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Michael
Flatley to be honored at the Wild Geese Celtic New Year's Ball
Samhain
is Gaelic for "summer's end," and signifies the most important Celtic
holiday. This harvest festival is known as the main precursor of modern Halloween,
and on Saturday, October 30, 2004, The Wild Geese organization is celebrating
the Celtic New Year with a most special evening! This annual event is taking
place at the Stamford Marriott, in Stamford, Connecticut, and will honor Michael
Flatley for his outstanding achievements in promoting and preserving Irish culture
and heritage. He joins an impressive list of previous Wild Geese honorees including:
President Mary McAleese of the Republic of Ireland; Pulitzer Prize-winning author
Frank McCourt, playwright Brian Friel, poet Seamus Heaney and traditional Irish
musician Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains. The primary purpose of The Wild
Geese is "to enjoy and transmit the Irish experience by supporting programs
that enable Americans of Irish descent and all friends of the Irish people to
recognize and treasure the rich history and traditions of Ireland as well as her
significant contributions to western civilization." The Celtic Cafe's
very international community is a perfect example of how Michael Flatley, as producer,
director, choreographer and star of Lord of the Dance, "has raised worldwide
understanding and appreciation of the richness of Irish culture and artistry to
previously unheard of levels." The Celtic Ball this year has a Medieval
theme, complete with moats, turrets and knights. Guests will hear a harpist playing
as they walk through the reception, and will be greeted with waitstaff serving
hot mead, all in costume. The music for the evening will be provided by the eight-piece
Central Park Band, and the Greenwich Fife & Drum Band. Irish
dancers providing entertainment include none other than Donny Golden! This
is the organization's main fundraising event of the year, and they do very good
work!
The Wild Geese have supported Project Children, The Irish Way
program, The Famine Museum in Strokestown, The Irish Repertory Theater in New
York, the composition of the "Famine Symphony," and provided provided
scholarship grants and finance to many other worthwhile activities. Learn
more about The Wild Geese and the Celtic Ball 2004 at their official site: www.thewildgeese.org • • •
Feature: Bernadette
Price
Original Web Design: Alexander
Servas
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