MOHAWK VALLEY IRISH CULTURAL

Volume 15, Issue 7 EVENTS NEWSLETTER July 2018

Elders, We Banjo 3, Enter the Haggis Headline GAIF

Headlining this year’s Great American Irish Festival (Jul 27-28) will be three of the Celtic music world’s most sought-after acts; one making their final visit to the festival, one marking their 12th appearance, and one coming in for their first Central New York show.

Making their highly-anticipated return to the festival after being away for a year will be high-energy festival favorites, The Elders. The Elders recently announced that 2018 will be the band’s final year of touring, and they and festival organizers left little doubt that GAIF would be included as one of their final stops.

Making their debut at the Great American Irish Festival will be a band that is taking both sides of the Atlantic by storm, Galway’s We Banjo 3. We Banjo 3 has carved a niche that sits somewhere between old world tradition and authentic Americana by plying their banjo, fiddle, guitar and mandolin skills in an innovative fusion of styles that they dub “Celtgrass.” You will not want to miss this wildly popular band, dubbed “the Gold Standard of Irish and American Roots music.” (You heard it here first: Look for them to come back to the area sometime in March 2019!).

Finally, joining the other headliners on the Contemporary Stage will be Central New York favorites, Enter the Haggis, returning to the festival that helped launch them to prominence in 2005. Back again at their home away from home for the 12th time, Enter the Haggis is poised to rip it up under the big tent with all the familiar catchy songs that have made fans of Central New Yorkers and Haggisheads alike for over 15 years.

Other returning upper-tier acts this year include the high-energy Barleyjuice from Philadelphia, last year’s standouts, The American Rogues, Ottawa Valley’s favorite sons…uh, daughters, Searson, and long-time GAIF veterans the Blarney Rebel Band and Hair of the Dog (each making a record 14th appearance!).

Back in the lineup after some time away will be past GAIF performers The Gothard Sisters from the Pacific Northwest, the electrified and electrifying Moxie Strings, Celtic rockers 1916, and the always-popular Stoutmen. Also joining the festival for the first time this year will be the husband and wife duo, House of Hammil (Brian Buchanan of Enter the Haggis and Rose Baldino, from Burning Bridget Cleary).

Adding to the non-stop entertainment will be a variety of other local and regional performers, including Donal O’Shaughnessy, Triskele and Arise & Go, plus Irish dancers and pipers throughout the weekend.

In addition to the non-stop music, merchandise vendors from across the U.S. and Ireland, carefully selected from a list of applicants, will be selling Irish and Celtic merchandise, and a variety of food booths will be providing a taste of the Emerald Isle for festival-goers. Returning again this year will be the 5k run, bagpipe competition and the Heavy Games. Campsites are also available.

This year’s festival will be held from July 27-28, 2018 at The Herkimer County Fairgrounds, located just off Route 5s in Frankfort NY, just minutes from the New York State Thruway. For directions, tickets or more information, visit the festival web site at www.greatamericanirishfest.com.

And now it’s time to meet the bands:

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The Elders

Back again to headline the Great American Irish Festival are fan favorites, The Elders, making Central New York one of their final stops on their 2018 farewell tour. Since forming in 1998, The Elders have set the music scene on its ear, thanks to a skillful blend of American roots rock and amped-up Celtic folk; a cross-pollination of elements that is high-octane and progressive, yet rooted in tradition. Rightfully regarded as one of the top American Celtic- rock bands, the band employs a variety of instruments including guitars, drums, banjo, accordion, mandolin, piano and fiddle, creating music that transcends the stereotypical notion of Celtic music. Powerful four-part harmonies, blazing instrumentals and songwriting that is unaffected by fads, trends and the giant maw of mind-numbing commercialism – it all adds up to the hottest show in Celtic music today.

We Banjo 3

For all the innovation and invention that goes into modern music these days, it’s the inspiration derived from one’s roots that proves the most enduring. So credit Galway, Ireland’s We Banjo 3 for finding common ground between old world tradition and authentic Americana by plying their banjo, fiddle, guitar and mandolin in an innovative fusion of styles that they dub “Celtgrass.” Variously described as “astonishing,” “the Gold Standard of Irish and American Roots music,” and “the Irish Punch Brothers,” it’s little wonder then that We Banjo 3 is literally taking both sides of the Atlantic by storm, carving a reputation as one of the world’s most imaginative ensembles.

