Check out the recent Bulletin article regarding the upcoming "Irish Christmas in America" show and interview with our own Jim McGill.
http://www.thebulletin.us/site/news.cfm?newsid=20212116&BRD=2737&PAG=461&dept_id=659594&rfi=6
Local News:
An Emerald Christmas: Irish Group Performs Traditional Holiday Concert By Erin Maguire,
The Bulletin 12/03/2008
Sweet harp-plucked notes will combine with mournful uillean pipe compressions when traditional Irish musicians rekindle the Christmas customs of their home country at the Commodore Barry Club (The Irish Center) Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. The second annual "Irish Christmas in America," presented by the Philadelphia Ceili Group, showcases Irish music, photography and dance in a theatric production illuminating seasonal Irish traditions. The family-friendly show incorporates stories and wit sure to evoke emotional memories for Emerald Isle offspring and a sense of cultural appreciation for those of non-Irish decent.
Téada, an award-winning Irish band, and Karan Casey, an original vocalist in renowned Irish-American supergroup Solas, headlines the show. Uillean piper Tommy Martin of Riverdance, and Irish harpist Gráinne Hambly will enhance the sound as All-American Bran Cunningham adds to the story with sean-nos, or "old-style," dancing. Ciarán McHugh's photographic slide show of rugged and historic Western Ireland serves as a backdrop and reference to Téada drummer Tristan Rosenstock's narration.
In its fourth year of existence, "Irish Christmas in America" is a nationally touring show produced and created by Téada fiddler and bandleader Oisín Mac Diarmada. A Trinity College Dublin graduate who is currently pursuing postgraduate research studies in "Political Identity and Movement to Music," Mr. Mac Diarmada is well-qualified to put together a show that "brings the spirit of Christmas on a distinctively Irish journey throughout America in December 2008," according to the group's Web site. While last year's Commodore Barry Club show was "excellent and beautiful," according to Philadelphia Ceili Group board member Jim McGill, the inaugural appearance of Mr. Cunningham adds new flavor to this year's show. Mr. McHugh's photography is also new, as is the voice of Ms. Casey, who follows in the show's tradition as a guest vocalist.
The CD Irish Christmas in America will be sold for the first time at the event, as well. Mr. Mac Diarmada organized "Irish Christmas in America," as "a chance to combine different art forms," incorporating the usual instrumental performances of his band with guest artists like Ms. Casey, whom he deems "one of the greatest signers in Ireland at the moment." The show combines historical and present day traditions that "the Irish audience doesn't need to be told about," the bandleader said. And yet, those who came off the boat into this country might still experience nostalgia. "Irish people will be familiar with or at least have heard about the traditions and maybe they've carried on some of these traditions in America; it might be more touching for them," Mr. Mac Diarmada said of the show. For people of non-Irish descent, the show will serve as an "interesting little insight into how Irish people celebrate Christmas" and an opportunity to "compare and contrast how they celebrate Christmas." Mr. Mac Diarmada said the sean-nos dancing will enhance this year's show, especially for people who have visions of Riverdance-like step dancing in their heads. He said the audience would find the older style of dance "exciting and different."
Originally from Donegal, Mr. McGill recalls the history of this type of dancing in his home country. "[Sean-nos dancing] goes back to flagstone floors in the old homes in Ireland, where impromptu dancing took place by firesides," Mr. McGill said. "Old time dancing is not at the point where it used to be. Like any old custom, it's dying." Another custom still alive in Ireland and part of the show is the Mummers, or Wrenboys. On Dec, 26, St. Stephen's Day, some Northern Ireland residents dress in costume and go from house to house singing, playing music and dancing as Mummers, a tradition that influenced Philadelphia's own Mummers. In other parts of Ireland, the musicians are known as Wrenboys because they traditionally carried caged wrens as they sang. "The groups got together almost like pick-up football," Mr. McGill said of the Mummers and Wrenboys.
In addition to this local tie, Philadelphians will also relate to songs composed by Ed Reavy, an Irish musician from County Cavan who moved to Philadelphia in the early 1900s. "It's nice to come back and play his tunes," Mr. Mac Diarmada said. He likes the Commodore Barry Club as a venue not just for the reminiscent value of this Philadelphia composer, but also because the place upholds Irish traditions.
Mr. McGill appreciates this support and enjoys the fact that The Philadelphia Ceili Group hosts the show. " 'Irish Christmas in America' is very much so part and parcel of what we do; it depicts a lot of what were all about," he said. "For a lot of people, it's their one touch to the Irish aspect many generations heard their parents or grandparents tell about Christmastime in Ireland," Mr. McGill said of the show. "It will bring back some memories."
Tickets for "Irish Christmas in America" are $25 and $23 for group members at the door the night of the concert. To order advance tickets, call The Commodore Barry Club at 215 843-8051 or online at www.philadelphiaceiligroup.org. Group tickets for groups of 15 or more are $20 each.
Erin Maguire can be reached at emaguire@thebulletin.us
