Burning Bridget Cleary: Tour/News

Dear Friends and Fans of Celtic Music,

We have big, happy news for 2012!  The Burning Bridget Cleary band lineup is once again complete.

Please allow us to introduce to you . . .

the lovely and talented . . .  Kat Watson. 

So, enough of the formalities, already!  Let’s get acquainted . . .

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 Kat lived most of her young life in Texas, growing up surrounded by Celtic music. Her Dad is a native Scot – yes, the Texas Watsons’ still make their traditional family shortbread – only now it’s in the shape of armadillos!

At the age of ten, Kat began studying classical violin, adding in fiddle lessons the next year. During high school, her family moved to the mountains of central California where she continued playing both classical and fiddle styles as she studied with Mischa Lefkowitz of the L.A. Philharmonic and played with the Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra.  

Fiddle teachers included Andy Stein (Prairie Home Companion), Sandy MacIntyre (Cape Breton), Natalie Haas (cello), and Alasdair Fraser (Scottish fiddle).

After graduating with a B.S. in Accounting in 2009, Kat landed a job and moved to Harrisburg, PA. Finding few Celtic musicians in the area, Kat played with several rock groups, polishing her audience skills and developing an exceptional, high-energy performance style.

Kat is excited to return to her Celtic roots and BBC looks forward to exploring new directions with her. 

FYI, Kat's given name is Katherin (kath-AIR-in), but she's happy to let us shorten it to “Kat”.  What’s her philosophy?  She comments,

 “The quote that I have lived by since I was little is,

Always believe in yourself and the rest is easy.   -Sara Hickman

That idea got me through moving from state to state, music competitions, concerts, bad break ups, hockey games, exams, the Tough Mudder challenge, and everything else that life has thrown at me, good or bad”.

We love her attitude.  It’s a pleasure and an honor to welcome Kat into the fold.  We know you are going to love her, too.

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Here's the scoop!  Burning Bridget Cleary is now accepting performance dates beginning in early March.  We have already heard from some of our favorite festivals (including the Celtic Classic and Buffalo Irish Fest) and some exciting new venues, too.  Our crystal ball pictures us in a Sellersville Theater co-bill (now confirmed on May 11th) with our friend, the mighty (mighty hilarious!) Seamus Kennedy  in the near future!  Booking inquiries, please call McShane Glover at Noteworthy Productions: 410-268-8232.

Stay tuned and keep an eye on the website over the coming weeks.  We will soon begin posting some sample music and behind-the-scenes rehearsal videos so you can get a sneak peak at what BBC is up to.  A new recording is in the works! 

 As always, thanks to all of you for your encouragement and support.  We received so many heartwarming messages and helpful suggestions over the past couple of months.  We truly appreciate every word and are inspired by your kindness.

We wish you all a healthy 2012, full of fun and Celtic music!

Love and cheer,

Rose, Kat, Lou, and Pete

http://burningbridgetcleary.com

http://sonicbids.com/burningbridgetcleary

http://reverbnation.com/#/burningbridgetcleary

Find us on Facebook and Pandora Radio!

We are going to Ireland and France-and we want YOU to come with us! This exciting 12-day tour will encompass 13 days and 11 nights: October 27-November 8 2012. On this tour you will enjoy the City of Light (Paris) and wonders of the French countryside as well as the quaint southwest of Ireland. Space is limited so do not miss this opportunity! If you have not already signed up to receive information for this tour, email info@burningbridgetcleary.com with the subject "European Tour" in the subject line. We are so thrilled to be working with Michele from Hammond Tours - an expert travel agent with a world of experience. She will be the go-to person with any questions you may have.

See you in Europe!

Dear Friends,

We thought you should know that our dear friend and band mate, Genevieve Gillespie, has chosen a new path on her life's journey.  Genevieve has decided to focus on her studies abroad and will be leaving the band after their 2011 season.  This will mark the first lineup change since Pete joined as our drummer in 2008.

This talented young woman has grown up in our midst, contributing so much to BBC’s growth and development.  She will be missed dearly by all of us.  We wish her every possible success.  Genevieve will be with BBC to perform at their last three shows of 2011.

