George M. Cohan will always be remembered on Broadway. A statue of the late composer and performer, who penned such influential songs as “Over There,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” stands proudly in Times Square, saluting all those who pass by. But long before Cohan was a star of the stage and screen, he was a son of Providence, RI. Cohan was born there … [Read more...] about Providence Gives Regards to Cohan
Arts
Blazing the Trail to Ireland: The Kalem Film Company
At the dawn of American cinema, when most film companies were already heading west to Hollywood, one company traveled east – to Ireland. The little-known story of the Kalem Company, or “The O’Kalems,” as they were fondly called, is the subject of a new collection from the Irish Film Archive.A steam engine chugs into a small railway station in Ireland and a handsome, … [Read more...] about Blazing the Trail to Ireland: The Kalem Film Company
The Way of Martin
The Way is a movie about a father and son, written and directed by Emilio Estevez and starring his real-life father, Martin Sheen. The Way, a modern-day road film rooted in the past, is a heartwarming story of redemption and renewal with a message that it’s never too late to change. Tom (Martin Sheen), an American doctor, travels to St. Jean Pied de Port to collect the body of … [Read more...] about The Way of Martin
What Are You Like?
John Kelly, CEO of the Irish Chamber Orchestra John Kelly grew up on the grounds of Clongowes Wood College, near Dublin, where his father, composer T.C.Kelly was the head of the music department. He was one of six boys, all of whom played music. He started his performing career at the age of nine, appearing with his family on national television. John was a member of the first … [Read more...] about What Are You Like?
Review of Books
Recently published books of Irish and Irish-American interest. Recommended Chango’s Beads and Two-Tone Shoes Thirty-six years after publishing Legs, the first book in his acclaimed Albany Cycle, William Kennedy, 83, has added an eighth book to his dedicated rendering of his home town. Chango’s Beads and Two-Tone Shoes tells the story of Daniel Quinn, another son of Albany, … [Read more...] about Review of Books