Designing a Celtic show - inspired by the West Indian Parade, New York City

I was inspired by the beautiful colors and designs in NYC's West Indian parade and looking to create some of that gorgeousness in my own show. First step is getting someone to design a Celtic jacket for me to wear on stage. I want the beautiful colors, the shiny fabric (except where the violin lands - shiny fabric makes it slide), and lots of glitter and glam. Purple is definitely my favorite color, but some Emerald Green could be thrown in too.....
...and then I have to try one of those new LED violins. The colors are beautiful!

May 2014 - Superbowl, St. Patrick'a Day parade and my first 5K, Purple Stride.

2014 has flown by so far. In January my home team won the Superbowl, and I jumped in to the Superbowl Boulevard (Times Square) frenzy. I wasn't in Seattle for the celebration, but I have my sources!

Then it was St. Patrick's Day.  The coldest New York City St. Patrick's day parade ever but this gentleman had enough Irish charm to warm us all up.

and to keep the momentum of 2014, I decided to sign up for my first 5K. 

It was Purple Stride, which raises money for Pancreatic Cancer research. 

The race had such a nice spirit, I loved all the purple. 

Before the race started they had this band, and I still haven't found out what school they are from.  But they got me going and I beat my record by 6 minutes!  I may still be one of the slowest runners in Brooklyn, but knowing it was for a good cause made it all worth it. 

The Pipes of Christmas: New York CIty Christmas shows

December is officially starting and it's my favorite holiday season.

Every year I choose a special holiday concert to attend.
I've been to "A Tuba Christmas", where hundreds of tuba players descend on the ice rink at Radio City Music Hall....
I went to "An Irish Christmas" (Irishartscenter.org) last year which was a nice showcase of music
and I even did the "Radio City Christmas Show", which was truly spectacular....
radiocity.musichall-ny.com/

This year on 12/14 I'm checking out the "Pipes of Christmas"  (www.pipesofchristmas.com).
Celtic music in a beautiful New York City church.

If you know me, you know I love the pipes. I'm also doing some research because someday I'd like to have a Holiday show of my own....

The music brings the holiday spirit to me, and I hope to you too.

A Fiddle Around Town shows on BCAT 10/22 10 pm

Cady's TV special, "A Fiddle Around Town" is now showing
TUESDAY OCTOBER 22nd at 10 pm on BCAT
(In New York City, Timewarner 34/Cablevision 67/Verizon 42) and ONLINE STREAMING WORLDWIDE AT
bricartsmedia.org/community-media/watch-brooklyn-public-network

(It missed it's former air date due to a computer/person error)

Show covers: Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School, Thompson Island, McPherson Kansas Scottish Festival, author Christine Finlayson's new mystery (Tip of a Bone), special guest Irish dancer Siobhan Butler and guitarist Vita Tanga. (Plus fiddling by Cady Finlayson)
low-resolution is also available on youtube anytime....
http://youtu.be/OvqEEGReS-E

"A Fiddle Around Town" Airs on BCAT TV network 10/18 7 pm

We did it! My first tv special, A Fiddle Around Town, airs Friday October 18th 7 pm EASTERN STANDARD TIME on BCAT TV network.  Watch worldwide online at
http://www.bricartsmedia.org/community-media/watch-brooklyn-public-network channel one
or on tv in New York City Time Warner 34/Cablevision 67/RCN 82/Verizon 42
OR you can check out the low-res version on my youtube channel available anytime.
http://youtu.be/OvqEEGReS-E

BRIC Community Media Center was in my neighborhood this summer, and I took classes there to learn tv production. It's a lot to learn and this is my first one, so it's a work in progress...but I'm very excited to have completed one special. 

Our first special features Irish dancer Siobhan Butler doing a traditional style of Irish dance called sean-nos. We have clips from Boston Harbor fiddle school, McPherson Kansas Scottish Festival (sheep!),












We have the Brooklyn Bookshelf featuring my sister Christine Finlayson's latest mystery, Tip of a Bone.... and of course fiddle music.  Also featured in this segment is guitarist Vita Tanga.