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 November 20^th, 2011

Space Mountain House Concert Series – SOLD OUT

Coopersburg, PA

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 Sunday, December 4^th, 2011

A Celtic Christmas Concert for St. Malachy’s Parish

Showtime: 4 PM

76 St. Malachy Rd.
Cochranville Pennsylvania 19330
Tickets:  610-383-5068

Ticket Price: $20

Benefit Concert for the preservation of St. Malachy Parish Church. On a high hill of Doe Run Valley, St. Malachy Church is visible for miles around. Its establishment in the 18th century in this remote area of Chester County is an indication of early Irish Catholic settlement, a rarity in Penn's original counties.

This concert features a co-bill with the heavenly sounds of the The Jameson Sisters!  Come on out for a festive holiday treat!

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 Saturday, December 10^th, 2011

Steel City Coffeehouse

Showtime: 9 PM

203 Bridge St
Phoenixville Pennsylvania 19460
Phone: 610-933-4043

 General Admission: $15 advance/$18 day of show
Advance Reserved Seating: $21
Advance Reserved Seating with Dinner Entree: $26

Doors Open for Dinner by 7:00 PM

 Our fourth year!  This event has become a tradition and we love it. Please join us once again for a magical night, celebrating the winter solstice at the Firebird Festival in downtown Phoenixville, PA.

 

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 Tour News:  The “Burning Bridget Cleary France/Ireland Tour” is in the final stages of planning, with dates and details expected by week’s end.  This musical tour will include 5 nights each in France and Ireland, with an overnight ferry between the two countries.  If you have not already signed up to receive information, please send an e-mail to info@burningbridgetcleary.com with “European Tour” in the subject line. We'll be e-mailing all the exciting details within days.  Please consider joining us for another fantastic journey  ! 

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 As always, our thanks go out to you, our fans, for the love and support you have shown throughout our beginning years as a band.  Going forward, we will continue to expand our signature sound, and to share musical joy and good humor in every one of our performances and recordings.  After a short hiatus for auditions, we plan to have the band back to playing and touring by March. We look forward to seeing each and every one of you.  Stay tuned! 

  Dear Friends and Fans of Celtic Music,

  Warm thanks to all our friends, old and new, who made the time to come by and see us at the:

•  Annapolis Irish Fest,
• The Great American Irish Festival in Utica, and
• Bethlehem Musikfest

 It's been one humdinger of a summer so far. And POW . . .  the season has just shifted into high gear! 

 We have two festivals coming up this weekend . . .

First, a historic event: 

   Friday and Saturday, August 19-20^th

   The 50^th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival

  BBC's Friday Performance:  3 PM on the Lobby Stage

 

   Immediately followed by a CD Signing at the Merchandise Tent

 

CD signing immediately followed by a group musical number on the Main Stage with Birdie Busch (We'll be running, Folks)!

   BBC's Saturday Performance: 12 PM Fiddle Workshop on the Tank Stage

  Featuring Burning Bridget Cleary, Chris Brashear, Matt Combs, Tomoko Omura, Donna Hebert, Jane Rothfield

This year's theme:  "Musical Collaboration"

 

If you have never been to the Philly Folk Fest, then this is THE YEAR to make the scene! It just wouldn't be Folk Fest without a little mud and a lot of sun, so come prepared . . . appropriate footwear, tie-dye duds, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, sunglasses, tarp or low chair are suggested.  The one essential element . . . have your smiles ready!  

 

Then we're moving on to . . .

Sunday, August 21st

 

   

 

 The International Celtic Festival

   Hunter Mountain, NY (Catskills Region)

 

BBC Performances: 1:45 and 5:00 on the Mountain Stage 

This is our debut appearance at the International Celtic Festival.  We have heard great things about this fest and we are looking forward to a SUPER summer Sunday! Come on out, New Yorkers!

 Sunday features a Bagpipe Competition, followed by the spectacular Mass March as hundreds of pipers and drummers march down the mountain in unison. After the Mass March, the entire procession will play as one at the base of the mountain creating a

    spine-tingling sight and sound that is not to be missed.

 

 

  **BBC Radio News**

 

 

  BBC with Gene Shay and his Crew at WXPN

 Did you happen to catch Burning Bridget Cleary on WXPN or WXLV last week?

 

• On Sunday, August 7^th, Gene Shay invited us to be the featured live band on his "Philly Folk Festival Preview Show."  What an honor! We worked up a new song, too . . . a blue-grassy number that we broke out on his show for the first time. Gene has truly been a pal, inviting us multiple times to play on his show.  (This year will also be Gene's 50th Folk Fest anniversary as acting emcee)!
  
