John Feeley and Fran O'Rourke

It was during a March concert for the Marlow Guitar Series in Bethesda that I first heard Irish guitarist, John Feeley. In summary, the concert was fantastic. His solo program balanced works by J.S. Bach with arrangements of traditional Irish music. (The performance of works by Bach was among the best I have ever heard from a guitarist–technically superb yet mellifluous.) I listened to his CD, Immigrant Song, and I can recommend it without hesitation. It is absolutely beautiful music, an example of the art to which many of us aspire. Through video of a concert in Joyce’s Tower, I was able to listen to John Feeley in a different light. The video featured Feeley and singer, Fran O’Rourke, performing Irish songs with a connection to James Joyce. I watched the concert video in its entirety. This music resonates; it is soulful, peaceful and heartfully communicative. On Wednesday June 17, 2015, the day after Bloomsday, Feeley and O’Rourke will perform in Kepler Theater at Hagerstown Community College as featured artists for the annual Kreykenbohm Lecture Series. Starting at 7 in the evening, the event is free and open to the public. I am grateful these scholars are visiting our city. This event should appeal to a wide audience including those who love Irish music, literature and outstanding guitar playing. I hope that you will attend and bring a friend. Let us fill the theater in celebration of the art and culture. For more information, please visit these links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSJXupFUMIw http://www.hagerstowncc.edu/news-events/hcc-host-annual-kreykenbohm-lecture-series http://www.heraldmailmedia.com/life/columns/irish-program-near-bloomsday-has-me-rejoicing/article_5c700f54-f197-540e-9272-6d9ca8e9bade.html