“Ceili” (pronounced KAY-lee) is a Gaelic word, which means party, specifically one with live musicians, dancing, general merriment and an all-ages crowd. The similar term “Coeli” is a form of the Latin word for “Heaven.” Rain is that stuff that falls from the sky. Thus, Ceili Rain (“That’s All the Lumber You Sent”) is a “downpour of heavenly partiness,” which matches the band’s personality entirely.
Five members of Ceili Rain played on March 26. With Bob Halligan Jr. on lead vocals and guitar, Kevin de Souza on bass guitar, Burt Mitchell on the bagpipes and whistles, Joe Davoli playing the fiddle and Liz Strodel on drum set, these folks make quite the team. Although Strodel is a stand-in member, the band was lucky to have her.
The show began with a few words from President of the Ontario Center for Performing Arts (OCPA) Board of Directors, Mark Wahl, who announced he was passing the baton to his wife Ellen Wahl. Ellen Wahl also stood to say a few words as she accepted the responsibility .
Switching gears, Ceili Rain was introduced to the stage. The band members surprised the audience with a memorable entrance. Mitchell and Strodel entered from stage left-wing while playing a traditional bagpipe and snare drum. When the group was all gathered on stage, they jumped right into their setlist. The crowd was pleased.
A song called, “God Done Good,” was performed. Halligan Jr. explained that he wrote the song about first meeting his wife, trying to conceive a child with her and failing, going through an even longer process to have a child together and finally succeeding. His joy and happiness were evident.
Among the other beautifully written and performed songs, Ceili Rain did one song that truly resonated with the audience. Halligan Jr. told the audience that “40 Shades of Green” was originally written for the Irish nationality, but they were dedicating it to Ukraine for that specific performance. Judging by the loud whistles, cheers and applause, there is no doubt that this tugged at some heartstrings.
While the music reminded the audience of an Irish folk music festival and was pleasing to the ear, how were the audience’s eyes treated? Well, with the purple stage lights and Halligan Jr.’s undeniable energy up on the stage, from headbanging to kicks and dance moves, the audience was certainly not disappointed.
By the end of the night, each member had a featured solo that would not be forgotten. The group even gave the audience a quirky bit played on the bagpipes and fiddle, called “Joe and Burt & Burt and Joe,” which captured all ears throughout the room because of the instruments’ musical compatibility.
The communication between the crowd and the band was hilarious and honest. Halligan Jr. proved his experience with witty on-stage banter to gain the audience’s trust.
Ceili Rain gave it their all and the audience thanked them with their rhythmic hands and feet.
The Oswego Music Hall is located at 41 Lake St. The Music Hall is dedicated to the production of high-quality local performances for the enjoyment and enrichment of membership and the community at large, to provide support for songwriters, composers, musicians, and performing artists, and to recognize, encourage and support the diversity of musical heritage all around. All that are interested in volunteer opportunities may contact the Music Hall by email at OCPAoswego@gmail.com.
Image from Faith Smith
