Greg Ryan Sings Irish

St. Stephen's Green Sunday, Feb. 19

2012-02-15T23:02:00.007-05:00

"Wicklow Mountains"
oil painting by Liz Ryan
http://lizryanlandscapes.blogspot.com
Mark your calendar for future dates at St. Stephen's Green:
March 18, April 22, May 20, June 10.
Tell your friends!

St. Stephen's Green - Sunday, December 18

2011-12-11T14:42:00.003-05:00

We hope to see you there!
See Liz's paintings of Ireland here:
http://lizryanlandscapes.blogspot.com

St. Stephen's Green - Sunday, November 13

2011-11-12T09:44:00.001-05:00

Join us this Sunday (6:00-9:00)

Andy Irvine Concert - Spectacular!

2011-10-15T11:39:00.011-04:00

Last night, my friend Ron and I went with my nephew Colin to see legendary Andy Irvine in concert in Madison, NJ as part of the Rose City Concert Series. I also ran into local Irish musician Frank Curran, one of "The Boys of County O'cean" who plays in the weekly "Sessions" at St. Stephen's Green Publick House. The venue was gorgeous and Andy said he really appreciated the acoustics of the old museum building. Very warm and lovely. About 50 of us filled the small auditorium and hung onto every note. His voice was in exceptional condition throughout the two-and-a-half-hour show -- this was the ninth gig of his tour, so he was in excellent form. Of course, there is no one who can play the way he does: lightening fast and oh-so-tastefully on his handmade instruments! Andy included a number of songs from his latest CD, "Abocurragh", introducing each one with a delightful story about its history or composition. One of the high-points of the evening for me was just before the intermission when he introduced "My Heart's Tonight in Ireland". He said: "This next song is for Greg." I nearly fell out of my chair! I had emailed him earlier in the day telling him I hoped he would be performing it that evening and he had replied that he would be. How thoughtful! How doubly-thoughtful!! If you ever get the chance to see Andy in concert, do not miss the opportunity. In the meantime, visit his Web site at www.AndyIrvine.com to learn more about him and to listen to his music. And get yourself a copy of "Abocurragh."

P.S. Liz and I will return to The Green on Sunday, November 13 (6:00-9:00). Come join us for an evening of Irish folk songs, including "My Heart's Tonight in Ireland" -- as an homage to Andy Irvine. :-)

Claddagh na nGael Announcement

2011-09-20T10:23:00.001-04:00

“Echoes of Erin” – 2011 North American Comhaltas Concert Tour

October 12, 2011, 7:30PM

Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street
Middletown, NJ 07748
Tickets: $20 Advance, $25 Door
Advance Sales: http://IrishShore.org/event20.htm
Info: http://IrishShore.org/

Claddagh na nGael (Irish Shore), branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann is sponsoring one of the only area performance of the 2011 Comhaltas North American Concert Tour. Learn more at their Web site.

Johnny Mac's | Asbury Park | August 28

2011-08-23T09:50:00.005-04:00

Tell your friends! Pass the word!
Times: 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Johnny Mac House of Spirits

Sunday, August 21 (6-9pm)

2011-08-16T14:59:00.003-04:00

Lots of new tunes.
Hope to see you there!
(One of Liz's beautiful paintings of Ireland.)

Magdalene Charity Video - Must see!

2011-07-21T16:09:00.004-04:00

Some of Ireland’s top stars like Sinead O’Connor and Daniel O’Donnell have come together to produce a wonderful song and video in aid of the Magdalene survivors’ charity. Watch especially for Tommy Fleming at about 1:54. Terrific!

We'll be at the Irish-American Club in Manchester on August 14 (private party). We'll be back at St. Stephen's Green on Sunday, August 21 (6:00-9:00pm).
Hope to see you there!

Family Night | June 12 - 6:00-9:00pm.

2011-06-08T21:16:00.008-04:00

Lots of cousins will be with us tonight. Bring your family along, too.
View a slideshow here. (Then use your BACK button to return here.)

Spring Lake Heights, NJ. Hope to see you there!

