My favorite bar in the Bronx is An Beal Bocht, named for the novel by Myles na gCopaleen/Brian O'Nolan/Flann O'Brien (holy pseudonyms, Batman!), on West 238th Street in the Riverdale section. For those who ask, my next two favorites would be The Rambling House on Katonah Ave in Woodlawn, and Jimmy Ryan's on Middletown Road in Pelham Bay. On Fridays, friend of the bastard Mary Courtney plays traditional Irish music at An Beal Bocht. Mary has long been the singer of the band Morning Star, which gained some national coverage by performing at the JFK Jr. memorial, but she's perhaps best known for singing the female vocal on the album version of Black 47's Livin' in America, which is set to the music of The Foggy Dew. Mary sang Larry Kirwin's brilliant, but scathing, line:
Is this what I was educated for? To wipe the arse of every baby in America?
Mary is a folk historian as well as an entertainer, she has an encyclopedic knowledge of Irish history and literature. She'd be the person to tell you the name of the Newry Highwayman, or the historical context of the hanging of Roddy McCorley. So, without further ado, here's the brilliant Mary Courtney, the Star of the County Bronx:
I made it to Rocky's when it was Lexington Avenue a few times.
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Black 47 is one of my favorite bands to see live, although they don't seem to come out here so often since Chris Byrne left em.
ReplyDeleteBlack 47 is one of my favorite bands to see live, although they don't seem to come out here so often since Chris Byrne left em.
ReplyDeleteWell, that's yet another reason to come to New York! They have been the house band at Connolly's on 45th St for years.
I think going to see Black 47 with you would be a tremendous time. And most likely result in breaking any number of laws.
ReplyDeleteSaw 'em last year, though, at Shank Hall. They usually try to catch a Milwaukee booking, because of the strong Irish subculture here, believe it or not. I've seen 'em at Irish Fest several times, and they always try to get Trinity Dancers up on stage. They're a bit aggressive for the more trad folks though.
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