•  The next morning, we headed up to WXLV 90.3 FM in the Lehigh Valley and spent a hilarious hour with Maureen McGrath on her morning drive-time program, ”Reenie’s Adventures in Radio”, heard Mondays through Fridays from 6-9 AM.  We squeezed around one mic that morning, because the Musikfest had rounded up all the available equipment in town; but for our next visit, Reenie has promised us a real live performance from their state-of-the-art broadcast studio. Stay tuned, Stupid Babies!  (Don't blame us, Reenie taught us that).
  
•  This Thursday (8/18), "Down Jersey Jim" Albertson will play an extended 20 minute set of our music on his show on WVLT from 9-10 PM.  You can tune in to 92.1 FM in the South Jersey/Philadelphia/Wilmington region, or stream it from your computer.  Jim has been playing BBC every week for the past month, leading up to the Philly Folk Fest!  Thanks, Jim!  (The show is also archived for "anytime" listening).

 Get more frequent band updates by finding us on Facebook.

 Hope to see you all soon!

 Love and Cheer,

 Rose, Genevieve, Lou and Peter

We hope you are all enjoying some summer living, creating lasting memories with your family and friends.

 Ireland is now a beautiful dream! Back in May, we travelled from Dublin through Tipperary to Kinsale, Killarney, Galway City and Bunratty, playing at seven different venues, meeting new friends, and enjoying the gorgeous land and seascapes along the way. Our sightseeing was embellished by almost every type of weather, including gale force winds, soaking rains, and brilliant sunshine, often within the space of a day.

We especially want to thank our travelling companions, who put up with our shenanigans , cheered us on at our shows, and are forever a treasured part of the BBC family.

 One of the tour highlights was visiting the 19th Century home of Bridget Cleary. As many of you know, we had made contact with the private owners of the "Fairy Cottage" as it is locally known, back in 2007, when we left a copy of our first CD, Catharsis, for them to discover behind a boarded-up window.

The cottage has since been renovated by the new owners, John and Catherine, who graciously invited the band to come see their home, taking off a day of work, and personally driving us from the village of Cloneen. Their generous Irish hospitality even extended to the rest of the tour group, who were provided a homemade lunch at the local pub, just across the road from the cemetery where Bridget Cleary was laid to rest.

Another high point of our week was a visit to an ancient fairy fort. However, we were not allowed to step one foot around the ring without agreeing to strict rules, followed by a serious admonishment from Tom, our tour driver,

 "If anything bad happens to me in my life, I'll know who to come to"!

This was his warning about the risk of rule breaking! Before we left the fort, we all held hands while he said a blessing in Gaelic to keep us protected. At that moment, the wind kicked up so strong that his words were carried away.  Afterwards, the bus ride was hushed indeed for the next portion of our journey. We learned that the majority of the Irish people share his view that "it's not worth the risk" to disturb the fairy places.

The musical experiences in Ireland were equally extraordinary! In every town, at every venue, BBC was appreciated and welcomed with open arms. Rose and Genevieve made new Irish musician friends, who are touring around the USA, circling back this week to visit the girls a second time. Their band is called Portherhead and you will surely be hearing more from them in the near future. Check them out on You Tube!

 Photos from our adventure can be found on the photo page of this website.

 

 Burning Bridget Cleary, the award winning Celtic band from SE Pennsylvania, will be touring Ireland beginning this Sunday, May 22^nd through May 28^th.  

With a bus load of fans in tow, the high-spirited foursome will begin their tour in Dublin, with stops in Kinsale, Killarney, Galway City, and Bunratty.

Burning Bridget Cleary has made some recent additions to their Ireland musical itinerary.  Venues now include:

 

5/22: Taylors Three Rock in Dublin, 8 pm(S)

5/24: McSorley's Nightclub in Killarney,  8 pm (S)

5/25: Paudie's Bar in Dingle,  2 pm (P)

5/25: O'Donoghues Public House in Killarney,  8:30 pm (P)

5/26: Monroe's Tavern in Galway City,  8 pm (S)

5/28: Bunratty Folk Park in Bunratty,  2 pm (S)

5/28: Durty Nelly's in Bunratty, 8:30 pm (P)

 S = Formal Show with sound system

P = Pub session

 During their tour, they will travel through County Tipperary and visit sites related to the life and death of their namesake, Bridget Cleary, who is remembered as “the last witch burned in Ireland”.  The tour, arranged by Ameranall Travel, also includes: 4 star city-center hotels, the National Stud and Japanese Gardens, the Rock of Cashel, the Blarney Castle, the Dingle Peninsula, the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, Connemara Celtic Crystal, Bunratty Castle and Medieval Dinner, and more. 