Sunday, May 22; 6-9pm

2011-05-18T09:07:00.002-04:00

Hope to see you there!
"St. Kevin's Chapel" - Oil painting by Liz Ryan

St. Stephen's Green | May 22

2011-05-10T14:47:00.003-04:00

Join us at St. Stephen's Green, Sunday, May 22, 6-9pm. Lots of new songs -- and the old favorites.

St. Stephen's Green - April 10

2011-04-13T19:59:00.001-04:00

Don & Liz, Sheila & Jim.

Sunday, April 10 - Bring your friends!

2011-04-06T09:58:00.002-04:00

Aran Sweaters and Bright Lights!

2011-03-26T16:41:00.007-04:00

Just saw this online article in the archives of Independent.ie dated Saturday, January 22 2011:

They wore Aran sweaters and sang the old ballads, popularised Irish music in the US and became "the best known Irishmen in the world" in 1961 when they performed to 84 million Americans on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Some even credit them as starting the Sixties folk revival; certainly Bob Dylan was a huge fan.

A crusade to bring Irish culture to the rest of the world. Sound familiar? Well you won't be surprised to learn then that the makers of Riverdance are working on a stage musical which will result in the music of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem being heard once again on stages from Carnegie Hall to London's West End.

The Diary can reveal that Riverdance director John McColgan is developing a touring musical based on the life and times of the Irish folk legends who once entertained US President JFK.

"The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem were the first rock and rollers. When you look into their story, it's incredibly fascinating.

"They made Irish ballads popular again but they were also poets and actors. They created a whole new folk movement in the Sixties and Bob Dylan famously said Liam Clancy was the best ballad singer he ever heard," John McColgan told The Diary this week. The co-creator of Riverdance said the stage musical he's developing around the ballad singers' story will be in the style of the hit musical Jersey Boys, which in words and song dramatised the true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

"What we're hoping to do is a drama held together by song in the same way as Jersey Boys. We're only in the early stages of development but I'm very excited about it," added Mr McColgan. Working with the former RTé man on the project is director Alan Gilsenan who masterfully told the Clancy Brothers' story in his award-winning The Yellow Bittern in which he interviewed last surviving member Liam Clancy shortly before his death in December 2009.

The Diary hopes they can find room for Tommy Makem's name in the title of their new musical, because during his lifetime the banjo player had to endure US promoters' habit of putting only 'The Clancy Brothers' on their posters for reasons of space.
+++++
I just hope this show sees its way to the New York stage!
We hope to see you at St. Stephen's Green on Sunday.

St. Stephen's Green - Sunday, March 27

2011-03-24T19:08:00.006-04:00

Join us for good food and good music. (6:00-9:00pm) We'll do lots of the old favorites and a dozen new tunes (new for us, anyway) as well. If we couldn't do your request for you the last time we were there, we have it ready for you this time. We hope to see you!

Follow Us on Twitter @GregRyanSings

2011-03-18T09:47:00.006-04:00

"Follow Us" by going to www.twitter.com/GregRyanSings
Liz and I had a GREAT time playing at The Irish Rail yesterday. Lots of fun people having lots of fun. The four hours flew by. (Liz will post photos from yesterday on our Facebook page soon.) We will be at St. Stephen's Green on Sunday, March 27 (6:00-9:00). We'll do lots of the old favorites and many new tunes (for us, anyway) as well. If we couldn't do your request for you the last time we were there, we have it ready for you this time. We hope to see you there. Tell your friends. The more the merrier! :-)

St. Patrick's Day at The Irish Rail

2011-03-14T18:43:00.002-04:00

Join us in Manasquan from 2:00-6:00 pm.

Featured in "Barfly" Magazine!

2011-02-27T14:00:00.006-05:00

Liz and I are featured in the March issue of Central Jersey's "Barfly" magazine, which I understand is available at many establishments in the area. (Email Liz and ask for a PDF of the article. Feel free to pass it along to your friends.) On March 6, we'll be playing at the Notre Dame Club of the Jersey Shore's "Belmar Parade Day celebration" at the Spring Lake Manor. On March 27 we'll be back at St. Stephen's Green (6:00-9:00). We hope to see you there!

