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First, an apology to the kilt-wearing folk of the St.
Andrew’s Society of Central Illinois and associated friends and fans.
Back around St. Patrick’s Day, in an obviously ill- conceived and
unsuccessful attempt at humor, I joked about the Scots’ pretending to
be Irish so that they could party on St. Patrick’s Day. Not everyone
who read my comments found them amusing. I meant no harm and certainly
understand that the term “Celtic” covers a variety of cultures.
The St. Andrew’s Society of Central Illinois
adds a great deal of color to the quality of life in the capital city. Just
last month, while heading over to host my Songwriter Circle at the
Underground City Tavern, I saw 15 or 20 drummers and bagpipers in full
dress streaming from the Celtic Mist Pub, on Seventh Street, and massing at
the northwest corner of Adams and Seventh. Led by pipe major Tom Ogilvy,
they marched across the intersection and performed an impromptu concert in
front of the Hilton for Vietnam veterans who were in town for a conference.
The vets I spoke with were deeply touched by the gesture, and I’m
sure they’re still talking about it. All that leads to this: The August Music in the Park
concert is called a “Celtic Summer Show.” The St.
Andrew’s Society, though not participating per se in the Springfield Parks
Foundation event, influenced all the groups involved, either directly
through its members or indirectly by raising the level of Celtic awareness
in central Illinois. Exorna, the first group on the bill, takes its name
from an actual lane in County Derry, Northern Ireland, where Victor
McMullan, award-winning snare and bass drummer for the St. Andrew’s
Society of Central Illinois Pipes and Drums, was born and raised. Joined by
American Forrest Harris on fiddle, banjo, whistle, accordion, and vocals
and Englishman Mark Butler on the guitar and vocals, McMullan —
singing and playing the bodhran, other drums, and spoons — leads the trio through a
range of lively Celtic material and popular songs in the Scots-Irish
tradition. Next up is the Illinois Elks Pipes and Drums,
consisting of about 15 musicians who belong both to the St. Andrew’s
Pipes and Drums and the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks (Lodge
158 in Springfield, to be exact). Formed in 2003 to have some fun and show
support for drummer Bill Block, then Exalted Ruler of the local Elks, the
group has since produced a CD that benefited charity and really had a blast
performing. Closing out the concert is Springfield’s own
(and only) Celtic-based rock/folk/jazz/Latin/classical-influenced band, the
Emerald Underground, which goes where no band has gone before. The
combination of traditional folk instruments with those more commonly
associated with rock & roll is not new, but the EU’s particular
blend is unique, mesmerizing, and altogether entertaining. Whereas other
groups gather under the Celtic tree, clinging to the roots, the Emerald
Underground has been known to go out on a limb.
Celtic music is not just for St. Patrick’s
Day anymore. And you know what? It never was.
The Music in the Park Celtic Summer Show takes place
4-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug., 19, at Washington Park. Bring along a blanket or
lawn chair and perhaps an umbrella.
Contact Tom Irwin at tirwin@illinoistimes.com.
This article appears in Aug 9-15, 2007.
