Manic Street Preachers First North American Tour in 10 years

Celebrated Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers will release their latest album, Journal For Plague Lovers, on Columbia Records on September 15th 2009. Produced by Steve Albini it’s an incredible and arresting album, sure to floor both long-standing Manics fans as well as the uninitiated.....more HERE.

Details of individual concerts and venues are linked below.

September

Mon -21 Seattle, WA @ Neumo’s
Tue- 22 Vancouver, Canada @ The Commodore Ballroom
Thu-24 San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
Fri- 25 Los Angeles, CA @ The Avalon
Mon-Sep-28 Denver, CO @ The Bluebird Theatre
Wed-Sep-30 Minneapolis, MN @ The Varsity Theatre

October

Thu-01 Chicago, IL @ The Metro
Fri- 02 Detroit, MI @ The Majestic Theatre
Sun- 04 Toronto, Canada @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre
Tue- 06 Philadelphia, PA @ World Café Live
Wed- 07 New York City, NY @ Webster Hall
Thu- 08 Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club

An Interview With Emily Aulicino - Genetic Genealogist

Emily Aulicino is a recently retired teacher who has researched her family’s genealogy for over 37 years, traveling nationally and internationally for that purpose. She is the administrator of seven surname email lists on Roots Web, three genetic genealogy email lists on Yahoo, and another on Yahoo which helps genealogists and non-genealogists write their own family and personal memories. She teaches a class on Genetic Genealogy at the Genealogical Forum of Oregon (Portland) which is open to the public. Her blogs include:- Writing Your Memories DNA Genealems Genetic Genealogy Americymru: You're a "genetic genealogist", what is that? Emily: Genetic genealogy is the use of DNA testing to aid traditional genealogy research. It is the most accurate tool a genealogist has. Any genealogist who uses DNA for their research is a genetic genealogist. Americymru: What got you into genealogy and into genetic genealogy in particular? Emily: In the very early 1970s I started researching my family's heritage, although I actually began filling out a family pedigree chart in 1954 as a child. About 2004 a person whom I felt could be related to my Ogan surname wrote me about DNA testing. We hadn't proved we were genealogy cousins through the typical paper trail, so I started the Ogan DNA Project and asked my Ogan relative to test, also. The test results indicated we are cousins. From that point, I used genetic testing whenever I could and now have 12 DNA projects. Some are for surnames, some for locations and some are for genealogical societies. Americymru: Have you tested your own family DNA? Had you done or seen your family tree before that and did the test results provide any surprises or clarify what you already knew? Emily: In November 2005 I attended the Family Tree DNA International DNA Conference held, at that time, in Washington DC (usually held in Houston, Texas). When my husband picked me up from the airport upon my return, I informed him that I finally knew what I wanted for Christmas...HIS DNA. We both decided to test at that point. As far as surprises go, in my direct family there have been some "scary" moments. Someone from my Trent line tested, and he kept matching people with the surnames Burgess and Childress. This can indicate there is a name change for some reason (by choice, adoption, or illegitimacy). We are still working on this problem, but are feeling a bit better that we are still Trents. However, the others that match indicate that there was something going on in the past. Another was my Ogan line. I thought I had found a new living cousin, but when tested his surname isn't Ogan, but Abbott. We later found his grandmother had a previous marriage and that his grandfather was just "given" his step-father's surname. In my Williams line (one of them...I have five!), the oldest son and thought-to-be-brother of my ancestor proved not to be related. Many genealogical records call them brothers, but they weren't biologically. Americymru: Why would people want to do this? For what sort of reasons have people sought your services? Emily: There are many reasons why people should test their genealogy with DNA, but here are a few of the major ones. a. It can prove or disprove the accuracy of your paper trail as there are many errors in old records and no matter how careful we are in our research, our ancestors did not tell us everything. I can state modern day cases of "adoptions" with no paper trail. Imagine how often that was done hundreds of years ago. Even in the caveman days, the neighbors took in the orphaned children. b. DNA testing can also help genealogists find other genealogists who are distant cousins. Together they can work to find their common ancestor and often break through their brick walls. c. Adoptees have even found relatives. d. Another major reason is money. I have spent many hundreds of dollars researching a line that through DNA I discovered was not my line. The circumstantial evidence was very, very strong and would have been accepted by certified genealogists prior to the availability of DNA testing. The price of a DNA test is small compared to the money and time I have wasted going down the wrong path. Most genealogists feel their research is correct; however, given that the man-made records are not always accurate, one can never be sure unless you do a DNA test. Still there are other genealogists who trace their lines back to the famous and do not want to lose that status. I, on the other hand, wish to seek the truth of the matter. The more that information on Genetic Genealogy is available to the public, the more they see its value in proving their family lineage, in connecting them with cousins they never knew they had, and in helping them through their brick walls when the paper trail stops for them. I have had people who were adopted trying to find family; people who wish to know if their cousins or those of their surname are related; people who wish to determine if they have Native American or African ancestry; people wishing to determine if a brother or sister is a full biological sibling. The list goes on. Various groups (genealogy societies, cultural societies, lineage societies, etc.) have asked me to speak about DNA testing. Individuals email me daily with questions. I help everyone decide what test works best for them as well as what their results means. Americymru: Has DNA testing changed the world of genealogy research? How important or beneficial do you think these sort of tests might be to creating a family tree? Emily: DNA testing has definitely changed genealogy research. With the use of DNA a person's genealogy can be more accurate. Although not every genealogist understands how DNA testing can help them, thousands of people are tested in any given month and more and more are learning about it daily. I have personally given presentations to over 2,000 people, mostly in the Northwest, but I have spoken to international groups as well. When people realize its benefits, they are interested in testing. It has been said by a friend that in twenty years people will test their DNA before they start their genealogy. There is a lot of wisdom in this as we see more and more new genealogists take what they find on the Internet as accurate. It is currently believed that nearly 5% of those tested are not who they think they are. That is, there was some sort of name change in the past. This fact along with the understanding of how it can be used to break through a brick wall is most helpful to researchers. The International Society of Genetic Genealogy has compiled many examples of how DNA testing has been useful to others, and those stories can be found at www.isogg.org under the link SUCCESS STORIES. Americymru: What is the process of genetic testing? Emily: I always ask people to determine their reason for testing first. It can be for curiosity, for determining if two lines are related, to see if you are related to any others of the same surname, or to help with your genealogy research within a certain time frame. I stress that DNA testing without doing your genealogy is only for determining what twig on the world family tree you are and others you match, but otherwise it is not of much use. DNA testing does not replace genealogy research, but adds to it and verifies it. Next, I explain to people how testing can and cannot help them so they clearly understand what benefit there is and what questions cannot be answered by testing. For example, if you test and match someone, the test will not give you the name, place or time when a common ancestor lived. I want them to know which lines can be accurately tested and how to test the other lines of their pedigree chart. I want everyone to understand how DNA testing works. Then based upon their goals, I help them decide which test best fits their needs. I continue helping by answering their questions after they test. Anyone can email or call me with any question.. Americymru: What sort of information can you get from genetic testing and how can is be used to support family history research? Emily: You actually get a bunch of numbers which appear meaningless until you understand how testing works. When you test, your set of numbers (your haplotype or DNA signature) is compared against the company's database for any matches. When those matches occur you can contact that other person and compare lineages. Together you can work on finding your common ancestor. With good luck you may find a person who knows more about your lineage than you. This can help you through your brick wall. As I previously stated, it can prove or disprove your lineage. It can prove or disprove a famous or infamous ancestor as well. Currently, I am waiting for the test result of a cousin of outlaw Bill Doolin of Oklahoma who rode with the Daltons and Youngers as well as having his own gang. Half my family said were are related; the other half said no. I just want to prove it one way or another and not have false stories traveling around. I will know in mid-August if this person matches my Doolin line. When you do not match others with the same surname it can signal a possibility that the surname you carry isn't your biological surname. There could have been a name change at some point in your heritage. Often, with further testing of other distant cousins, this can be discovered and the time frame narrowed as to when this could have happened. Americymru: You offer your support to genealogy societies, how can genetic genealogy benefit these groups and their members? Emily: I operate two (soon three) DNA projects with genealogy societies. The Family Tree DNA company offers societies the opportunity to create a DNA project and get a percentage of the sales for new testers in their project. This doesn't alter the cost of the person testing. Anyone can join these projects and be members of other types of projects as well. There is no additional cost to joining a project. These types of society DNA projects are set up so anyone can test and get the reduced project price. (Do not go online and order from the main page of a company as the better ones offer reduced prices for participating in a project.) Americymru: What is your relationship to the Genealogical Forum of Oregon and what is that? What does the Genealogical Forum of Oregon offer the public? Emily: The Genealogical Forum of Oregon (GFO) is the local genealogical society for Portland Oregon and the surrounding region. I am a member and run their DNA project. I also teach DNA classes there every other month. These are free to the public. The society conducts yearly seminars with wonderful guest speakers, has the largest collection of genealogy books in the state and offers many free or inexpensive classes to help everyone. The first Monday each month is free for non-members to visit. Otherwise, you pay a small fee unless you are a member. Americymru: You teach writing family and personal memories, what is this and why would people want to do this? Emily: I'm actually a history major and retired teacher. I feel that not only is life stranger than fiction, but that the stories that individuals have are much more important than what is written in the history books. We, the people, made the history and our history is more accurate than those published by the victors. Just ask yourself...would you like to have found a diary, journal, or even some letters from your gr-gr-gr grandparent? Some have and all of us would. We'd love to know what they knew about the family. So...where is yours? Have you written yours for our gr-gr-gr-grandchildren? You should no matter how sparse; no matter your spelling or grammar quality. I'd love to have some hand-scribbled, misspelled, confusing story from my ancestors rather than nothing. Writing your family stories and childhood memories lets your descendants know and understand these times and your life. We live in very exciting times and what we know of our family will be most interesting to them as their lives will be so very different. Compare what you do and what you have to what your great-great grandmother once experienced. It's amazing...and all that will be lost without you recording what you know. Many will say: but I don't know much; I don't remember my childhood. This can change with the use of my booklet which stimulates your memory. By joining a local writing class you will also find you can recall more stories. I teach two in the area and there are others who do the same although our techniques may vary. A class will definitely help you recall your past, and it's a wonderful exchange of memories. My booklet also gives you ideas on how to write the memories very easily, even if you do not feel you have much time. A few sentences or a paragraph on a topic is better than nothing. Besides, none of us have the time to write all we know. Americymru: Any final message for the members and readers of Americymru? Emily: We are the result of our heritage as well as what choices we have made in life. Choose to celebrate your heritage by learning about your ancestors, by exposing yourself to your cultural traditions, by sharing all this with others, and by leaving a legacy of family stories and genealogy for your descendants. Let them know how proud you are of your heritage.

