Na Fianna
Day one of the first South Shore Irish Festival indicated that the event will likely grown each year. There was a better than decent turnout for most of the day and several attendees were clearly enjoying the musical offerings of the day held at the Marshfield Fairgrounds in Marshfield, Massachusetts. And the line up of bands and singers accounted for much of the draw. Johnny Costello from WROL 95.5 AM radio was among the announcers introducing the bands, like Noel Henry’s Irish Show Band. Aside from Irish ballads, this group also played a hopping take on “Rock Me Mama Like A Wagon Wheel” before involving the youngsters in the audience with “The Unicorn” and “The Chicken Dance.”
Johnny McEvoy made two appearances on the main stage at last Saturday’s opening day. McEvoy’s timbre, husky and tender at once, flowed naturally over his originals and standards, making his winsome selections sound quite lyrical, in an old world kind of way. “The Ballad Of John Williams” was infused with McEvoy’s old fashioned charm and lovely brogue, drawing listeners into the story. McEvoy was even more emotive during his ballad “Nora,” based on the standard “When You And Were Young, Maggie,” as he slowly unfurled his story of loss and longing, turning it into something mournfully beautiful. McEvoy also told a sad tale about an army chaplain lost to a mortar shell during WWI. During his delivery of “Boston Ladies,” his hearty, chirpy timbre simply caressed his tender melody line. Throughout his sets, McEvoy captured the Irish sense of history, things both joyful and tragic, that have impacted their island and its people over the centuries.
A band on the smaller stage, Erin’s Melody, with crisp lead guitar and cool, pristine ivory tinkling, played music that has stood the test of time. Three part harmonies also lent extra depth to their tunes. “The Wild Rover” featured a playful accordion melody with exuberant vocal assertions, making it come to life, inspiring audience participation
The local band Devri had fun pumping out classics and newer, original music. Each mandolin note was priceless. Their “Streets Of New York” likely tugged on the heartstrings of many. It’s about a kid who came to the United States from Ireland and became a New York City police officer. Devri soon invited singer, fundraiser, and policewoman Pauline Wells to join them. Her rendition of the standard “Grace” made a visible impression on many in attendance. In fact, you could see people drying their eyes before she was even finished.
McLean Avenue Band
The Fenian’s Sons had their way with rebel songs like “Freedom’s Sons” and “Black And Tans.” Bulbous rhythm and strident acoustic guitar strumming and some brisk lead guitar brought these songs to vivid life, giving them a sense of motion. “The County Down” was played as a rollicking fun tune before they played “Battle Of New Orleans,” showing their interest in roots music. Then “The 911 Brigade” was played to honor 345 firefighters who lost their lives during September 11, 2001.
During the middle of the day, students from the Dunleavy Shaffer School Of Irish Dance put on an adorable display of step dancing. Lovely, colorful costumes adorned the stage and moved in extra quick motion as the kids strutted their stuff. There were far too many highlights among these youngsters to focus on any one in particular. Yet, suffice it to say, they are all getting a good education in Irish dance.
As their speedy tempos and perky fiddle chugged along, MacLean Avenue Band played with a balance of modern electric and acoustic guitars and much old world charm “In My Father’s House” was a fine ballad and the band impressed even more with their use of a Uillean Pipe and broom dancing. Their accordion, guitar, acoustic guitar and banjo, mash up turned “Farmer’s Daughter” into a joyful, racing wall of Celtic sound.
Na Fianna closed out the Saturday evening event with a highly spirited performance. Their bodhran player brought in a steady rocking, marching, stomping beat to their music, like the pulse of man who’s been running. It gave a solid bottom to their accordion melodies and their other instruments. Touring to support their latest CD, Unearthed, these boys gave everyone in the crowed good reason to buy it. They worked “Whiskey In The Jar” into a raucous rocker. They turned “Toora Loora Lay” into a meaningful, beat driven ballad. They forged “Molly Malone” into a light and lively, fun tune before turning it into a rowdier number with a stomp box for its beat. “Caledonia” and “The Devil Is Dead” were two numbers that the boys also milked for all they were worth during their very lively set, a performance that had people in the audience step dancing and singing along.
Johnny McEvoy
Aside from the music, there was a lot of interest in the vendor’s merchandise. Celtic crosses. Celtic jewelry, and leather bound designer diaries dotted the landscape of the fairgrounds and the youngsters were having fun in bouncy houses and jumping onto a large air mattress. The turnout indicated the event will likely grow in attendance each year and the bands and singers who entertained all day will likely create the South Shore Irish Festival’s own built in word of mouth marketing. Nobody has a much fun with music as the Irish.
www.southshoreirishfestival.com