It takes a lot of people to work on a tv show, and I'm very grateful to those who were a part of the process, most especially my classmates and colleagues at BRIC that filmed the TV studio part of the show. 
That would be: 
PJ Landers (director, robotic camera), Andrew Thomas (Technical director), Scott Hampton (camera)
Rafael Diaz (camera) Jarmil Clyne (floor manager), Gwendolyn Etienne (Teleprompter), Clifford Acquaye (sound engineer). 
Brian Lynch did a years worth of editing, and I take the blame for all the issues (sound synch!) that came up, because now I know what NOT to do with the film....

My favorite part of the show is the sheep herding in McPherson Kansas.  But there is something there for everyone, from athletic games to music and books.

Enjoy the show!
Remember it's on youtube now too, if you want to watch it at your leisure. 
http://youtu.be/OvqEEGReS-E  (low-res version)
-cady

BRIC ARTS MEDIA: a neighborhood treasure

This summer I found out about BRIC arts media. What a treasure! I planned to take a class on "short-form media" to get some ideas/tips for my youtube channel. (www.youtube.com/cadyfinlayson)

BRIC ORIENTATION
In order to take the class, you must attend an orientation so I did.
They had snacks, the room was packed, and we watched a somewhat outdated film about the history of tv.
The orientation leader spoke about BRIC and talked about how to have a tv show, or material aired on their channel (BCAT).  I didn't go there to do a tv show but as I was sitting there, I thought, why not? Why not THINK BIG! (I often disagree with Donald Trump, but I love his quote,...."If you're going to think, THINK BIG!".
So I signed up for classes (Field Production, Digital Stories and the big one, TV studio production).  Their classes are well-taught and affordable. You do have to give them some footage for BCAT in exchange, but that was the point after all.

I'm working out some ideas now for a "Special" that like the other shows, will be 28 minutes and 30 seconds. I'm filming our Kansas trip  (Scottish festival) and hope to include some Sean-Nos dancing which I'm totally in love with (old-style Irish dancing that is sort of like tap dancing).  I'll do segments on favorite places,  cool people, must-reads (my sister's new book, Tip of a Bone www.christinefinlayson.com). I might even do a segment on my journey into physical fitness...

The photo shows one of our teachers, Matt, in the tv studio class.  And here's the takeaway....I knew I would enjoy the creating part of tv, and meeting other creative people. What completely surprised me was how much fun it was to work with the various machines in the control room.  I'm usually the first to run away from technology, so this was an extra surprise. I guess we get so used to what we do that we don't realize the world of possibilities out there.
BRIC does a wonderful job of creating options....
I hope to have some show news soon.....

Motivation and Change

Lots of people that write about motivation and change. It's a complex topic because we all seem to be motivated by different things and have different comfort levels.

One of my New Year's resolutions was to be more brave. I took one of those online "comfort zone" quizzes to see where you are in relation to other people your age (they say we're less likely to try new things as we get older).  The whole first part was about adrenalin - skydiving, bunjy jumping etc. I joked at my concert that I failed the first section, and my idea of being brave and pushing the limits was parallel parking in Brooklyn. Everyone laughed, but it's true!

So being brave for me means trying new things that don't involve jumping out of an airplane.
So far in 2013 I've:
1. Signed up for personal training at the YMCA
(new strategies for working out, physical changes and .....more motivation to try other new things. I was really surprised to find I actually enjoy running around the track. Not that I can go that far yet, but still.

2. Enrolled in media classes at BRIC arts (in training to do a cable tv special).  Technology is not my strength, but  the classes are small and they offer lots of support.
(Learning a lot, enjoying it and looking forward to having my own youtube series as well as cable tv specials when I'm ready).