Enter the Haggis

Toronto’s Enter the Haggis has led the charge among Celtic folk/roots/rock bands, delighting fans with their memorable performances, inspired songwriting, musical proficiency and high-quality recordings, including 4 EPs, 8 studio albums, five live and one compilation CDs, as well as two solo side projects. With their signature Celtic rock sound and instrumentation of bagpipes blazing over a powerhouse rhythm section, they’ve long been a fan favorite in Central New York and throughout the continent.

Searson

Building on their Ottawa Valley, Ontario roots, sisters Erin and Colleen Searson have developed their own original style of music, seamlessly blending high energy fiddling, passionate vocals and step dancing. Giving a more modern treatment to the traditional music of their upbringing, the sisters perform on a variety of instruments throughout their live show, which includes Colleen on fiddle, vocals and Ottawa Valley Step Dancing; Erin on piano, vocals, step dancing and tenor guitar; Dave MacDougall on drums and percussion, and Fraser Gauthier on bass/guitar. Searson recently released their 9th studio album, “Homegrown,” a tribute to the Canadian artists, songwriters and instrumentalists who have influenced the band.

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The American Rogues

Originally formed several years ago as a more traditional bagpipe band, The American Rogues have morphed into their own band, with their own style, and even their own genre: “CeltRockFolkWorldClassicalMusicForTheMasses.” One of the standout acts from the 2017 Great American Irish Festival, American Rogues are taking on the world of Celtic rock, rock roots, patriotic, military and classical music. Known as “The Top Celtic Band Supporting Military Personnel & Wounded Warriors” (Ceili Magazine), they have also moved the Irish Echo to say of them “The American Rogues know how to command a massive stage and animate a crowd with the sounds of fiddles, pipes, and an impressive miscellany of instruments and styles.” They are currently working on a new album called “Across the Sea.”

Barleyjuice

Some bands take a little while to capture a festival crowd. Others seem to connect immediately. Such is the case with Barleyjuice and the Great American Irish Festival, where the Philadelphia-based Celtic rockers became instant favorites a few years back. With six studio albums and two brand new albums – “Live Juice” and “Best of the Barley” -- these five kilted yanks are currently one of the most beloved Celtic rock bands in the USA. Kyf Brewer’s signature whiskey-soaked vocals perfectly trademark the group’s quick-witted and catchy originals, and partner Keith “Swanny” Swanson adds additional lead vocals, guitar, mandolin, whistle, bouzouki, and bagpipes. Rounding out the lineup are fiddler Alice O’Quirke, drummer John Tracey, and Eric Worthington on bass. Go on… try a little Barleyjuice…it’s the best time you can have at a concert without removing your kilt.

Hair of the Dog

The Great American Irish Festival is happy to be bringing back GAIF veterans and fan favorites, Hair of the Dog. Originally formed as an acoustic trio in 1993, Hair Of The Dog has become one of the world’s foremost Celtic rock bands, releasing ten wildly popular CDs including their most recent, “Liam Left The Lights On Again.” The Dog was also mentioned in Billboard Magazine as one of Irish Music’s biggest sellers. Their song “One Sunday Morning” was featured on the 2003 Colleen Records compilation CD “Songs of Irish Freedom Vol. 3.” In 2005 they appeared on “One Child At a Time,” a charity compilation which also included U2, James Taylor, The Chieftains and Carly Simon. Hair Of The Dog has repeatedly been named “Best Band” by Upstate New York’s top regional newspapers and magazines. 2018 marks HOTD’s 25th year and to mark the occasion, they’ll begin work on their 11th CD later this year and will be sponsoring their 12th trip to Ireland (everyone is welcome to join them) in March, 2019.

1916

Making music since 2006, upstate Celtic rockers 1916 plays a number of old Dubliners songs, coupled with their own original tunes, all amped up and with a unique rockabilly twist. The band -- Billy Herring (vocals, guitar, banjo), Jon Kane (mandolin, backing vocals), Ryan Hurley (upright bass) and Steve Ladue (drums) -- has opened for Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly and Enter the Haggis, to name a few. Their explosive concoction of the modern Irish punk movement with an original mix of “psychobilly” gives 1916 a sound that stands apart from other bands of this genre, transforming them into the hardest hitting Irish Rock band this side of Dublin. Their fourth full length studio album, “Far Beyond the Pale,” promises to be their best stuff yet; full of energy, passion, and “whiskey-fueled punk rock.”