Sunday, Jan. 9 | St. Stephen's Green

2011-01-04T10:52:00.004-05:00

Painting of Ireland by Liz Ryan
View her work at:
http://lizryanlandscapes.blogspot.com

Hallelujah!

2010-12-13T16:18:00.002-05:00

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Hope to see you at St. Stephen's Green on January 9.
Greg & Liz

Sunday, December 5 (6-9pm)

2010-11-30T16:45:00.002-05:00

2011 Gigs | Mark Your Calendar!

2010-11-16T18:47:00.006-05:00

St. Stephen's Green - Sunday 11/14/10

2010-11-14T09:32:00.004-05:00

Join us from 6-9:00pm.

The Irish Rail - Thursday

2010-11-09T07:41:00.002-05:00

Connolly Station Tonight!

2010-10-28T09:37:00.002-04:00

St. Stephen's Green | Sunday, Oct. 24

2010-10-20T17:21:00.001-04:00

Farrell's on Tuesday - 10/12/2010

2010-10-09T16:59:00.001-04:00

"The Kerry Mountains" painting by Liz Ryan

St. Stephen's Green Tonight! | 6:00-9:00pm

2010-09-26T14:05:00.002-04:00

New tunes and old favorites. Hope to see you there. Bring your requests.

Connolly Station - Thursday, 9/23

2010-09-21T14:48:00.002-04:00

Lots of new tunes and the "favorites." Join us.

Tuesday Night at Farrell's

2010-09-06T10:15:00.003-04:00

Join us for an evening of fun! Lots of new songs this week -- and the old favorites, too.

The scenes of Ireland that illustrate these mailings are Liz's own oil paintings. Beautiful, I'm sure you'll agree!

Sunday Night at "The Green"

2010-08-29T16:00:00.003-04:00

We hope you can join us at St. Stephen's Green on Sunday, August (6:00-10:00).

Connolly Station | Thursday, August 19

2010-08-16T19:59:00.002-04:00

We hope to see you!

Farrell's | Tuesday, August 17

2010-08-14T14:22:00.002-04:00

We hope to see you there!

Erin in the 1930's | Video

2010-08-12T10:41:00.005-04:00

We're just back for 3 weeks with our brand-new baby granddaughter, Charlotte, who was born on July 18. She is a sweetheart! Check our calendar for our appearances in the coming weeks. We have also booked additional dates at St. Stephen's Green for October, November and December.

Here is a delightful old film of Ireland set in 1934 which I came across on an Irish blog called "Come here to me." I think you'll enjoy it.

We hope to see you soon!

Thursday, July 15 | Connolly Station

2010-07-14T15:45:00.002-04:00

Farrell's July 6

2010-07-05T19:38:00.001-04:00

We hope to see you there!

Second Graders' Song for Mr. G. Ryan

2010-06-24T08:59:00.004-04:00

Mr. Mundie and the Second Graders wrote new words for "The Garden Song" for Mr. Ryan's retirement. There are 2 versions here.

Here is the "assembly" version. Use your browser's BACK button to return here.

Sunday, June 27 | St. Stephen's Green

2010-06-23T18:11:00.002-04:00

Join us: 6:00-9:00pm.

Thirty-Two Counties (Excerpt) | Video

2010-06-18T21:47:00.001-04:00

See you soon!

June 16 |Farrell's

2010-06-14T06:29:00.002-04:00

Be sure to ask Liz about her oil and watercolor paintings of Ireland!

Connolly Station | Thursday, June 10

2010-06-10T16:42:00.002-04:00

We hope to see you there. A number of classic Irish songs to debut. Bring your requests.

The Irish Rail

2010-05-28T16:19:00.003-04:00

We had a great time at the Irish Rail last night. Hope to see you soon! Check our calendar.

April/May Gigs Slideshow

2010-05-05T06:51:00.005-04:00

Friends and Family at CONNOLLY STATION and ST. STEPHEN'S GREEN.
Slideshow here.

