A Message From Sean Owens of IRFT Celtic Radio
It is that time of year! We will be running an "All Welsh Artist" St David's Day show again this year, all artists that are interested in participating should have their music to us NO LATER then 2.23.10 I am working on setting up the specifics now. The run time of the show will be based on how much music we have! No matter where you are from on the planet if you play Welsh music, we want to feature YOU on the show ...this is in no way just about Welsh artists, but the music that celebrates Wales! ALL GENRES WILL BE ACCEPTED! If you know of any interested artists, send them our way! Our contact info is as follows: email single or multiple songs to irftradio@gmail.com send entire CD's to: IRFT C/O Sean Owens 21829 Russian River Drive Sonora, Ca, 95370 As of right now the show will run from 2.28.10 (Sunday at noon) through 3.2.10 (Tuesday) at 2 AM (PSDT) EVERY artist that submits music gets played! We are also looking for as many folks as possible to record "Holiday greetings" that we will broadcast during the duration of the show! In Welsh OR English! They can promote their music in this spot as well! They do NOT have to be an artists to do this spot! ANYONE can send in a greeting! Sen Owens IRFT Celtic Radio www.irftradio.comlu.com
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Essential Companion for all the Six Nations Sing-Songs
If the Six Nations tournament would be about singing the Welsh would probably win it every year. A new handy companion will be published this week with the words to all the songs that will be sung in buses, pubs and stadiums during the coming weeks. The Six Nations Rugby Songbook, published by Y Lolfa, includes all the Welsh favourites such as Hymns and Arias, Bread of Heaven and Delilah as well as songs from the other five nations such as The Fields of Athenry and Flower of Scotland. Translations are included for the Welsh language songs such as Sosban Fach, Calon Ln, Myfanwy and I Bob Un Syn Ffyddlon. The bus trips, the dressing up, the socialising, the friendly banter between fans and rousing sing songs are now as much a part of the Six Nations championship as the rugby. This pocket sized book will be a godsend to any one who isnt sure of the words and wants to join in the impromptu singing sessions and to tour organiser who wants to ensure that everyone knows the words to all the songs making sure that even if Wales dont win the rugby as far as the singing is concerned the land of song will always be leading the way. The Six Nations Rugby Song Book is available at www.ylolfa.com and bookshops around Wales for 2.95. A list of Songs included in the book
Wales Hen Wlad fy Nhadau, Sosban Fach, Calon Ln, Myfanwy, Cwm Rhondda, Bread of Heaven, When the Coal Comes from the Rhondda, I Bob Un Syn Ffyddlon, Hymns and Arias, Delilah, Well Keep a Welcome in the Hillside England God Save the Queen, Jerusalem, Swing Low, Abide With Me, Amazing Grace Ireland A Soldiers Song, Irelands Call, Molly Malone, Fields of Athenry, The Wild Rover, Danny Boy Scotland The Flower of Scotland, Loch Lomond , Scotland the Brave France La Marseillaise, Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien Italy Inno di Mameli Other Nations God Defend New Zealand, The Haka, Advance Australia Fair, Waltzing Matilda, God Bless Africa
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Americymru: For how many years have you been an accompanist at the North American Festival of Wales? |
![]() 'SexBomb' is a two-piece Tom Jones tribute band from Hanford CA, combining the musical talents of William Parry ( vocals ) and Bobby Z ( guitar, trumpet ). The band will be performing at the Left Coast Eisteddfod in Portland Oregon 2010 ( watch this space for further details ). They agreed to a world exclusive interview with Americymru which we proudly present below. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Americymru: 'Sexbomb' are about to explode on the Portland music scene in October 2010. Can you tell us a little about how the band came to be formed? Sexbomb: True, Im excited for Portland. Weve been terrorizing, uh, I mean, rocking the California music scene for months now, so a little West Coast Tour 10 will be epic. Sexbomb came together as a natural progression; an evolution really of all my past musical forays and experiences . . . that and my other band broke up when my bass player went to jail for his second DUI. Plus, Bobby Z (SBs other half, and guitarist / trumpeter supreme) had just been asked to leave his churchs band, so the timing was perfect. Americymru: Can you explain the symbolic significance of the bands name? Sexbomb: Sexbomb is named after Sir Tom Jones 2000 hit song of the same name, from his massive Reload album. We cant really play Sexbomb live yet (its disco beats dont lend themselves well to a 2-man acoustical arrangement), but its a way cooler band name for us than, say, Daughter of Darkness or Letter to Lucille. No symbolism, Bob and I are both married (not to each other). Americymru: Can you describe a typical 'Sexbomb' performance? Sexbomb: Id say that were the greatest band in the world by default, as we tribute/cover the greatest performer in the world; makes sense. (But, Surprisingly good was the overall audience consensus at our world debut in October 09. Were a 2-man acoustical/unplugged act.) Were fun, upbeat, disinclined to take ourselves too seriously, but always respectful of Sir Tom and the material . . . Bob and I like to rock the house, and get off stage quickly so we can go get properly pissed (Ok, more pissed.) Bottom line, were a very fun, entertaining band; what we may lack in talent and classical training we more than make up for with enthusiasm, good humor, and a love for Sir Tom. Americymru: Who, besides Sir Tom, are your biggest influences? Sexbomb: Good question. Vocally Id have to say Chris Cornell, Dick Haymes, and Dean Martin. Onstage, my biggest performance influences are David Lee Roth, the late Robert Palmer, and Big Ernie McCracken. Bob has a range of guitar influences, including Johnny Cash, Jimmies Hendrix and Page, Richie Blackmore, Brian May, and even some heavy metal guitarists, which has something to do with his ejectment from the church band. Americymru: How long have you been a Tom Jones fan? Sexbomb: Since birth, Im Welsh!! I first saw Sir Tom live in August of 84 at the Paso Robles mid-state fair; that was my Woodstock. Blew me away. Ive seen him live many times since, and even shook his hand at the August 9, 95 gig in Visalia (nearly took a savage beating after from a group of insanely jealous, panty-less housewives), and again in Vegas on April 27, 06. Epic. (Bobs been a fan since I begged him to form SB with me last year.) Hear 'Delilah' and 'She's A Lady' performed by Sexbomb Americymru: 'Sexbomb' celebrates Welsh culture with particular reference to 'Tom Jones'. Can you explain the significance of drinking in Welsh culture?
