Yesterday about 100 people took one hour out of their day to come to the Alexander Twilight Theatre to hear some live Irish music. Eight musicians donated their time to celebrate this holiday. There were many local people as well as faculty, staff and students.
The eight musicians were, Professor Emeritus Ralph Aldrich, Patricia Stebbins, Mark Breen, Sandra Breen, Becky Canedy, Pat Webster, their newest member, Gill Williams and their guest soloist, Caitlin Kolson, a senior music business major.
Patricia Webster, the cataloger of the library, has been coordinating this event for the past ten years. She is retiring from Lyndon this year and it is unknown who will be planning next year’s concert. This event has taken place for well over 20 years at Lyndon State College and has become quite the tradition for the school as well as the local community.
Thirteen songs were performed during the concert and the audience loved it immensely. Steve Nichols, a local Lyndonville resident has come to this concert for at least the past 10 years. “It’s such a warm and loving concert,” said Nichols. “It’s good, I make sure to take the time to leave work for it every year.”
Caitlin Kolson sang ‘The Wild Flowers’ by John Spillane. It was her first time ever publically singing Irish, Celtic music. It was also Kolson’s birthday which made the opportunity that much more special. “I love having my birthday on Saint Patrick’s Day as I get to wake up to my Dad singing Irish Celtic music,” explained Kolson. “I love Irish music as I feel it really comes from the heart.”
The audience ranged from infants to the elderly. This type of music can be enjoyed by all ages, which is why it is so special. This concert was an experience that you would not have wanted to miss. This is truly one annual event that is important to the community as well as the school.