Jamie O’Reilly sings the stirring anthem Sanctuary City, accompanied by images of Chicago – its immigrants, its lake, its buildings, its streets. With vintage family photos gathered from her community and contemporary photos by Iwona Biedermann. Written by Anne Hills and Al Power. Video by Anne Hills. Art direction by Jamie O’Reilly.
© J. O’Reilly Productions, 2023.
Read more about the Sanctuary City song and read the lyrics here
Thanks to the following people who shared their photos with us for this video: Iwona Biedermann, Mary & John Madigan, Monica Eng, Nancy Anselmo, Mary Fran Kennedy Niznik, Cindy Spaeth, Kate Zappen Mayton, Kathy Drennan, Kristen Vehill, Judy & Bob Riepl, Nick Mozak, Kathy O’Malley, and Kevin O’Reilly.
Jamie’s SongNotes Blog launches its Treasures series, with the story behind her beautiful recording of A Cradle in Bethlehem. And a family tradition.
Jamie remembers her Aunt Margaret Tucker, who died Wednesday. Hear the beautiful family recording of I See the Moon, live at the Chicago Cultural Center in 1995.
Available to the public for the FIRST time! This winning tale of a family of ducks flying south through one of Chicago’s legendary snowstorms, showcases the talents of Cecilie O’Reilly as the Box Lady, Paul Amandes, as young Millard. With Jamie O’Reilly and Tom Amandes. Recorded live at Fitzgerald’s nightclub, late 80s.
Jamie’s SongNotes blog features the revered Yiddish song Rozhinkes mit Mandlen, ראָזשינקעס מיט מאַנדלען, which she recorded on Pasiones, at WFMT Studio in 1997. Jamie recounts where she first heard the song. and the vocalists whose musical styles she found compelling.
“Ready for anything. Sorting a life.”
For the caretakers this Thanksgiving.
Jamie blogs about sorting the things of our loved ones. And what they leave behind. Dedicated to her friends doing this difficult work.
Jamie celebrates the 70th Anniversary of WFMT Radio in her SongNotes Blog. With a nod to Studs Terkel, Rich Warren, and current Midnight Special radio host Marilyn Rea Beyer.
SongNotes I Know Where I’m Going. Jamie shares a letter from her aunt, and the signature song they share.
In our Pasiones recording Michael is featured on lead vocals, performing Freiheit with requisite grit, vigor and power. A theatre review of Pasiones referred to our musical pairing as: “Like gentle rain falling on gravel.”