Sexbomb: Ah, wow, big question I could more easily break down the I Ching, the Koran, or the DeNiro vs. Pacino debate. Its kind of at the Heart of our culture isnt it? (um, have I revealed too much about my own personal habits here?)
Americymru: We have pictures of you in a kilt at a Chicago Mass transit station. Can you explain what you were doing on that occasion and were you arrested for it?
Sexbomb: Under advice of my counsel, Im really not supposed to talk about that as litigation is still pending, and Ill thank you to drop the subject. I will say this, just to clarify: I was never arrested, merely detained for questioning. And that was mostly the fault of fellow Americymru member Phil Morgan (for plying me with copious amounts of Newcastle at the Wales v. USA rugby match earlier that day, where you may have seen me a tattooed dancing Gorilla waving a Welsh flag if you watched the gameIm told I made the ESPN2 and BBC telecasts.) The statute of limitations for drunk in public and indecent exposure doesnt expire for another 20 months, so, no further comment. (ps youll be subpoenaed and well be setting your deposition soon to ferret out exactly how you came in to possession of said photos.)
Americymru: Does 'Sexbomb' have any plans to record? Is there anywhere online where people can hear the band?
Sexbomb: Yes, were recording now actually at American Made Studios, in Fresno, California, with our good friends Marc Kapetan and Paul Smokin Joe Turner. When our master recordings are mixed down and ready, were prepared to debut them here on Americymru !! (youve still got that case of Penderyn youre sending me, right?) Americymru: You are rightly famed on the Americymru site for an incident involving a flight of stairs in your student years. Care to tell us a little more about that? Any chance of a demonstration at the Eisteddfod? ( we need to know for insurance purposes- Ed )
Sexbomb: My only comment is to advise others never to slide head-first down a cement stairway on a lousy 20 quid bet (particularly after 9 JR Tenant Supers). I should have counted the damn steps 34 steps at that blood alcohol level is ill-advised, from what I remember anyway. (Hey, did I ever get paid for that?!@?) And will I be recreating that feat at the LCE? Oh, no, Im much more mature now and . . . um, why?, you gonna have any JR Tenants Super there??
Americymru: Any upcoming gigs you'd like to mention?
Sexbomb: Were playing the Sky Line Room in Fresno, Calif. later this month, with a couple return dates tentatively in the works. (ie, if we dont get too drunk and stink up the initial gig.) Were also set to rock Joey Rubinsteins bar mitzvah in March, and the Kings County Fair this summer. Things are really taking off.
Americymru: Any final message for the members and readers of Americymru?
Sexbomb: To live for today and to love for tomorrow is the wisdom of a fool, because tomorrow is promised to no one. You see, love is that wonderful thing that the whole wide world needs plenty of. So, if you think for one minute you can live without, then youre only fooling yourself. Without Love by Sir Tom Jones. Amen.
