On Friday, Dec. 7, the Irish American Heritage Center auditorium will ring with memories as well as music. At 8 p.m., Jamie O’Reilly and Michael Smith, accompanied by Paul Amandes, will explore “Songs from an Irish Catholic Childhood.”
Hysterically funny, a bit troubling, terribly touching, “a memory walk through the old corridors dusted with years of chalk” as Smith’s Sister Clarissa described it, the program features songs about doting mothers, failed fathers, favorite nuns, forbidden fruits and memories of Irish Catholic life. Also included in the evening’s performance will be sentimental and seasonal favorites from the Irish folk repertoire, sing-alongs and classic love songs.
O’Reilly, called a “voice for the soul of the City,” has been a strong presence on the Chicago scene for nearly twenty years. For ten years, she sang Celtic music with Jamie O’Reilly and the Rogues. Smith created and performed the music for the Steppenwolf production of “Grapes of Wrath,” which received a Tony Award for Best Play. The talented pair have collaborated on a number of projects since 1994.
Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Irish American Heritage Center’s Library. Tickets are $15 ($10 for IAHC members), and may be purchased by phone or fax using MasterCard or Visa. Phone reservations may be made at (773) 282-7035 or faxed to (773) 282-0380.
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