Friendly Sons’ glee club director, Damon Sink (grey jacket) keeps the group in perfect harmony.
Memorable Solo: Joe Kane delivers a solo of “Clancy Lowers the Boom.” Standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall, the Residents have no trouble seeing Joe.
Energetic Harmony: Friendly Sons’ slip in some well-choreographed pieces. The song, “The Holy Ground,” delivers a one-two punch of hand gestures that Residents and singers time just right.
Our Residents have discovered that you don’t need to be Irish to appreciate good Irish folk music. The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick glee club, under the guidance of musical director, Damon Sink, visits each year just before St. Patrick’s Day.
Over 45 members of the Friendly Sons’ glee club arrive dressed in their official green sweaters, music binders in hand, tuned up and ready to deliver a great show. Retired Army Colonel, Dan Shea, coordinates and sings with this merry troupe.
Our home is a favorite stop for Dan and fellow members, “The home knocks my socks off. Everything is clean and bright, and kept in shape on a shoestring. By far, the spirit is something special,” Dan shared.
Our elderly Residents are the Friendly Sons’ best listeners. The songs are very familiar and many Residents sing along. “We could stay there all night and sing,” says Dan, “They are the most appreciative and happiest audience.”
One member, Joe Kane, stands out for more than one reason. He is a gifted singer whose solo of “Clancy Lowers the Boom” gets the Residents clapping. Joe is not soon forgotten as he stands 6 feet 7 inches tall. When he takes center stage, the Residents see and hear him very well.
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the Little Sisters share a few things in common. Glee club members have deep Irish roots, with family still in Ireland. The Little Sisters have several homes in Ireland. Here in Cincinnati, Sr. Agatha, who is from County Mayo in Ireland, particularly enjoys their musical visit. “The Sisters from Ireland always ask for a particular song. Between the talent of the group and our repertoire, we usually know the piece,” shared Dan.
Our thanks to the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. We can’t wait until next year!
If you would like to join us for the Friendly Sons’ annual concert at our home, send us an e-mail (devcincinnati@littlesistersofthepoor.org) with your contact information. We’ll keep you informed of the date and time. Good music is meant to be shared.
The Gift of Song – Irish Style!