Sunday, May 2 (5:00-9:00)

2010-05-02T11:30:00.002-04:00

Connolly Station Thursday

2010-04-28T20:08:00.002-04:00

The Irish Rail | April 22

2010-04-21T07:20:00.003-04:00

We've got lots of new songs to debut. We hope to see you there.

Thanks, Marietta!

2010-04-14T17:21:00.004-04:00

We had a great time at FARRELL'S last night. Our good friends, the Richman Family, joined us. Marietta surprised us with her drawing of our performance.

Thanks, Marietta!

Thursday, April 22, we'll be at THE IRISH RAIL in Manasquan. Hope to see you there!

Farrell's on Tuesday | 2-for-1 Night

2010-04-11T10:37:00.003-04:00

The Yellow Bittern | Now Available

2010-04-04T10:11:00.007-04:00

"The Yellow Bittern: The Life and Times of Liam Clancy."
This is a "must-have" Special Edition Double DVD Box Set for your collection. Available here.

Farrell's on a Rainy Night -- Again!

2010-04-01T17:31:00.017-04:00

Andy, Dave & Jessica and Siobhan & Friends -- and stalwart Joe Coggins -- "brightened" the rainy night for us. Greg premiered his "Lament for Liam Clancy" which he adapted from "Lament for Brendan Behan" that Liam sang so beautifully for many years and was the first song Greg ever sang for an "audience" outside his family -- Kitty and Adrian Burke, who introduced him to the Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem during one of the sing-alongs at their home. Check out Liz's paintings of Ireland here.

We'll be back at Farrell's on Tuesday, April 13 (6-9pm). We'll be at St. Stephen's Green on Sunday, May 2 (5-9pm). Hope to see you there!

We're at Farrell's tonight - 6-9pm

2010-03-30T11:55:00.002-04:00

St. Stephen's Green | Sunday

2010-03-20T08:50:00.002-04:00

St. Patrick's Day | Slideshow

2010-03-19T17:29:00.003-04:00

View a slideshow of St. Patrick's Day at The Belmar Fishing Club.

Hope to see you at St. Stephen's Green this Sunday (5:00-9:00 pm).

Fun at Farrell's | Video

2010-03-11T17:30:00.003-05:00

We had a great time at Farrell's last night -- as always! Christian and Danielle and their staff members are always so hospitable.

Jersey Shore entertainer Cliff Bloodgood and his wife Carol were there, as were some of Greg's students and their families. Other folks we met for the first time. Lots of requests helped make the night especially enjoyable.

(Video soon.)

Check our Calendar for future dates in the area. We hope to see you soon!

Farrell's on Tuesday | Join us!

2010-03-08T18:16:00.003-05:00

It'll be lots of fun! Yesterday, we had a great time at The Belmar Fishing Club after the parade in Belmar. Three pipe bands came through with their thrilling sounds. We'll be back at the BFC on St. Patrick's Day, too.

See more of Liz's Irish landscapes -- like the beauties above -- at her blog.

Farrell's | Video

2010-02-24T21:04:00.009-05:00

In spite of the stormy weather, we had a great time at Farrell's Tuesday night. Faithful fans Peggy, Joan and Breda came early and spent the whole night -- requesting songs! It was lots of fun. Here's a video of a request by a gentleman from Ireland and his family.

Check our Calendar Blog in the right-hand menu for future dates. March is BUSY!
Liz & Greg

FEB. 23 @ FARRELL'S

2010-02-22T12:15:00.003-05:00

FEB. 18 @ CONNOLLY STATION

2010-02-14T12:29:00.001-05:00

Farrell's -- Before the Storm!

2010-02-12T16:35:00.003-05:00

We were able to get in a night of music and fun at FARRELL'S before the big snowstorm hit -- again!

View a slideshow here.

See you soon!

Greg & Liz

Red, White & Blue Day 2010

2010-02-05T19:50:00.009-05:00

Liz and I were invited to perform for grades Pre-K to 8 at St. Rose Grammar School's annual Catholic Schools Week's "Red, White & Blue Day." We had a great time!