You will need about 22 minutes to watch this, but it sure is fun! Click on Episode Five, which features the wedding of a couple in which the groom is from Ireland.  This reality TV show is produced at WGAL-TV in Lancaster.  They always try to use music from Pennsylvania musicians, so they looked around and found BBC.  What a coincidence that our new CD was released just days before!

 In the middle, during the lead-up to the wedding, listen for an excerpt from "Where's Pete"?  The end is a longer music montage set to "The Elfin Knight".  What a hoot!

Here's the link:  http://dreamweddingspa.com/.

On March 10^th, Burning Bridget Cleary has been invited to tape a 27 minute interview and performance segment on the award-winning “Horses Sing None of It”, a syndicated cable show featuring the best in folk & traditional music.  The long-running show, produced and hosted by banjo champion, Ralph Litwin, airs in the NY/NJ metropolitan region, and parts of California and the Mid-West.  This program will be taped in immediate advance of Burning Bridget Cleary’s highly anticipated third CD release on March 12^th.

Here is the link to find out where the show will be airing:  http://www.folkproject.org/tv/TVbroadcast.php#2

Burning Bridget Cleary, the high-energy Celtic folk band from SE Pennsylvania, is releasing their highly anticipated third CD in March 2011. Two CD Release Parties have been planned to date: 

•  March 12^th at the classic folk venue, Godfrey Daniels Listening Room in Bethlehem, PA
• March 17^th at World Café Live in Philadelphia

 This CD release has been timed to celebrate “Burning Bridget Cleary’s” fifth anniversary as a working band on St. Patty’s Day, 2011.  It is being mixed and mastered at Cambridge Sound Studios in Newtown, PA.

A third CD Release Party has been added:

• Friday, April 15th at Cambridge Sound Studios.  8 PM performance.

 Called “the Allman Brothers of Celtic fiddle bands, only prettier” (Mike Weekly, Pottstown Mercury), Burning Bridget Cleary was founded by Genevieve Gillespie and Rose Baldino, who lead the band with esprit and tightly woven harmonies in both fiddle and vocals. The driving rhythm and bass end is supplied by veteran Philadelphia guitarist, Lou Baldino, and Canadian native, Peter Trezzi, on djembe.  Since 2006, BBC has played hundreds of performances along the East Coast, and produced two CDs.  Their second production, “Everything is Alright” was named “2009 Album of the Year” by Boston-based CelticRadio.net.  Additionally, they placed first in two individual categories: “Contemporary” and “Jigs and Reels”.  Their highly anticipated third CD is scheduled for release in March.  Infamous for their captivating sound and merry stage presence, Burning Bridget Cleary has become one of the hottest young bands on the Celtic and folk circuits.

We now have a target date for release of the new CD:  St. Patrick's Day, 2011!

March 17th will be our fifth anniversary as a working band, so it seems an auspicious time for our official release.  We must thank Flip and Katie for asking us to perform at their annual St. Patty's Day House Party back in 2006.  This was BBC's first gig, and where we have played every year since then . . . it has become our good luck tradition!

Of course, we'll have a couple of grand CD release parties to celebrate with all of you! We are planning for two: one in Philly, and one in the Lehigh Valley.  Stay tuned!

So, you see . . . this is the real deal!  We have been invited to perform at two popular venues in Ireland - Taylor Three Rock in Dublin, and the Bunratty Folk Park!  We are honored to have these thrilling opportunities, and our first wish is that YOU can be there with us!  Besides the shows, we'll be touring to some of the most gorgeous sites in Ireland - in the whole world for that matter!  All the hotel stays are included, and all are located so that independent exploring will be as easy as walking down the street!  The flyer lists many of the wonderful experiences we will have as a group.  We'll take part in some traditional music sessions, too!  Come on along, make some new friends, and create the memories of a lifetime!  Here are the links to the flyer and the registration application form: BBC_Ireland_Flyer.pdf 

Registration_Application.doc 

Questions?  Concerns?  Call our tour organizer, Mary Ann Devery of Ameranall Travel: 215-256-6477.

