The Cliff Dwellers Presents
A St. Patrick’s Day Showcase
Jamie O’Reilly’s
In Old Chicago: Stories & Songs of a Beloved City
Thurs March 14 at 6 PM
The Cliff Dwellers Arts Club
200 S Michigan Ave  22nd Floor
Chicago, Il.
Reservations:
Ph (312) 922-8080; reservations@cliff-chicago.org
Website: cliff-chicago.org

Listen to a sample here, Tex joins up

Listen to Annie Laurie

March 14, 2024
In Old Chicago: Stories and Songs of a Beloved City
Jamie O’Reilly & Friends

Part memoir & part concert, this program captures an explosive time in Chicago history as a great city comes of age. It grew out of an extensively researched legacy project by singer /writer Jamie O’Reilly of her Irish-American family and their 120-year roots in Chicago.

Heard on the WFMT Midnight Special 70th Anniversary Broadcast in spring of 2023, In Old Chicago will feature actors Christopher O’Reilly, Judi Cogan Heikes and Victor Holstein reading poetry and excerpts from family memoirs that recall Chicago, from the turn of the 20th century into the outbreak of WWI and the early 20s: the newspapers, the neighborhoods, the union halls, activism, and the arts.

Songs of the era, performed by Jamie in turn-of-the century style, include stirring anthems, ballads, and sing-a-longs, with fine accompaniment by pianist John Erickson. We’ll also hear some favorite songs of the late Studs Terkel, i.e., Annie Laurie and His Eye is on the Sparrow (the signature song of Mahalia Jackson). This program also features two stirring videos illustrating the songs. Among these, “Sanctuary City,” celebrates Chicago’s immigrant history and includes photos from the community.

Here is a fine way to celebrate both St. Patty’s Day and Women’s History Month.

 

Watch the “Aunt Dorothy” video here: