ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Bay College celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by hosting its first Lunchtime Live! event of the year.
Café Bay served up grilled Reubens, corned beef and cabbage, and Guinness beer cheese soup. As attendees ate, they enjoyed a performance by local Celtic band Fáilte, whose name means “welcome” in Gaelic.
Fáilte performed traditional songs that originated in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. They brought the sound to life with the inclusion of authentic Irish instruments, like the bodhrán.
“It’s a traditional Irish drum,” said bodhrán player Trevor St. John. “It’s a very unique instrument in that you play it with just one stick, called a tipper. They found themselves in need of a bodhrán player and I’m a pianist, so I thought, ‘How hard could it be to play this?’ It turns out it’s really difficult, but it’s as much fun as it looks.”
While the members of Fáilte have backgrounds in various genres, they all share an appreciation for Celtic music. The band is always booked around this time of year, playing a full schedule of St. Patrick’s-themed shows.
“What I love about Escanaba is it has sort of that coastal, maritime feel,” St. John said. “To be able to play Celtic music around at some of the pubs and at live events down by the bay shore, I think the folk tradition really adds to this community and it really brings people alive. I just love seeing people light up when we play.”
Follow Fáilte on Facebook to see where they’re playing next.