Winner of the Wales Smithsonian Cymru Photography Competition Announced

Welsh Assembly Government, New York, July 16, 2009: The winner of the Wales Smithsonian Cymru photography competition is Christopher Levy of Washington D.C. His winning photograph is entitled ‘Caitlin Jenkins at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival’ and it portrays the hands of the Welsh potter Caitlin Jenkins as she works at her wheel on the National Mall during the recent festival in Washington. The competition was judged by the celebrity photographer Cambridge Jones who hails from Wales. On choosing the winner Cambridge Jones said: ‘This photograph stands out as it creates its own narrative within the frame, almost turning the potter’s hand into individual characters. It frames the extended and taut finger to give us a feeling as well as the detail. The photograph also makes very nice use of light.’ Christopher’s prize will be a photography session with Cambridge Jones who has photographed many famous people including the Queen of England, Prime Minister Tony Blair, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Al Pacino, Billy Bob Thornton and P Diddy. Cambridge will take the portrait of a person chosen by Christopher who will receive a signed framed copy of the photograph. Christopher Levy is 49 and works for the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C. He said, ‘I am delighted to have won the competition. I’m very excited about my session with Cambridge Jones and I’m looking forward to learning from such a renowned photographer. Two of my passions are travelling and photography. My favourite places are the UK and Australia and I've travelled all over the UK, including two visits to Wales. After attending the Smithsonian Folklife Festival I've decided to return to Wales next year.’ The Jenkins family have been making pots in Ewenny, Wales, since 1610. Thirty-three year old Caitlin Jenkins is a ninth-generation potter, trained at Ewenny Pottery by her father Alun Jenkins. She studied at the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff and the Royal College of Art in London. Now she works with her father at the pottery, continuing the tradition of making hand-thrown earthenware ceramics for use in the home. Further information on Cambridge Jones: www.cambridgejones.com