As an artist, musician and entertainer, you can always do more- that's the challenge and that's the beauty of it too because there's always something new to create and learn.  I'm finding that getting things together in one area often inspires the other.

So here's to growing and finding what inspires YOU!
It's worth it!

Asta String Conference

This past week I attended my first American String Teachers Association conference, otherwise known as ASTA.  (astaweb.com).  I've wanted to check out this conference for years.  This year, for the first time, it did not fall in March, which was wonderful (if you play Irish music in NY as I do, you are pretty much booked for St. Patrick's gigs all through March).

I WENT WITH NO EXPECTATIONS
 I wasn't selling anything, trying to make connections, or even planning to go to particular sessions.  My main requirement for myself was that I find good strong coffee and workout a couple times. The Omni Providence had a nice gym, and as a bonus,  the gym also had the best strong coffee in the entire hotel.

MY INTEREST WAS AS A VIOLINIST
I do teach (at the United Nations International School) and I"m always interested in ways to help students, but I confess my real interest was as a violinist. So I started with the Eclectic string workshops that were held a day before the conference. Lots of cool ideas about improv and chances to experiment with it all. Christian Howes did a session that was especially fun http://www.christianhowes.com
I also really enjoyed the groove workshop by Tracy Silverman http://www.traceysilverman.com

There were numerous teaching workshops, and I went to several on tuning large groups, sightreading, working with special needs students, and creative ways to work with students, both musically and in areas such as motivation. Sometimes a little tip could make a big difference (i.e. for special needs kids that have trouble processing info, use short directions with no filler. i.e. "Get a pencil" or  "Sit down" instead of "Please take a pencil and then sit down".

TEACHERS THAT SURPRISED ME
For the most part the workshops were outstanding. There were a few teachers that said they were uncomfortable doing even basic improv in teaching, and that surprised me.  There were also some teachers that seemed totally dedicated to their teaching, without much of a musical life outside it. That didn't surprise me as much, but it made me a little sad.  Overall though, I was impressed with the quality of the workshops and came home with some new ideas.

HIGHPOINTS OF THE CONFERENCE
1. Rachel Barton Pine played a version of Brahms lullaby that was exquisitely beautiful.
2. I had way too much fun buying things in the exhibit hall and ended up with music, a blingy violin key chain, glittery rosin, and a new wireless system that I got at the Electric violin shop booth.
3. The variety of musicians there in the violin world - Mark O'Connor, Mark Wood, Christian Howe, Juilie Lyonn Lieberman, Martha Mooke, Tracy Silverman....just a lot of people who do their own thing.

December 21st, 2012

New York City is just now starting to get chilly and it seems that winter is on its way after all.  Part of me was hoping it would miss us entirely.

This fall has felt like that game of kickball we used to play in gym....where things keep getting thrown at you. Although I was out-of-town during Hurricane Sandy,  it was incredible to see the devastation, and I felt for the people that lost their homes.
NYC banded together and things were settling down again, and then we were devastated to hear about the events in Newtown, CT. The day after that, I was subbing at my former job, teaching the beginning violin class. Many of those kids are 6 years old. They always make me smile with the way they look at the world,  and that brought it all home.

In spite of all the kickballs, I decided to go beyond the Macy's window and do some real shopping.

 I made it as far as the LEGO store in Rockefeller Center.  That is not a store for the meek or those that don't have a clue about legos.  Legos seem to have developed quite a bit since I remember them and I was pretty lost there, but I managed to get in the HUGE line with a purchase, although that was almost my shopping limit for the day.
After the lego store,  I walked by St. Patrick's Cathedral and decided to go in and sit for a minute. It's such a beautiful church and felt very peaceful after the consumer madness. I needed to remember what Christmas was really about, and it was a great reminder.
Admittedly, after feeling the true spirit of Christmas, I did head over to the American Girl store for a quick purchase. I do enjoy walking around this store, and don't feel I need to buy everything there, unlike some people in line. I like watching the girls with their dolls and the hair salon for dolls always makes me smile.
I'm almost ready to start getting ready for the holidays! And I may be the last one, but I do love the magic of Christmas, and hope that we can hold onto that throughout life.

