The Irish Repertory Theatre celebrated its 2017 gala at the New York Town Hall in June. The evening, “Sondheim at Seven,” recognized the work of one of America’s greatest musical artists, Stephen Sondheim. Angela Lansbury introduced this one-night-only musical revue which included as many hit songs as could fit into 90 minutes. A galaxy of Broadway stars performed selections … [Read more...] about Irish Rep Honors Sondheim
Music
It’s a Long Way to Tipperary
Tom Deignan examines the WWI marching tune. ℘℘℘ Fans of legendary actress Mary Tyler Moore – who died in January at the age of 80 – may recall the final episode of the groundbreaking Mary Tyler Moore Show, which aired 40 years ago, in 1977. The TV news team at the center of the show had just wrapped up their own final episode. They hug and cry but, in the final scene, walk out … [Read more...] about It’s a Long Way to Tipperary
The Time is Right for “Woody Sez”
“There never was a sound that was not music – there’s no real trick of creating words to set to music – once you realize that the word is the music and the people are the song.” – Woody Guthrie There is perhaps nothing more joyously therapeutic than lifting one’s voice in song. And in these unsettled times there is a lot of joy and one heck of a good time at the Irish … [Read more...] about The Time is Right for “Woody Sez”
How to Conquer Cravings
A new book by folk singer and author Judy Collins reveals all about her battle with food. ℘℘℘ Leonard Cohen is dead. Joni Mitchell is ailing. Judy Collins stands out in the crowd of ’60s folk artists as blooming. I recently caught her concert at the Metropolitan Museum – her skin glows, she wears high-heeled boots, she plays guitar and piano (and makes you realize what a … [Read more...] about How to Conquer Cravings
Is “The Star Spangled Banner” a Traditional Irish Melody?
By Geoff Cobb
June 30, 2017
June 30, 2017
At first glance the claim seems like pure pub blarney: an Irishman wrote the melody for “The Star Spangled Banner.” There is, however, a strong basis to assert that the melody of our national anthem, in fact, is an adaptation of an Irish tune written by Erin’s greatest composer. If you half paid attention in school you know the Anthem’s story. On September 14, 1814, during the … [Read more...] about Is “The Star Spangled Banner” a Traditional Irish Melody?