Come on along on our Irish Musical Mystery Tour!

 

Disclaimer:  Photo may not represent actual tour bus or driver. 

Possible Side Effects:  Going on this tour with BBC may cause uncontrollable fits of hilarity; lucid visions of mythical creatures/little people/pink elephants; obsessive-compulsive preoccupation with umbrellas; chronic yearning for faraway shores; sudden, unexplained understanding of James Joyce novels; urgent cravings for bangers, rashers, or black pudding;  and a newfound propensity towards "lilting".

 Warning:  Fiddle melodies stuck in your head may be permanent.

 Boston, Massachusetts – Highlander Radio is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 Celtic Radio Music Awards. This Music Awards program was created to promote exceptional Celtic music across 6 categories of music plus the prestigious “Album of the Year”.  Nominations for this award are made throughout the year by listeners and members of CelticRadio.net. 

 

 

 Album of the Year - 2009

Burning Bridget Cleary

  Everything is Alright 

 The award program was expanded in 2008 to include the Celtic Radio Album of the Year. This award is given to acknowledge musical creativity and extraordinary work on an album which provides recognition of exceptional contributions to Celtic Music. Winner of this award category receives permission to use the Radio Music Award banner on their website, receives the esteemed and prestigious framed Celtic Radio Award and a beautiful black and gold embossed award plaque. Through the Celtic Radio Music award program our goal is to promote and recognize exceptional artists who display high standards of excellence and who have made significant contributions to Celtic Music throughout the world. 

 The Artists:

 "Rose Baldino and Genevieve Gillespie met eight years ago as pre-teens at a traditional Irish music session in Bethlehem, PA. Both come from musical families (Genna’s parents are founding members of the Celtic band, Blackwater) and both have been first place trophy winners at the Celtic Classic fiddle competitions. (In September 2009, they graduated to the role of judges for this competition). The natural pairing of these talented young women, backed on guitar by veteran musician, Lou Baldino, and joined by Peter Trezzi on djembe, has created a polished musical team with a fun, engaging stage presence and a captivating sound. A surefire crowd-pleaser!

 Burning Bridget Cleary is an energetic Celtic group featuring traditional music and song. Both Rose Baldino and Genna Gillespie have been playing since they were 10. Lou Baldino, a veteran in the music business, had a guitar in his hands at age 5. Their "Everything is Alright..." album is top notch and shows the talent and pure fun this group had in making such a wonderful album. We absolutely love Burning Bridget Cleary's "Everything is Alright" album and would highly recommend this CD to add to your Celtic Music collection. This CD has the depth and character of musicians many years advanced to their young ages and we will be very much anticipating their future recordings. 5 Golden Celtic Radio stars for "Everything is Alright" along with the honor to be designated as our Celtic Radio Album of the Year for 2009!

 All members and listeners of Celtic Radio can take pride in the fact that through our website and music channels, that we are making a difference in helping to promote Celtic Music through this award program. By bringing musicians, listeners and members together, we can truly make a difference through our unique social networking site called 'Celtic Radio.

 2009 Individual Award Categories

 

After a careful screening process, which is based upon listener nominations, ratings, requests, and other radio statistics; we select 3 songs across six categories of music for voting: Celtic Rock, Traditional, Jigs & Reels, Bagpipes, Roots Traditional and Contemporary. Voting begins on January 1st and ends on Celtic Radio’s popular St. Patrick’s Day celebration. For 2009 Celtic Radio received a record number of nominations. Winners receive recognition of this prestigious award through the induction into the Celtic Radio Hall of Fame and permission to use the Celtic Radio Music Award banner on their website.

   2009 Celtic Radio Music Award Recipients

Artist   Song   Album   Music Category   Enter the Haggis   Murphy's Ashes   Gutter Anthems   Celtic Rock   Celtic Thunder   Caledonia   Act Two   Traditional   Burning Bridget Cleary   Three Set   Everything is Alright   Jigs & Reels   Jim McRae   The Queen's Piper Medley   Global Gathering   Bagpipes   Celtic Thunder   Raggle Taggle Gypsy   Act Two   Roots Traditional   Burning Bridget Cleary   Soldier, Soldier   Everything is Alright   Contemporary

Hey everyone!

