Concert set before ShamRockers head to Ireland
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POLSON — Preparing for their latest singing trip to Ireland, Polson’s own Montana Sham- Rockers will perform an “unplugged” concert at the beautiful Theatre on the Lake on Polson’s golf course, Saturday Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. A free-will offering is suggested for this special event. Come wish the lads a safe journey as you enjoy music, stories and laughs. All proceeds help support their upcoming project.
In their 14-year association, the quartet, often called Montana’s unofficial Goodwill Ambassadors, have recorded four albums and played their signature blend of traditional, original and American Celtic music in every conceivable venue, even a singing marathon across Ireland in 2014.
Now the lads prepare for the first annual MeagherFest, an international history/arts/culture exchange festival honoring the life and legacy of Thomas Francis Meagher (pronounced MAHher), the Irish patriot who became Montana’s first territorial governor. Meagher’s astounding life story touched two distinct world cultures and four continents before his mysterious disappearance in Fort Benton in 1867.
A gifted orator, Meagher’s early legislative endeavors in Montana Territory laid the groundwork for the Montana National Guard, Yellowstone Park, education and religious reform, Native American relations and ultimately, statehood. Meagher is also partly responsible for the tremendous influx of Irish to work Montana’s early mining industry. His is the statue gracing the state capitol lawn in Helena since 1905.
Part one of MeagherFest ‘17 takes place March 2-5 in Waterford Ireland, Meagher’s birthplace in 1823. The Montana ShamRockers will perform at several venues. The festival concludes in Helena June 30-July 2 — a significant date, according to Neal Lewing, ShamRockers musician and one of the festival’s organizers.
“July 1 is the actual 150th anniversary of Meagher’s disappearance. A strong delegation from Ireland is coming to the Montana festival.”
For more information, call 406- 883-9212 or go to meagherfest. org.
