The peace process hasn't extended to the Irish ballad group the Wolfe Tones. The famous music group split last Christmas, and is now at war over who is entitled to use the name. There are now two groups, each styling themselves the Wolfe Tones, and the rift has led to an upsurge of jokes about the group, which has entertained the nation with Republican ballads for the last 38 … [Read more...] about The Wolfe Tones Split
Irish Music
Music: Blink in America
Blink are back in Ireland to nail down the last few songs on what already sounds from an early demo tape like a very promising third album. After forming in 1992, the Dublin four-piece toured Britain for a couple of years but decided in '95 to make-or-break in the U.S. "It was really starting over for us," explains manager Aidan Lambert, whose younger brother Dermot is … [Read more...] about Music: Blink in America
Celtic Appalachia
If you live in Philadelphia or happen to be planning a weekend break to the city, you will be interested to note that the 15th Annual Celtic Appalachian Celebration will take place on Sunday, March 10th between 2:30 and 7:00pm at the International House of Philadelphia. The program's theme "Far from the American Shore: Irish American history through song" offers an entertaining … [Read more...] about Celtic Appalachia
Danny Boy Uncovered
In his book Danny Boy – The Beloved Irish Ballad to be published in March, well-known Irish-American writer Malachy McCourt offers an explication of the history, facts and myths surrounding the well-loved Irish air. McCourt explains that "Danny Boy" is unique in that people are willing to overlook a bad rendition if the singer is earnest and the moment is true. It is certainly … [Read more...] about Danny Boy Uncovered
America’s Favorite Irish Tenor
Siobhan Tracey talks to Ronan Tynan about life, love and what keeps him sane. As my knowledge of opera is almost solely limited to the trivia fact that "Un bel di" from Madame Butterfly is playing as Glenn Close wreaks her havoc in Fatal Attraction, I did wonder fleetingly whether I needed to brush up on a few key operatic terms before meeting Ronan Tynan, the renowned Irish … [Read more...] about America’s Favorite Irish Tenor