you can check out. http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=72019@wbbm.dayport.com A Day in The Park This Saturday June 26 we will playing at Evergreen Park's A Day In The Park at 6 PM. This is a great time on a warm summer night so come out and enjoy a pint with us. We don't play again till July 10th so make plans. My Thumb is Still Broken Tadgh O'Reilly, manager at Gaelic Park, is always good for a few stories. Love this one: Two women were playing golf. One teed off and watched in horror as her ball headed directly toward a foursome of men playing the next hole. The ball hit one of the men. He immediately clasped his hands together at his groin, fell to the ground and proceeded to roll around in agony. The woman rushed down to the man, and immediately began to apologize. "Please allow me to help. I'm a physical therapist and I know I could relieve your pain if you'd allow me," she told him. "Oh, no, I'll be all right. I'll be fine in a few minutes," the man replied. He was in obvious agony, lying in the fetal position, still clasping his hands there at his groin. At her persistence, however, he finally allowed her to help. She gently took his hands away and laid them to the side, loosened his pants and put her hands inside. she administered tender and artful massage for several long moments and asked, "How does that feel"? He replied: "It feels great, but I still think my thumb's broken!" I'm outa here! Slainte, Dan Larkin www.celticratpack.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Larkin-and-Moran-Brothers/49223728768 www.myspace.com/thelarkinandmoranbrothers |
|||
| | |||
| ShamROCK into Summer!! | June 3rd, 2010 - 9:17pm | ||
|
Brother Mike's Musings... by Mike Larkin...'It's always darkest before the dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it...' Helloo All.... Wow last weekend we had a first. We played Gaelic Park Irish Fest to a great crowd on Friday Night and were set to return to close the fest on Monday Memorial Day evening. Now anyone who has been to the fest knows that year after year it rains most of the time. The fest organizers count on this and have many measures in placeto keep the fest running rain or shine.Last weekend through Sunday however the weather couldn't have been nicer and we were told that when we played Friday night that attendance for that night (Friday) was its highest in years. Then came Sunday night and Monday morning when gallons of water dropped from the sky. Due to the fest's history I was not particularly worriedbut I received a call from our Sales manager, Kathleen,who was there at the fest at about 3 PM. She was told that the grounds were under a foot of water and they were canceling the rest of the fest. I had said that no one had called and was she sure. She said yes. Terry Moran had called back as well and confirmed.I quickly posted a message Facebook but sorry to those who were there or heading there about the cancellation. More Shows Coming----- We do have a great weekend planned however: An Evening For Emma - Friday June 4th 115 Bourbon Street at 10 PM - Emma Brigham lost her father, Patrick, in a tragic accident on January 7, 2010.Patrick's family and friends are hosting, "An Evening for Emma" to provide what Patrick would have provided, if he were still here. We go on after the Hawk game so watch the Hawks and then us!! http://www.115bourbonstreet.com/benefit_detail.asp?SpecEventsID=227 Sham-ROCK into Summer Saturday June 5th - 2nd Annualeventin the Fifth Province at the Irish American Heritage Centeris a fundraiser for the charity, The Danny Did Foundation, whose mission is to prevent deaths caused by seizures. All proceeds will benefit the foundation other bands include The Chancey Brothers, In Spite of Ourselves and Donofinn. Music Starts at 5 PM - $10. http://irish-american.org/index.php? option=com_content&view=article&id=147&Itemid=100067 And next week: St. Catherine's Summerfest - Thursday June 10th,7 PM - Longest running annual show at 15 years this show is a Southside Chicago Tradition. http://teacherweb.com/IL/StCatherine/Home/sdhp1.aspx Osh Kosh Irish Fest, Osh Kosh, WI - Saturday June 12 12 PM - B' gosh and b'gora we are heading just west of Lake Winnebago for a great early season fest in Osh Kosh, WI. Join us won't you? http://www.oshkoshirishfest.com/ That's all for this week!! Slainte, Dan Larkin www.celticratpack.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Larkin-and-Moran-Brothers/49223728768 www.myspace.com/thelarkinandmoranbrothers |
|||
| | |||
| Strange Faces | May 24th, 2010 - 9:34pm | ||
|
