Program

An Irishman’s Journey from famine era Ireland to the American Civil War to Little Big Horn told through traditional and original songs and music.

Robert Emmet Dunlap has expanded his often recorded and popular song, Mick Ryan’s Lament, into a show that tells more of the story of his fictional Irishman’s journey from famine era Ireland to America at it’s Centennial. The talented trio of musicians on guitar, Irish drum (bodhran), and fiddle, perform ballads to lively Irish tunes that include new, original songs along with traditional music from the period. The program combines history and legend to show the connections between Irish and American songs and music and the impact of immigration, expansionism, and war on all sides.

The song, Mick Ryan’s Lament, has struck a chord with people for it’s heartfelt tale of the ironies of war. It has been recorded by many artists, including bluegrass legend Tim O’Brien. The song was performed by Tim in March, 2016 at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, Ireland, as part of their Imagining Home Concert Series, in recognition of 100 years since the Irish Rebellion. The song, recorded by Ray Doyle, was included in the documentary film, Bravo! Common Men, Uncommon Valor, about the Vietnam war.