The children, teachers and administrators all joined in, clapping and singing, on more than a dozen songs including "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and "America, the Beautiful."

We hope to see you on Tuesday at Farrell's in Point Pleasant Beach.

The Irish Rail | Slideshow

2010-02-01T21:17:00.003-05:00

Lots of fun last week at The Irish Rail!

View a slideshow here.

We'll be playing at The Belmar Fishing Club on Parade Day and St. Patrick's Day. On Sunday, March 21, we'll be at St. Stephen's Green in Spring Lake Heights (5:00-9:00 pm).

Check our calendar blog for other dates.

Hope to see you soon!

Greg & Liz

JOIN US TONIGHT!

2010-01-28T11:34:00.004-05:00

Connolly Station: "All Aboard!"

2010-01-22T20:18:00.011-05:00

We had lots of fun at CONNOLLY STATION last night! We did the "old stand-bys" and did a few songs that we had not performed there before. Everyone had a great time. The manager, Brian, the bartenders and servers are all friendly people. If you've never been to CONNOLLY STATION, be sure to stop in.

Here's a video of last night's performance of "The Irish Rover."

Next Thursday, we'll be back at THE IRISH RAIL in Manasquan. "Come on down!" Check our Calendar Blog for all our latest dates. Watch for the announcement of our St. Paddy's Day gigs.

Fun at Farrell's

2010-01-13T20:51:00.004-05:00

We had a great time at Farrell's last night. A few good souls braved the FRIGID night for dinner and music. It was great to see Peggy and friends Frank & Susie and Bob & Maryanne. Mark and Anne are always true blue fans. Charlie and his wife know their Irish music!

See you next week at Connolly Station. (Check our Calendar Blog for all our dates. Link in the right-hand menu.)

Facebook Fans

2010-01-07T20:47:00.006-05:00

Use the button in the right-hand menu to join our growing community of fans on Facebook. Pass the word.

This Sunday we'll be at the Irish-American Club at the Renaissance Community in Manchester. On Tuesday we'll be back at Farrell's. Be sure to visit our new "Calendar Blog" in the right-hand menu for complete list of up-coming gigs. Bookmark it to make your visits easier.

More Fun at Farrell's | Video

2009-12-31T16:18:00.001-05:00

To the right, you'll see a link to our new "Calendar Blog." Bookmark it to return to see updates in the coming weeks. We hope to see you again soon! In the meantime, here is a video clip of some of my students playing along with us the other evening. We all had so much fun!

Fun at Farrell's! | Video & Gigs Below

2009-12-30T19:34:00.015-05:00

We had a great time at Farrell's last night. Many of our friends -- old and new -- braved the frigid weather to join us. Sheila & Jim and Liz & Don are very faithful and always show up wherever we play. Actually, they were our first fans since they were our "test audience" in our home before we went public with our music. (Luckily, they gave us the green light to go ahead!) Cait & Steve brought along Steve's parents who were up from Virginia for their Christmas visit to the area. Cait & Steve's friends, Coral & Steve, were in -- with their whole family, it seemed! Many of my students and former students came with their moms and dads. Liz gave the children kazoos so they could play along with us from their tables. That was a lot of fun. Andy & Dave were in with their two friends -- Irish music experts -- who we hope to see again. Charlie F. and his brother John surprised us. Last summer, Charlie had sent us an email from our GregRyanSingsIrish Web site to say he was a New Jerseyan living in California for the time being and had found us online and enjoyed our music very much. Well, he's back home now and came to hear us play. The Internet is a wonderful thing, isn't it? New York radio legend, Joe Coggins, requested some songs that he remembered from his more-than-25 visits to Ireland. Before we left at the end of the evening, Farrell's music manager, Christian, invited us to come back soon, so today we compared calendars and were able to book January 12, February 9 & 23, and March 9 (which will be a special pre-St. Paddy's Day celebration at Farrell's). We hope you'll be able to join us for one or two of these nights. In the meantime, here's a short clip of an old favorite from last night.

