A Celebration of Sessions in Lanigan’s Irish Pub

The Sunday night sessions in Lanigan’s Irish Pub at 3119 W 111th Street Chicago played a major role in my research into Chicago Irish music down through the years. It was there that I first met musicians Kevin Henry, Frank Burke, Joe O’Shea, Albert Neary, Malachy Towey and many, many more and the interviews of all led to the publication of my book Cry of a People Gone in 2022. The sessions were held in a small room away from the busy bar where music, song, poetry and recitations continued long into the night and sometimes following morning. It was there where the older musicians shared the music and songs they carried with them when they emigrated from Ireland in the late 1940s or early 1950s and where the younger musicians eagerly learned those tunes and songs to ensure they remain in today’s repertoire. 

As we are getting ready to celebrate Christmas and close out another year, I wish to share with you a selection of the many videos and photographs I have taken at these sessions. They include many friends and family members who have now gone to their eternal rest but are not forgotten, having played such a major role in the history of Irish music in this great city.

Click here for photos / videos

Irish Music Memories Podcast – Interview with Nicholas Carolan

The third episode of my podcast is now online where you can listen to my interview with the esteemed author, musician, broadcaster, researcher and founder of the Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA), Nicholas Carolan.

My sincere thanks to you all for your continued support of my research. I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.
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Richie Piggott, Chicago