Clancy and O'Connell bring Irish tradition to uNi Nov. 9

PRIME – November 2013 SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – On Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m., the uNi Coffeehouse Concert Series presents The Clancy Legacy's Aoife Clancy and Robbie O'Connell. The concert will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Society Meetinghouse, 245 Porter Lake Drive. For more information or reservations, call 413-562-3990 or visit http://uNiCoffeehouse.org. Tickets are $15 at the door. The Clancy Legacy's Aoife Clancy (pronounced "Eefa") and Robbie O'Connell share the joy of presenting the very best of Irish and Irish-influenced songs, tunes, and humor. From the high energy of a song of rebellion to a gentle country air, you can hear the echo of their biological, cultural, and musical relationship to the legendary Clancy Brothers, right down to the beat of the bodhran and the rhythms of their guitars. Clancy is the daughter of Bobby Clancy of the Clancy Brothers. O'Connell is a nephew of the Clancy Brothers and performed with them on tours and recordings. Clancy, from a small town in Co Tipperary, Ireland, has been performing ever since her father placed a guitar in her hands at 10 years old; by 14 years old she was playing with her father in nearby pubs. She has spent her career performing at festivals and concerts sharing the stage with some of Ireland's greatest performers, as well as performing on Caribbean cruises with the Clancy Brothers. For the past four years Clancy has toured extensively, doing no less than 200 dates a year throughout the United States and Europe. She has been a featured soloist with orchestras such as the Boston Pops and Cincinnati Pops and, while performing with Cherish the Ladies, collaborated with the Boston Pops on their Grammy nominated Celtic album. Now with seven recordings under her belt in the last decade, she has clearly established herself as one of the Divas of Irish and contemporary folk music. O'Connell also grew up in County Tipperary, Ireland where he began to play guitar and sing at 13 years of age, and soon became a regular performer at the local hotel's weekly folk concerts. He began touring with his uncles in 1977 and recorded three albums with them before he launched out on his own. He toured extensively with Mick Moloney and Jimmy Keane, and also with Eileen Ivers and Seamus Egan in the Green Fields of America. His songwriting and performing skills have taken him to Carnegie Hall and won him numerous awards for his many recorded and live concert performances. "A National Treasure" is how Ireland's top music magazine, Hot Press, describes O'Connell, "... a man blessed with an enviable turn of phrase and a gift for melody bestowed on only the few." The uNi Coffeehouse Concerts offers concertgoers the following amenities: A lovely wooded location bordering on Longmeadow and the Forest Park woodlands. Easy access to the venue from anywhere via Interstate Route 91. Access to an ample parking lot, plus space along road for later arrivals. An accent on acoustic music (not electric, not excessively loud), some very old songs and tunes, some very new. An opportunity to hear experienced performers from across the United States, Canada, and Great Britain A coffeehouse-style atmosphere that's relaxed and informal, featuring a low stage and candlelight, but no alcohol and no smoke. A lively concert hall sound in an intimate setting; performers often mingle with audience during breaks. Refreshments including home baked goodies, hot spiced cider, coffee, teas and just-popped popcorn A venue that is handicapped accessible. Phone ahead for directions to the no-stairs entrance and arrange preferred seating.