I can't believe it's been months since the last update. Strange! Well we had a few shows recently, and they all were great fun. The steel city coffee house was lovely as always, and thank you all to coming out to the firebird festival in phoenixville. Also we had a show at George School which was phenomenal. We had a really fantastic time, and all of the students and staff were so friendly and had great energy. (Thank you John Stevens for letting us sit in your lap-it's love!) An awesome show. This past weekend we played at WDIY's 15th Birthday Bash on the radio and for all the members. Funsiez! Well we obviously are so excited for this coming year. We have an awesome show on April 17th with Tempest and Coyote Run at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville-get excited. This summer we're taking a small tour down south to Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia, so all you people down south, keep an eye out for some madness! We are beyond pumped little chickens and are soooo excited to tour. The new CD is coming along, and although it may take awhile, we'll try and put a few of the new songs on the website before the release. BBC has also been nominated for two Celtic Radio Music Awards! Here is the website-http://www.celticradio.net/. So sign up, and vote for us! Lastly, I just want to say that, as the entire world is, we're very upset by the earthquake in Haiti, and urge you to donate money to the Clinton Foundation, and the Red Cross to help those in dire need. You can simply text to donate! Just text "Haiti" to 90999. I've done it and I think I'll do it again today! We're such a fortunate and well-off country, and we can all afford to give a little to the victims in Haiti. Well, this is all! We love you guys and we really really really hope to see you lots this year!

Love,

Rose and BBC

Hi! It is autumn and I must say, it is my favorite time of the year. It's gorgeous and of course we can all cozy up in a room and share a lovely night of music and drink together! (Minus the drinking part because Genna and I are like five.) So we have some hot shows coming up. I must push this Tin Angel show because it is honestly going to be a blast. We have a bunch of fun new material, we may be throwing out a bit of candy and other treats!  You really don't want to miss this one! Also we have Chaplin's Music Cafe and of course the Steel City Coffeehouse coming up. So please plan accordingly! Also, if you haven't already, find us on facebook for more updates, pictures, and exciting announcements you won't get anywhere else! If you don't have a facebook, stop trying to fight the man, and just get one. We also have a street team group if you're interested! It's super easy to use and you'll love it. We promise. Well time to watch America's Funniest Home Videos. Hah! Goodnight loves! Love, Rose and BBC

Hey guys and dolls,

So how do you like the new layout? I'd say I love it! Today, we played the Allentown Fair...woo! Me and the rents ate too much icecream, and now we're all downing tums and alka seltzer...fun for us! But not really...it's awful. Sunday, we play the Pocono Garlic Fest. Ha! That should be fun! Genna and I are back in school, Genna being in her freshman year and I in my sophomore. Woohooooo for work...So we have started work on our third CD, and although progress is slow at the moment, we hope to swing into full recording mode soon. There are so many exciting things coming up. One thing I'm mad pumped about is the 2009 Celtic Classic at the end of September. That is like one of my favi fests ever and we have two sets both Friday and Saturday. Also, Genna and I will be judging the celtic fiddle competition on the Sunday of that weekend! We're also getting excited for the Tin Angel gig on the night of Halloween. Get your tickets anytime! It's honestly going to be an incredible show and we are so happy to be coming back. Keep checking the calendar and feel free to leave comments...we love to hear from you! See you soon! :)

Love,

Rose and BBC

Okay, so BBC has some mad exciting things coming up and I personally cannot wait. On Sunday, we're playing at a festival in Bristol, and it's going to be super sweet. Also, this year is insane with all of the awesome venues we're performing at. We have Musik Fest, The Blackstone Valley Fest, The Celtic Classic, The Tin Angel, Steel City Coffeehouse, and my personal fav, The Philadelphia Folk Festival. I have been going to that festival since I was born, and it means so much to me that I get to perform there! Also, keep it on the DL but BBC is getting prepared to start recording a third CD. We have some amazing new material, and great ideas, so we are stoked. Also, Genna and I are going back to the Swannanoa Gathering in North Carolina this year, and will be studying with Martin Hayes, and Kevin Burke, and jamming with the best folk around. Also, if you're on facebook, join the BBC music fan page! Well, we'll keep you updated, but right now I'm going to purchase a frisbee and throw it around my yard...by myself. Hah! Love!