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The Moxie Strings

The Moxie Strings is the electrifying combination of fiddler Diana Ladio and electric cellist, Alison Lynn. With their feel-good melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms, these young women have put a fresh, enticing spin on Celtic and Americana music. Though rooted in tradition, The Moxie Strings offer listeners the unique opportunity to experience some of the world’s best-known instruments and oldest tunes through a young, progressive lens. Diana and Alison often join forces with dynamic drummer and world percussionist, Fritz McGirr, who lends his spirited expertise of traditional music’s percussion component, and a creative rhythmic energy to the show. They have three studio recordings to their credit, including their most recent release, “Outlet.”

The Gothard Sisters

Since forming in the Pacific Northwest 2006, The Gothard Sisters have become internationally recognized as multi-instrumentalist Celtic-influenced folk musicians, songwriters, and performers. The Gothard Sisters -- Greta, Willow and Solana -- are a dynamic group whose impressive array of talents have set them apart as one of the most refreshing and compelling acts in Celtic music today. The sisters’ unpredictable and theatrical flair brings a youthful splash to the time-honored tradition of Celtic folk music, with a sunny, optimistic style that has been described as “melodic-minded Celtic Folk-Pop.” Already with three studio albums to their credit, the Gothard Sisters are making their second appearance at the Great American Irish Festival.

House of Hamill

House of Hamill is the very talented and very fun duo of Brian Buchanan (Enter the Haggis) and Rose Baldino (Burning Bridget Cleary). Brian and Rose are both accomplished traditional fiddle players and classical violinists, and despite being young, have over 25 years of writing and performance experience between them. Together, they write unusual new fiddle tunes and exciting, unpredictable original songs, while also breathing new life into traditional and contemporary songs. Both are confident and unique lead vocalists, and the blend of their two voices in harmony is hypnotic and irresistible, and their chemistry onstage is always engaging and often hilarious. 2018 marks their debut appearance at the festival.

Blarney Rebel Band

This year marks the 14th appearance at the Great American Irish Festival for area favorites, the Blarney Rebel Band, making them GAIF’s longest tenured act. Hailing from the Celtic hotbed of Central New York, BRB performs all types of traditional Irish music, from rollicking pub songs to traditional folk fare, from rousing sea songs to moving ballads, from stirring rebel songs to hand-clapping jigs and reels. Their unique blend of out-of-the-box music, audience interplay and comedy has morphed into a genre called “Unique blend of out-of-the-box music, audience interplay and comedy;” a name that is not catching on at all. Their debut studio CD “Buy My Soul” has sold all over the world, with one cut, “Stand With Me Boys,” earning No. 1 in the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast Best of 2009 Listener’s Poll, and in 2015, they were named by the worldwide Irish and Celtic Music Podcast as one of the year’s Top 20 Celtic bands. Their 4th CD, “Pile High the Pennywall,” is an ambitious collection of original material penned by all five band members. Their 5th studio CD, “Ever Onward,” is set for release in July 2018.

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Arise & Go

“Arise and Go” – their name comes from the opening lines from W. B. Yeats’ “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” – is an exciting young trio of talented and dedicated musicians from Ithaca who combine their varied musical backgrounds to produce a sound which is both rooted in tradition and uniquely fresh and driving. Band members Michael Roddy (pipes, whistles), Ellie Goud (fiddle), and Tim Ball (guitar) are veterans of the session scene in western NY, and all have years of performing experience throughout the eastern US and Canada. The group released their debut eponymous EP in March 2017, and they recently announced plans to head into the studio this fall to record their first full-length album.

The Stoutmen

The Stoutmen are an Irish folk quartet from upstate NY. They’ve been at it for about 20 years, singing traditional songs in the style of The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem, The Dubliners and The Wolfe Tones. They have an unabashed love for traditional pub songs sung in the traditional way – with great spirit and a light in the eye. The band -- Tim Lynch (vocals, guitar, octave mandolin, bodhran), Sean Walsh (vocals, guitar, pennywhistle, bodhran), Roy Bartram (vocals, bass, pennywhistle) and newest member Dan Burdick (banjo, 12-string guitar, fiddle, vocals) -- portrays the old songs of Ireland and Scotland in vocal harmony and colorful arrangements, bringing timeless, welcoming music that cuts across generations and lights up the celebration, whether it’s at a festival, family event or an evening at the pub.

Donal O’Shaughnessy

Donal O’Shaughnessy is a multi-talented performer, playing guitar, fiddle, keyboards, pipe organ, bodhran and mandolin. Donal is probably best known for his live performances, where his quick wit, his spontaneity with his audience and his calls for “Social!” keep people in their seats until the very end of the night. He is also known for his work ethic, as he rarely takes a break. On St. Patrick’s Day 1997 he played 12 straight hours, only repeating a song if it was requested. And if he doesn’t know a song you’ve requested, it hasn’t been written yet.