Brother Mike's Musings...by Mike Larkin.... 'Children's books not recommended by the National Library Association: "Daddy Drinks Because You Cry"; "The Little Sissy Who Snitched"; "Some Kittens Can Fly"; "The Hardy Boys, the Barbie Twins, and the Vice Squad" and the best - "The Attention Deficit Disorder Association's Book of Wild Animals of North Amer - - Hey! Let's Go Ride Our Bikes!"... ' Helloo All.... It's great to be back... If anyone knows Mike, they know he wrote that last book. We are going into a busy period the next 3 or 4 weeks with some great shows. The summer time is coming (and the trees are sweetly blooming) so we are welcoming the chance to play in the great outdoors again. Here is what we have in store in the next few weeks... Gaelic Park Irish Fest - Friday May, 28th at 9:30 to 11 PM and Monday May 31st at 6:30 to 8 PM - A big kick off to a great fest. The weather right now looks like it will be perfect. http://www.chicagogaelicpark.org/Irish_Fest/index.htm An Evening For Emma - Friday June 4th 115 Bourbon Street at 10 PM - Emma Brigham lost her father, Patrick, in a tragic accident on January 7, 2010. Patrick's family and friends are hosting, "An Evening for Emma" to provide what Patrick would have provided, if he were still here. http://www.115bourbonstreet.com/benefit_detail.asp?SpecEventsID=227 Sham-ROCK into Summer Saturday June 5th - 2nd Annual event in the Fifth Province at the Irish American Heritage Center is a fundraiser for the charity, The Danny Did Foundation, whose mission is to prevent deaths caused by seizures. All proceeds will benefit the foundation other bands include The Chancey Brothers, In Spite of Ourselves and Donofinn. Music Starts at 5 PM - $10. http://irish-american.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=147&Itemid=100067 New CD Facebook Previews We are making good progress on the next CD. Starting next week those who follow us on Facebook will be able to listen to that progress at we will preview rough cuts and alternate takes of music that will be part of this. We have posted a link to the facebook page on our web site www.celticratpack.com. Let us know what you think. Strange Faces Those who saw us on St Patrick's Day and at Celtic Fest Chicago a couple of weeks ago are wondering who the new faces are. At the Paddy's Day show we shared the stage with drummer Terry Keating and at Celtic Fest- we had Neal Sullivan on fiddle. Neal Sullivan is first cousin to the Moran Brothers and was first exposed to the band as a boy when he would jump on stage with us on occasion. Neal also recorded the violin featured on the 'Band o'Brothers' CD track called 'Drag Me Away'. You will see more of him in the coming months as he is 'broken' in. As a side note, Neal's first show was at Gaelic Park on May 1st where he showed up about an hour late due to traffic. His cousin Terry greeted him, 'Hey nice of you to show up, you're fired!' He is in good company as Kevin was late for his first show as well... We first played with Terry at last year's Mike Murphy Benefit Fundraiser. Terry was the drummer with Murph in their former band Leave. We had so much fun at that show that we thought we would have him back. You may see him with us from time to time. Come see us this weekend!! Slainte, Dan Larkin www.celticratpack.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Larkin-and-Moran-Brothers/49223728768 www.myspace.com/thelarkinandmoranbrothers |
|||
| | |||
| A French Tradition To This Day! | April 29th, 2010 - 9:10pm | ||
|
Brother Mike's Musings... by Mike Larkin...' I always thought saying "What crawled up your butt and died" was funny, until the day I met a man with a story about a weasel...' Hellooo All.... Join us for our annual Cinco de Mayo show this Saturday May 1st at the Carriag Pub (http://www.chicagogaelicpark.org/carraig_pub/Carraig_Pub.htm) in Oak Forest at 9 PM. The Mexican Holiday, like St. Paddy's Day, is a celebration that everyone can enjoy. So let's have a shot of Tequila! For those who don't know- Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of freedom. Back in the day, the French tried to conquer Mexico. On the 5th of May (Cinco de Mayo) the much smaller Mexican army, with its bootleg uniforms and 99 cent store weapons, forced the much larger French Army to run away. Thus starting a French tradition that continues to this day. Also we will return next Sunday night May 9th to Chicago Celtic Fest at Millennium Park Downtown Chicago. (http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/special_events/mose/celtic_fest_chicago.html). They moved the Fest from September to May and park venue from Grant to Millenium but it will be a great night to spend in the city on a Nice mother's Day. We start at 7 PM at the Next Generation Stage near Michigan Avenue. That's All for now!! Slainte, Dan Larkin www.celticratpack.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Larkin-and-Moran-Brothers/49223728768 www.myspace.com/thelarkinandmoranbrothers |
|||
| | |||