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On July 4, 1817, a shovel plunged into the soil in Rome, NY, thereby beginning one of the most significant turning points in American history. On that day, the Erie Canal began and set in motion the new nation's future of transportation, trade, and technology. To celebrate the 200th anniversary of this historic moment, museums, local governments, schools, and civic organizations all over New York are hosting events and creating special projects. The Irish and The Erie live program and CD is Craobh Dugan's contribution.
Having lived his whole life near the Erie Canal, Craobh Dugan's lead fiddler and creative director Mike Hoke was inspired to look into the history of our Irish ancestors' contribution to the digging of "Clinton's Ditch". He knew that thousands of Irish immigrants had spent long hard days digging through the rough wilderness, facing perils like malaria and cholera, and he wanted to make sure the 200th anniversary commemorations didn't leave them out.
After many hours spent at the Jervis Library, Mike wrote the script for The Irish and The Erie live performance filling it with stories and humor. Then he blended in traditional Irish tunes and songs and even added some new lyrics about the Erie Canal. Craobh Dugan mandolin and banjo player Bill Fahy contributed an original Erie Canal song too.
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