The Fron Male Voice Choir - An Interview With David Thomas Jones

Americymru is proud to present an interview with David Thomas Jones. David sings 2nd Bass with the Fron Male Voice Choir. He is a Welsh speaker and a secondary school teacher in Rhosllannerchrugog. The Choir is named for its home village Froncysyllte, a small village at the eastern entrance to the Vale of Llangollen, also home to Thomas Telford's Llangollen Canal Aqueduct across the River Dee.. Americymru: What inspired your recent version of 'America the Brave'? David: Sorry about this “America the Brave” is not my work I came across this on You Tube. I find it amazing that people use our tracks to create such wonderful work. Americymru: Can you tell us a little about the history of the choir? David: The choir was formed in 1947 primarily to compete at the newly formed Llangollen International Eisteddfod, the choir has a history to be proud of. Throughout its sixty two years of existence “The Fron” has achieved regular competition success both in Britain and abroad. Success on the competition stage include wins at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, BBC choir of the Year to name but a few, and the choir have gained international wins at festivals in Germany, Athens and Malta. Americymru: What is the Choir's relationship with the Llangollen International Eisteddfod? David: We have probably competed at the eisteddfod more than any other choir plus we are often involved in evening concerts. This year we participated in the opening gala concert along with Cor Godre Aran, the Colin Jones Singers, Mark Evans, tenor Alexei Kalvecs and Faryl Smith. As for competing we have been fortunate to have won the Male Voice Choir competition on three occasions 1977, 1984 and in 1994 we have come in the top three on numerous occasions. Each year the choir donates the trophy for the Male Voice Choir Competition in memory of our first Musical Director, Lloyd Edwards. Americymru: How do members join the choir? Is there an audition process? David: Many of our present members have been recruited by existing members. Once in however the choir gets a hold on you, I’ve been a member for the past 24 years. We still have six of the founder members who attend practice regularly and are hardly missing from concerts. Not bad after 60 years. After our first CD was released a number of perspective choristers joined but left when they realised the commitment and work necessary. Now we ask prospective members to sit and observe for a couple of weeks before having a voice test. This gives the chorister time to consider if its what he wants and the voice test is mereley for Ann to decide which is the correct section of the choir for the chorister. They then serve a three month probationary period before singing again for Ann who then decides if they are ready to become a full member. Americymru: How often do you rehearse? Could you describe a typical rehearsal session for our readers? David: We rehearse on Mondays and Thursdays at Acrefair school (between Ruabon and Llangollen) from 7pm until 9pm no practice is the same. Being close to Llangollen we often have international visitors at our practices. Its an open practice and everyone is made welcome. If we need to learn things quickly we split into bass and tenors and Ann Atikinson our MD and Owen Roberts our Deputy MD goes through the note bashing, we then come together to put the finer touches to pieces. Other times we are preparing pieces for concerts for the following weekend. Americymru: What is a typical year's tour schedule for your choir? What kind of events do you typically perform at? David: We have always taken on all kinds of engagements and still do. In 2005 however we were singing at a wedding and one of the guests was Daniel Glatman the manager of the boy band Blue. He approached the choir and said he had been blown away by our performance and offered to be our manager. The choir was very sceptical and despite agreeing to him acting on our behalf we did not expect to hear from him again. However the next time he approached us he told us he had been very busy and had managed to get UCJ (Universal Classic and Jazz) interested in the choir. He arranged for three representatives of UCJ to come to the choir .They came to a practice and that was it, we were offered a three record deal with UCJ. Due to Daniels involvement the press nicknamed us the Oldest Boy Band in the World. Americymru: How did the sale of that first CD go? David: On November the 20th 2006 the choir released its first commercial recording under contract to Universal and it became an instant hit. Under the baton of Ann Atkinson, who also features as a soloist on the CD, “Voices of the Valley” soon became the fastest selling classical CD in history selling in excess of 160,000 copies in 3 days. In the UK it has been awarded a Gold and Platinum disc; it held the number 1 position for 14 weeks and spent another 15 weeks in the top 10 it can still be found in the top 30 of the Classic FM charts over three years after its release. The success of the album has not been limited to the Classic charts; it has been in the top 40 of the ‘pop’ charts for 8 weeks reaching 9th at its peak. On the 20th of September 2007 the album was released in Australia and it jumped to the top of the Australian classical charts and again the Fron has been awarded a Gold disc for its Australian sales. Americymru: How did the subsequent CD’s sell? David: The following two album "Voices of the Valley - Encore" and voices of the Valley Home followed in the same footsteps as its predecessor. They have been awarded a gold and platinum disk and both were named classical album of the year. Encore for 2008 and home for 2009. To date the combined sales of all three albums have exceeded 1 million. All three albums were nominated for classical Brit Awards the winner were decided by an Internet vote and we were beaten by a Sir Paul MaCartney in 2007, by Blake in 2008, and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in 2009. We had the honour of opening the Award ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall where we were joined by Katherine Jenkins for World in Union. Americymru: What knock on effect did the release of the albums have? David: The success of the first album resulted in appearances on TV programmes in 2007 such as the Paul O'Grady Show; This Morning (twice); Country File; Parkinson Christmas Show; the Rugby World Cup Songs of Praise; and a documentary screened on BBC2 called "Strictly Male Voice." Strictly Male Voice was also screened in October 2008 on Network TV in Canada and the choir again appeared on ITV's "This Morning" show. 2008 also saw Rolf Harris and the choir collaborating on the single "Two Little Boys" which was re-released as a single along with the choir's new album "Voices of the Valley Home". The filming of Rolf and the choir recording the single in Owestry also featured on a BBC documentary called 'Family at War'. On November 12th 2008 the choir was honoured to have participated in ITV's live Celebrations of Prince Charles' 60th birthday, On this show they joined the Royal Ballet and Eric Idle in singing "Always Look On the Bright Side of Life". In 2007 we were asked to take part in BBC 2’s Busking Challenge, a competition where artists take to the streets to perform and the winner is the act that can raise the most money in 15min. We raised over £240 on the streets of Chester and won the competition. Our sum remained unbeaten until this year when another Welshman beat us, Tom Jones who sang outside London’s Festival Hall. Americymru: What is a typical year's tour schedule for your choir? What kind of events do you typically perform at? David: Since the CDs the choir have had two successful UK tours. The choir found the tours enjoyable but hard work and at one point they had four concerts in seven days. However what an opportunity it gave us, singing at such venues as London's Festival Hall; Glasgow's Regent Theatre; Manchester's Bridgewater Hall; Birmingham's Symphony Hall; Newcastle's Sage Theatre; and Ipswich's Theatre Royal; and of course not forgetting the two nominations for Classical Brit Awards and the honour of opening the Award ceremony in 2007 at the Royal Albert Hall. This year we were engaged to perform at the Profesional Football Association Awards Evening in London when Ryan Giggs won player of the season. We’ve also had concert tours in Canada, USA, France, Spain, Germany, Holland, Ireland and Cyprus, next month we are in Poland. Americymru: Have you worked with any well known artists? David: During the first tour we were supported by Alfie Boe and in the second we were supported by the up and coming twenty three year old Kiwi, Will Martin. Will also joined us on our third album singing 'Home' - a song made famous by Westlife and Michael Bublé. On our second album JPR Williams the legendary Welsh rugby full back joined Ann in a duet of How Great Thou Art. On the second album Michael Ball joined us for Rhythm of Life and on the third we were joined by Cerys Matthews for Calon Lan and of course Rolf Harris for Two Little Boys. We’ve also sung with Lesley Garrett on songs of Praise and we are joining up with her again in September at London’s Tower Festival which takes place at the Tower of London. We are also singing with Hayley Westenra in November at London's Festival of Remembrance which is being broadcast on National TV. We've also sung with Bryn Terfyl, Shan Cothi and Rebecca Evans to name but a few. Americymru: Does the choir have standards or pieces that it's known for or gets asked to perform specifically? David: We try to entertain our audiences with a varied programme of traditional welsh pieces, songs from the shows and classical opera choruses but since the success of our CDs our audience have become younger and songs from the CDs are always a hit. Particularly Dychefir Fi (You raise me Up in Welsh) and our collaboration with Ann of “World in Union”. Americymru: Now you've released three CDs are things coming to an end? David: No, UCJ have offered us a fourth album which we are in the middle of recording, it has to be finished by the end of July. Its to be called Voices of the Valley Down Memory Lane. There is also a film in the offering as Lionsgate Studios bought the option to screen the choir's story and they are currently developing a script for it. Americymru: Where can people obtain recordings of your performances? David: All three CDs are available from iTunes and Amazon we also have a DVD of us Live in Concert recorded in the St Jude’s Festival in London this is also available from Amazon. Our Fourth album will be available in November 2009 Americymru: Any plans to visit the USA? David: Who knows, we have been to the USA on a number of occasions and it was one of the options for this year, but we put alternatives to the choir and they voted on Poland as it was a new place to tour. I think many of our older members are finding insurance to the USA expensive. Americymru: Any final message for the members and readers of Americymru? David: Yes, if you are ever in North Wales you will always find a welcome at our practice room. Contact the choir if it is during the summer months as we normally have a break but not this year. We will be in Poland the last 10 days of August. You can follow the choir on twitter http://twitter.com/FronMVC and on MySpace www.myspace.com/fronmvc. We also have our own web site at www.fronchoir.com

