On Saturday, Feb. 22, start the “Season” of Saint Patrick with a ‘Celebration of Irish Music.’
Starting at 3:30 p.m. at Filomena’s Restaurant in Waterford, two musical groups will alternate singing, playing, and chanty singing until 6:30 p.m. Popular local band Bards of Gungywamp will perform well-known Irish tunes on traditional instruments and the internationally-known Johnson Girls will harmonize with chanteys, encouraging the audience to sing out and clap along to the rhythms of old-time, maritime, work songs.
The concert will benefit the New London team of Currach Rowers, who continue to showcase the art of rowing the ancient vessels, which are still used on the Western coast of Ireland and, more recently, in the U.S. are pitted against other currach rowing teams from the North American Currach Association. The team will host their annual regatta in New London on July 26 of this year.
While Ireland claims the design of the vessels and the continuing challenges of the sport, team President Maureen Plumleigh of Old Lyme encourages adults, who enjoy a challenge, to join the team, saying, “You don’t have to be Irish to step up to a fulfilling challenge and enjoy the camaraderie and Irish culture.”
The afternoon includes a raffle of mainly Irish-themed items, and food and beverages are available from the menu. Tickets are now available via the PayPal QR code below at $25 each plus the modest user fee or at https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=Z8UNMGLNC482J A limited number of tickets may be sold at the door as space allows.
Joining the Currach Rowers in preserving Irish customs and culture are the members of the John P. Holland Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, New London as well as the CT Sea Music Festival. Members of the Spirited Soles Irish Dance Academy will perform their lively jigs and reels during intermission (https://www.facebook.com/Spiritedsolesdancers/)
Send questions to [email protected].