Arts & Entertainment
Tuning Up for International Competition
As a final performance practice and fundraiser the Pearl River Ceili Band played the Dublin House before heading to Ireland for competition.
Dublin House diners and drinkers alike were treated to a special concert of traditional Irish music on Monday night. The Pearl River (Under 15) Ceili Band, hailing from Rockland County New York, were in town during a retreat and practice stay at the beach in Spring Lake Heights, when they were invited to play at the local Irish flavored landmark by the pub's co-owner Sean Dunne.
Trinity, a fellow traditional Irish music band, that typically entertains at the Dub was happy to allow the kids of Pearl River to open for them.
The performance marked one of the last rehearsals for the band prior to their travels to Cavan Town, Ireland to compete in the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, a yearly national festival of Irish traditional music that is celebrating its 60th year. Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann is the Super Bowl of old style Irish music. The Pearl River (Under 15) Cielle Band will be one of only two bands representing the United States at the competition.
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The Dublin House show was also a fundraiser of sorts. Following the performance a jar was passed to collect some much needed greenbacks for the band's travels to the Emerald Isle.
The band is under the direction of Patty Furlong. The kids from Pearl River embark on their journey on Sunday, August 7th. The competition and weeklong celebration of traditional Irish music and culture begins on August 13th and runs through the 22nd. In all, 250,000 visitors and 11,000 musicians are expected to flood the small Irish town for the event.
