Thanks for stopping by, I know how busy people are at this time of year. As I write, the early morning chill is being chased away by a blast from our heating furnace and not a moment too soon. It is thirty eight degrees outside which may dispel the myth that Savannah is always warm and humid. We actually do get a change of seasons, believe it or not. The Fall foliage, while minute by comparison with the more Northern States, does offer some beautiful colours here in the South, albeit it much later than one might suspect. I noticed earlier this week, while driving downtown on the Trueman Parkway, a small area of trees displaying a dizzying array of colours and thought, ‘how interesting, could be Vermont’. So there you have my observation of the week…and you thought you wouldn’t find something of interest in this writing!

 

I have been listening to some rough demos from my recent recording sessions with Gabriel Donahue. I did finally manage to schedule a few days up north for that very purpose and we got a fair amount of work done in four days. While the finished project is still a few months off I am very happy with the demo tracks. I suppose it’s fitting to release an album next year, it being my thirtieth year in the music business…how time flies! I will of course announce with great fanfare and ceremony the release of the as yet untitled project.

 

 While I was up there my wife joined me and the weather had not yet taking a turn down Chilly Avenue thus affording us the luxury of walking around New York City, which we did with great abandon. We took the subway down to the South Street Seaport, rode the Staten Island ferry because we could, walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and sauntered in Central Park where we stood for a few moments at Strawberry Fields, the memorial to John Lennon, and then passed the entrance to the Dakota building…the very same spot where Lennon was shot and killed all those years ago. We stayed not far from Times Square and spent quite a bit of time in that area taking in the sights and sounds of the City that never sleeps. New York  is so unlike anyplace else in the world. It’s almost surreal and there’s always a feeling like you are at the epicenter of something huge. We also took in a show while we were there. We saw The Jersey Boys, a musical telling the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and it was stellar. The music, the script, the acting talent…all fantastic…what a show!

 

Back here in Savannah I’ve been busy rehearsing for our Celtic Christmas show which is well under way…tonight we bring the concert to Augusta and hopefully we’ll enjoy the same terrific audience reaction we received on our first leg of the tour last week. I am also rehearsing for the Carols in the Cathedral concert on Friday December 18th at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Savannah. In between I have a few nights in Kevin Barry’s, a couple of private events and our last two Celtic concerts in Hartwell Georgia on December 16 and at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Smyrna Georgia on December 19. That’s a lot of driving…not good for the back. I will cover Christmas Eve at Kevin Barry’s for my god friend Carroll Brown so he can be with family. Contrary to what may be advertised my performance will begin around eight and end by eleven, at the very latest.          One doesn’t want to miss Santa!

 

It might be an idea as this time of year to surprise someone special with a summer trip to The Emerald Isle, and if so we have just the Tour in mind!   The O’Donoghue 20th Tour to Ireland begins at Shannon airport on July 22. We’re staying at lovely hotels, we have a gently paced sightseeing itinerary and already some nice folks have signed up. We will again work with driver/guide Owen Mohan, I’ll have my guitar with me and we’ll enjoy one night in my home area where some family and friends will join us. For the full brochure and flyer click onto our Ireland Tour page or with any questions please call or email me. hodmusic@aol.com 912-398-2276

 

I am looking forward to our Ireland at Sea cruise in January along with Seamus Kennedy, Fiona Molloy and other musicians. It’s late at this point but I’m sure you could still join us if you’d like. Call Isle Inn Tours at: 1 800-237-9376 and tell them I sent you. I must say that the Caribbean sounds delightful as I sit here writing. I’ll pack the sun tan lotion!

 

Along with countless others I mourn the loss of Liam Clancy. Another great voice in Irish music has been silenced and all that they initiated at the beginning of the Folk era in the late fifties is now coming to an end. The Irish pubs are not like they used to be, the music is not as revered as it once was, the younger musicians don’t seem to realize the depth, beauty and emotion of the songs, and although the audience is still out there the new owners and managers don’t have the understanding, patience or willingness to let the music unfold and build its own followers. In this regard Kevin Barry’s stands alone. For thirty years they have offered Irish music, food and culture, and the music still plays seven nights a week…extraordinary in these times…and not one television set in sight!!  Hats off to Vic Power and his staff and speaking of which…I’m scheduled to perform at Kevin Barry’s on New Year’s Eve. I don’t know what if any the plans are but you can call them at: 912-233-9626 or check out their website.

 

The Green Island Radio Show is going strong. As you may well know we air on Saturday nights at nine and Wednesday nights at eleven on all Georgia Public Broadcasting stations and we stream live on the web at: www.gpb.org    Tune in sometime if you haven’t already.

 

Okeedokee, I’m coming to the end. It is Christmas time and as such it’s a time of perceived happiness and merriment…but not always so. This time of year can be sad and even traumatic for many. You may be in a wonderful place but no so others, so give the gift of patience, tolerance, warm and friendly greeting and good manners to all you may encounter. Be mindful of the elderly and offer happiness in your smile and general attitude. You alone can’t help everyone but all together we can make a difference in people’s lives by being kind.

 

Be safe out there, be happy, enjoy your family, your friends, your home, and your community and no matter what God you worship say a prayer for all of us.

 

Happy Holidays,