Here we go again, Faith and Begorrah, it’s time again for the wearing of the green.
That’s how members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians describe a benefit concert Friday, Feb. 27, at the Redemptorist Parish Gymnasaium, Linwood Blvd., and Broadway.
The event, which also includes an optional dinner of (all you can eat) giant shrimp, is the unofficial kickoff of the March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Parade and other festivities.
The concert will feature Derek Warfield & the Young Wolfe Tones, one of the most exciting Irish bands of the 21st century, according to Eddie Delahunt, Kansas City coffee shop owner and musician.
“Besides being a legend, he’s been entertaining for 45 years all around the world,” Delahunt said. “He’s also a historian of the Irish people.”
Warfield is a singer, a songwriter and charismatic founding member of the legendary Wolfe Tones. For 42 years, he has been the voice behind the stirring introductions and author of many famous ballads that have endeared him to countless thousands of fans all over the world.
“Some credit him with the resurgence of the popularity of Irish music, particularly in America,” said Greg Dorsey, president of the local chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
The evening will start off with the shrimp dinner, a regular Friday Lenten feature of the AOH and Redemptorist Parish. That will start at 6 o’clock in the Redemptorist Cafeteria/Sullivan Hall.
At 7 o’clock the doors to the Gym will open for the concert and for announcement of the Grand Marshalls of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Hibernian Irishman of the Year Award will also be announced. Furthermore, the Cullinan Family Spirit Award, in honor of P.J. and Mollie Cullinan, will be presented to the Patty Regan family.
The all you can eat shrimp dinner charge is $14; the concert is $15. However, the charge for both events together is $25, a $4 saving.
The proceeds of the concert will be divided one-third to the cost of restoring damage from recent vandalism to the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto at Redemptorist; one third to the cost of staging the St. Patrick’s Day Parade; and one-third to the Ancient Order of Hibernians Scholarship Fund.
“It’s our goal to have a sellout,” said Kerry Browne, owner of Browne’s Irish Market, who noted that the Redemptorist Gym has a seating capacity of 600.
Advance tickets are available at Browne’s, 33rd and Pennsylvania; CAFÉ &, 4448 Bell; Sheehan’s Irish Imports, 1412 Westport Road; Doherty and Sullivan Irish Goods, Downtown Lee’s Summit; Celtic Ranch, Weston. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
Jay Burrus, co-chair of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee said neighbors and businesses on the new parade route, along Broadway from Redemptorist Church to Westport Road, were enthusiastic about having the parade through their area. He said the committee expected about 120 to 140 units. The parade starts at 11 a.m.
“The weather’s going to be sunny and 62 degrees and it’ll be a lovely day to march,” said Molly Sheehan, a past parade co-chair, optimistically.
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