Love, Rose and BBC

Hey kids,
So guess what. It's almost Summer...and that makes me so happy. We just had some fantastic gigs. We played Siamsa Pub in Stroudsburg...always a favorite. We also played the Braveheart Pub in Hellertown, and met some fine folks who just got married, as well as many others. We also opened up for Enter the Haggis at Colonial Theater in Phoenixville. What a great venue. The crowd was great, ETH was great...really superb. If you look on their video blog on youtube, you'll see us talking to them backstage. Fun for us! There is also talk of starting a new CD...hm so we'll keep you updated on that. Genna is almost done senior year!! I'm almost done Freshman year...wooo, and my session in West Chester is going well. Man, we really have the best audiences, thanks so much for coming out to our shows. We love you guys. Hope to see you this summer!

Love, Rose and BBC

Hey music listeners,

Burning Bridget Cleary has got some really exciting things in the works for this year! We were recently played on WXPN on the Gene Shay show, and have an interview on his show on this station on February 8. One of the cuts from our new CD was published on Fiona Ritchie's "Thistlepod" podcast last week, so keep an ear out for our music! We were given a fantastic review by Jack Baker this month in his column "Piping it in", published in the January Irish American News out in Chicagoland. We have some great shows coming up in Philadelphia at the Tin Angel, and in Virginia at their yearly Highlands Festival. We are so excited and know this is going to be a great year for Celtic music! What fun for us all! Keep an ear on the radio and an eye on our calendar for more BBC music and news. Love you all and see you down the road!

Love, Rose and BBC

Hello loves,

So it's finally here! We're releasing our new CD, Everything is Alright, next month! We have two fantastic CD release parties so make sure you get out to at least one of them. The first is at the Steel City Coffeehouse in Phoenixville on December 13 and the next is in Bethlehem at the charming Godfrey Daniels on December 14. If you come to both shows, we'll give you a high five! These are both such great places to see a show and if you want a good seat order your tickets right away! We are so very excited for this CD and if you want to hear some samples you can go on to our myspace, www.myspace.com/burningbridgetcleary3 and hear some samples from it. If you listen to the Saucy Sailor you'll hear our fun improv in the middle of the song. We decided to just go insane and have fun with it which is what the CD is all about! Thank you all so much for listening and we hope to see you at one of our upcoming shows!!

Love,

Rose and Burning Bridget Cleary

Bonjour! We have been quite busy recording our new CD which is due out in the next couple months! We're so excited for the CD release parties, so make sure you check the website and mark your calendars. Also, this Saturday we are in Maryland at TWO places so check our calendar and see if you can get out to one of them! Quick update about our lives: Genna has been busy with her ballroom dance and school, I've been attending West Chester University which is lovely, and Lou has been busy recording his original new tune for the CD. See you Saturday!

~Rose and BBC

Hey kids,

I am currently eating blueberries. This past week has been amazing for the entire band! We took a trip down to Asheville, North Carolina and attended the Swannanoa Gathering's Celtic Week. Genna and I studied with Jim Malcolm and Martin Hayes, and played with tons of other amazing musicians such as Liz Carroll, Aoife Clancy, Billy Jackson, John Doyle, Kevin Crawford, Gerry O'Connor, and John Carty. Genna and I wrote a new song which may possibly be on our next CD due out soon, and we also wrote a new tune. It was honestly one of the best weeks of our lives but it's good to be home.

We have a gig coming up on August 2nd at Brittingham's Pub. Don't disappoint us! I expect to see all of you there decked out in fan gear! Haha kidding...we don't have fan gear...but no seriously be there! If you come we'll play you our new tune...first audience to hear it! See you all there...love!

Rose and BBC

P.S. After a couple different attempts, we are finally on MySpace! Here's the link: http://myspace.com/burningbridgetcleary3

Hey chickens,

Can you believe St. Patricks Day is in a few days? I'm so pumped. This year we're playing at Puck in Doylestown, the Saucon Valley Country Club, and The Covered Bridge Inn. We really hope to see you over the weekend! Puck is a club like atmosphere (over 21) and will be extremely fun. I had my college music audition this past week and it went really well so we'll see! I also am auditioning for another university for music education so wish me luck yes? I also learned to drive stick shift today hah although I stalled a million times (not good) but alas! I will one day be fantastic at it. Well kids please make it out to one of our shows this weekend you won't regret it!
Rose and Burning Bridget Cleary