Jesus Presley, Western Aerial, Runaway Norm and The SlimJims Play Left Coast Eisteddfod in Portland, Oregon

Friday Night's Lineup Finalized Jesus Presley Leader and founder of the band, The Reverend Tony Hughes comes from a long line of jazz musicians. His father played with Wes Montgomery and his grandfather played radio shows back in the 30's and 40's. So for him it was really the only thing he knew growing up. He has always had a love for music of all styles, and its apparent from the sound that Jesus Presley plays. In 1994, while booking music for a club in Portland Oregon, he noticed that there was a lack of large show bands playing in live music venues. He had an idea for a band that played music that was a little off center, mixed styles from swing, jazz, R&B to rock and the whole time making sure everyone was having fun. The whole concept was to include everyone in the experience, from the musicians to the folks going out to see live music. For the musicians in the band it was simple- they stopped worrying about the music industry and focused on music and entertaining people. For the past 12 years Jesus Presley have amassed a following in the Pacific Northwest and received critical acclaim for their live shows, musicianship and recordings. After achieving a cult status and playing every music venue and festival and event they could. They have learned a couple things, fun is fun and now matter what you do, it better be fun. http://www.jesuspresley.com/ http://www.myspace.com/jesuspresley Western Aerial Western Aerial’s music and ferocious live show have drawn recent comparisons to Foo Fighters and Jet, creating a diverse and loyal following of supporters who have been looking for a genuine rock ‘n’ roll band. Geoff Metts’ whiskey-soaked vocals and swaggering guitar riffs pour over Jimmy Richards’ thundering bass rhythms and bone crushing backbeats by drummer Anthony Tripp. Western Aerial’s use of infectious melodies and AC/DC style hooks make it clear that it’s once again cool to play a guitar solo. http://www.westernaerial.com/home.htm http://www.myspace.com/westernaerial Runaway Norm Runaway Norm has brought together a unique blend of music genres to create acoustic-driven rock music that will leave you singing and dancing. http://www.runawaynorm.com/ http://www.myspace.com/runawaynorm The SlimJims Mixing an eclectic variety of popular music with unconventional “B-side” hits, The SlimJims put their alternative upbeat twist on over five decades of quality American roots music. They’ve distilled the best of 40’s traditional western, 50’s rock-n-roll, 60’s folk, and 70’s country into one tall cool refreshing drink you can sip all night long. So just click on their calendar to catch them at a favorite venue near you. You won’t go away thirsting for another round... www.TheSlimJims.com www.Myspace.com/tommyvonjim

BUY TICKETS FOR THE LEFT COAST EISTEDDFOD SHOWS FRIDAY NIGHT - JESUS PRESLEY, WESTERN AERIAL, RUNAWAY NORM, THE SLIMJIMS SATURDAY - CHRIS NEEDS, BRUCE ANDERSON, OCEANS APART, TYLER STENSON AUGUST 21st - 22nd 2009 McMenamins Crystal Ballroom 1332 W Burnside Portland Oregon

