Some Legendary Names Featured
on Irish Music Cruise in Hawaii
By HAMISH DOUGLAS BURGESS
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HAMISH BURGESS, Liam Clancy and the Hawaii gang onboard the cruise liner.
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MAUI - In January, great Irish musicians arrived in Hawaii, when legendary singer Liam Clancy was joined by his son Donal with wife Mary Rafferty, nephew Robbie O'Connell, niece and nephew Aoife and Finbarr Clancy, and friends The Makem & Spain Brothers, Evans & Doherty, and Gabriel Donohue.
They were there for a seven day cruise of the Hawaiian Islands with Irish Music Concerts
at Sea presented by Debbie Casey (www.irishmusiccruises.com) on the new ship Pride of Hawaii.
Festivities started in Honolulu at a pre-cruise concert at the Aloha Tower, a landmark where visitors to the islands have been arriving and departing on ships for 80 years. The Makem & Spain Brothers put on a memorable show of traditional songs and sea shanties, with their fantastic five man harmonies.
The following night saw an informal meet-and-greet at Waikiki Irish pub Kelly O'Neills, where you could reconnect with old friends, make new ones, meet the musicians, and join in a session with all the artists!
The next week's adventure included snorkelling, kayaking on surfing crystal clear warm waters, visiting rainforests, waterfalls and active volcanoes, truly amazing seen at night flowing into the ocean.
From 10,000 feet high mountains to the beautiful beaches, the islands are stunning, and cruising past ancient high sea cliffs, with whales breaching below was a spiritual experience.
The exclusive concerts of the Irish Music Cruise were so much talked about that the crew and even the Captain couldn't resist a visit! From solo sets by talented singers Finbarr and Gabriel, to the great vocal harmonies of the Makem & Spains and Kevin Evans & Brian Doherty, the singing covered the spectrum from traditional folk to originals.
The ladies were well represented by Mary on whistle and accordion, playing jigs and reels with Donal on guitar, and by fabulous songbird Aoife performing with fine songwriter Robbie as a duo. All captivated the audience.
Liam Clancy, at the young age of 71, set the stage on fire with boundless energy and passion. With guitar and concertina, he performed heart-wrenching ballads to rousing traditional songs and raucous sea-shanties. A true master of his art.
The fun sessions on deck allowed guests to join the performers, and two young Irish dancers were a big hit. A highlight of the week was a shore concert organized by myself on Maui, "An Evening with the Clancy's" at Charley's Bar in Paia, Willie Nelson's favourite hangout.
An amazing week of Irish music! In January 2008 the Irish Music Cruise will be in the beautiful waters off Baja California, and visiting the Mexican Riviera. For more details, visit: www.irishmusiccruises.com, or call 888-56-IRISH.
A British citizen of Scottish parents, Hamish Douglas Burgess is now a U.S. resident living on the island of Maui, in the Hawaiian Islands. Coming from Celtic stock and living for many years in a Celtic area of Britain (Cornwall), he has a love of Celtic art and music instilled in him. He enjoys producing Celtic artwork in different media, photography from the Celtic Lands, and playing the bagpipes.
He regularly spends time in the ancient Celtic areas of Britain and Ireland. Recent works have included book illustrations, commissioned Celtic art, commissioned original Celtic tattoos, temporary Celtic tattoos and a forward for renowned Celtic artist Courtney Davis' latest Celtic Tattoo Workbook.
Hamish also hosts a Celtic music radio show on Mana'o Radio 91.5 FM, in Wailuku, Maui. The radio show is available live online at www.manaoradio.com. For more details about Hamish and Maui Celtic, visit: www.mauiceltic.com.
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