When Kitty Eyes Are Smiling #300

When Kitty Eyes Are Smiling #300

Author: Marc Gunn, Celtic & Folk musician May 31, 2025 Duration: 28:19
PUB SONGS & STORIES (Atlanta, Georgia)
MusicCommentaryCultureJournalsPersonalSocietySociety & Culture

We're celebrating the 20 year anniversary of Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers. I'll share a story about "When Kitty Eyes Are Smiling". You'll find out how about how my first Kickstarter did 4 years before Kickstarter existed. Plus, you'll enjoy rockin 'traditional music from High Octane out of France.

This is Folk Songs & Stories #300

0:45 - Marc Gunn "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" from Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion

2:37 - WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES

I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic folk musician living in Atlanta, Georgia and host of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. I'm also a cat lover as you'll hear later on in the show. This show is for fans of my music.

If you're new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send me an email to follow@celtfather.

3:00 - NEWS

3:13 - UPCOMING SHOWS

4:02 - High Octane "Eastern Vagrant" from High Octane

9:55 - SUPPORT THE CLUB

The show is brought to you by my supporters on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. You get something new every week. It could be a blog, an exclusive podcast, downloadable song, printed sheet music, or stories from the road. Plus, you'll get access to all of my Coffee with The Celtfather video concert series. Email follow@celtfather !

If you can't support me financially, just sign up on Patreon for free. Special thanks to our newest and returning patrons:

--CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS

Every year, I lead a small group of people on an exciting adventure to one of the Celtic nations and other exciting locations. In 2025, we're going on a Celtic Invasion of Galicia in Spain. Galicia is indeed one of the more obscure Celtic nations to those of us who are most familiar with Ireland and Scotland.

Find out more at CelticInvasion.com.

11:43 - IRISH DRINKING SONGS FOR CAT LOVERS KICKSTARTER

In 2005, I decided to fund my second solo album, Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers, with a Kickstarter. Well, officially Kickstarter hadn't started yet. It would be another four years before that happened. However, I ran the Kickstarter in a very similar way. I set different levels and ended up raising over $10,000 to fund the album.

Admittedly, that was not all profit. In fact, I had far higher expenses back then because I didn't know how to run a fundraising campaign back then. Nevertheless, it was a huge success and I was able to order 1000 copies of this CD.

I think I've printed over 3000 copies of this CD since it was released. But of course, now it is no longer available on CD with me at least. It's only available as a digital download or on an album pin.

On June 6, 2005, I released the second episode of the Cat Lovers Podcast to fund this album. Here's a re-release of that podcast episode.

11:56 - CAT MUSIC LOVERS #2: "WHEN KITTY EYES ARE SMILING", CATS STUCK IN DRAWERS (REBOOT)

  • A tabby cat stuck in the dresser drawers
  • A letter to Torre from Anthony Creech of Celtic Radio
  • Keeping cats indoors
  • Cat Galaxy, All Cats! All the Time!

24:25 - Marc Gunn & The Dubliners' Tabby Cats "When Kitty Eyes Are Smiling" from Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers

"When Kitty Eyes Are Smiling" is a parody of the song "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling". The lyrics to When Irish Eyes Are Smiling were written by Chauncey Olcott and George Graff, Jr. and set to the music of Enerst Ball for Olcott's production of The Isle O' Dreams. The music was published in 1912.

when kitty eyes are smiling

autoharp, lead vocal: Marc Gunn

flute: Hannah Gunn

bass, piano: Ari Koinuma

Did you find this episode entertaining? Share it with a friend.

27:12 - CREDITS

Thanks for listening to Folk Songs & Stories. This episode was edited by Mitchell Petersen.

You can follow and listen to the show on my Patreon or wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to learn more about songs featured in this podcast and discover where I'm performing.

Remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment.

Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!

#pubstories

 


Grab a pint and pull up a stool. PUB SONGS & STORIES is a warm, welcoming corner of the audio world hosted by Celtic & Folk musician Marc Gunn, known to many as The Celtfather. This podcast isn't just a curated playlist; it's an intimate journey into the heart of the music. Each episode feels like a late-night conversation in a cozy pub, where every traditional tune, modern ballad, and rousing drinking song comes with a rich history. Marc explores the narratives woven into the fabric of Celtic and folk music, sharing the tales of the songwriters and the cultural moments that inspired them. You'll hear the music itself, of course, but more importantly, you'll understand the passion and the stories behind each melody and lyric. It's a celebration of musical heritage, a personal journal from the front lines of the folk scene, and a testament to the living culture that thrives in song. Listen to this podcast for a genuine connection to the artists and the timeless tradition of sharing stories through music.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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