An Evening with Mary Black // Irish Club of WA
Mary Black took time out from her busy schedule to visit the Irish Club of WA last night, Monday 7th March, for a book signing and a live on-stage chat with Frank Murphy (of Radio Fremantle's "Song for Ireland").
The scene was set; a flood of green, white and gold light creating an intimate salon on the Irish Theatre Players stage. We didn't realise just how perfect this would be for the relaxed, generous, "just between friends" chat we experienced in the next hour and a half.
Arriving at the Irish Club of WA as if it was her second home, Mary greeted the crew of volunteers and staff who had spent the evening making the Irish Club fit for this music legend. Chatting with everyone as though greeting old friends, laughing, shaking hands, joking; it's hard to imagine that this will be her last time touring Australia. She looks so at home here.
Taking a moment backstage to gather her thoughts, comment on how lovely it all was, and enjoy a well deserved glass of wine, she and Frank chatted away like old pals. There's nothing pretentious here. Nothing but warmth and a genuine longing to make sure she entertains and gives the people what they want. She comments that she has never done something like this before - interviews, yes - but an intimate, almost fly-on-the-wall style chat in front a live audience; never. This, Frank notes, makes us even more honoured that she has agreed to come to our little Irish Club to do this on her final trip.
A few moments later, they're on stage. Frank introduces a living legend, and Mary takes to the stage to heartfelt applause and cheers. Having been fans of Mary Black for so many years, it was an absolute pleasure to be guided through some of Mary's most important times in her life: her parents' upbringing and lives; how they met; the influence, significance, and impact of music and singing in their lives; how she began her singing career; her primary school days; meeting her husband, Joe; having her children; the highs and lows of a life well lived; and so many other delightful stories and insights into the music and touring world in which she has carved out an outstanding international career for over 35 years. Mary is a natural talent when it comes to telling her tales, be it in song or story. She eloquently creates images that take you to that very place and time. In particular, her tales of inner city Dublin and growing up with music being the centrepiece of the family and community fully demonstrate her passion for music and family. She's open and honest, not holding back; and the crowd are loving her for it.
After, she dives straight into chatting with the people who have come to see her and will most likely be at her show tonight in The Astor Theatre. She takes photos with anyone who asks, and signs copies of her new autobiography "Down the Crooked Road", answering questions, talking about songs and life and inquiring as to what people are getting up to on this side of the globe.
Aside from the staff and volunteers who are cleaning up after an extremely successful event, Mary and her husband Joe are almost the last people to leave. This tells you what you already know. Aside from talented, she is dedicated, hard working, and still loving what she does. She has assured us that gigs will continue in Ireland, but that she is indeed looking to the future and looking to make family an even bigger part of her life. The evening was an absolute pleasure and delight; to be so far away from Ireland and our own families, its was great to get so up close and personal to a singer whose songs always remind us of family, friends and Ireland.
Mary's final Australian tour, brought to you by Troubadour Touring, kicks off in Perth tonight at The Astor Theatre and if you haven't gotten your hands on a ticket, you may just have run out of time!
Well done to Frank, Claire, Sean, Fiona, Caroline, John, Gerry and everyone else who helped to set up and stage such a successful event at our Irish Club of WA, Subiaco.