Vita and I have our first concert of the New Year in Windsor CT on January 19th 7:30 pm.  It's at a place called Northwest Park. Northwestpark.org/concerts.htm
We've been working on new sets to kick off the New Year and it should be a special show. So tell anyone you know in Windsor, we'd love to see them!

Wishing a very happy holiday season to all!
cady

Hurricane Sandy and The Town I loved so well

Last Friday I went over to the Armory in my neighborhood (my YMCA). It's a shelter at the moment for those displaced by hurricane Sandy.  I was actually in Seattle during the hurricane, so like many people I saw the devastating photos on tv and it was hard to imagine it was really happening.  My Brooklyn neighborhood wasn't flooded at all, and when I see what happened to some areas of Brooklyn, I feel very blessed.
One of the areas that is just devastated is the Rockaways, which is a community that includes a lot of Irish families. I played there for a concert at Fort Tilden several years ago, and I remember how many people turned out to picnic/dance and listen.
The shelter in my neighborhood includes many seniors from assisted living facilities in the Rockaways.  They've set up cots all over the running track, and it's both amazing and sad to see. On the side of the room they have a "wellness area" that offers music, arts, haircuts, knitting etc. every hour. Anything to lift the spirits - . I went to play there and was planning to do some happy jigs and reels , but what the people really wanted to hear was songs.... Danny Boy (several requests), "When Irish Eyes are Smiling", and then the one that got to me, "The Town I loved so well".  This song is about going back to Derry, when it has been decimated by war and bombing.  Sort of a sad parallel for many of those people.
I came home and listened to Paddy Reilly singing it - I love this verison. (song my Phil Coulter).
It reminded me of the power of music.

I have those people at the shelter to thank for reminding me of that.

Irish Music Wednesdays in Woodside!

Last October Wednesday at Two Shotz
Wednesday October 24th 9 pm to midnight 54-11 Northern Boulevard in Woodside Queens.
The bar is next to a tire store, and has some other name on the front. Confusing!
Cady & Vita will be playing Spirited Irish music!, no cover

Irish Music Wednesdays in Long Island City

This photo was taken at 7 am on one of the last days of summer. My friend and colleague guitarist Pat Bianculli took it.  I've always loved the Brooklyn bridge and on days like this, the view is spectacular. If you haven't walked across that bridge, I highly recommend it.

Fall has officially begun in New York City. 
This month, Vita and I are doing Irish music Wednesdays at Two Shotz Bar, in Long Island City.
It's a cozy friendly bar, and right by the R/M train stop to Northern Boulevard.
Spirited Irish Music! Guinness specials $3! 9 pm to midnight.
Their facebook page is here....
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Two-Shotz-Bar-Lounge/439773686040644?fref=ts

Other news...Concerts in your home did an interview with me.  Not the standard questions, so it got me thinking about alot of topics, including Donald Trump and driving.
http://lrnblog.posterous.com/renewal-interview-cady-finlayson

Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen County: 20th Anniversary Tattoo

It's the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen County. I've been playing for them for ten years....
There's a big concert at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center NJPac.org
and lots of events....come celebrate with us!
bergen2012.com

Denver & Raleigh Shows!

September news.  GIG JUST BOOKED IN DENVER AT KATIE MULLENS IRISH RESTAURANT
We're on our way to Denver for an Arts presenters conference (Western Arts Alliance). We'll be doing a couple very short showcases so presenters can see what our show is, and decide if they'd like their audiences to experience Spirited Irish fiddle with a Global Twist.  Showcases are sort of like speed dating- you have only a moment to be your best self. The downside is they can feel artificial and against everything music is, but the upside is that it's a chance to be heard by new audiences (presenters).  There are also lots of other people selling whatever it is they do. It's interesting to me to see what is out there, even if it's not something I'd normally go hear.