The SlimJims Play The Left Coast Eisteddfod, Portland, Oregon

The SlimJims will be opening the friday night show at the Left Coast Eisteddfod on August 21st at the McMenamins Crystal Ballroom in Portland Oregon. Also on the bill will be Jesus Presley, Western Aerial and Runaway Norm. The show starts at 8 p.m. and doors will open at 7. You can buy tickets direct from Ticketmaster HERE. Band leader Shane Todd talks about the band in a short article below. To hear The Slimjims follow this LINK. SlimJims band member and founder Shane Todd says "the whole focus of our group is producing what I call ' The Living Room Sound.' We perform as if we are setting up in your house and playing songs with everyone who came by with their instruments." Todd, lead singer and guitarist, says the SlimJims accomplish that because all of the band's instrumentation is acoustic-based, harking back to the time when his Irish American ancestors would gather together at someone’s home to play music on the weekends in the mountains of West Virginia after working in the coal mines. “That’s exactly what my great grandmother did; sang, played guitar and essentially was the coordinator for Saturday night jams at her cabin”. The Portland area band originated about seven years ago and now includes Stephen Cambron (pedal steel, electric guitar), Seth Garon (bass, vocals), Deborah Katz (fiddle, vocals) and Paul Hampton (drummer). Todd, said he has produced the band's show as a tribute to his American Irish musical roots spanning about five decades with the songs he used to listen to as a young child spending time with his father as he worked on his motorcycles in the garage. "He used to play a lot of Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Chet Atkins," Todd said. “All this classic American music has deep roots in our Irish and Welsh heritage.” The SlimJims, which recently headlined a list of eight bands that performed on July 4th at Esther Short Park in Vancouver, also likes to focus on "B side hits. ''True fans would know those songs because they would play both sides of all the records," said Todd.

Tales of an Aber Lad

A top television producer has described how he looked on in horror as a trapeze artist plunged helplessly to her death in the big top at an Aberystwyth circus. The tragedy is one of a collection of memories of David Lloyd’s childhood in the 1940s and ’50s in his autobiography Tales of an Aber Lad. David was a teenager in the Bertram Mills audience in May 1958 when 31-year-old Frances Duncan fell 25 feet, head first, after a defective rope became loose around her ankle. David says, “In my young life, I had never felt so frozen with shock and horror. I had seen her plummet and hit the ground and it was terrible. She lay there in the sawdust, her body shaking violently but the band struck up a tune and the clowns came on and distracted us as Frances was taken away to the North Road Hospital.”

Other recollections include a quack German ‘doctor’ who made patients bathe naked beneath Constitution Hill and an outbreak of typhoid fever, caused by local ice cream, which threatened to wreck the resort’s post-war tourist trade. The author, now living in semi-retirement in Aberystwyth, remembers the glory days of the old Coliseum Cinema, presided over by its formidable owner Mrs Gale, the “Grand Dame of picture palaces.” David says, “If there was romance on the Coliseum screen it was nothing compared to the passion in the back row of the stalls.” The ‘activities’ there are said to have been “so intense that the entire row from Seat 1 to Seat 25 had developed a treacherous lean.”

Reminiscences include news of the first television signal, picked up from a Midlands transmitter in 1950. The reception was said to have been better at night, “when there was less traffic on Trefechan Bridge.” Similarly early wireless (radio) signals were believed to have been affected by “bad weather around Pen Dinas.” A world that has long since disappeared was enlivened by the (Air Raid) Wardens Dramatic Society with producer Wilf Jones, the popular seasonal pantomimes of Peggy Royston and Shirley Twiddy, and “dainty teas” at DW Teviotdale in North Parade. David turns back the clock to remember the ‘big freeze’ of 1947, sweets becoming ration coupon free in 1953 and the terrors of the gas machine at the Portland Street dentists’. He remembers the November Fair with Ronnie Taylor’s Boxing Booth and the town girls who were “thrown around on the waltzer, hiding their stockings and suspenders from blasts of cold air.” Milk poured into jugs from churns carried by horse and cart was supplemented by doorstep deliveries from the likes of Mister Lister the green grocer and the eagerly awaited Corona man. Bread, coal, meat and fish were also delivered direct in those days, while itinerants brought candles and clothes pegs. Then there were visits to the traditional shops of Hodges, Bradleys, Daniel Thomas and Albert Davies. The Gwalia Motor Company boasted that it provided “a reliable motor car that could cover any distance.”

David recalls the launch of the Eagle comic, the wonders of the first radiograms, rides on Crosville buses, houses with no central heating, beatings in school and being ordered to inhale fumes from the Gas Works as a cure for whooping cough. Aber is said to have been “awash with tea rooms, coal merchants, iron mongers, dressmakers and tailors.” Personalities abounded, including businessman John Potts who wore his trilby like an American gangster. Seilo Chapel’s organist Charles Clements was described by no less than Sir Henry Wood as “the finest accompanist in Europe.”

Born in the Caradoc Road maternity home in 1940, David Lloyd is the son of the late Gilbert Lloyd, manager of the old David Roberts Brewery in Trefechan. For many years David was producer/director of award-winning programmes for HTV Wales in Cardiff, where he became Head of Features and Head of Community Programmes. Another distinguished ‘Aber Lad’, the acclaimed author Herbert Williams, says in his foreword that David’s tales are “told with humour, dexterity and lightness of touch that makes for easy and rewarding reading. They are accompanied by a diversity of photographs which will surprise and even astonish readers.”

