Flair

The Irish Museum and Cultural Center here in Kansas City has put Cowtown on the map as one of USA Today's "10 Great Towns With International Flair". Says the paper about the our town and the Irish Center:

Kansas City, Mo.
"The mixture of Irish culture in this city is not competitive but woven into its fabric," Goldsmith says. Kansas City has a thriving pub, Celtic music and culture scene. The permanent exhibit at this center includes ancient and local Irish history. Events include Irish Beer Night and workshops for singing, fiddle, bodhran (drums) and tin whistle.

Not ones to rest on their laurels, or shamrocks as the case may be, the cultural center announces the following events:

Sat. Oct. 31 – Celebrate Samhain, the Celtic precursor to Halloween

Celebrate Samhain (”Sow-wan”) the Celtic celebration that led to many of our Halloween traditions today at the Irish Museum and Cultural Center in Kansas City’s Union Station. Kids encouraged to come in an Irish or Celtic-themed costume. All welcome! Free entrance.
11 am – 3 pm – Ongoing activities, $1 donation each
face painting, Irish balloon shapes, Celtic art project, cookies and popcorn
11 am – 3 pm – Ongoing activities, free
storytelling, Irish song leading, movie
11 am – noon – Check in carved pumpkins for contest
Noon – Celtic carved Pumpkin judging, prizes (bring in your pumpkin carved in an Irish or Celtic theme)
12:30 – “A Glow at Twilight“.- the Celtic origin of the jack-o-lantern play. Kids invited to participate.
1 pm – Irish, Scottish, Welsh-themed costume contest, prizes
1:30 – “A Glow at Twilight“.- the Celtic origin of the jack-o-lantern play. Kids invited to participate.
2:15 pm – Children’s Parade through Union Station lead by a piper Jody Watson, includes trick-or-treating at Union Station businesses

Tues. Oct. 27 – Leabhar Power! Irish Literature Club
Tales of Mystery, Murder and Madness!!! All welcome to come without RSVP.
6:30 pm, last Tuesdays of the month (except Nov. and Dec.), at the Irish Center . No charge. (Donations always appreciated.) Read and bring your own book.

Oct. 27: Green Tea and Other Ghost Stories by J. Sheridan LeFanu
For more information visit http://www.irishmuseum.org/book-club/

Sat. Nov. 7 – Irish Beer Night - Guinness Sampling, Dinner, Eddie Delahunt!
Come Taste Ireland’s Best Beers, Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Guinness, Practice the Perfect Pour, Learn About Guinness History and Brewing, Enjoy an Irish Dinner and Music.
$45 IMCC member, $50 nonmember (memberships available at the door), Corporate or group tables of 8 for $400. For more information or reserve your spot contact Rachel 816-474-3848, info@irishmuseum.org and pay at the door or reserve and pay online at http://www.irishmuseum.org/guinness-sampling/

Sat. Nov. 14 – Irish Music Workshop
Irish Music Masters Workshop - Come learn from some of the best in Kansas City .
Connie Dover – singing (all levels), Turlach Boylan – tinwhistle/flute (beginner and intermediate), Doug Goodhart – bodhran (Celtic drum) (beginner and intermediate), Christa Kelly Scott – fiddle (beginner and intermediate)
9:30 am Registration, one morning and one afternoon workshop, 4:30 instructor performances.
$25 for just morning session incl. lunch; $25 for just afternoon session incl. snack and concert.
All-Day: $45 full day (morning session, lunch, afternoon session, snack, concert).
$5 discount for 2009 or 2010 IMCC members (may purchase membership at the door).
Visit http://www.irishmuseum.org/540/ for more information. Contact 816-474-3848 or info@irishmuseum.org with questions or to reserve your spot.

Also Happening in KC - Sponsored by Missouri Valley Folklife Society
Sat. Oct. 24 - Matt & Shannon Heaton
8 pm, Westport Coffee House, 4010 Pennsylvania , Kansas City
Tickets $15 / $12 MVFS members at www.MVFS.org and at the door.
“Boston-based husband-and-wife duo Matt & Shannon Heaton offer updated and traditional Irish music on flute, guitar, bouzouki, accordion, stirring traditional-style singing, and a fresh, appealing stage show.”

Call 816-474-3848, email info@irishmuseum.org with questions.