Triskele

Triskele (pronounced “tris-kay-lee”) is the Capital Region’s premiere all-female Irish group, known for their harmonies, singing the Gaelic language and their Irish wit, performing traditional, original and modern Celtic/Irish music. Described as “Strictly Irish with a Woman’s Touch,” Triskele was born at Albany Medical Center in the winter of 2009 when Noeleen Whelan, a Dublin-born native, joined forces with co-worker and fellow lover of traditional and Gaelic music, Sharon Wheeler. Multi-instrumentalist Wheeler and bodhran and guitar player Whelan have since added Jennifer Kiliniski on flute, vocals and percussion, adding yet another dynamic to their evolving sound. They currently have two CDs: “Look Back, Don’t Stare” and “Triskele Live,” recorded at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

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Utica Celebrates Bloomsday 2018 on Varick Street – By Sue Romero

A merry band of pub crawlers dressed in bright green T-shirts could be seen making their way from pub to pub on Varick Street in Utica, NY, on June 16. Joining James Joyce fans around the world that day, we had gathered to retrace (in a metaphorical way) the path of Joyce’s fictional character Leopold Bloom just as he strolled the streets of Dublin in the novel Ulysses.

The Utica Bloomsday Pub Crawl included stops at four pubs and the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley, which is under construction.

Our group of about 60 started out at Utica Brews Cafe where we received our shirts and goodie bags containing round wire-frame glasses, much like the ones James Joyce used to wear, as well as candies and our passports which would serve as our program for the day and our door prize tickets.

Then we were off to Saranac Brewery’s 1888 Tavern where Mark Sisti put the pub crawl into context for us with a bit of history about James Joyce, Ulysses, and the tradition of Bloomsday pub crawls. The musicians of our own Craobh Dugan set the mood with traditional Irish tunes, and a group of costumed Craobh Dugan dancers performed traditional steps. The musicians and dancers travelled along with us performing at each of the stops.

After that we stopped at Nail Creek Pub and enjoyed the sunny day out on the porch while we heard Herkimer College professor Matt Powers give a rousing reading from Ulysses. Powers is director of the Little Falls Theater (LiFT) and founder of a new dramatic podcast called The Brass Lantern.

Next we were off to see the amazing progress that’s been made on the Irish Cultural Center. Last year, we saw steel framing and samples of the stone that would be used to cover its outside walls. This year we were able to walk upstairs where we saw the rooms taking shape and the many windows installed allowing plenty of light into the very generous amount of space that will soon be home to Irish cultural events. The stone now covers most of the outside of the building. The center’s owner and developer Vaughn Lang joined us there in a champagne toast.

Then we gathered at Lukin’s Brick Oven Pizza. Its stylish industrial design served as a pleasant backdrop to poet Tom Townsley’s reading from Ulysses. Tom, who teaches English at Mohawk Valley Community College, has recently published a book of poetry called Night Class for Insomniacs.

Finally we made our way over to the Celtic Harp Irish Pub where we heard the multi-talented actor, writer, musician, and teacher Ann Carey give a spine-tingling performance of the final reading of the day: Molly’s Soliloquy.

Several members of the pub crawl won delightful door prizes, and everyone said they had a wonderful time and are looking forward to the third annual Utica Bloomsday Pub Crawl, tentatively set for June 15, 2019.

We would like to thank our many generous donors who helped make the day such a grand success, including: The venues (Utica Brews Cafe & Pub, Saranac Brewery, Nail Creek Pub & Brewery, Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley, Lukin’s Brick Oven Pizza, The Celtic Harp Irish Pub & Restaurant); door prize donors (The Great American Irish Festival, University of California Press, The Blarney Rebel Band); music and door prizes (Craobh Dugan); James Joyce eye glasses (Wilcor); portable sound system (Big Apple Music) and the T-shirt and passport designs and event promotion (Green Pencil Content).

