CrossRoads Ceili Opens Irish History Month

Scarce warm days, subtle indications of early springtime, signal the approach of St. Patrick's Day. Kicking off the month dedicated to the celebration of Irish culture, RCC held its first Irish event, the CrossRoads Ceili, in the Cultural Arts Center on the night of Feb. 24.

As guests gathered in the atrium, they were greeted with the sound of Irish tunes being played by a few musicians. Some arrivers rested at tables to enjoy the music and watch step dancers, dressed in ornate competition dresses, perform several jigs and reels. Others browsed over elaborate jewelry from The Danu Gallery of Pearl River, a display of bracelets, earrings, and pendants of Celtic knots and gemstones.

Escorted into the auditorium, all the guests were in for a night of music and dancing. Two opera singers from the Manhattan Lyric Opera, accompanied by a pianist, started the show. Their song selections ranged from entertaining tunes such as "Almost Like Being in Love" and "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" to the pieces of "Danny Boy" and "'The Last Rose of Summer."

Following their performance, the curtains were drawn to reveal a group of young musicians. Ranging from age ten to seventeen, these students were from the Martin Mulvihill Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltori Eireann (CCE). As soon as they began, the audience was shocked by their musical abilities. Among the various instruments played were accordions, concertinas, fiddles, a cello, flutes, whistles, drums, and guitars. One of the youngest students, Katie Parnow, played a moving slow aire on her concertina. Interspersed within the tunes was singing. Neidin Loughran performed a song "In my Father's House," which spoke of a time in Ireland when there was no greater source of entertainment than music and dancing.

During different songs, several girls left their instruments to dance jigs and reels. Catriona Furlong, an Irish step dancing champion, performed a "hard shoe" step, trebling in perfect time to the music.

Even at a young age, they have an abundance of experience. Most of them had traveled to Ireland this past summer to compete in the under 15 All-Ireland Ceili Band competition. It is no surprise that these rising stars took home medals for second place, a magnificent win for a young American group.

Three of them stepped up to the microphone to perform tunes that they had played for solo competitions in the All-Irelands last year. Siobhan Parnow, a cellist and whistle player, played a slow aire on her low whistle.  Fiddler Sarah Buteux, performed a lively reel that had won her second place in the All-Irelands as well. One of the youngest students, Kenny Vesey, astounded listeners with a vivacious reel he played on his whistle. He took first place in the All-Irelands, a rare victory for someone as young as he.

Ten of these students have formed a new band called Ceol Milis, meaning "sweet music" in Gaelic. Although they haven't even been an official band for a year, they have performed at numerous shows and events. The band explained how they were chosen to perform at Citi Field this past August on Irish Day, a day they will never forget. "The experience was surreal," says Sarah Buteux. "I still cannot believe it actually happened."