MOHAWK VALLEY IRISH CULTURAL
Volume 16, Issue 9 EVENTS NEWSLETTER Sep 2019
Five Points Pub Welcomes Rory Makem and Dónal Clancy
The Five Points Public House and Event Center, in conjunction with Craobh Dugan, is proud to host a concert of traditional Irish folk music featuring Rory Makem and Donal Clancy, on Thursday Sept 12th at 7 PM.
Continuing their family tradition, which began with their fathers in The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, independently celebrated musicians Rory Makem and Dónal Clancy come together with charismatic interpretations of songs and stories in the Irish folk tradition, while lending original music and songs of the modern folk era to the mix.
Dónal Clancy, the son of Liam Clancy, is an acclaimed guitarist, singer and performer. He has been a member of Solás and Danú and has performed with Eileen Ivers and The Chieftains.
A seasoned performer with more than 25 years on the road, Rory Makem is one of the leading forces in the song tradition of Irish music; carrying the torch of his father Tommy Makem, while promoting the craft of the modern folk era.
The duo of Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy had a huge impact on folk music around the world in the 1970s and 80s. Many songs and memorable performances came from the duo, with many of their recordings have passed into “classic” status in many collections.
Rory Makem and Dónal Clancy are justifiably proud of their families’ storied place in Irish music, and both had the opportunity to perform with their famous fathers over the years. While staying true to their musical lineage, the latter-day Makem and Clancy have forged their own identities as Irish singers and musicians, as well as masterful storytellers with a witty and charming stage presence.
Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 the day of show. They can be purchased through Eventbrite, or at the Five Points Public House. The Five Points Public House, co-located with the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley, is located at 623 Columbia St, Utica.
Five Points Pub Sets Grand Opening Dates
Utica’s newest bar, the Five Points Public House, announced the dates for its official Grand Opening: Sept 19-21. The bar, which had been previously open only from 4 PM to closing on Thursday through Saturday, will be starting full-time operation on September 19th, with entertainment from the Blarney Rebel Band, Guinness representatives, and – shhh! -- some special surprises.
Plans to expand food offerings were also announced, with new hours for lunch, dinner and late evening pub fare. The Five Points Public House, co-located with the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley, is located at 623 Columbia St, Utica.
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Irish 2000 Music and Arts Festival
The 23rd annual Irish 2000 Music and Arts Festival will take place on Sept 13-14 at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds. Going back to its two-day format, Irish 2K features an outstanding lineup, including Eileen Ivers, Enter the Haggis, the Screaming Orphans, Scythian, Rory Makem and Donal Clancy, Hair of the Dog, Shilelagh Law, House of Hamill, Get Up Jack, Emish, The McKrells, Hellcat Maggie and many more.
Tickets for Friday are $20 at the gate ($16 in advance) and $25 on Saturday; $19 in advance. Two-day passes are $30, and are only available in advance at select Price Chopper stores. Kids 12 and under are free. For more information, visit their web site.
The Saratoga County Fairgrounds is located 30 miles north of Albany, off interstate 87 (Adirondack Northway), in Ballston Spa.
Copper City Brewing Co. Welcomes House of Hamill
Enter the Haggis and Great American Irish Fest fans will instantly recognize this husband and wife duo. Brian Buchanan and Rose Baldino together are House of Hamill, a project that incorporates traditional Irish fiddle music, contemporary originals, and even a viral cover of Guns ‘n Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine.” Their contagious personalities keep audiences smiling and dancing while their tremendous musical talent leaves jaws on the floor.
The two bonded through their mutual admiration of traditional Irish fiddle music and Radiohead. A fondness for whiskey didn’t hurt either. Their harmonies are infectious and their music is contagious. You won't want to miss this performance.
Make plans for a very special edition of Thursday Night Live at Copper City Brewing Company on Thursday, Sept 12th. You’ll be sure to be left wanting more from these two. Showtime starts at 7 PM.
Syracuse Irish Festival – The Best Irish Music, Food and Fun!
