A Program of Irish Music and Stories at HSCC

The Historical Society of Cheshire County's September membership meeting will feature a program entitled Rebellion, Emigration and Celebration: Selections from the Irish Songbook by Nelson resident Richard Popovic. Describing his program, Popovic says "if you cue up an album of traditional Irish songs and press play, it won't be long before the subject turns to emigration, rebellion or celebration. The history of Ireland is full of fabulous victories, legendary defeats, and larger-than-life characters, all set against a dramatic backdrop of rugged beauty. Few other countries have provided the world with such a rich musical legacy that looks unflinchingly at its past while imagining a brighter future."

Drawn from songs he has learned from classic albums, discontinued songbooks, and tipsy old guys at the corner pub, Popovic program will explore Irish history through music, slides, and personal narrative. His program offers parallels to the Irish immigration experiences in Cheshire County and ties into HSCC's current exhibit, Coming to Cheshire County: The Immigrant Experience, 1860-1930.

Richard Popovic is a singer/songwriter who moved to New Hampshire in 2000. He sings and plays guitar for Shilelagh Law, a New York-based Irish band that has been described as a cross between the Clancy Brothers and Run DMC. He has shared the stage with acts ranging from Flogging Molly to Jerry Lee Lewis and has had numerous appearances on national TV. Shilelagh Law's fourth album was released in January 2009. Popovic is also a columnist for The Monadnock Shopper News.

HSCC's September membership meeting will be on Monday, September 28th at 7:00 p.m., and is free and open to the public. For further information, please visit the HSCC website at www.hsccnh.org or at 352-1895 or hscc@hsccnh.org.