Woman of Ireland

FSU Presents: Women of Ireland

By Jenny Toke, ENGL 336.002

The month of March is defined in many different ways by the numerous events that take place and the jolly, green-clad holiday that falls in the middle. March is “in like a lion, out like a lamb;” Julius Caesar was forewarned against the “ides of March;” and on March 17^th Saint Patrick’s Day was celebrated. Saint Patrick’s Day is actually a Christian feast day of Saint Patrick, a patron Saint of Ireland. Three days before this celebratory holiday, Frostburg State University welcomed the city of Frostburg to attend a performance by the beautiful and talented Women of Ireland on Wednesday, March 14^th at 7:30 pm. The concert showcased Irish talent and musical tradition featuring three beautiful vocalists: Denise Brennan, Nicola McGuire, and Ciara Walton; fiddler Theresa Kavanaugh; and dancer Siobhàn Manson in addition to other female and male band members and dancers.

Before the lights dimmed, the Alice R. Manicur Assembly Hall was packed full of various-aged audience members. Last minute tickets to this show was not a good idea, as those who first came were first served and tickets went fast, even though they were on sale weeks ahead of time. FSU offered a special discounted price of $3.00 for students, and those who love culture, music, dancing, and a fun atmosphere would have loved to attend this event.

When the lights did dim, Celtic music seized the auditorium beginning with a saxophone solo; it did not take long for the audience to either move their feet or clap to the beat and do so throughout the duration of the concert. The three vocalists sang together and also performed individual pieces both of fast and slow tempos. The girls changed attire throughout the concert wearing lovely dresses of green, white, orange (the colors of Ireland’s flag) red, purple and black. Siobhàn, the lead female dancer fluttered across the stage like a fairy, spinning and step dancing passionately with a smile that ceased to falter. Her match in the category of spunk and the ability to move his feet was Andrew Vickers who often stole the stage in his fiery red shirt and clacking tap shoes with which he battled the percussion in an entertaining war of rhythm. The performance included upbeat, powerful numbers such as “Storm in My Heart,” but it also toned the atmosphere down with soloist numbers performed by the band such as Dan O Calaghan who played the uilleann pipe (much like the bag pipe but not a wind instrument).  The concert was overall thoroughly enjoyable, lively, and incredibly enticing.   

Afterward, the three vocalists, the violinist, and the main dancer sat at a table in the lobby where CDs, including the songs seen on the left, were being sold and signed by the girls. The enthusiasm for their culture which they shared during the concert was matched in passion by their humility and kindness as they met and talked with audience members. Truly, this was a memorable, culturally enlightening performance but just because you couldn't attend Frostburg's presentation of the Woman of Ireland doesn't mean you can't learn more about them and their music. To delve into the world of Irish music and talent, check out their website: http://www.women-of-ireland.com/ and maybe become a little bit enlightened about musical talent of other countries and cultures.