Yesterday Joe and I attended Eileen Ivers’s Joyful Christmas concert at the Weinberg Center in Frederick, Maryland.
It was magical. The stage was set up in its holiday best, with trees and lights and sparkles, an invitation to come and hear the music.
Eileen came out first, and the band joined her, one by one, taking O Come, All Ye Faithful from a beautiful violin solo to a full-throated joyous invitation. I knew the show was going to be great, but this opening was simply perfect.
The band included bassist Lindsey Horner, percussionist Dave Barckow, guitarist Colin Forhan, and keyboardist Buddy Connolly. Rounding out the band was vocalist Caitlin Maloney. The music was a mix of traditional carols, Irish Christmas songs, and Americana roots music, including a perfect New Orleans second-line holiday march.
The whole concert was terrific, but I must admit that one of my favorites was Eileen’s violin loop of God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen, where she built up the tune bit by bit.
I was in heaven.
I went out to the lobby at intermission, where I picked up a USB stick of the joyful music and a big hug from Brian Mulligan, Eileen’s husband. (It’s nice to be recognized, I will admit.)
After the show, Eileen came out to meet and greet, and I got another big hug from herself. We had a lovely chat and yet another hug. She’s not only a virtuoso violinist, she’s also a wonderful person.
We also had bonus hugs from several folks who were on the Wild Atlantic Music Tours trips with us! That was a lovely surprise, for sure.
So take my advice, my friends. If you like Irish traditional and Americana roots music, and Eileen Ivers has a gig anywhere near you, go. Just go!