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![]() First Minister salutes Llangollen Festival as a Global Phenomenon Virtuoso Violinist & Villa fan returns! 2010 sees the return of Llangollen Festival as they announce their star line up including some of the biggest names in the music industry who are at the top of their game - including Karl Jenkins OBE, Only Men Aloud, Llr Williams, Bond and the one and onlyNigel Kennedy! So this Eisteddfod will celebrate the classical, the contemporary, the traditional, the sexyand the unexpected! Stifyn Parri, Local Entrepeneur/Concert Producer/PR. With this years line up the Llangollen 2010 programme is possibly stronger than ever, says Festival Director Mervyn Cousins. Its fantastic to have Nigel Kennedy back in Llangollen of course and were also proud to be featuring Karl Jenkins, one of our most distinguished musical figures. The excitement our line up has engendered is truly amazing - our season ticket income is almost as high as it was in 2009 and its only January! Amongst the fifty thousand people hoping to visit this years Festival will be Wales First Minister Carwyn Jones. Not only is this one of Waless major festivals, he says, its also a truly global phenomenon and one that we can be justifiably proud of throughout the land of song. And there will be a huge welcome for Only Men Aloud too as they make their Llangollen debut on the Friday. These proud Welshmen have wowed audiences throughout the land recently with their sell-out UK tour and their chart-topping albums, and now theyre about to see some of that famed Llangollen magic for themselves. Says Only Men Aloud Leader Tim Rhys-Evans: Weve been on such a roller-coaster ride recently following the success of our number 1 second album and the accompanying tour and, of course, its been such a fantastic experience to take to the stage throughout Britain and the world but to be invited to sing at Llangollen for the first time is a great honour. This is such a special event and Llangollen Eisteddfod is justifiably respected throughout the world as a centre for musical excellence. So to headline a concert there is thrilling. The name is Bond. Just Bond. Yes, the striking four-piece string band ( featuring Cardiff-born Eos Chater ) will be in Llangollen on the Thursday night to take the festival by storm in an unforgettable extravaganza called Shine! Llangollen is celebrated the world over for a very good reason, says Eos, it's unique and has such an incredible atmosphere. The whole musical world gets together in this exquisite Welsh town and everyone always has an amazing time. We are so excited to be part of this years party and, for me, it's particularly exciting to share Wales with the other BOND girls - we cant wait to get on that stage to strut our stuff!
Magical, exuberant and vibrant, in 2010 Llangollen goes from from strength to strength. First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said: Llangollen is well regarded throughout the world. For more than sixty years, musicians and dancers have flocked here from all four corners of the globe to compete and to create a superb atmosphere of peace and harmony. It all promises to be a musical feast and theres no excuse for you missing out on the festival vibe, says Festival Director Mervyn Cousins. This year, in addition to our popular Gold and Silver Season Ticket options were introducing the Platinum deal. This new ticket covers all the Eisteddfod concerts and competitions from Tuesday evening to Sunday evening in the same seat and represents a 25% saving on the full cost of these events; with no Booking Fee payable. And there is a free Festival Souvenir Programme too so its a winner all the way! Take this opportunity to join us for the whole week! Its going to be the best Llangollen yet! www.llangollen2010.co.uk Ticket Office 01978 862001 (or general number 862000). |
Second Chance to WIN 2 Tickets to Karl Jenkins Concert 'Music Masters of Wales' in New York City on March 6th
By Ceri Shaw, 2010-01-19
![]() Following the success of our recent ticket giveaway competition for the 19th January performance of 'Requiem' and 'The Armed Man' at Avery Fisher Hall in NY Distinguished Concerts International has very generously offered us 2 FREE TICKETS to the 'Music Masters of Wales' concert at the Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall on March 6th. The concert is part of Wales Weekend USA and will feature Karl Jenkins conducting the US premiere of his 'Euphonium Concerto' and selections from 'Sacred Songs'. As before we are offering these tickets as a QUIZ PRIZE on Americymru! Just answer the three easy quiz questions below ( answers can all be found on Wikipedia ) and send them to us at americymrucontest@gmail.com (this is a temporary email account and all email addresses will be deleted when it is closed after the competition entry deadline ). We'll throw all the entries in a hat and pick the winner! Please email us by Wednesday, March 3rd, no later than 9 AM. Tickets will be ready at will call on 3/6 at the Carnegie Hall; the winner will just need to bring a photo ID. ( Only one entry per email address is permitted. Duplicates will be disqualified )
Karl Jenkins Quiz
Karl Jenkins Conducts "Palladio" For more information on the concert: http://www.dciny.org/2010-opportunities/Saturday-March-6-2010.html |
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Questions
We think you'll agree that these questions are not too tricky. Please email your answers to americymrucontest@gmail.com . The two lucky winners will be chosen by random selection on February 17th and prizes will be mailed shortly thereafter. This competition is open to both Americymru and non-Americymru members and there is no need to log into the site in order to participate. All email addresses will remain confidential and will be deleted after the prize draw on the 17th. Best of luck:) Read our Interview with Niall Griffiths. Images of Niall at the Left Coast Eisteddod 2009 . You can also enter 2010 Eisteddfod Competitions on this page. Guardian review of Stump HERE Guardian review of Runt HERE
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Managing a social networking site introduces you to many new varieties of nefarious and scurrilous online activity. One of these is 'friend whoring'. This is the paractice of sending out friend requests to large numbers, or all, members of a network in order to establish a large friends list. The advantage of this to marketers ( viagara salesmen and the like ) is that they can then send out broadcast emails to their 'friends' without scrutiny by site administrators and moderators. Obviously this is a highly undesirable state of affairs and one which we constantly guard against. We carefully scrutinize each new application for membership in order to weed out these elements but we can never be 100% successful.
For these reasons we are always concerned when otherwise dormant and inactive members suddenly start to send out large numbers of 'Friend Requests'.
We are advising members not to accept these in circumstances where there seems to be no good reason for the request to be made.
We are taking the unusual step of issuing this security advisory because there are some indications from the log files that spammers have been taking an increasing interest in our network in recent weeks. Therefore we think its wise to proceed with caution.