Welsh Pancreatic Cancer Charity calls for match-funding from WAG

Wales’ pancreatic cancer charity, Amser Justin Time, today (Wednesday 15th July) made a ground-breaking announcement at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, having raised sufficient money in their first year of operation to fund a Specialist Pancreatic Nurse for one day a week. The charity, which is headed by Welsh opera, TV and radio star Shân Cothi, in memory of her husband, Tigertailz’ glam-rock star, Justin Smith, marked the announcement with a special performance from Only Men Aloud. The launch had a fantastic response as crowds of patients, medical staff and hospital visitors filled the Main Concourse of the University Hospital of Wales at lunchtime today to hear Shân Cothi make the announcement, followed by a heartrending rendition of ‘Angels’ from the nation’s favourite contemporary male choir Only Men Aloud. For those patients unable to attend, the launch was also broadcast live on Hospital Radio. The performance marked the ground-breaking announcement that in the 12 months since the charity was launched, Amser Justin Time has raised over £60,000 and will now use part of these funds to fund a Specialist Pancreatic Nurse for one day a week for two years. Following the launch Shân and Only Men Aloud visited some of the hospital’s wards including the C2 ward where Shân’s late-husband Justin had himself been a patient. The choir gave an impromptu performance on the ward, which sparked one patient to comment “I’m definitely going to get better now”. Specialist Pancreatic Nurse Nicki Jardine will be funded by the charity and will divide her time between the University Hospital of Wales and the Velindre Cancer Centre in Whitchurch, Cardiff. Nicki said “This is a remarkable achievement for the charity. I feel privileged to be the first nurse to be funded by Amser Justin Time, such an innovative charity that is so devoted to the cause. On a day to day basis I witness first-hand patients and their families dealing with pancreatic cancer and can honestly say that this charity is making a real difference, so a big thank you to Shân and the Amser Justin Time team”. The charity was founded by Welsh opera star and TV personality, Shân Cothi in memory of her husband, the talented TV director and editor and glam-rock star, Justin Smith (aka Tigertailz’ Pepsi Tate), who sadly lost his battle against pancreatic cancer in 2007. Shân said “When we launched Amser Justin Time last year with an epic horse-ride from North to South Wales, we met so many people along the way who gave us such a heartwarming welcome and so many kind donations, I bet they’re wondering “what happened to the money I donated to Amser Justin Time?” – Well, here’s the result...a Specialist Pancreatic Nurse!”. Shân expressed the importance of employing a Specialist Pancreatic Nurse “I’m so proud to be able to tell all the people that supported us that their money will allow us to provide essential care for patients and their families. It’s vital they have someone they can talk to who is specially trained, supportive and can ease the difficulty of dealing with this particularly aggressive from of cancer. We hope that with more donations we will be able to fund more nurses around Wales”. Given Shân’s celebrity status as a singer, actress and TV personality the charity’s fundraising events have had the support of some of Wales’ biggest celebrities including Bryn Terfel, who joined Shân to record the downloadable track ‘I Believe’. Shân continued to explain “It’s incredible that we’ve managed to raise this amount of money without having a full-time team in place or even an office. This is the first time for the charity to spend a single penny of the money raised, which is why it’s so important for us to mark this occasion”. Celebrating the announcement at the University Hospital of Wales were Only Men Aloud, stepping straight off the plane from performing in America, who gave an impromptu and heartrending rendition of ‘Angels’. Only Men Aloud's Music Director and Founder, Tim Rhys-Evans, said “We are immensely proud to be supporting Amser Justin Time as one of the choir’s chosen charities. Having worked and performed with Shân for many years it’s amazing to see how one special Welsh lady can inspire a whole nation and achieve such incredible results”. Mr Malcolm Puntis, a former Consultant Surgeon & Senior Lecturer for the Cardiff & Vale NHS Trust, and a Specialist in Pancreatic Surgery who treated Justin Smith, said “Justin was such an inspiration. It’s outstanding to see all the fund-raising being put to tangible use providing extra care for pancreatic cancer patients and their relatives. It is a rare and fortunate thing for a charity to have so little overheads to be able to action front-line funding such as this so soon. It would be greater still if the Welsh Assembly Government were to match the funding raised by Amser Justin Time”. Mr Puntis, who has lent his support and expertise freely to Amser Justin Time acting as Mentor for the charity, continued “We are also continuing to develop a comprehensive website to be used as an information resource about pancreatic cancer and to raise public awareness about this cruel disease. We hope the website will become a universal resource for all those affected by pancreatic cancer”. Pancreatic cancer is the tenth most common cancer in the UK with approximately 20 new patients diagnosed each day. The rate of pancreatic cancer is slightly higher in Wales at 14.2 per 100,000 people compared with 12.7 per 100,000 people for the UK as a whole. Nurse Director of Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust Sue Gregory said “We are grateful to Amser Justin Time for their involvement. A specialist nurse will improve the care we provide to pancreatic cancer patients, as well as providing much needed support for their relatives”. For more information on the charity, please visit www.amserjustintime.org For donations, please visit www.justgiving.com/amser

An Interview with Beryl Richards

Beryl (Bee) Richards earned degrees in art, human resources and career guidance and retired from a career in human resources and education to pursue interests in writing and historical research. She is the author of Nantybar - A Vanished Village in the Afan Valley and is currently working on a novel on the South Sea Bubble. Bee was born in Port Talbot, on the South Welsh coast, and came back to live there after traveling extensively. She quotes a familiar saying, "You can take the girl out of Port Talbot, but not Port Talbot out of the girl. Bee will be appearing at the Left Coast Eisteddfod to give a presentation on Prince Madoc.

AmeriCymru: You will be giving a talk on the Madoc Legend at this years' Left Coast Eisteddfod. Care to tell us a little about that? How did you first become interested in the Madoc Legend?
 

Bee: Madoc is one of the fascinating stories, which is surrounded by circumstantial and anecdotal evidence. I think it ranks in mystery with stories such as the Turin Shroud, the ‘Mari Celeste’ and it has a parallel in the Scottish legend of Summerled. Such mysteries and legends circulate all over the world. Always unproveable, always fascinating. Sometimes I wonder do we really want to solve these enigmatic tales. A lot of the fascination is taken out of such romanticism when proven a reality by science....

I am constantly fascinated by riddles, mysteries and ‘enigmas’ such as Madoc. The further I delve into the story the deeper the mystery becomes. All sorts of phantoms are released. What were the political aspirations of the first voyage? How in the light of the Welsh Civil war was Madoc able to sail from Rhos with ships fully equipped for a journey to who knows where? Were there any Imperialist designs from the royal house of Gwynedd? My interest in the ‘enigma’ started with a friend of mine a historian by the name of Bill Isaac lending me a book by Richard Deacon entitled (of course) ‘Madoc and the Discovery of America’ I became hooked!

AmeriCymru: What do you think it will take to prove that the Welsh discovered America? What direction would you like to see further research take?

Bee: One of the possibilities would be to pursue the DNA trail. Another would be in finding definite proof that the saga ever took place. Any reported remains have mysteriously disappeared or have been burned. There is a huge body of anecdotal evidence and written evidence by many famous individuals but nothing left of the material remains of the said Welsh. It is unfortunate that academia dismisses the hypothesis. No one institution has – to my knowledge – ever conducted a multi disciplinary approach to the problem, either in Wales or in the US where I suspect more archaeological evidence could be found to support the Madoc claim.

AmeriCymru: Are there any books on the subject that you would particularly recommend?

Bee: There is quite a body of literature on the subject, one of my favourites is the book which a lady called Zella Armstrong wrote and published herself entitled “Who Discovered America; the Amazing Story of Madoc. Richard Deacon ‘Madoc and the discovery of America’ another highly recommended volume is entitled Madoc, the Making of a Myth, by Gwyn A Williams. One of the most entertaining fictional accounts encompasses three volumes written by a novelist called Pat Winter. William A. Traxel also wrote an account which takes the saga further called “In the footsteps of the Welsh Indians.’ There are many more.

AmeriCymru: What inspired your interest in history? Would you agree with R.S. Thomas that it is not possible to ".... live in the present, at least not in Wales?"

