Mardi Gras Celebration - It's all about the beads!

In the first event of the New Year we saw the Friendly Sons Hall filled for Mardi Gras. That's right, Mardi Gras.  The evening, organized by the Dinner Dance Committee, was just one long night of fun. Music was provided by The VooDudes . They played everything from New Orleans Funk, Blues, Boogie-Woogie and Honky Tonk. They didn't know Danny Boy but that didn't slow them down. The dance floor was filled all night long. It wasn't always pretty... but it was always filled. And did I mention beads, Yes there were beads and some of us got more than others. If you want to find out how that happened you'll have to come to the next Mardi Gras night. Though we're thinking of calling it Marty Gras night. You be the judge. Check out just some of the photos from Mardi Gras... Nice Beads Marty. I see prizes in the future,... Most Beads, Biggest Beads, Prettiest Beads, and the "You Got Some Set of Beads" award for dancin' like that.

 Photos from Mardi Gras 2008

Trad Seisiun Broadcast from FSOS

This past Sunday, February 10 the “Voice of Ireland”, a popular Irish radio show on WRSU-FM, Rutgers University Radio (88.7 FM) broadcast live from The Friendly Sons Hall. Our own Mike Callaghan DJ’s the show which broadcasts every Sunday from 5:30pm until 7:00pm. Also at the controls this evening were Jack McCullagh (DJ and color commentary), Kathy McCool (DJ and harpist), and Vicki O'Connell (DJ and bodhran player).

This evenings event was organized by Mike who after getting the go ahead from club President John Wagle then enlisted the expertise of the  Engineering Staff of WRSU in setting up the remote broadcast from the club. With the stage set now all he needed were the musicians and of course with the talent in the club he didn’t have to look too far.

The multi-talented Chris Finnegan has been hosting monthly trad sessions in the club for several years now. This evening, as usual, he played several instruments but it was his mastery of his newly acquired Uilleann Pipes that shone through his performance. Chris was accompanied by 15 friends who are also accomplished session musicians. Among them was band member Ron Keavney, one of the anchors of the monthly session. Ron traded in his bagpipes for guitars this evening and sang the Christy Moore classic “Ride On”. The sounds of Uilleann Pipes, Irish Harp, Guitars, Flutes, Fiddles, Mandolins and Bodhrans filled the air for several hours. Though the audience was small they were appreciative and applauded at every chance. You also got a good workout because no matter how hard you tried to sit still, you just couldn't... the feet had to move.
This is the stuff we look for when we get off the plane in Shannon and here it is happening in our own club. Chris holds sessions like this on the second Sunday of each month (except March) so maybe some Sunday you might consider coming down to join us. You can join in or just sit back with a pint and enjoy the sounds of Ireland. With no cover charge to hear such a talented group of musicians... it's great value and an evening not to be missed.

Photos from this evenings Seisiun  

Big Night for Pipes and Drums

If you missed Pub Nite with the Band you missed a great evening of Irish Music, Dance and Craic! The Bantry Boys provided the evenings music but it was during a well earned intermission that the hall truly came alive as the entry of our award winning Pipes and Drums brought the hall to it's feet. They played many tunes but it was the rendition of The Halls Of Montezuma that gave most of us pause to think of our young people serving in harms way. One such young man was in the hall this evening. As the band started to play the marine hymn they turned in the direction of a band member's son recently returned from Iraq. It was a touching moment that all of us will remember. Soon after the band departed the Bantry Boys returned for a second session and a rousing evening of dance ensued. A job well done to all the organizers.

Friday Night Bites - Each Friday in February

Folks, It's that time of year again.  Lent is upon us and Pat has prepared a tasty menu for this evening. It will include Crab Cakes, Fish 'n Chips,  Shrimp, Clams, and much more. Ladies, he's been working tirelessly in the kitchen all day so you don't have to. Come on down for a bite to eat at the club. 

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