On September 6-7, the Syracuse Irish Festival once again takes to the streets. In total, performances will take place on two separate stages in Clinton Square by such Celtic and Irish bands as Enter the Haggis, Aoife Scott, Runa, The Town Pants, The Fitzgeralds, House of Hamill and many more. Also on the bill will be performances from several of the area’s excellent dance schools, and a special area just for the kids.
The festival, which runs from noon to 11 PM on both days, is free. For more info, check their web site.
Hudson Valley Irish Festival Marks Its 11th Year
The 2019 Hudson Valley Irish Festival is an event not to be missed, with a day full of music, fun and food for the whole family. Providing the entertainment will be the Screaming Orphans, The McLean Avenue Band, the Cunningham Brothers and massed pipe bands. There will also be an open trad seisiun all day long, featuring Mary Courtney, Donie Carroll, Tom Dunne and Daniel Neeley. If that’s not enough, there’s also a spoken word tent featuring Irish American writers and artists, food trucks, fantastic Irish apparel, crafts and arts vendors, step dancers, and a children’s area, featuring18th Century toys and games.
The festival, held on the majestic banks of the Hudson River at Peekskill’s Riverfront Green Park, runs from 11 AM to 7 PM. Admission is $10.
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An Intimate Evening with Colleen & Erin Searson
On Friday, September 13, “Six on the Square” welcomes GAIF veterans Colleen and Erin Searson for a special 7:30 PM show.
For over a decade now, sisters Colleen and Erin have toured the world with their unique blend of high energy fiddling, passionate vocals and intricate step dancing. Hailing from the Ottawa Valley, Ontario, Canada, their spirited live shows feature Colleen on fiddle and Erin on piano and tenor guitar, interspersed with the incomparably rich sounds of sibling vocal harmonies, and both sisters “pounding the boards” with Ottawa Valley step dancing. Tickets are available at the discounted pre-show price of $20 (plus a $2 service charge) or $25 at the door.
The Young Dubliners Are in the House!
On Sept 11th, Celtic rockers the Young Dubliners will be giving one of their signature shows at Daryl’s House, in Pawling NY.
Founded in 1988 by Dublin native Keith Roberts and Paul O’Toole, the Young Dubliners have grown from their beginnings as a traditional folk/pop band, influenced by Celtic musician Christy Moore and Irish band The Fureys, to a style marked by a fusion of Irish traditional instruments and music with modern rock. The Young Dubs have released eight albums of original material and one Irish ballad cover album, and are currently at work recording a new CD. They have headlined throughout the United States and Europe since 1994, and have shared the stage with Jethro Tull, John Hiatt, Chris Isaak, Jonny Lang, Great Big Sea and Collective Soul, and appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live. AllMusic.com states, “Their live shows (have) a jam-like appeal, similar to the vibes of Phish and the Dave Matthews Band.”
Tickets for the 7 PM show range from $15-$25 and are available here.
Charm City Junction: Their Roots Are Showing
The Baltimore-based Charm City Junction creates a fresh soundscape that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats wondering where they’ll go next. The band is comprised of four of the most talented and promising acoustic roots musicians in the country—Patrick McAvinue (fiddle, mandolin, and vocals), Brad Kolodner (clawhammer banjo and vocals), Sean McComiskey (button accordion) and Alex Lacquement (upright bass and vocals). Their music melds Old Time rhythms, foot-stomping Irish melodies, hard-driving bluegrass, and three-part harmonies.
September finds them in the local(ish) area on two consecutive nights. On September 13th, they’ll be performing as part of Old Songs, Inc.’s Concert Series (37 South Main St. in Voorheesville), and then they’ll head down the road (or it could be up the road; our research department called in sick) to the Walton Theater; 30 Gardiner Place, Walton, NY. Both shows begin at 7:30 PM. Tickets for the Old Songs concert are $25 for adults, $12 for attendees 13-18, and $5 for those under 13. Tickets for the Walton Theater show are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $32 for an entire family.
