2012, Part 2: Rainbows and Leprechauns

Rainbows and Leprechauns: A St Patty's Day Cabaret, Martuni's Piano Bar, March 19 & 20, 2012.

This cabaret was our second show of 2012 with two more to come before the chorus heads to Denver to sing at the GALA Festival. More on that to come later. We were busy the first half of 2012.

Between Love Bites and this show we only had about a month to put this together and rehearse the songs. We all, chorus and soloists, stepped up to make this a good show for our audience with guidance from Billy and Paul giving us his wonderful accompaniment. The chorus opened with "If You're Irish, Come Into the Parlor" and next was "Look to the Rainbow" with Mary Cantrell and Michael McClure soloing with the chorus backup and Jason LeBrun on flute.

We next sang "Down by the Sally Gardens" and Jason accompanied us on his flute. Next Mary was front and center as she sang about "Leprechaun Stew." The next two were Irish folk songs sung by Dale Danley and Maureen Bogues - "Muirsheen Durkin" and "Whiskey in the Jar." Following Dale and Maureen was Billy and Rachyl Underwood singing two songs - "Always Remember (An Irish Blessing)" and "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows."

No St. Patrick's Day show would be complete without "My Wild Irish Rose" which was performed by the quartet of Fernando Ruelos, Daniel Lyons, Michael McClure and Tom McElroy. Jim Oerther followed that by singing Enya's "May It Be."

Two more Irish folk songs followed. First was "Biddy McGraw" sung by Maureen Bogues, Yolanda DeByle, Joselle Monarchi and Linda Rodriguey. After that came "Star of County Down" sung by Maureen, Yolanda, Kim Hargreaves, Joselle, Linda and Wendy Tobias with Jason on flute.

Next up was Joan Goldman singing "The Irish Ballad" by Tom Lehrer. Next were three songs from Sesame Street - first "Frogs in the Glen" sung by Wendy, "Bein' Green" sung by Jade Miller and third was "The Rainbow Connection" sung by Daniel Lyons with the chorus.

For our finale and audience sing along Mark Higgins and chorus sang "When Irish Eyes are Smiling," followed by "Over the Rainbow" and ending with "Danny Boy." I remember the green beer and Martuni's martinis flowing and everyone joining on these last three songs. Lots of fun for all of us.

Next week will be about a joint concert with musicians and singers from Lick-Wilmerding High School and the chorus which took place at the high school auditorium. Stay tuned.

Cheers, Michael Lucero