The next fundraising concert at St. George’s United Church promises to be a toe-tapping night of Irish tunes, featuring singer Mary Murphy, and her guitarist-husband Paul Keim.
“An Irish Evening of Song & Frivolity,” an event in honour of St. Patrick’s Day, will take place on March 16 at 7 p.m.
Songs will be sung primarily in the English language, but the Irish language will be interjected to give the audience an authentic flavour of culture. The second set promises a “wee bit” of frivolity for all to participate in, and according to Murphy, “It’s promised that no audience singing will be involved, but three gift baskets will be.”
Tickets are $25 in advance on Eventbrite at bit.ly/48zSdiw
Tickets are also at the church office in advance or $30 at the door.
Murphy, a native of Ireland who calls the Comox Valley her home-away-from-home, is a touchstone to Ireland – so authentically Irish that she and her music take first-generation immigrants home again. She is a prolific musician, writer and recording artist - with 12 musical releases and six books under her belt (one of which has just been a finalist in an International Book Award). The majority of her musical CDs include a lovely helping of her native Irish language. Her precise vocal characteristics and whistle playing have been added to countless artistic projects (including a feature film).
She will be accompanied by talented guitarist/engineer/producer husband, Keim, who adds a myriad of stringed instruments to Murphy’s performances, creating the vital foundation for her to spring from. Murphy has also been the featured singer for Will Millar (founder of the Irish Rovers) for the many years leading up to his retirement.
For videos or more bio info, see marymurphy.ca.
The concert will raise money for Lilli House, a safe destination provided by the Comox Valley Transition Society for women and children fleeing abuse. A portion of proceeds will also go to St. George’s United Church.
St. George’s raises funds through a variety of events during the year to benefit local non-profits. In 2023, the church donated more than $40,000 to community groups, including Habitat for Humanity, LUSH, the Comox Valley Food Bank, the Coldest Night of the Year, the Comox Valley Child Development Association, the Transition Society, and many others.