Irish Rock Revue for Rockaway on June 1

The then Consul General Noel Kilkenny introducing Joe Hurley to Irish President Michael D. Higgins on his first official visit to the U.S.

By Irish Echo Staff

You may have missed it in March when it was performed at City Winery in Downtown Manhattan. Or you did see it but would like to experience the summer version when it’s on as part of Rockaway Fest on Saturday, June 1, from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

We are referring to Joe Hurley’s All Star Irish Rock Revue, which celebrates the Irish songbook via the work of Thin Lizzy, the Pogues, U2, Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor, Rory Gallagher, Dexys Midnight Runner, the Undertones, Jim Carroll and Stiff Little Fingers.

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And doing that with the host himself are members of bands like Roxy Music, the Baby Shakes and the New York Dolls. In all more than a score of acts and solo performers, including Limerick’s Malachy McCourt, Billy Campion of New York, Dubliner Derek Dempsey, aka the King of Times Square, and "Rescue Me" star James McCaffrey from Belfast will grace the stage over the three hours.

The London-bred Irish New Yorker Hurley has strong blood ties to the Rockaways, and said he’s “thrilled” with the area's resurgence.

The day after Hurricane Sandy hit in 2012, he felt compelled to help and spent the next several months involved in relief efforts, including producing fundraising concerts like "A Dickens Christmas for the Rockaways.”

Derek Dempsey will appear in the Irish Rock Revue on June 1.

"To see how the devastation was met with dignity, resilience, kindness, the Irish spirit of resolve, was something,” he recalled. “It filled me with gratitude, being given the chance to help.”

Added Hurley, who is an Audie-winner for his collaboration with Keith Richards on the audio-book version of his memoirs, “I'd love people to visit, and discover the enormity of all that Rockaway's achieved. It’s rebuilt, rejuvenated and revitalized.”

And it’s for value for money ($10 plus $3 ferry ride), he said, they can also get to see the “Great Irish Songbook on the Great Irish Riviera.”

 

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