[caption id="attachment_70005" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Declan O’Rouke."]
When the Dubliners celebrated their 50th Anniversary with an appearance on RTE, they were joined on stage by a young Dubliner with a rich voice and an unforgettable head of curly black hair. It was singer-songwriter Declan O’Rourke, who as a boy emigrated from Dublin to Australia with his favorite video tape – the recording of the Dubliners’ 25th Anniversary Concert, in his suitcase.
Pull up the RTE performance on YouTube and you’ll see just how poignant it is and just how good his voice is. But it’s not singing the classic ballads of Ireland that O’Rourke is known for - it’s the stories he tells through his extraordinarily well-crafted songs. He brought his songs and stories with him to The Irish Arts Center in New York City recently to kick off SongLives, a series curated by Susan McKeon that showcases Ireland’s contemporary songwriters.
The Irish Arts Center’s commitment to supporting artists from all backgrounds was so evident that evening as was the hospitality that the venue is known for. For me, SongLives at the Irish Arts Center with Declan O’Rourke felt like getting a great recommendation on a new band from a close friend. And now it’s my turn to tell my friends about the man with the curly black hair, the rich voice, and the songs that will knock your socks off.
After listening to his songs, you might think that O’Rourke was born singing and playing music, but he actually didn’t start until he was teenager living in Australia. He eventually returned home to Dublin to immerse himself in the lively singer-songwriter open-mic scene. He went on to record three albums and play as the support act for Snow Patrol, Teddy Thompson, Paul Weller and others. But after hearing his moving songs, and noticing his dynamic stage presence, I have no doubt that it’s time for O’Rourke to be the main act. Not just in Ireland, but right here in the tri-state area. And that’s just what he’ll do tonight, Feb. 29, at Stage One at the Fairfield Theatre Company in Connecticut.
Music fans in Fairfield will see why both Paul Weller and Josh Groban have covered his song “Galelio (Someone Like You).” Look out for that song, you’ll melt when you hear it. And be prepared for some sad songs, but not without a little humor mixed in. Humor and messages about staying true to yourself, and enjoying life – that’s how O’Rourke will pick you up after his most beautifully melancholic songs about hardship and loss. Oh, and the curly hair helps too.
The Irish Arts Center has two more shows in the SongLives series – March 23rd with Michael Brunnock and Brendan O’Shea, and May 11th with Mark Geary and Ann Scott.
For some Irish sounds around town this week pencil in Jameson’s Revenge & Shilelagh Law at the Rockaway Rugby Club on 3/3, and Mary Courtney and Morning Star at O’Brien’s in NYC on 3/4 .
