Dear Peeps-
The Ceili Kidz are plump with optimism, as we are encouraged at every turn by something or other (and our short-term memory of the bad stuff shrinks daily.) Latest was a wedding we did as four-piece (Bob, Daniel, Craig Thaler & Robbie Spagnoletti) for Alison Knauth and Jeff Meadows in Waitsfield, VT on Monday (it was cheaper, yeah MONDAY!) The musical/spiritual conversation between Ceili and the bride/groom/attendees was beyond connected, it was BLISS. We felt so lucky to be a part of their day. It was a wonderful reminder of our likewise TOTAL BLISS-FEST in Green Bay, WI a year ago with Tina J Mocco and Darren Lutz, who (don’t look now!) have since become our webmasters and hosts!! Ain’t they wonderful (they thank you for the MANY compliments on the new site)!!
I have a sort of cocktail-party gig with Cara Frankowicz on Saturday with our buddy Bob Lynch at Marist College. Next day the three Halligans are off to Toronto to see the last Yankees game of the regular season, against the BlueJays. I went to one with dear friend Graham Shaw, co-writer of “You Then Me,” a month or two ago and the Yankee fans outnumber the Jays fans and if it rains they CLOSE THE ROOF!! Very excited to go back, will sit as close to Yankee dugout as possible. I’ve gone a bit potty for the Yanks since moving back to NY last year, indulging a life-long passion going back to the 50s. I remember watching the 59 World Series with the White Sox standing in what I thought was the Yankees rightful place, and being very sour about it. Then the 60 Series against the Pirates- let’s not talk about Bill Mazeroski…
More babble another time, have songs to write, pianos to play, debates (actually simultaneous press conferences) to watch, a Mom to bring 2% milk to. Until we blog again..

Much love always-
Hooli-bob

September 25, 2004,
Change in Your Pocket

Ceili Rain creates music that is thought-provoking and smile-inducing. The talented sextet has built a rabid following by touring the world, from Rome to Syracuse, N.Y. This is one of those rare albums that captures the vibrant showmanship that makes the band’s concerts so potent. Tracks like the driving opener “Like a Train” and fan favorite “Stomp” demonstrate its engaging personality. Ceili’s Celtic- flavored pop/rock is propelled by the songwriting and vocal chops of frontman Bob Halligan Jr. His voice is warm, supple and brimming with raw emotion.

Among the highlights on this collection are “You Just So Never Know,” “I’ll Stick With My Own” and “Dead Presidents on Parade.” Ceili Rain continually delivers smart, inventive, non-preachy music that uplifts the human spirit. — by Deborah Evans Price

Welcome to the Ceili Rain weblog!