Back by popular demand, the Irish music and comedy of Blackthorn returns for their third consecutive season at the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce’s Concerts in the Park series on June 23. The show runs from 7?9 p.m. at Depot Park.
‘I can’t think of a better way to kick off our 27th year,? said Concerts in the Park Chairperson Desiree Heck.
Each of the four members of Blackthorn play multiple instruments including the guitar, keyboard, five string banjo, accordion, mandolin and tin whistle.
‘It’ll be the real deal,? said Gary McMullen, who plays guitar and the five-string banjo. ‘Some of the music is hundreds of years old and has stood the test of time.?
Other songs are more contemporary, and McMullan said they are the songs one would hear in a pub in Ireland today.
Belfast native Richard McMullan supplies the main vocals for the group, which has played throughout the Detroit area since 1984. McMullan also plays guitar, mandolin, cittern and bodhran.
Bringing the bass is Dennis Green, who also has a background in vocal work with folk and country western music.
Adding a final splash of variety to the group is Fred Klein, whose background incorporates rock and jazz music. As a member of Blackthorn, Klien plays flute, keyboard, tin whistle and the accordion.
But Blackthorn does more than perform music. Humor plays a large role in their shows. A funny song, joke or story will get the crowd laughing, albeit at the expense of the Irish, the band or the crowd themselves.
‘We like to tell stories during the show so the audience gets familiar with the songs they hear,? said McMullen. ‘Many of the songs are about historical events.
Likewise, McMullen said they encourage the audience to participate in the show as many of their songs are perfect for a group sing-a-long.
In the group’s 22 year history, they’ve played in small pubs, large concert halls and many outdoor venues like Clarkston ? and they keep coming back for more.
‘The Clarkston venue is a real delight because it’s a beautiful location,? McMullen said.
The Concerts in the Park series runs through July 28 and features a variety of traveling and local acts. For more information on Blackthorn, visit www.blackthorn1.com.