More Winter Gigs

2009-12-18T15:57:00.004-05:00

In addition to FARRELL'S, we'll be at CONNOLLY STATION in Belmar on Thursdays, January 21 and February 18 (6:00-9:00). We'll be at THE IRISH RAIL in Manasquan on Thursdays, January 28 and April 22 (6:00-9:00). We'll be playing at a private party for an Irish-American Club in Manchester on January 10. On March 13, we'll be playing at a "post-parade party" in Morristown. Other gigs will be posted as they are confirmed.

Winter Gigs

2009-11-26T19:48:00.004-05:00

We'll be at FARRELL'S Stout & Steak (Point Pleasant) Tuesday, December 29 from 6:30-9:30 PM. We hope to see you there.

Soon we'll announce January and February dates for CONNOLLY STATION and THE IRISH RAIL. Watch this space.

We hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

The Irish Rail | Fun for All!

2009-10-30T18:50:00.013-04:00

[Photo by Billy B.] Last night we had a great time at The Irish Rail. Becky and her crew (Sean, Craig and Sue) always make everyone feel very welcome. Throughout the evening we performed a number of songs we had not done in public before, though there were requests for many of the "standards" too. Many of our friends came in, as did lots of people we met for the first time. Bill & Kay brought Ed & Cathy and Dick & Mary for dinner and a good time. Liz welcomed her Habitat friends, Sue, Jim, Jean & Barbara. Pam & Mark and their son, Chris, came and had dinner. Kathleen and her friend Gloria really know their Irish music. They should! Kathleen is from the "Holy Land" and Gloria is a drummer who played in a Pipe and Drum band for many years. Mike and Billy came -- without their wives this time -- and were lots of fun to be with. Pam ("The Singing Nurse") and Bill offered to spread the word about our music. Timmy came in for a couple of sets before heading home. Sue (one of the wait staff) had invited her mother, Mary, who is from Belfast and friends to come and listen -- and request a few songs. There was a table of folks who had grown up in Hudson County and had gone to the same schools Greg and his family had gone to. It really is a small world! Watch our Web page and Blog for calendar updates. We hope to see you again soon.

The Irish Rail | October 29

2009-10-22T20:29:00.006-04:00

We hope we will see many of you at THE IRISH RAIL next week. At one point, there was an hour wait for a table the last time we played there so come early and get a good seat.

Photo above: Last week we filled-in at CONNOLLY STATION. Some of my students came with their moms (on a stormy night) and joined us on stage for a few songs. It was so much fun!

See you soon!

Refuge from a "Nor'easter"

2009-10-16T23:02:00.015-04:00

It was a terrible night out last night, but inside CONNOLLY STATION it was warm and friendly for those who braved the elements. On short e-mail notice, many of our friends and family came out to join us for an evening of Irish music. Sheila & Jim met Liz (who took this photo) & Don for dinner. Anne, Mark and Chris came in out of the weather, too. As did Barbara & Paul and Pam & Mark. A group of friends and former colleagues from school joined us: Shirley, Gigi and Andy & David. Fellow-teacher Maryann and her husband came along with long-time friends, Eileen and her husband. Some of my Second Graders and their moms surprised us! The children joined us on stage for "The Rattlin' Bog" and "A Place in the Choir." They came up and clapped along on a couple of others. Children's participation is becoming a regular part of our routine, it seems. It's such fun having them there! We made some new friends, too: Steve and Patricia who recently relocated to the Shore area from New York. Tom and his wife knew most of the songs we performed, though some were new to them. Mike and Amy thought they'd be able to join us at THE IRISH RAIL on October 29. We hope you will, too!

Newsflash! Newsflash! Newsflash!

2009-10-14T16:51:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, we had a call from CONNOLLY STATION (Main Street, Belmar) asking us to fill-in on Thursday, October 15, from 6:00-9:00 PM.

We know it's a bit last-minute, but if you can make it, we'd be delighted to see you there!

September Gigs Revisited

2009-09-20T10:58:00.007-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, we had a great time performing for The Irish Rail's "Half-Way to St. Patrick's Day" bash. On Thursday, we were joined by many friends -- old and new -- at Connolly Station in Belmar. Watch a slideshow here to see the fun.

