The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and other Irish concerts around Long Island
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers plays Irish-themed rock. Credit: Benno Hunziker
Time to celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick with Irish music served in different ways — from traditional Celtic to shamrockin’ jams:
THE CELTIC TENORS
For 20 years, this vocal trio from Ireland, accompanied by pianist-guitarist Brian McGrane, delivers a mix of Irish folk songs (“Danny Boy," “Whiskey in the Jar”), grand opera (“Brindisi” from "La Traviata," “La Donna è Mobile” from "Rigoletto"), American singer-songwriter works (“Feels Like Home” by Randy Newman, “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan) and old American folk songs (“Shenandoah,” “Hard Times Come Again No More”).
“We blend three different tenors together, which makes a unique sound,” says founding member Matthew Gilsenan.
WHEN | WHERE 8 p.m. March 7 at NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd. in Westbury
INFO 516-247-5200, thetheatreatwestbury.com
ADMISSION $39.50 to $95.50
SHILELAGH LAW
Bare-knuckle Irish music is how singer-guitarist Rich Popovic labels his band’s music.
“We inject traditional Irish songs like ‘The Wild Rover,’ ‘Come Out Ye’ Black and Tans’ and ‘Boys of the Old Brigade’ with some extra energy and attitude,” says Popovic. They also do originals like their 9/11 tribute, “Christmas in New York.”
Shilelagh Law likes to make their crowd part of the show. “We are all blue-collar guys, therefore it’s easy for us to connect with our crowd,” says Popovic. “We get people to dance and sing along. Sometimes we even drag them on stage and share drinks.”
WHEN | WHERE 10 p.m. March 9 at Mulcahy’s, 3232 Railroad Ave. in Wantagh
INFO 516-783-7500, muls.com
ADMISSION $20 ($15 advance)
RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS
The Pipers play their own genre of music — bag rock.
“We take bagpipe songs and add a rock element, then take rock songs and add bagpipes,” says piper and founding member Kevin MacDonald, who studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.
The Pipers transform rock anthems like Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” and Queen’s “We Will Rock You” along with traditional tunes “The Silver Spear,” “Wild Mountain Thyme” and “Amazing Grace.” Plus, some originals like “Rory MacLeod,” “Molly’s Jig” and “Rory’s Baravan.”
When asked if they play any Red Hot Chili Peppers songs, MacDonald says, “We leave that to them. The two shall never cross.”
Donning black kilts and red socks, the Pipers go full blast on stage.
“It’s two-hours of nonstop energy and fun,” promises MacDonald. “We’re all best mates, and we let our fans in that circle.”
WHEN | WHERE 8 p.m. March 12 at Patchogue Theatre, 71 E.Main St. in Patchogue
INFO 631-207-1313, patchoguetheatre.org
ADMISSION $25 to $55
SONGS OF IRELAND: A CELTIC CELEBRATION
Songs of Ireland: A Celtic Celebration is a traditional Irish music performance. Credit: Columbia Artists/Keith Dixon
Four male Irish tenors in tuxedos meet four female Irish sopranos in dresses accompanied by a pianist and an accordion player in this massive stage production.
They trade harmonies on Irish favorites like “Galway Bay,” “When Irish Eyes are Smiling,” “The Green Fields of France” and “The Rose of Tralee.”
“We perform powerful Irish melodies that carry meaningful messages,” says singer George Hutton. “These songs tell stories of Ireland and immigration to America in the 1800s. We really want to share that story with our audience.”
The show also includes crossover tunes like Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables.”
WHEN | WHERE 7 p.m. March 13 at Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Avenue in Rockville Centre; 3 p.m. March 17 at LIU Post's Tilles Center, 720 Northern Blvd. in Brookville
INFO 516-323-4444 , madisontheatreny.org; 516-299-3100, tillescenter.org
ADMISSION $45 to $55, Madison Theatre; $39 to $59, Tilles Center
CELTIC WOMAN
Celtic Woman's Ancient Land show. Credit: Kayla Diegel
Girl power is the focus of this group, which is comprised of four women who combine traditional folk, classical and musical theater.
“It’s an uplifting, emotional journey,” says Tara McNeill, who plays fiddle, harp plus sings. “There will be moments that get you out of your seat tapping along, and then some storytelling brings it back to our roots.”
Their two-act show features a large band with dancers, bagpipers and even an Irish whistle.
WHEN | WHERE 8 p.m. March 20 at LIU Post's Tilles Center
INFO 516-299-3100, tillescenter.org
ADMISSION $43 to $154
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