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“The Chain” -- Book Review by Mark Sisti
Belfast-born Adrian McKinty’s latest novel, “The Chain,” presents a classic ethical dilemma: just how far will a normal person go to protect his or her family. I don’t mean physically; we are all positive we would take a bullet, fight a lion or jump in front of a speeding train to save our children. But I’m talking morally: would you be willing to commit the most irredeemably heinous acts to keep your child safe?
Recent divorcee Rachel O’Neill’s life has been getting back on track after some tough times. Her cancer is in remission. She has just gotten a job teaching at a local college, allowing her to quit the menial jobs at which she has been working. Living with her young daughter Kylie, things are looking up.
That all changes when she gets two calls. The first is from her oncologist, who has found disturbing indicators in her recent reports. As bad as that is, though, it pales in comparison to the next call.
An unknown voice tells her Kylie has been kidnapped. But this is no ordinary ransom call. The caller gives her detailed instructions on how to transfer the ransom money but then tells her that before Kylie can be released, Rachel must kidnap another child to take her place. She must then contact the parents and give them the identical message. When Rachel grabs the next victim, the kidnappers of Kylie will have their child released. Then once the parents of the child Rachel has kidnapped fulfill their part of the bargain, Kylie will be released. And so on and so on.
Thus is Rachel drawn into The Chain. “Two things you must remember,” says the inhuman voice. “Number one: you are not the first and you will certainly not be the last. Number two: remember, it’s not about the money—it’s about The Chain.”
From this intriguing premise, McKinty takes us through Rachel’s torment as she ponders the unthinkable as the only way she can save her daughter. But neither her tormentors nor Rachel herself fully comprehend the reserves of strength she can draw upon.
There are few plots these days that can truly be classified as unique; this is one of them. It is a testament to McKinty’s skill that he can take this implausible concept and make you buy into it. His characters are universally believable. The good guys are people you can root for; the bad guys are people you want to see stopped. But sometimes the line between good guy and bad guy gets blurred.
As usual, McKinty’s deft use of symbols adds levels of depth to an already intricate story. While the first half deals with Rachel’s efforts to save her daughter, Part 2 mirrors the Greek myth of the Minotaur: Rachel’s codename when she tries to track down the creators of The Chain is Ariadne, while one of her allies takes the codename Perseus. In a dream she is approached by a shadow that could be a man with the head of a bull. She plays with a loose red thread from her sweater, reflecting the spool of red thread that Perseus uses to trace his route through the Labyrinth. It’s the perfect mythological allusion: the tale of the Minotaur involves the sacrifice of children to the monster; Rachel’s quest involves finding her way through the maze that has been constructed to protect the creature.
Even Rachel’s chemo treatment is used effectively, with the use of a destructive force used to prevent a more destructive force. McKinty writes, “Chemo is the little death that you invite in in order to keep the big death waiting outside on the porch.” Similarly Rachel must be willing to perform bad acts in order to stop a worse one.
This novel, as good as it is, does call for some serious suspension of disbelief. We are asked to accept that these law- abiding victims can flip a switch and commit horrendous crimes that are completely against their nature. Not so much that they’re willing to do it, but that they’re capable doing it. We are also asked to believe that in this long string of victims, not one has come forward after they believed themselves free. As we all know, three people can keep a secret –if two of them are dead. But once you are drawn into the story – and you will be – none of that will matter.
Adrian McKinty is one of the best Irish authors alive, and he’s at the top of his game here. This is a gripping and intelligent dark psychological thriller, unnerving and disturbing. It grabs you from the first chilling page and doesn’t let go until the breakneck climax. And it will make you question what you’re capable of.
