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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Stories, Songs Highlight Irish Famine

The Irish Potato Famine of 1845 might seem like an unusual subject for an evening of entertainment.

But in the hands of Irish singer-storyteller Mick Moloney, this theme promises to be entertaining and educational.

Moloney, a native of Limerick, Ireland, is touring the U.S. with a program of songs, commentary and stories on the 150th anniversary of the Great Famine. He will appear in a special dinner show on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Gonzaga University’s COG. The event is sponsored by the Spokane-Limerick Sister City Society and the Gonzaga University History Department.

Moloney is a an accomplished musician who has four times been named the Best Tenor Banjo Player in America by Frets magazine. He sings from a huge repertoire of songs from the Irish and Irish-American tradition.

Yet he is also a scholar and historian, having taught at Georgetown University, George Washington University, New York University and now at the University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University.

He has collected a number of songs and tales about the famine. Readings from letters of famine immigrants will also be woven into the program.

The event costs $18.45, for dinner and the show, or $10 for the show only ($5 for students with ID). Reservations are required for the dinner; call 327-3124. Tickets for the show only will be available at the door. Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.