If It Wasn't for the Irish and the Jews
(Past) Sat, Oct 24 at 8 pm |
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Irish Arts Center presents "If It Wasn't For the Irish and the Jews: A Tribute to Irish and Jewish Influences on Vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley" in association with Center for Jewish History, NYU Glucksman Ireland House, American Irish Historical Society, Consulate General of Ireland, Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust featuring an all-star cast of musicians including: Mick Moloney, Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, Liz Hanley, String Quartet featuring Dana Lyn, Kerith Spencer-Shapiro, John Roberts, Billy McComiskey, Susan McKeown, Donna Long, Niall O'Leary, Jerry O'Sullivan, The Washington Square Harp and Shamrock Orchestra and special guests.
Famous for the music of Joplin and Berlin, Waller and Cohan, Tin Pan Alley also generated such Irish favorites as "Sweet Rosie O'Grady" and "'Twas Only An Irishman's Dream." In 1912, the songwriting duo William Jerome and Jean Schwartz composed "If It Wasn't for the Irish and the Jews," a catchy tune that celebrated Irish-Jewish collaborations in all aspects of American life. What wasn't well known, however, is that William Jerome was actually the son of Patrick Flannery, a famine immigrant from County Mayo; Norah Bayes, beloved for her performance of "Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly?" was born Norah Goldberg; and Eddie Foy, star of the stage, was actually Edwin Fitzgerald!
Join renowned musician-folklorist Mick Moloney and an all star cast for a one-night-only concert celebration of this charming and unexplored story of good-natured ethnic flux, competition, and cooperation that left a lasting imprint on American popular music.
This performance was made possible in part through generous support from the Henry Rosenberg Foundation, Georganne Aldrich Heller, and Culture Ireland, a government agency dedicated to promoting Irish Arts worldwide.
