I am ambivalent generally about one man (or woman) performances of any description but we had an inkling that we would hear something extraordinary when legendary folk singer Peggy Seeger was a guest of Sixmilebridge Folk Club County Clare. The intimate Courthouse venue was crammed with circa 120 or so which for a midweek evening, even with a star of Seeger's renown is a feat of good marketing and PR work by the astute Brendan Walsh and the hard working committee members. We arrived too late to hear Tommy Sands but in time for a cup of tea before Seeger took to the small stage. She was introduced by Cork based promoter John Nyhan who referred to encountering the Seeger siblings legendary recordings in trips to Crowleys Music Shop in Cork. Even for the uninitiated the Seeger name has a resonance following decades of collecting, recording and composing.
Wearing no make up and and with cropped grey hair, Seeger is a striking and commanding presence and looked elegant in a simple black and white ensemble. This is after all, the face which inspired one of the great love songs of the 20th century. With a matronly concern she advised her capacity audience to stretch their legs and get some fresh air before launching her set in the packed intimate Courthouse venue.
Peggy's Box |
She spoke warmly about her upbringing in an musically accomplished household. I was reminded of Andy Irvine both in the references to the parental musical influence in other genres, the enduring enthusiasm for the road despite maturity, and intellectual rigour underpinning the performance . Her song Bringing it Home towards the end of the evening was for me the highlight of a wonderful entertaining evening.
Munitions Box Lute |
Packed Courthouse |
What wonderful energy, emotion and wit she brought to her performance at this intimate venue. Bravo Peggy! A memorable and delightful musical evening!
*( Although an important part of the procedings, I do feel the promoter or host might make someone available to help with the business end leaving the star performer free to sign and chat without the mundane task of finding 'change of a twenty')
Hello Cathy
ReplyDeleteYou and the good folks who support the folk club will be delighted to know that we plan to have a new stage and lighting set-up in the Courthouse in time for January!
Keep up the good work!
Fiach
That is good news . I look forward to the Winter Music Weekend . The Courthouse remains one of my favourite venues for live music and I am always impressed by the organisation.
ReplyDeletehi there, i am looking for the tune of grey october, written and music by peggy seeger, how can i source it. thanks
ReplyDeleteHi Nikki, Not sure where you might find that. You could contact Peggy through her website.
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