Wild Kitty Turns 20: Paws, Pints, & Parodies #299

Wild Kitty Turns 20: Paws, Pints, & Parodies #299

Author: Marc Gunn, Celtic & Folk musician May 28, 2025 Duration: 27:32

2025 is the 20 year anniversary of the release of Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers. We're resharing the Cat Lovers Podcast along with stories about the song that launched that album, "Wild Kitty". You'll also enjoy the music of Jesse Ferguson in this week's show.

This is Folk Songs & Stories #299

WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES

0:35 - Marc Gunn "Wild Rover" from Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion

I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic folk musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. I'm also a cat lover as you'll hear later on in the show. This show is for fans of my music. But it's also for people who attend Celtic festivals, Renaissance festivals, and science fiction conventions.

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

Here's a weird request. I would like you to think of the first song that comes to your mind. Next, take a picture. Not one but three. Three pictures to tell a story. Perhaps you have a story to tell as well take some pictures and send them to me.

3:08 - NEWS

4:20 - UPCOMING SHOWS

5:02 - Jesse Ferguson "Bonnie Dundee" from Ten

8:45 - 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:

9:33 - 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.

9:43 - IRISH DRINKING SONGS FOR CAT LOVERS

In 2003, I was back from Dragon Con chatting with a friend on the phone. The Irish song "Wild Rover" was stuck in my head as we started talking about cats. The chorus came around and I started meowing. An idea started growing in my head. What if I parodied a bunch of traditional Irish drinking songs with lyrics all about cats.

I wrote my first three songs before the end of October. I then found Ari Koinuma in Austin to help me produce the single. I set up a website at CatDrinkingSongs.com. In December, someone posted the idea to Fark. I had 20,000 website hits in one day and hundreds of comments. I knew this was a great idea.

In May of 2005, I launched a podcast to help raise money for a CD of Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers. Thus was born the Cat Lovers Podcast.

10:54 - CAT MUSIC LOVERS #1: "WILD KITTY" AND CATS IN PHYSICS (REBOOT)

In honor of the 20 year anniversary of my first cat CD, Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers, I am re-releasing the Cat Lovers Podcast on this feed. I'll also share new stories about the inspiration behind the album creation, including the liner notes from the album.

23:52 - Marc Gunn & The Dubliners' Tabby Cats "Wild Kitty" from Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers

"Wild Kitty" is a parody of the traditional Irish song "Wild Rover".

autoharp, lead vocal: Marc Gunn

fiddle: James "Cedric" Hazlerig

bass, maracas: Ari Koinuma

bgv: Marc Gunn, Ben Hamby, Blake McCaig, Ari Koinuma

meows: Marc Gunn, April Porter, Ben Hamby, Blake McCaig,

26:41 - CREDITS

Thanks for listening to Pub 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: 50

PUB SONGS & STORIES (Atlanta, Georgia)
Podcast Episodes
St. Paddy's Day or St. Patty's Day? #296 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:24
St. Patrick's Day is almost here. So it's time to definitively answer the old question. Is it Saint Paddy's day or Saint Patty's day? Plus, I'll give you 17 amazing Celtic bands that you should listen to for St. Patrick'…
17 Things To See & Do in Wicklow, Ireland #295 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:28
Today, you'll learn about 17 things you can see and do in Wicklow, Ireland. Plus you'll hear music from Eimear Arkins, The Ciderhouse Rebellion and Kyle Carey. This is Folk Songs & Stories #295 0:14 - Eimear Arkins "Téir…
17 Things to See and Do in Wexford, Ireland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:14
Today, you'll learn about 17 things to see and do in Wexford, Ireland. Just in time for my Celtic Invasion of Wexford that happens in June. I share one of the best ways to make effective climate change happen along with…
Top Celtic Folk Bands of 2025 to Watch #293 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:46
Today, I'm talking about… 9 Celtic Folk bands you want to watch in 2025. We also talk about simple actions we can take to combat climate change and improve our local community. This is Folk Songs & Stories #293 0:17 - WE…
Live Pub Songs from Dragon Con 2024 #292 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:57
Here's a holiday gift. It's a live concert from Dragon Con 2024. This is Pub Songs & Stories #292 0:09 - Marc Gunn & Mikey Mason "Hero of Christmas" from Browncoat Christmas 2:26 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Mar…
Can Album Pins Save the Music Business? #291 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:56
Can album pins save the music business? I'll tell you what they're all about, why all musicians should be selling them, and how to get started with them. This is Pub Songs & Stories #291 0:13 - Marc Gunn "Blink" from Com…
17 Things to Do on the Isle of Man #290 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:18
So you want to go to the Isle of Man? Can you spend a full week there and find enough to do? I'll share with you 17 things you will enjoy on the Isle of Man. Plus, you'll get some music from Ruth Keggin & Rachel Hair. Th…
Happy Birthday from Ireland, Laughter Yoga #289 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:34
Is there an Irish birthday song? There is now. It's by Marc Gunn with the song "Happy Birthday From Ireland". Cedric of the Bedlam Bards hypnotizes with wit and charm. Then he shares how laughter is the best medicine, es…
Princess Bride's Big Adventure #288 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:05
True love lost at sea. I share the story behind "Buttercup's Lament" inspired by Princess Bride. You'll learn why you should watch out for wild boar in Italy, see what happens when a juggler's props don't arrive, and lea…