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The Catskill Hills are Alive with Irish Music in July

Every July, the Irish American hamlet of East Durham, New York becomes the Mecca of traditional Irish Music and Dance in North America for the Catskills Irish Arts Week. In its 24th year, the prestigious summer school, which runs from July 8-14 and features over 60 classes in traditional music, song, dance and Celtic crafts, has become the premier event this side of the Atlantic, attracting students from all around the United States and Canada. The largest school of its kind in North America invites the finest teachers from Ireland and the United States, who will be giving workshops and demonstrations in fiddle, concertina, accordion, flute, harp, Irish singing, set dance and step dance, and much, much more. Culminating the week will be a concert by Cherish the Ladies on Friday, and the East Durham Trad Fest, taking place on Saturday from noon to 7 PM. The Catskills Irish Arts Week is organized by the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural & Sports Centre, a not for profit organization dedicated to Keeping the Tradition Alive in East Durham. For more info, visit their web site.

Calling all volunteers!

The Great American Irish Festival is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to assemble the great army of volunteers that make the festival succeed year after year.

The festival depends on hundreds of dedicated volunteers, working before, during and after the weekend, through sun, rain and even tornados, all to ensure that attendees and entertainers alike come away with great memories of our festival.

Several venues could use your help, and of course, volunteering 8 hours of your time over the course of the weekend makes you eligible to get some great perks, including free admission all weekend, a festival volunteer t-shirt, and an invitation to the post-festival volunteer party.

If you are interested in volunteering at this year’s festival, fill out the volunteer sign-up form. They especially need volunteers willing to work Friday and Saturday evenings from 8 PM to midnight. Most shifts are four hours at a time and some may require standing for long periods, but all are an integral part of making the Great American Irish Festival such a great experience. For more information, contact Danielle Mullen at [email protected].

Win a Trip for Two to Ireland!

The Great American Irish Festival is pleased to announce its first ever “Ireland Trip” raffle. That’s right, a one- week trip to the Emerald Isle – including airfare, hotels and coach transportation – could be yours, for a mere investment of $20.

The raffle, which will benefit the Great American Irish Festival and the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley, promises a week of sightseeing, shopping and guided tours, covering the length and breadth of the island. Conveyance and tours will be facilitated by Go Ahead Tours.

In this 7-day/6-night trip scheduled for Oct 2018, you’ll experience the sights and sounds of Galway, the splendor of County Claire’s awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, the quaint town of Cobh, Blarney Castle, and places, old and new, in the beautiful city of Dublin.

Only 1000 tickets will be sold for this golden opportunity to experience the landscape, history and culture of one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Sheila Knapp at [email protected]. The drawing will be held at the Great American Irish Festival, at 10 PM on July 28th, 2018.

The Great American Irish Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization.

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GAIF Advance Tickets – The Best Deal in Town

Can’t wait for the Great American Irish Festival to get here? Here’s your chance to turn that impatience into cash savings!

We all know that the Great American Irish Festival is a tremendous bargain. Where else can you hear over 18 hours of world-class music continuously on two stages by 20 different acts, enjoy a world-class pipe band competition, get your fill of sumptuous food and drink and be awed by the sheer power of traditional Celtic “Heavy Games,” all for less than the cost of a large pizza?

That was a trick question; you can’t. But it gets even better. As attractive as ticket prices are when purchased at the gate – one-day tickets are $18 on Friday and $20 for a jam-packed Saturday – your friends at GAIF have sweetened the pot when you order advance tickets.

That’s right, if you get your tickets in advance, you’ll only be paying $15 for Friday and just $18 for Saturday! But wait, as they say, there’s more. As a special deal being offered only to purchasers of advance sale tickets, you can pick up a specially-priced Weekend Pass for a mere $28! That’s a savings of $10 as compared to the cost of at-the-gate daily tickets!

It couldn’t be easier to get advance tickets. Beginning on July 9th and running right up to Festival eve (July 26th), you can visit any local Price Chopper store and ask for “Great American Irish Festival” tickets at any register, and just like that, you’ll avoid the ticket lines at the festival. But if even July 9th isn’t early enough for you, you can go right now to the GAIF website and follow the links to Ticketfly, where you can purchase and print your tickets today! And as always, children under 13 and all active military members with valid ID and immediate family are FREE.

Jim O’Looney, A Tribute to a Life Well Lived – By Sue Romero

On June 25, 2018, Craobh Dugan bid farewell to our beloved co- founder, Jim O’Looney, at a beautiful funeral Mass at Historic Old St. John’s Catholic Church in Utica. To the sweetly somber notes of the highland pipes played by Michael Roddy on the church steps, Jim’s loving wife, his seven children and their spouses, his 12 grandchildren, and his many friends gathered to celebrate the full and generous life Jim lived.