Bee: Inheritence and curiosity also have a bearing on my interest. My father was one of the great instigators of my interest in history. Politically he was one of the best informed individuals I have met; discussions with him through my teens led me to want to find out the motivation behind his convictions. I started to read and found I had a great interest in how the past has influenced the present and how it will influence the future. It is my belief that we can only start to know our humanity by recognising the humanity and the struggles and triumphs of the past. Wales is a place full of crazy contradictions from the Mabinogion, to the religion of Rugby to the huge contribution we have made to the world of culture and industry. We are a multi cultural society and yet manage to draw in and to meld many communities into what is a vibrant modern country. I certainly think we live in a modern society, melded out of the people who have gone before us.

AmeriCymru: What inspired you to write "Nantybar...A Vanished Village in the Afan Valley"?

Bee: The wish to find out in more detail about the history of the little known Welsh valley of Afan was the motivation in writing ‘Nantybar’. The Rhondda Valleys are the usual topic of the Welsh Industrial Revolution, but what happened in the Upper Afan Valley during the 1800’s was repeated all over the country when the rural population made a mass migration to industrial sites in all parts of the country. The North, Scotland, Wales. All these places played a huge part in the support of the ‘British Empire’ with little or no recognition.

AmeriCymru: Any other message for the members and readers of AmeriCymru?

Bee: Congratulations to AmeriCymru in accomplishing what will be a unique occasion. I hope this year will be the first of many.

Glyn Davies to Judge Left Coast Eisteddfod Visual Image Competition

Final Date For Submissions Less Than Three Weeks Away

With less than three weeks to go till the closing date for submissions for this years Left Coast Eisteddfod we are extremely pleased and proud to announce that internationally renowned photographer Glyn Davies will be judging the Visual Image Competition. For more information about Glyn follow this LINK. For a selection of breathtaking images which Glyn recently uploaded to Americymru check out the slideshow below.

Find more photos like this on Americymru

If you are planning to submit an entry there is still time. Indeed if you are an Americymru member and you have already uploaded photos to the site you can simply copy the image location in a new group discussion on the Groups page and you are all done. The rules and everything else you need to enter can be found on this page:- Left Coast Eisteddfod Visual Image Competition. Please take the time to read the rules carefully before entering . Any queries shoud be directed to americymru@gmail.com. There is a first prize of $100 for the Visual Image Competition. The same applies to our other online competitions all of which are open for submissions till July 31st.

• Left Coast Eisteddfod - PIRATES!


• Left Coast Eisteddfod Tom Jones Impersonators!


• Left Coast eisteddfod - Short story Competition
  Judged by Lloyd Jones.


• Left Coast Eisteddfod Poetry Competition Group
  Judged by Peter Thabit Jones and John Good.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our contestants the very best of luck in the various competitions. Winners will be announced at the Eisteddfod at 4 p.m.on Friday August 21st.

Goginan’s Glory Days Revisited

Once Upon a Time in Goginan is a lively and entertaining account of the village which lies in the hills above Aberystwyth. It includes hilarious and touching anecdotes about the unforgettable local characters, the frequenting of chapels and pubs, the development of the local football league, the effects of the war, and the Boy’s Own-style adventures which the author experienced during an idyllic childhood in Goginan.

Author Ceiriog Gwynne Evans says: “The idea of writing a book of this sort has been gnawing at me for years. Eventually someone told me to get on with it or shut up about it!”


He was inspired to write the book when, on a trip back to Goginan from his present home in Trowbridge, he stopped at Nant-yr-Arian and took in the view of the Melindŵr Valley. “As the memories flooded back, I saw in my mind’s eye a vibrant rural community which lived, laboured and died in this lovely valley. I decided there and then that I would try to perpetuate the memory of these folk by gathering as much information as I could about some of the individuals who contributed to the fabric of society.”

One anecdote concerns the local division of the Home Guard. “I well remember the first recruitment meeting of these elderly personnel. They were a motley crew; most of them were in working clothes, cloth cap or trilby hat and overalls, carrying an interesting variety of ‘weapons’. One or two had double-barrelled shotguns but most were armed with walking sticks, umbrellas or pick axe handles; some of the agricultural fraternity came armed with hoes while the more aggressive types brought pitchforks, some still caked with manure!”

The author’s family played a central role in many of the village’s activities. His relatives included a formidable aunt, Marie, who lived over a hundred years. What was the secret of her longevity? A bottle of whisky a week and one Guinness a day.

The author hopes that his book will “encourage people from other rural communities to stir up reminiscences of their own localities and write them down before they are lost in the mists of time.”

Once Upon a Time in Goginan also traces the history of the village since the time of the Celts and the Romans, examining developments in education, farming, religion and mining. The book features historical photographs of Goginan as well as the author’s own illustrations.

Ceiriog Gwynne Evans was born in Goginan and educated in local schools and the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. He spent his working life teaching and lecturing in and around the London area. He retired in 1990 and moved with his American wife, Cecele, to Trowbridge in Wiltshire.

The author will be signing copies of Once Upon a Time in Goginan on 18 July between 12 and 3pm at Waterstones, 27 Great Darkgate Street, Aberystwyth.

"The Jenkins's's's's's" at The Left Coast Eisteddfod

In addition to head lining Saturday nights show at the Left Coast Eisteddfod, Chris Needs will also be introducing the premier US screening of his animated film "The Jenkins's's's's'" on Saturday afternoon during a short presentation on the forthcoming Americymru International Film Festival. "The Jenkins's's's's" won the Best Animation/CGI award at this years Swansea Bay Film Festival. For a short review of the book - "The Jenkins's's's's" see below. BUY TICKETS FOR THE LEFT COAST EISTEDDFOD FRIDAY SATURDAY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The revealing autobiography, Like It Is, published in 2007 by Y Lolfa told of Chris’s traumatic childhood, his showbiz and charity career as an accomplished pianist and vocalist, and his life more recently as an all-round celebrity. However, this book is a completely different kettle of fish. In her riotous, humour-filled diaries, Gladys tells of her struggle to keep the family’s crazy, mixed-up lives together. Mam’s task isn’t easy though. Her husband Dai is work-shy, son Philllip has a handbag, daughter Shantell is preggers and dog Christopher – or is it Christine? – has had puppies. Just as well Elsie next door is accommodating – she agreed to an adjoining door so they only pay one TV licence. Follow the family from their humble beginnings in the valley community of Ponty Pantin to the sun-kissed Mumbles Bay and foreign parts (including Western Super Mare). Crammed full of outrageous valleys humour, this is an ideal Christmas treat for all of Chris’s fans – and anyone else who needs a good laugh. The book is illustrated with eye-catching colour cartoons by Mark Davies. Chris Needs is a much loved radio presenter with a high profile thanks to his popular weeknight music and chat show on BBC Radio Wales. His cult fan club ‘The Garden’ has over 40,000 members worldwide. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read more about the Left Coast Eisteddfod HERE. Read our interview with Chris needs HERE.

