A Feast of Irish Folk

All in all, two great nights out (sober, I hasten to add!) Colin McIlwaine writes about Irish folks happening.

SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS–THE STORY OF THE DUBLINERS

18 Mar

This was my third visit to “Seven Drunken Nights” and it never fails to have me singing along until I am hoarse, clapping my hands until they are raw and swaying to the music. My good friend, Ged Graham, has done an excellent job in putting together this amazing tribute to the Dubliners and there is an added poignancy in that 2022 marks the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the group. Ged is a busy man these days and in our most recent conversation, he was telling me that following on from the tour, he is releasing a solo album called “Country Soul-Volume 2” I am looking forward to this album, which will have a selection of soul classics given the country music treatment. This will be followed by another tour of the superb “Fairytale Of New York,” which combines the worlds of Irish folk and Christmas and from my own experience is well worth a visit. Also, on the long finger for Ged, is an additional project which will involve an album of songs from and about the city of Dublin; one to which I hope to make a small contribution myself.

“Seven Drunken Nights” was a great night out as always and was also appreciated by my twenty-something son, who expressed a desire to see it after hearing my cd of the show in the car early one morning, as I drove him to the airport.

> NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM

THE DUBLIN LEGENDS

24 Mar

In 2012, following the death of founder member, Barney McKenna and the retirement of John Sheahan, The Dubliners as such called it a day and within a few months, had evolved into The Dublin Legends. The Legends have undergone some personnel changes over the years, but have retained the musical feel of The Dubliners and perform much of the music and song which they made famous, plus other materials. An evening with them is always a great experience and naturally involves me singing and clapping along to familiar tunes and songs. Getting the chance to catch up with Paul, Sean, Gerry, and Shay after the show always adds to the enjoyment of the occasion and this one was no exception. I was originally supposed to attend it two years ago, but due to Covid-related postponements, I had to wait patiently. If anyone wants to spend an evening appreciating some music and culture from the island of Ireland, a Dublin Legends concert is a great way to experience it.

> DUDLEY TOWN HALL