In 2005 Jim preserved the story of his life in an autobiography called “A Time to Reflect.” The section that stayed longest in my memory is the story of how he met Diana, an American teacher on vacation in Ireland. Chapter 11 begins, “On the evening of August 26, 1954, my life was about to change in a wonderful way.”

At the time, Jim was playing accordion with the Lough Lein Ceili Band at the International Hotel in Killarney. And that night Di and her friend decided to stop in and check out some local music. After the show, they lingered to chat with the musicians and that’s when Jim noticed something special about Di. The next day by a romantic stroke of serendipity, they happened to meet along the road to Muckross House and Gardens as they were riding bikes in opposite directions. They spent the rest of the day getting to know more about each other as they wandered through the beautiful gardens. Before the end of the day, Jim and Di knew they were in love.

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Diana soon cancelled her return ticket to the United States and after staying with friends of Jim’s for a few months, getting to know his family, and returning home to Utica for a few months, Di returned to Killarney just three days before the wedding. Jim and Diana were married at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney on June 30, 1955, and celebrated their reception at the hotel where they had met.

Now, 63 years later, we had gathered to celebrate the love story that continued and grew throughout Jim’s life. He loved his wife Diana, and said so daily as his son Michael told us in his eulogy. He loved his seven children, Mary, Katie, Siobhan, Nora, Ellen, Michael, and Roisin, and all of their families. He loved his home country of Ireland and his adopted country of the USA, having become an American citizen in 1986. He loved Utica, his hometown for over 50 years, and made many contributions there to the Observer-Dispatch newspaper as a printer and a process camera operator and as a professor in the Advertising Design and Production program at Mohawk Valley Community College. He loved music, helping to found our local branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Craobh Dugan in 1978. And he loved life.

As his daughter Mary said, “My father was a doer.”

This is evident from the many honors he received, including induction into the MVCC Hall of Fame and the CCE Northeast Region Hall of Fame. He received the Spirit of Ireland award at the Great American Irish Festival in 2008 and served as Grand Marshal for the Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2009.

Jim’s musical idol was Scottish accordionist Sir Jimmy Shand, whose influence could be seen in Jim’s waltz styling. Jim once had the honor of meeting Sir Jimmy and was paid a very high compliment by the elder Shand saying to Jim, “You have nice touch on that accordion.”

A week before Jim died, Diana called Chris and Mike Hoke, the current leaders of Craobh Dugan, and asked them to gather a few musicians to come over.

“He seemed so weak, I thought he would die that night,” Chris said. But as they began to play the ancient and familiar tunes Jim had loved since his childhood in County Kerry, he gathered strength. He asked for his accordion. His fingers moved over the keys and the lovely sad melodies of his favorite waltzes filled the room. Then a few days later at 9:00 am on June 21, the first day of summer, Jim peacefully passed away at the age of 86.

After seeing the obituary on the Craobh Dugan Facebook page, many people commented about Jim’s kindness and generosity to them. At the calling hours and at the funeral reception it was the same. Everyone spoke of the happy times at gatherings in the O’Looney’s house on Springate Street in Utica after the Boilermaker Road Race, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the weekly Irish music practice sessions. Jim always wore a friendly smile and was ever ready to help. He even cared for a neighbor’s dog after the man passed away.

Jim’s life was indeed a love story, and one that will live on through the book he wrote, the CD where his accordion music is recorded, his beautiful family and the Irish cultural organization he founded. He was the kind of soul we don’t encounter often in this world. Kind, gentle, generous and refined. As his son Michael said, “He was the perfect example of a life well lived.”

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

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“Bad Blood” -- Book Review by Mark Sisti

