DESCRIPTION:
Renowned Tenor Anthony Kearns performs at a "Celebration of Irish Spirits" holiday reception at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C. on Thurs., Dec. 17, 2009. In this clip, Kearns sings Danny Boy. At the piano is Eric Stern.

Possibly the most beloved of all Irish music was finalized in the form most used today by Frederick Weatherly when he set his words to the tune of the "Londonderry Air" in 1912. There is arguably no song more dear to the Irish than Danny Boy. Its sweet poignancy, its delicate strains bring a tear to the eye. It brings visions of a mother's parting from a dear lad; a father's difficult good-bye to his son; a lover's parting in time of war.

It is an incredible piece of music which can be heard in pubs and in churches, at parades and wakes, by choirs and soldiers. To the expatriate Irish, it has become an unofficial anthem to the home country left behind, the home of their fathers, Mother Ireland.

It is sung wherever people of Irish blood gather, and it is said that all people become Irish when that song is crooned. Danny Boy is never sung more sweetly, with more emotion, care, and purity than when Anthony Kearns sings it.

Kearns' appearance was made possible by the Distilled Spirits Council, The Capitol Hill Club, DIAGEO, DDC Advocacy, MH Media, NBC Universal, Reflections Photography, and Kirsten Fedewa and Associates, LLC. Event proceeds benefited The Consortium of Catholic Academies. http://store.anthonykearnsmusic.com/

Contact: Kirsten Fedewa (Kirsten Fedewa & Associates, L.L.C.) Email: ak20091217@fedewaconsulting.com