David Western's Lovespoon Eisteddfod Blog, 6 July 2009 - "Home Again, Home Again, at last!"

Reprinted with permission from David Western's blog, all material © 2009, David Western --

I've just got back from a couple of weeks in Europe. My wife loves to go there for the art, the scenery, the markets, the food, the vino and the history. Me, I like to go there to crawl around under church pews, to crick my neck trying to spot carvings on timber framed houses, to be the guy laying on the floor taking pictures of an ornamented chair leg while everyone else is drooling over Rembrandts and to be the fellow who barely notices the magnificent stained glass of Chartres Cathedral because I'm mesmerized by the tiny roses carved into the stone columns. I confess, I absolutely love the wood and stone carving of the medieval and renaissance period! Whenever I start to think I am getting pretty good at what I do, a quick look at some carvings done by the artists of medieval Europe puts me well and truly back in my place and vividly illustrates the distance I have yet to travel!

But it isn't just the masterworks of the medieval church carver which inspire. The 'folk' carvings of the Barvarian and Tirolean Alps never fail to dazzle me with their exhuberance and virtuosity. Scarcely any wooden object was left unadorned and the result is an exciting legacy of chip carving which is still practiced by adherents around the globe today.

What I really like about wandering around Europe though, is that wood carving seems to show up everywhere. This picture was taken of a shop door in a Parisien fashion arcade. Although the picture doesn't do it justice, the work was exquisite. If there was some of this kind of stuff at the fashion stores here in Canada, my wife would have a fighting chance of getting me to go shopping with her once in a while!

I know that many carvers out there struggle with finding designs to inspire them and they especially find imagining their own patterns very difficult. I'm not too much different in that respect but I have found that by continually keeping my eye peeled for little gems like this, I have managed to vastly expand the repertoire of ideas I have to draw on during the design process. This simple little detail from a confessional is absolutely captivating and will definitely find its way into one of my designs some day soon. It may get altered a bit, but it is such an elegant form that I can't wait to find a way to carve it! To have this kind of inspiration available almost everywhere one looks really does make a trip to Europe more than worthwhile for a carver. And did I mention the beer? Ahhhh, the beer!

I'll conclude my little travelogue with this last picture from Chartres Cathedral (I was exaggerating for effect earlier, I did notice the stained glass!). This, for me, was the absolute highlight of my European trip! Although hard to see in this pic (as it is in real life) there is a tiny frog carved onto the stone column. His head has been broken off at some point, but his torso and limbs remain. Representing a staggering amount of extra work for the carver, this little frog was likely carved here for the sole purpose of supplying some whimsical beauty for the observant viewer. What a delight he must have been for eagle eyed children (and adults) over the years. And what a modest, quiet and yet powerful illustration of the beauty of carving!

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod: 6th - 12th July 2009 ( Schedule)

For one week, in one town, over fifty countries gather for one of Wales’ most unique experiences. This July over 50,000 performers and festival goers from all over the world will visit Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in the picturesque Dee Valley, North Wales. This cool and cultural event, considered as 'Wales’ gift to the World' was established in 1947 to promote peace and goodwill between nations through music and dance. Still thriving today Llangollen Eisteddfod has become one of the world’s most colourful festivals. During each themed day the festival field is a hive of activity with main stage competitions, outside stage performances, workshops, and impromptu singing and dancing from every corner of the world, in national and regional costume. The evening Gala concerts over the years have attracted some of show-business’ biggest names such as Pavarotti, Michael Ball, Elaine Page, Domingo, Katherine Jenkins and Dame Shirley Bassey. This year is no exception with concerts by Faryl Smith, Barbara Dickson, Sir Willard White, Blake, Natasha Marsh, and even The Music of James Bond, with guest stars including Honor Blackman, aka Pussy Galore! What a cocktail...Prepare to be shaken and stirred! Join the rest of the world, join the party. For more information, telephone 01978 862001 or visit the website at www.llangollen2009.com

Llangollen Festival Schedule 1_7_09.pdf

Am un wythnos, mewn un dref, daw pobl o dros 50 gwlad ynghyd ar gyfer un o ddigwyddiadau mwyaf unigryw Cymru. Ym mis Gorffennaf, daw 50,000 o berfformwyr ac ymwelwyr o bedwar ban byd i Eisteddfod Gerddorol Ryngwladol Llangollen yn Nyffryn Dyfrdwy, Gogledd Cymru. Mae’r digwyddiad cŵl a diwylliannol hwn, a gaiff ei ystyried fel ‘anrheg Cymru i’r Byd’, ei sefydlu ym 1947 i hybu heddwch ac ewyllys da rhwng cenhedloedd trwy gerddoriaeth a dawns. Mae Eisteddfod Llangollen yn mynd o nerth i nerth ac erbyn hyn yn un o wyliau mwyaf lliwgar y byd. Ceir thema benodol i bob diwrnod ac yn ystod pob diwrnod mae maes yr ŵyl wastad llawn bwrlwm gyda chystadlaethau ar y brif lwyfan, perfformiadau ar y maes, gweithdai, canu a dawnsio byrfyfyr o bedwar ban byd mewn gwisgoedd traddodiadol. Mae cyngherddau Gala a gaiff eu cynnal gyda’r nos wedi denu enwau mwyaf y byd adloniant megis Pavarotti, Michael Ball, Elaine Paige, Domingo, Katherine Jenkins a Dame Shirley Bassey. Mae eleni hefyd yn sicr o syfrdanu gyda chyngherddau gyda Faryl Smith, Barbara Dickson, Syr Willard White, Blake, Natasha Marsh, ac hyd yn oed Cerddoriaeth James Bond, ymhlith y gwesteion arbennig bydd Honor Blackman, sef Pussy Galore! Am goctel ffrwydrol! Ymunwch â gweddill y byd, ymynwch yn yr hwyl. Am ragor o wybodaeth, ffoniwch 01978 862 001 neu ewch i’r wefan www.llangollen2009.com

Amserlen Eisteddfod Llangollen 1_7_09.pdf