Brian McGilloway is not the most emotional of writers. It’s not that his novels are without emotion; it’s more that, in his Inspector Devlin books, it fit the character to keep a check on them. That’s not the case in the series featuring Northern Ireland-based Detective Sergeant Lucy Black. Emotion rules in the fourth book in the series, “Bad Blood,” and one overshadows all others. Hate. Hate for immigrants. Hate for minorities. Hate for homosexuals. It’s just before the Brexit vote and anti-immigrant feelings are running high. While DS Black is investigating an apparent hate crime committed against a Romanian family, she receives a call about a body being found, seemingly a victim of another hate crime when it is discovered that the young man is gay. Just hours before the murder, Lucy’s partner had attended a church service where the local pastor was heard to say that stoning of homosexuals was a proper and acceptable punishment for their sins. (The young man was killed by being struck the head with a rock.) Confronting the pastor and asking him to tone down the rhetoric does no good; in fact the protests that result only increase his following. As tensions continue to heat up, a member of the Romanian family is badly beaten, and another murder surfaces, ostensibly another crime against homosexuals. But is it? Nothing is as it seems in this volatile situation. While an organization, Ulster First, is firing up the neighborhood with anti-immigrant fervor, they may not be quite as ideologically committed as they seem. While all this is going on, a drug crisis is sweeping the area, with all the signs of a resulting turf war. Meanwhile, the anti-gay feelings have wormed their way into Lucy’s squad room, and she finds herself the target of innuendo and, ultimately, something much more serious. Are the attacks really based on sexual identity or national origin, or are these seeming zealots hijacking these real issues for their own selfish purpose? Is it really all about hating those who are different, is it to cover up a drug war, or is it a power struggle among former paramilitary members? The answer just might be all of the above. This was, to me, far and away the best of what has been a good – at times very good – series. McGilloway gives us human feelings without histrionics. While not a high-energy action-packed spectacle, there are scenes where the tension is thick. Lucy Black has gradually evolved from a somewhat one-dimensional character in the first book into a complex and multifaceted personality. Her strained relationship with her mother, which came off as forced in the previous entries in the series, becomes much more believable and less of a plot device. Lucy’s relationship with her partner is particularly intriguing, perhaps partly because so much of his personality is left beneath the surface. McGilloway does a commendable job of avoiding stereotypes in general. The anti-immigrants (with a few exceptions) don’t come off as ignorant bigots; their concerns seem legitimate. The anti-gay pastor is not a mindless hater; in fact it is his intelligence and charisma that makes him so dangerous. If I do have a complaint, I found the ending to be a bit rushed and anti-climactic. Also, Mr. McGilloway should stop thanking his editing team in his acknowledgements; in this book, as in his other more recent works, his editors and proofreaders are doing him no favors. These complaints don’t diminish the satisfaction with “Bad Blood,” however. As is generally the case with McGilloway, the pacing is precise and effective and his plotting, although confusing at times, is well thought out. Unlike many of the series that are being published recently (and McGilloway has a subtle reference to one whose entries have been reviewed in this newsletter before) any of these books can be enjoyed as a standalone. The author does an adequate job of filling the reader in on previous occurrences in Lucy’s life. All in all, this is an intelligent and well-crafted novel, whether taken as social commentary, an exploration of current issues, or read for pure enjoyment.

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Ranger Run 5K Keeps on Running

The 11th annual Ranger Run 5K will be held at 9 AM on Saturday, July 28th at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds. The race is named after Trooper Tim Sullivan, who passed away in 2007 while out on a run. Honoring Tim’s shield number -- 3115 – the race will now cover a total of 3.115 miles (instead of the normal 3.1 mile 5K).

You’ll be joined by hundreds of runners, many of whom are donning their best Irish running gear (green wigs count as running gear, right?!) and competing for the coveted “Best Irish Outfit” prize. You can expect the return of your favorite elements of the Ranger Run: Bagpipes to send you on your way at the start, heartbreak hill to bring you to the finish, and free entry to the festival on Saturday when you show your bib at the gate

Also new this year will be a “Ranger Kids 1/2 Mile Run.” This un-timed race will go off at 8:30 AM and is free for all children under 12.

For signup information, visit the Ranger Run 5K web page.

From the Irish Kitchen (recipes suitable for clipping)

This month’s recipe… “Blackberry Sorbet” – Simple ingredients and a short cook time means faster turnaround to the table!

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh blackberries 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup water 2 egg whites

Method:

Clean the blackberries thoroughly and remove stalks. Liquidize the fruit in a blender and strain through a sieve. Dissolve the sugar in the water and boil for about 5 minutes to make a syrup. Add the blackberries and boil for a further minute. When the liquid has cooled, fold it into stiffly-beaten egg whites. Freeze in an ice-cream machine or in ice cube trays in the freezer compartment of a fridge. If the latter is used, the mixture should be stirred about once an hour to prevent large ice crystals developing. Serves four.

If you try this recipe, feel free to share your experience with all of us; and of course, if you have a recipe you’d like to share, please contact Beth Loftis at [email protected]

RANDOM RAMBLINGS

“Nuacht as Craobh Dugan” ---news from the Dugan Branch Chris Hoke writes: “Performances this month include: Jul 3 - Open Session at Nail Creek Pub, 7:30 PM; Jul 6 - Ceili Dance Class, Seton Center, 7 PM; Jul 13 - Ceili Dance Class, Seton Center,7 PM; Jul 17 - Open Session at Stockdale’s, 7:30 PM; Jul 20 - Ceili Dance Class, Seton Center, 7 PM; Jul 27-28 Great American Irish Festival, Performance on the 28th at 11 AM.”