The good news is, we also have a real gig. Thanks to Andy Hackbarth (great songwriter and guitarist - check him out www.andyhackbarth.com).
We'll be playing at Katie Mullens Irish Restaurant and Pub, which is in downtown Denver. www.katiemullens.com Fri September 7th 9 pm...
Tell all your friends, we're going to have a fun night!

Then the next week we're off to Raleigh NC for an afternoon show Sept. 16th gslchurchnew.org....and then it's back to NY as I'm playing for the Bergen County pipe band's 20th anniversary njpac.org
 That will be a whole blog in and of itself....

Interview by GoGirlsMusic

The interview is in! 

This one got me thinking about why I do what I do and how many people are a part of it.

and yes, even Dolly Parton is an influence. 

 http://www.madalynsklar.com/2012/08/04/gogirls-interview-with-cady-finlayson/

When it rains ...it pours!

The phrase, "when it rains, it pours..." seems to apply for September.

Upcoming Shows to know about....

Irish Music Show in Queens NY
August 9th Sergeant Collins Park 7 pm 58th st. and Broadway in Woodside Queens
Outdoor show so check website for show weather updates if it looks like rain...fiddleandguitar.com

September 5th  and 6th in Denver Colorado
Cady Finlayson & Vita Tanga Showcase at Western Arts Alliance Conference in Denver, CO.
Wed Sept 5th Hyatt Regency Hotel 11 pm, Granite Room, 3rd floor. (20 min. showcase)
Thurs Sept 6th Hyatt Regency Hotel, 11 pm, Granite Room, 3rd floor (20 min. showcase)

September 16th in Raleigh, North Carolina 3 pm
Cady Finlayson & Vita Tanga perform at the Music at Good Shepherd Series
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
7000 Creedmore Rd.
Raleigh, NC  27613
gslchurchnew.org
Admission free, all ages welcome. Spirited Irish fiddle show!

Saturday September 22nd 7 p.m. New Jersey
Cady Finlayson performs with the Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen County for their 20th Anniversary Show. Tickets $50 and going fast....
Bergen Performing Arts Center bergenpac.org

Irish Arts week was spectacular! The best part had to to be the nightly concerts.  One night Gabriel McKeon played the uilleann pipes like I've never heard them played before, and the whole audience was still, listening. He played so many chords, it sounded like an organ and I almost felt like I was in church. 


There were sessions every night, and one that started late due to Skunks in the Pub!
Actually that was the difficult part of the Catskills, driving with so many deer and animals around.

The part I was worried about was staying in a camper by myself, but I did fine with that. I had a lot of help!





and now, getting psyched for our upcoming show in Raleigh, NC on September 16th.....3 pm
It's the  Music at Good Shepherd Concert Series  (Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, gslchurchnew.org
Vita and I loved North Carolina when we were there for the Almost Heaven Tour, and we never saw Raleigh, so this will be our chance.

Countdown to Irish Arts Week 2012

 12 days countdown until Irish Arts week in the Catskills (July 15th-21st).
This is what I"ll be doing!!

Summer plans and Irish Arts Week!

Just yesterday I was reading about how to get ready for swimsuit season, and realized, it already is swimsuit season! So I guess I'll just be swimming as is...

This summer has been mostly about catching up, and if all goes well, I should be caught up by next summer. We have a show June 30th in Staten Island that is the perfect opportunity to try some new material, so I've been going through new tunes and experimenting with different combinations. I even bought a book of Gypsy violin tunes - how about that in the middle of an Irish reel set?!

In July I'm heading up to East Durham for Irish Arts week. I'm taking a few classes including some Canadian fiddling and I'll be at the sessions.  I found a cool youtube site of the sessions last year, and if you're wondering what goes on there, here is an example.

Highlights from St. Patrick's Month NYC 2012