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Get your Irish up with Blarney (with Q&A) |
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Written by Keith Sheffield/Tahoe World
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Wednesday, 12 March 2008 |
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Keith Shannon and his leprechaun friends have a talent for all things Irish, be it singing mournful ballads, belting out a shanty song, or tipping the obligatory pint of Guinness. Their reputation for playing quality, authentic Irish music is unmatched in the entire world, and that is no Blarney.
They will be in the Fireplace Room at Cottonwood the weekly “Acoustic” show on Friday, March 13, beginning at 7 p.m. and reservations are recommended. No cover charge.
Tahoe World editor Keith Sheffield caught up with Keith Shannon by, one half of father/son duo who make up Blarney, by e-mail last week. The Irish-influenced folksters have been a part of the Tahoe and Truckee live music scene for years.
Catch the band live at Cottonwood or, if you can’t raise a pint with the band there, go to www.blarneyband.com to see where they play next.
 TW: With a name like Shannon, what is it about Irish music that speaks to you?
Keith Shannon: I fell into the music through a friend who wanted to play at Malone’s in Truckee (now closed), back in 1999. Of course the place was an Irish Pub and she wanted to do Irish music. I had been involved with TAMA (Truckee Alliance for the Musical Arts) and my preference in music was Rock … I didn’t know any Irish Music. My father was an officer in the Air Force and he brought no attention to his heritage. Once we started performing and I saw how engaging the music was and how well received, I began to play and learn little else.
TW: Do the Shannon family roots go back to the Emerald Isle?
KS: Yes, they do. My grandfather came to America in 1911 and settled in Rochester, N.Y., when he was about 19 years old. A few years later he returned and wed the woman of his dreams. My family is from County Cork, near the town of Durras. The family still own the home my grandfather was born in. A 350-year-old home built beside the remnant of an 11th Century McCarthy Castle.
TW: What exactly is blarney, and should I be worried if I have it?
KS: Blarney is loosely defined as: The art of flattery … and you should be happy if you have it.
TW: You’re currently playing some dates throughout California, returning to Truckee, and then have some gigs in Reno. How well received is your music throughout this region?
KS: The gigs we play out of the area are private parties that have a good idea of what we do and are looking for Irish music of the type and style we play. Locally we find a mixed crowd of visitors and of locals … thankfully, we are always well received; particularly at Ceol in Reno. They are newer, neighborhood type Pub that attracts people from 21 to 91. We typically play there at least twice a month (four times this month) and have built a wonderful following. People remember and want to hear the sing alongs ... again ... and again. It’s great.
TW: You pressed a “Live at OB’s” CD in late 2006. Any plans for more CDs, like a studio album perhaps?
KS: Dan and I have discussed another CD with just the two of us. When we do another CD it will be a live CD. We tried studio recording before. The result lacked the fun spirit inherent to the ‘sound.’
TW: Do you have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
KS: Anyone celebrating Irish Music is Irish … Mr. O’Sheffield.
TW: What’s a good Irish toast, and what beverage should I have in hand when making said toast?
KS: “May you be in Heaven a full half hour before the Devil knows you’re dead.” … and, of course, you’d be holding a pint of Guinness.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 March 2008 )
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