Bring on the Thunder! …or at least part of it. On Friday, July 6, Colm Keegan of Celtic Thunder will be performing at St. Helena’s Church in Sherrill. Joining Colm will be Scottish Cellist Laura Durant. Tickets for the 7 PM show are available from Patricia English or from Colm’s web site. General admission is $30, students/senior 65+ is $25.

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St. Patrick’s Irish Festival If you’re looking for some pre-GAIF festival action, why not head out to St. Patrick’s Church (216 N Lowell Ave on historic Tipperary Hill) on Jul 20-21 for their 27th annual St Patrick’s Irish Festival. This year’s live bands include Mere Mortals, The Causeway Giants, The Public House, Quigsey & The Bird, Tom Dooley Choraliers, The Flyin’ Column and The Syracuse Kiltie Pipe Band. Also on hand…foot… will be local Irish step dancing, including performances by Roisin Academy, McDonald School, Johnston School, Butler Sheehan Academy, Drumcliffe School and Francis Academy.

“Songs of Dublin” The Old Forge Library (220 Crosby Blvd, Old Forge) will be hosting Dublin-born folklorist, folk singer and instrumentalist Tom O’Carroll, for a night of songs, stories, humor, wit and history. Admission to the 7:30 performance is free and open to the public.

Need a Good Laugh? Among the usual events scheduled for the 2018 Great American Irish Festival, you’ll notice a couple of new additions. On both Friday and Saturday, GAIF will be hosting Irish comedians Sean Finnerty and Colum Tyrrell in the Cultural Building. Showtime is 7:30 each night, and tickets are $20. Then on Saturday at 2 PM, GAIF will be hosting a “Paint and Sip” event, where would-be painters of all stripes will be able to choose from two Irish themed paintings, and under the direction of Connie Pratt, owner of Utica’s Art & Vine, will create their own masterpiece on a 12″ x 16″ canvas. A glass of wine or beer is included with the $25 fee.

Celtic Club Calendar Finally, here’s the Irish Musical and Cultural calendar for July:

Jul 3 “Songs of Dublin” Old Forge Library Old Forge 7:30 PM Free Jul 3 Nail Creek Sessions Nail Creek Pub Utica 7:30 PM Free Jul 6 Colm Keegan St. Helena’s Church Sherrill 7 PM $30; $25 srs/students Michael J. Quill Irish Check site for Jul 8-14 Catskills Irish Arts Week Cultural/ Sports East Durham Varies Tuition Centre Jul 14 Traditional Irish Session Kitty Hoynes Pub Syracuse 2-5 PM Free Jul 15 Traditional Irish Session Irish Amer Ass’n Albany 2:30-6 PM Free Jul 17 Traditional Irish Session Stockdale’s Oriskany 7:30 PM Free Jul 17 Arise and Go Cornell Univ Ithaca 7:30 PM Free Jul 20 Blarney Rebel Band Piggy Pat’s Washington Mills 7-10 PM Free Jul 20 Enter the Haggis Daryl's House Pawling NY 8 PM $15-$25 Fri, 5-11 PM Jul 20-21 St. Patrick’s Irish Festival St. Patrick’s Church Syracuse Free Sat, Noon-11 PM Jul 21 Syracuse Irish Session Funk’n Waffles Syracuse 2-5 Free Jul 22 Blarney Rebel Band Woodland Hop Farm Marcy NY 2-5 PM Free Jul 23 Blarney Rebel Band/John King Levitt AMP series Utica 6 PM Free Fri - $18 ($15 adv); Herkimer County Fri - 4-11 Jul 27-28 Great American Irish Festival Frankfort NY Sat - $20 ($18 adv), Fairgrounds Sat - 11 – 11 $28 Weekend (adv) Jul 28 Traditional Irish Session Kitty Hoynes Pub Syracuse 2-5 PM Free Jul 29 Flyin’ Column Coleman’s Irish Pub Syracuse 4-7 PM Free

If you have anything you want to share with us, feel free to send it to us ([email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]), and we’ll be happy to include it. As always, while we strive for professionalism, sometimes that poopyhead steals my stapler. It always makes sense to call ahead to confirm some of these further- out trips. Enjoy a safe 4th of July and we’ll see you at the Great American Irish Festival!

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