Watch this space for more dates as they are announced. In the meantime, mark your calendar to join us on Thursday, October 29 at THE IRISH RAIL (6-9pm) and Tuesday, December 29 at FARRELL'S (Point Pleasant Beach) 6:30-9:30pm.

Back at The Irish Rail -- Tomorrow!

2009-09-18T16:53:00.005-04:00

Just had a call from Becky, the manager at THE IRISH RAIL in Manasquan, inviting us to play at their "Half-Way to St. Paddy's Day" bash tomorrow. We'll be performing from 3-6 pm. We know it's short notice, but we'd love to see some of you there. Pass the word. No time today to post photos from last night's gig at CONNOLLY, but watch for them soon.

Greg & Liz

GRSI "Groupies"

2009-09-17T22:24:00.005-04:00

True fans -- and good friends -- at a recent performance at The Irish Rail. Lots of fun at Connolly Station tonight! Watch for photos of the night and news soon.

This Thursday: CONNOLLY STATION

2009-09-13T20:53:00.004-04:00

We hope you'll be able to join us on Thursday for our first appearance at CONNOLLY STATION in Belmar. We'll be performing there from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. You'll hear many of your favorites, for sure, and some that may not be as familiar to you -- yet. Please pass the word to your friends. The more the merrier!

See you soon!
Liz & Greg

More at The Rail | Video

2009-09-09T18:00:00.002-04:00

Another video excerpt by Ruairi Clare.

Join us at CONNOLLY STATION in Belmar on Sept. 17 (6-9pm).

Irish Rail Video | "The Star of the County Down"

2009-09-06T21:55:00.005-04:00

Thanks for this video, Ruairi! (Read story below.)

A Night at The Rail

2009-09-04T13:37:00.014-04:00

[Photo by Ruairi Clare. More to follow.]
Liz and I had a great time at THE IRISH RAIL last night. We saw lots of friends -- old and new! It was great seeing the legendary Jersey Shore entertainer, Timmy Gough, again after all these years! Sea Girt was well represented with a large group of merry revelers celebrating a special birthday. St. Rose Grammar School teachers were out in force -- and in good voice, too! We hope they'll all come back next month. Cliff and Carol were back and caught up on the latest happenings with friends, Ron and Geri. Kay and Bill are always "fan"tastic! Liz's brother Glenn and his wife Stella joined us -- before leaving for vacation in Myrtle Beach next week. Sheila & Jim brought along the evening's littlest "party animal" and the newest addition to our family to the festivities: "Nicolas James Briggs Sullivan" who made the trip all the way from Santiago, Chile. (Grandparents, Jerry and Kathleen, were beaming.) Maureen and Tim and I were the first Ryans to see the Little Angel. Nico and his mom, Kerry (Sheila's daughter), and dad (Ricardo) had flown into Newark Airport earlier yesterday afternoon and came directly to The Irish Rail. Not bad for just 10 weeks old! Siobhan brought along little Gerry and Kara to join in the fun with Aunt Meg and "Baby on Board." Liz was happy to greet her friend Erika -- and her friend.

We'll be back at The Rail on Thursday, October 29 (6-9pm). In the meantime, mark your calendar to join us at CONNOLLY STATION in Belmar on September 17 (6-9pm). Some folks -- like my Superintendent and his family -- weren't able to stay last night since there was an hour's wait for a table! So plan on arriving early. Hope to see you soon!

BTW: Yes, that's a real Irish potato sitting on the counter. :-)

The Irish Rail & Connolly Station

2009-08-21T13:12:00.004-04:00

Just a reminder that we will be at THE IRISH RAIL (Manasquan) on Thursdays, September 3 & October 29, from 6:00-9:00 PM. We hope to see many of you there. We're happy to announce that we will also be playing at CONNOLLY STATION in Belmar on Thursday, September 17, from 6:00-9:00 PM. It's a beautiful restaurant and pub with a tradition of Irish music on Thursday nights. We hope you'll be able to join us!

