The Clear Lake Performing Arts concert series achieved a rollicking momentum with an appearance by the Black Irish Band, Sunday, April 15, in the Kelseyville High School auditorium.
CLPA Past-President Joan Holman told the crowd that at the band”s two previous appearances, people had to be turned away due to the venue”s limitations. Thankfully, KHS”s auditorium offered plenty of seats to accommodate an enthusiastic turnout.
The Black Irish Band — Patrick Karnahan, Dave Rainwater, Rick Restivo, Steve McArthur and Jim Nelson — specializes in a wide range of songs that immortalize the contribution of immigrants in shaping America”s heritage. The band”s repertoire includes Irish, Italian, maritime and railroad tunes as well as original compositions.
The playlist gave listeners a sampling from the band”s numerous CDs including some upcoming projects. “Into the Fire,” a Black Irish Band original, is a tribute to the firefighters who respond to blazes within the nation”s forests. It will be featured on a CD that is due to be released this May.
Band members performed two sets with an intermission during which they sold CDs. Each member of the band enjoyed a moment in the spotlight to take the lead in singing or playing.
A standing ovation among members of the audience encouraged the band to perform one final song, the maritime “Drunken Sailor.” Its arrangement ingeniously incorporated the theme song to “Gilligan”s Island.” A lesson in pirate vocabulary enhanced the song”s nautical flavor.
CLPA continues its Spring Concert Series with a Sunday, May 6, performance by the Lake County Symphony. For more information, see CLPA”s Web site at www.ClearLakePerformingArts.org.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
