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St Patrick’s Season music: what to catch

February 16, 2011

By Staff Reporter

Having been 18 years since their last go-round in the U.S., their punk-pop sound may be a little dated, but still purer than most new music today. Expect lots of fun, dancing, and a good crowd.
Joe Hurley’s All-Star Irish Rock Review might sound like something going on in the Catskills, but it actually a true homage to all the great music that has come out of Ireland for the last 50 years. Expect the best of the best.
The Irish Rock Extravaganza to Benefit the New York Firefighters Burn Center is shaping up to be an excellent night of music for the most worthy of causes. The Republic of Loose will shock, Mark Geary will bring a tear to your eye, and Mr. North will be a surprise hit. This would be one night not to miss.
The high-energy traditional outfit Dervish will give a rare treat, performing in one of New York’s most famous venues. They perform mostly traditional music, but have begun to work more original compositions into their performances. This special show has a two-drink minimum, so it promises to be a sit-down affair so everyone can enjoy.
Sonavagun will be playing in the smaller of the Knitting Factory’s three performance spaces, which should befit their “Irish atmospheric rock.” There will be a DJ spinning rock between sets, so this should be one of the younger draws. Admission is free with tickets to the Main Space performance of Joe Hurley’s All-Star Irish Review the same night.

SPOKEN WORD
Both nights seem to be shaping up for a really great time. The Irish do a lot of things right, and writing is no exception. Helena Mulkerns was a nominee for the Hennessy Literary Award, and Imelda O’Reilly’s work will probably be a sign of the times.

MOVIES
We don’t yet know for sure what will be coming out of the Film Fleadh, but if opening night is any indicator, it will be good. The first work from Neil Jordan’s new production company, “InterMission,” was a huge hit in Ireland, and while the plot may be nothing groundbreaking, it has been said that the cast is the real star. Colin Farrell plays a deliciously unlikable character, making people feel a little better about paying to see him. The fast-paced dialogues set against an equally rollicking soundtrack make for a rousing film. The story revolves around a grocery cashier who has a grand idea to take an “intermission” from the relationship with his girlfriend. We then see how small the world (or at least, Dublin) really is when everyone’s lives connect, even if just ofor a few moments.

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