November 26, 2009

Hello and thanks once again for stopping by.
 

I thought to get this writing done before the official ‘Season’ begins, not that we haven’t seen Christmas decorations already adorning the malls and in all media advertising. Even my brother John back in Ireland found himself irritated at the early start to all things Christmas… “Is September not a bit early Harry, huh?”

Ah well, in the face of domestic and world economic ruin who can blame the retailers for getting a jump on the whole thing. It does make up a lot of their annual sales. However this particular year might be different, what with so many corporations toppling from their lofty pedestals and bringing the threat of disaster to so many it’s enough to make your head spin.

We do indeed live in changing times, hopefully the economy will right itself sooner rather than later so let’s keep our fingers crossed.

There are many who fall through the cracks at this time each year but with current events being what they are those numbers will increase dramatically and although we must first take care of ourselves we should keep a watchful eye on those less fortunate and reach out to them even in our own times of trouble. It’s not easy but the American spirit is strong and compassionate and I predict that the helping hand will not falter and the giving will be plentiful. Generosity, determination solidarity, pride and strength are things that help define this country and make it so great and for countless people, myself included, it’s an honour to be part of this society.

With that said may I wish you and you family and friends a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and a wonderful Holiday Season.

On Sunday November 30th we kick off our 8th Celtic Christmas Tour with a performance for the Jekyll Island Arts Association in the Convention Centre on Jekyll Island, Georgia.  Showtime is seven-thirty and Carroll Brown and myself are very much looking forward to the evening. We’re off down to Florida after that and our full Celtic Christmas performance schedule can be found on the calendar page here on the website.
 

Hope to see you at one of the shows.

Here’s the information on next summers O’Donoghue Tour to Ireland: Please click on the 2008 Tour page – there’s been a hiccup with the navigation and we haven’t worked it out yet – but be assured – the 2009 Tour is there!

We are fully stocked with all O’Donoghue recordings including the re-issued Christmas Postcard CD.  I’m chuffed because it’s been several years since we’ve had everything. We also are fully loaded with O’Donoghue T-shirts, ball caps and of course the critically acclaimed book ‘Clean Cabbage in the Bucket’.

Christmas Specials are abundant here on the website, order soon and we’ll ship it off in a very timely fashion. All items can be signed or no items can be signed…your choice. Here are the specials. All CD’s are $12.00,

I’m working on my 2009 performance calendar and have talks planned with Norwegian Cruise Lines to schedule some sailings throughout the year. I’m also accepting private engagements, festivals, concerts, clubs, workshops and library shows. Please fell free to contact me here if you have any questions about an O’Donoghue performance.

 I was recently offered a small part in an independent movie written and directed by my friend Eric Nauert.  It’s called ‘Trumpet my Return’ and my daughter Hannah also has a part in it. I played a priest !!  How’bout them apples??  For information on the movie go to: www.trumpetmyreturn.com

We also posted an on set photo our Photo Gallery page.

Shannon Smith is a gifted computer wizz and he has recently posted some of my performances on U Tube. It’s easy to get to, just Google U Tube and enter my name and up they should pop. He added a bit of what I would call pizzazz to the beginnings…thanks so much Shannon. For any computer issues or innovations you can get in touch with Shannon by emailing us here at the website.

The Green Island Radio Show continues to garner nice reviews and comments from listeners. To refresh, it airs each Saturday evening at nine on all GPB member stations and streams live on the internet at: www.gbp.org

Other recent news:

 I rear ended another car a few weeks ago...my fault for not paying attention. My car had to go to the shop so I got a rental…and it was hit the first day I had it!  With the turmoil of all that I seem to have misplaced (lost) a shoulder bag with all my music books, song lists, original songs and notes…twenty some odd years of stuff and… my portable CD player.

It may be stress related but lately it seems that everything hurts...my back, my knee, shoulder, my insides…I think there’s a bloody cloud hanging over me…what to do, huh??  Have a laugh, a drink, offer a few prayers and hopefully…as George Harrison said… “all things must pass”.

See you out there, be well, be happy, be safe -