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RANDOM RAMBLINGS
“Nuacht as Craobh Dugan” ---news from the Dugan Branch Chris Hoke writes: “As you know, this year we decided to not take part in the CCE Big Draw Raffle that we have for many years. Some people thought that a more ‘local’ raffle might appeal to more people. Colleen Martin took the reins and set up a raffle with four really nice prizes. First prize is a weekend for 2 at the Cape Cod Irish Village the weekend of Oct 18/19, which includes 1 dinner and 2 breakfasts. Second Prize is a 10” diameter Waterford Crystal bowl (Normandy Suite). Third Prize is a $100 gift card to the Five Points Pub at the Irish Cultural Center. And Fourth Prize is a hand-made and painted rustic wooden Irish flag. The raffle tickets cost just $5 each and ONLY 1000 will be sold--which make the odds very good (much better than, say, the NYS lottery!!). Colleen mailed out tickets to branch members and asked them to sell some to their family, friends and co-workers. Please be sure to return all tickets sold and un-sold plus the money to Colleen by Sept. 15th. This is our only true fund-raiser of the year; the money will be used for things like assisting members with tuition to attend classes and workshops, supporting the ICC Museum, and for our general operating expenses. The drawing will be held at the Sept 17th session at Stockdale’s… Performances this month include: Sep 3 - Open session at Nail Creek Pub, 7:30 PM; Sep 6 - Ceili Dance Class, Seton Center, 7 PM; Sep 13 - Ceili Dance Class, Seton Center, 7 PM; Sep 17 - Open session at Stockdale’s, 7:30 PM; Sep 20 - Ceili Dance Class, Seton Center, 7 PM; Sep 27 - Ceili Dance Class, Seton Center, 7 PM.”
Celtic Club Calendar Finally, here’s the Irish Musical and Cultural calendar for September:
Sep 1 Kevin McKrell/David McDonnell The Parting Glass Saratoga Springs 7 PM Free Sep 1 Traditional Irish Session McCarthy's Irish Pub Cazenovia 4 PM Free Sep 3 Nail Creek Sessions Nail Creek Utica 7:30 PM Free Noon-11 PM Sep 6-7 Syracuse Irish Festival Clinton Square Syracuse both days Free Sep 6 Kevin McKrell Caffè Lena Saratoga Springs 8 PM $12-$20 Sep 11 Young Dubliners Daryl's House Pawling 7 PM $15-$25 Sep 12 Rory Makem & Donal Clancy Five Points Pub Utica 7 PM $10 adv, $15 at the door Sep 12 House of Hamill Copper City Brewing Rome 7-9 PM Free Fri - $20 ($16 adv); Sat - Saratoga Cty 7-11 PM Fri Sep 13-14 Irish 2000 Ballston Spa, NY $25 ($19 adv); weekend Fairgrounds 11-11 PM Sat $30 (adv only) Sep 13 Colleen and Erin Searson 6 On The Square Oxford, NY 7:30 PM $22 adv, $25 at the door Sep 13 Charm City Junction Old Songs Voorheesville, NY 7:30 PM $25, $12 (13-18), $5 (<13) Sep 14 Charm City Junction Walton Theatre Walton, NY 7:30 PM $15, $13 (srs); $32 (family) Sep 15 Donal O’Shaughnessey Coleman’s Irish Pub Syracuse 4-7 PM Free Sep 15 Traditional Irish Session Irish Amer Ass’n Albany 2:30-6 PM Free Sep 17 Traditional Irish Session Stockdale’s Oriskany 7:30 PM Free Sep 18 Soldier’s Joy Oneida Public Library Oneida 7 PM Free Sep 18 Traditional Irish Session Kitty Hoynes Pub Syracuse 6:30 PM Free Sep 19 Blarney Rebel Band Five Points Pub Utica 7 PM Free Sep 20 Blarney Rebel Band Piggy Pat’s Washington Mills 7-10 PM Free Sep 21 The Mighty Craic Park Coffeehouse Holland Patent 7:30 PM $12 Sep 21 Syracuse Irish Session Funk’n Waffles Syracuse 2-5 Free Sep 28 Hudson Valley Irish Festival Peeksville Riverfront Pk Peeksville 11 AM-7 PM $10 Sep 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] or [email protected]), and we’ll be happy to include it. As always, we strive to make our newsletter the best it can be, but
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