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Celts (pronounced with a hard "C') are a group of people who traveled Europe and eventually ended up in the British Isles. We know them today as the British, Irish, Welsh, and Scots. This group of people brought their distinct form of music and dance to each country they lived in. While each countries dance and music has evolved into a distinctive form, there are elements that are the same.

This little cozy corner of the web will focus on Irish music and dance. Since I was a child, I have always loved the melodies and strains of Irish music. The music always sets my toes tapping. The feeling is hard to explain but it makes me want to twirl and spin on the dance numbers and cry on the airs. When I hear Irish music, I feel bubbly and giddy inside and it sends me flying to a different place. I can hear it anywhere and I start dancing -- which my husband and kids find amusing in the grocery store or church! Sometimes they even join me -- especially my oldest daughter (who is an Irish Dancer). Someone once told me that if Irish music reaches into your soul, you are truly Irish and longing for your home-Ireland. I guess my Irish and Celtic heritage has always been pulling me back (My husband feels the same way about bagpipes, but that's a different problem altogether). Do not think that you have to be Irish or Celtic to enjoy the music.

Irish music has always been a strong part of Irish culture. Bards sang and played instruments to entertain and keep the history of the people alive. People danced to it. The music followed the Irish over to America and blended with African-American gospels to become jazz and the blues. It mixed with American folk tunes and enhanced them. Irish music was also preserved during the 19th and 20th centuries when England tried to eliminate Irish music in order to eliminate being Irish. Irish music was saved by all the Irish musicians who emigrated to America. A good book to borrow from your library on Irish music is Notes From The Heart ; A Celebration of Traditional Irish music by P.J. Curtis. I learned a lot form this book. Or to learn first hand, go to an Irish concert or festival. The most challenging way to immerse yourself is to start playing Irish music on an instrument whether traditional or not. So get started now with a crash course on Irish Music 101 for dummies. Buckle your seatbelt; this could be a bumpy and hilarious ride!