’Tis the ballad of D’Arcy McGee
GRAFTON — Canadian historian Mark Finnan is bringing his production of The Ballad of D’Arcy McGee to Grafton Oct. 15 in support of the local library.
At the historic town hall in Grafton on Oct. 15, he will present the story of the heroic life and tragic death of Canada’s visionary Father of Confedration, the Irish-born poet and politician Thomas D’Arcy McGee.
“Central to the telling of the story is the talented real-life character of James McCarroll, a former Peterborough newspaperman and founder of Cobourg ’s first music academy (at the Globe Hotel),” Finnan said.
“He also served as Cobourg’s harbour agent before moving on to Toronto. In Toronto he wrote a highly popular, humorous, satirical newspaper column entitled the Letters of Terry Finnegan, all addressed to his ‘cousin’ D’Arcy McGee.” Finnan plays McCarroll. Singer John Hoffman plays the fiddle and Irish bouzouki. Following a long and successful career in bluegrass and country music, he took a 2004 trip to Ireland that rekindled his interest in that music.
Shelter Valley Folk Festival alumnus (and outdoor arts educator) Glen Caradus has performed traditional Celtic music for 20 years.
Versatile musician Michael Ketemer performs throughout Central Ontario with the bands Freshwater Trade and Mumblypeg.
Betty Bennett is a teller of tales, and a member of the Peterborough Storytellers. She played Catharine Parr Traill in Finnan’s production of Words from the Wilderness at Lang Pioneer Village last year.
The 2 p.m. production takes place at the Grafton town hall. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15, now available at the hall (10836 County Rd. 2, Grafton) or at Alnwick-Haldimand Township library branches — Grafton, Roseneath or Centreton.