Hey!
So my family and cousin went to Ireland this past November and it was absolutely fantastic. Genna was busy in her play MacBeth (she was the lead yeah boy!) We basically stayed on the West Coast and it was gorgeous, it was a fantastic trip. We played with Sean Garvey as well as Amergin in Kenmare which was an awesome experience. We also met a few fantastic musicians such as Hugh Healey and John O'Gorman in Ennis at the Old Ground Hotel. That was honestly the must fun session I have ever been to in my life. Everyone was in super high spirits, one guy kept mumbling random things in my ear, another was bleeding all over his guitar, and everyone was dancing. It was the best ever. In the beginning of November, Burning Bridget Cleary got airplay on a variety of NPR stations nationwide. Listen for us! We also have some excellent shows coming up so check out or calendar and get out there! See ya around!
~Rose and Burning Bridget Cleary

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year to all from Lou, Rose, and Genevieve!

We ended 2007 in grand style, taking part in Bethlehem’s spectacular First Night Celebration. Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate and dance in the New Year! The acoustics at the Salem Lutheran church were stellar! It was a blast!

There are some exciting new gigs coming up, and, we want to take this opportunity to share some related “Bridget Cleary” events.

First! This Saturday, January 19th, we’ll be appearing at the SnowBlast Winter Festival Blizzard Ball in Emmaus. (It’s fun just to say that)! The SnowBlast Festival runs Friday night and Saturday with all kinds of family activities – indoors and out. For details and ball tickets, check out their website at www.snowblastwinterfestival.org or call them at 484-201-0026.

Next – an intriguing story about our connection with Bridget Cleary. Most of you have heard Bridget’s cruel story, the story of a lively young woman who fell ill, was accused of being a “fairy witch” by her husband, and was eventually burned to death by his hand. Michael Cleary, and those who passively stood by, were eventually convicted of murder and sent to prison. Thereafter, laws were changed in order to protect women from such terrible acts. Our band, Rose and Genevieve especially, found this a compelling story and one which should be remembered.

This past November, Lou and Rose’s family traveled to Ireland for a long awaited family holiday. Of course, it was a priority mission to find Bridget Cleary’s house! Along the way, asking directions, we found that the cottage is well known among local people as the “Fairy Cottage”. After several u-turns, we found it, on a narrow farm lane, between the little towns of Cloneen and Drangan in Co. Tipperary. It was unoccupied, with a realtor’s sign out front that read “Sale Agreed”. We recognized it from pictures that we had found on various internet sites – there is no identifying marker.

It was a thrilling moment to have found the place and we couldn’t resist looking around the vacant property. (See attached photo of the front door). On a whim, we left one of our CDs and a note, hoping that the new owners would write us.

On Christmas Eve, we got an e-mail with “Fairy Cottage” in the subject line. It was from the brother of the new owners, passing along a message of thanks for the CD and an invitation to tour the house the next time we were in Ireland. We were excited beyond belief and so thankful for this Christmas greeting! And, this brings us to the next bit of news in Bridget’s ongoing saga.

There is a theater company, from Waterford, Ireland, traveling to NYC this week to put on a play, “Are you the Wife of Michael Cleary?”. Below, I have copied an e-mail from Philip Furnell, the brother of the owners of the fairy cottage. He gives the details about the play (only 6 shows, running Tuesday through Sunday of this coming week). There has been very little, if any, publicity about the production.

We are going to drive up on Friday night to see the show. We know it’s not “around the corner”, but if anyone has friends or relations in the New York area, please pass this on, as we would like to support our Irish friends in their venture to bring this piece of history to life. As John Seraphin says, “We’re all in this together”! Here’s the e-mail:


Hi Lou
I spoke to my brother and he will send you some pics. Have you read the book that came out last year about it, there was a tv documentary made from it also. Its very good and has photos of the inside of the house. see here...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Burning-Bridget-Cleary-True-Story/dp/1844139344/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1200174699&sr=8-1
We all went to Waterford last wednesday night to see the play thats going to new york, "Are you the wife of Michael Cleary". It’s on in the Irish Arts Centre, 553 west 51st street, NY. Tickets at www.smarttix.com It’s on 15th to 20th of January. We spoke to some of the theatre group, and ticket sales are slow so they need people to go!!! We told them about your band and they said they would love to meet you! I think my girlfriend Linda is going on the Friday night with some friends. She says it is not well advertised.
Sorry we could not get to you on new years but we had a full schedule. Maybe another time? I am watching seattle against green bay right now (in Ireland). very exciting, 14 to 7!!
all the best
Philip