Irish heritage will be celebrated this Friday, November 7 at Sacred Heart University’s Community Theatre in Connecticut in what is being billed as "a unique celebration of Irish heritage, artistry, and philanthropy.
Said a release: “An Evening of Ireland in Poetry and Song” promises to be a remarkable night, uniting three internationally acclaimed talents—Paul Muldoon, John Doyle, and Chris Coogan—in support of Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield.
"The festivities will begin with an exclusive pre-party from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the theatre’s balcony. Here, just 64 fortunate guests will be treated to an intimate reception, mingling in the company of the evening’s star performers.
"Acclaimed jazz pianist Chris Coogan, a Fairfield County native, will set the mood with his signature blend of jazz, gospel, and pop. Coogan, whose résumé includes collaborations with jazz legends such as Dave Liebman, trumpeter Randy Brecker, and Grammy-winning saxophonist Paul Winter, is renowned for his dynamic energy and genre-spanning performances that have made him a local icon.
"The evening’s literary heart is Paul Muldoon, born in County Armagh. With a career that encompasses more than a dozen lauded poetry collections, Muldoon’s work is celebrated for its wit, linguistic inventiveness, and emotional resonance. He has shaped contemporary poetry not only through his writing but also as poetry editor of The New Yorker and as a professor at Princeton University and Cambridge.
"In 2022, Muldoon joined the highest echelon of Irish artists when he was named a Saoi of Aosdána, an honor reserved for the country’s most distinguished creative minds—a group that includes Seamus Heaney and Brian Friel. Muldoon’s poetry, often rooted in Irish history and identity, promises to lend the evening profound depth and artistry.
"Music for the event is helmed by John Doyle, a foundational figure in Irish folk music and a founding member of the groundbreaking group Solas. Doyle’s guitar work is both powerful and nuanced, earning him recognition as one of the genre’s most influential musicians.
"His voice—steeped in the traditions of Irish storytelling—has resonated on the world stage through collaborations with luminaries like Joan Baez and the iconic ensemble The Chieftains. As a solo artist, Doyle’s albums are lauded for bridging the gap between centuries-old tradition and contemporary innovation, drawing listeners into the living history of Irish song.
"Rounding out the trio is Chris Coogan, whose musical journey has made him a beloved figure in Fairfield County and beyond. His performances, whether leading his own jazz ensemble or collaborating with some of the biggest names in music, are marked by technical mastery and a passion for connecting with audiences. Coogan’s style seamlessly weaves together jazz improvisation with the influences of gospel, pop, and classical music, making each appearance a memorable experience."
Together, added the release, Muldoon, Doyle, and Coogan are offering more than just a performance; they are presenting a gift to the community: an evening where poetry, music, and culture converge to support a vital cause.
The event will benefit Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield, advancing its mission to preserve and share the story of the Irish Famine and subsequent diaspora.
"Every poem recited and every note played will help bring the museum's vision closer to fruition, ensuring that the legacy of Irish resilience and creativity endures for generations to come. For tickets and artist information go to https://www.ighmf.org/
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