These Boys R O C K - plus some stuff on Berea Fest
Ray Kelly and Brian Tracey, each formerly of The Prodigals, joined with Matt Mancuso a year plus ago to form Mickey Finns. They put on an amazing energetic show last nite at Stamper’s Grill Pub. Brian left the drums at […]
This is a LONG blog. I won’t be offended if you skip it.
There was an Irish festival this weekend (I know, you say, “isn’t there one very weekend, John?”), in Eastlake, Ohio. It was held at the minor league’s Lake Erie Captains stadium for the first time. I had a table for my book there:
Here’s […]
Only 23 Days Until Cleveland’s Irish Cultural Festival
Hi Friends,
As you know (maybe), I have been involved in putting on an Irish Festival in Cleveland for more than 20 years (www.clevelandirish.org). It is only 23 days away - July 21-23. If you are anywhere close, I hope you can make it. I have met a few […]
I wrote this song when researching Tommy Makem’s chapter for my new book, Festival Legends, Songs & Stories. Tommy is called the Godfather of Irish music. He has written more than 400 songs, with some huge hits. His unwavering dedication to promoting and preserving the Irish culture is as legendary as he is.
The words in […]
I greatly appreciate all the support and kindness you have shown me in helping me get the Festival Legends series of books off the ground. I hope you can continue to utilize this update to spread the word, as time and opportunity allow, over the rest of the summer. I sincerely thank you for your […]
Yep, the bugger first somehow convinces the lovely Angie McDermott to marry him, ceremony was in July, then he tells me today that they are going to have a baby in December!
AWESOME - All the best John & Angie!! -
CONGRATS!
Festival Legends Soaring!
Festival Legends: Songs & Stories, the biographical look at modern Irish music legends, is now available for purchase. Featuring such folk and Irish music greats as Tommy Makem, Danny Doyle, Liam Clancy, Johnny McEvoy, The Dublin City Ramblers, Brendan Shine, Dennis Doyle, Batt Burns, Tom Sweeney, The Makem & Spain Brothers, Barleycorn, and […]
I’m gonna brag a but, so c’est la vie…
I had such an interesting day today.
I stopped by the Borders at 9565 Mentor Avenue, Mentor on my way to the B. Dalton Signing, to drop off some posters and promo material, for the signing there in 2 weeks, on Saturday the 24th. They had my book, […]
It’s Good to See You, New Barleycorn’s new Cd is an absolute smash! Featuring 12 tracks that vary from old favorites to new original tunes written by the boys themselves, the CD takes you right to a live show, full of toe tapping, hand clapping music and great ballads, sung and arranged beautifully.
John’s version of […]
Imagine leaving your home, your country, often having never seen a building taller than a few stories, now going to America - to New York, Chicago or Boston, only for want of a job, any job, and some food. Just wanting a chance to make your own way. Many, many of my friends have lived […]