Concert: Songbirds, The First Ladies of Irish Song with Fil Campbell on October 2

[Denise]

Based on her popular RTE TV show in Ireland, Irish folk singer Fil Campbell brings the songs of Ireland from the 30s, 40s, and 50s to the US in this one-of-a-kind concert at the Irish Center, Friday, October 2 at 8 PM. Hear the music that Irish Baby Boomers and their parents grew up with--the traditional and not-so-traditional songs of Delia Murphy (a diplomat's wife), Bridie Gallagher (the Girl from Donegal), Margaret Barry (the traveler and busker who influenced Bob Dylan!), Ruby Murray (the Belfast girl who was known in England as "the voice of Ireland), and Mary O'Hara (a singer and harpist who was a widow at 20). Fil Campbell will also talk about the lives of these remarkable women, several of whom were well known in the US in the 1950s.

Little known fact: Delia Murphy is the grandmother of renowned uillean piper Ronan Browne, he of "Riverdance" and the Afro Celt Sound System.

Tickets are $20, $17 for members of the Philadelphia Ceili Group or the Irish Center. For more information or to pre-order, call Denise Foley at 215-884-1936 or email [e-mail].

Here's what the Irish press has to say about Songbirds:


The series has been a resounding success for RTE Television" Irish Mirror.

"This series takes an in depth look at world famous Irish female singers who where recording in and around the 1950s." Irish Independent - Pick of the Day.

"RTE have a real winner on their hands with the new Songbirds series." Irish Mirror.

"Campbell's warm lulling voice is eminently suited to old fashioned gems like 'Love's Old Sweet song' and “The Homes of Donegal”, and the musicianship is top notch". Evening Herald, Dublin