"My Johnny Lad" (Excerpt)

2009-08-20T18:43:00.000-04:00

A Good Time Was Had By All! | Video

2009-08-17T09:04:00.020-04:00

The Wild Rovers Return (Thanks for the video, Cait!)

We had a great time at St. Stephen's Green again last night. (View a slideshow here.) Thanks to all those who came out to join us. My sister and her extended family were there (with friends, Don and Liz C.), just having gotten back from a month in Chile visiting the latest addition to our clan, Nicholas Briggs. Meghan and "Baby On Board" were there with Auntie Ruairi. My friend and musical mentor, Ed Finn (that's right: FINN) and his wife Dorothy were there, as were several friends from both our meditation group and Merton Discussion Group in Belmar. For the first time in public I sang "Danny Boy" for Bill and Kay Pentony who were there with their friends, the Whitman family, whose daughter, Wynne, will be moving back to Spring Lake soon. (So we'll expect to see her in The Green more often.) Peggy Sullivan (not Danny, this time) came with Frank and Suzie Carey. Carol and husband-local entertainer Cliff Bloodgood were back again, too. Several families of former students were there. The children even got up on stage to join me in "The Garden Song." That was so much fun. I hope someone will share the video clips of that one! It was great to have Cait & Steve and Abbey with us again, though it's such a long trip for them. (This morning Cait told me they had counted 80 people that they recognized in the crowd.) One of their friend's mom was there, too -- born and bred in Mayo she was. ("Up Mayo!") Maureen and Tim brought Aileen along. Tim will be hosting a "cousins party" next week, so that will be a lot of fun for the younger set. Frank and Mary Dunn were there. Their daughter, Bridget, played grammar school basketball with Abbey at St Rose. It was great to see Liz's friend, Judy, and her family. Anne and son, Mark, stopped in to see us again. Bob & Helen Tuffy (friends since Marriage Encounter days) arrived in the area on Saturday so they could avoid the Sunday traffic on the Parkway, staying over with the Brady Bunch in Manasquan. ... That's enough for now. I'll write more and post more videos soon.

We'll be at The Irish Rail in Manasquan September 3 and October 29 (6-9 pm). Watch this space or look on our Calendar page for future engagements as they are booked. Feel free to drop us an email or leave a message below.

It's a Small World!

2009-08-16T12:21:00.003-04:00

This week we had some interesting emails from people who had visited our Web site and Blog. For example:

Hi, Greg!

My name is Charles and I was recently exploring my Irish roots, especially the music. I came across your website.

I really like your genre of music.

I have to compliment you on your talent. You are very good and your story on your blog is very touching.

I grew up not far from where you play at St Stephen's Green Publick House. We moved from Newark in the early sixties to West Belmar. I was very young. My older brothers may know of the places in Newark you speak of.

Since then, I've moved away from New Jersey and currently am living in California with my family, but soon we're to move back to the Jersey Shore.

I will make it a point to come listen to you play when I get back home.

Also from your blog I see a hint that you may be a man of faith... I, too.

Peace and Blessings!
Charles Farrell

Feel free to leave a comment below about yourself -- and your interest in Irish music. Hope to see you tonight at The Green!

August, September & October Dates

2009-08-11T13:49:00.019-04:00

Mark your calendar!
Liz and I will be at St. Stephen's Green Publick House this Sunday, August 16, from 6:00-9:00 PM. We'd love to see you there. If you are unable to make it Sunday, we will be at the The Irish Rail in Manasquan on September 3 and October 29 (Thursdays) from 6:00-9:00 PM. Check the Web links above for menus, directions, et cetera. Spread the word!

Summer Break & Rehearsal Video

2009-07-23T22:03:00.005-04:00

While Liz and I are off-line for a bit, mark your calendar to join us at St. Stephen's Green on Sunday, August 16th from 6:00 till 9:00 PM. We'd love to see you there!
"The October Winds" Rehearsal. [2:57]

Video: Sweet Sixteen & Mountain Dew [6:12]

2009-07-21T20:39:00.005-04:00