Last week, I opened my email to a post from my dear friend, Mary, one of Michael Campbell's biggest champions on this side of the pond. Mary campaigned tirelessly for Michael's repatriation to Ireland on the grounds that his human rights were being violated.
Many others, around the world, stood up for Michael Campbell, as he sat locked up in a filthy, medieval prison cell in Lithuania. Many spoke out, signed the online petition, stood in solidarity at rallies, walked with signs, circulated petitions at community events, posted words of support in blogs, on twitter, in facebook posts and newspaper comments.
Many wrote to Michael in his prison cell, to the Lithuanian and Northern Irish government officials, to the consulate, and to Amnesty International. They sent emails to any other influential parties who might help. Individuals contributed donations and helped with fundraising activities. Michael's supporters - many of them the same ones who support Marian, Stephen, Martin and the rest of the Irish POWs and political prisoners - never gave up.
No matter how big or small the effort, it took an immense amount of persistence and patience to remain a positive, enduring and unified presence in the midst of a sea of staunch resistance and negativity. The media was not extremely sympathetic to Michael's plight.
Be that as it may, last week, I opened my messages to a surprise - Michael Campbell had been released. There was great joy in the hearts of many. Most, like me, have never met Michael but that makes his victory even sweeter.
Standing behind Michael, whose human rights were being battered and violated daily, was the morally right thing to do. The solidarity amongst Michael's supporters was so strong we did not need to meet each other. Our mission as a whole was far greater than any of us as individuals.
Last Spring, as the campaign for the repatriation of Michael Campbell was beginning to surge, I became aware of a poem, written by one of Michael's family friends, called "Bring Him Home". Mary, whom I spoke of at the beginning of this blog entry, was the person who brought it to my attention.
The author of the poem wanted it turned into a song but attempts to find someone to do this weren't successful.
So I offered The Troubles up for the task. The poem was beautiful yet too short for a song. Still, it had potential & passion. The first task at hand was to get the band behind the project. The second was to compose the rest of the words and structure it into a song.
That was my job. Getting The Troubles on board was easy. Adapting the poem took a bit more effort but surprisingly, the words flowed easier than I thought and it all fell into place.
Once the words were finalized, it took a little more time, but slowly, Bring Him Home, took shape. Patrick's amazing guitar work and Noonie's strong sense of rhythm made the words soar. The stanzas and the bridge that I composed, I am pleased to say, fit seamlessly with the original author's and as two writers, we spoke in one voice.
All this took the poem to a new level. It became a song. After getting a final approval from the author, The Troubles recorded the song, Bring Him Home and it found it's way on Reverb Nation, Facebook, and eventually, as the track for a short video.
The Troubles are very proud of Bring Him Home and the number of folks who responded to the song through plays and downloads. It is one of our most popular songs and videos.
We hope in some small way, our song helped make a difference and ultimately, contributed to Michael's freedom. We never know when we set out to do good what the end result will be. In Michael's case, it took a global village working endlessly to make his freedom reality.
Thank you to all who listened to Bring Him Home, watched the video, or showed support for Michael in any way. Your compassion and affirming thoughts helped to change the public consciousness.
Music can be a powerful force.
The Troubles
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The Troubles / Blog
It Took A Village to "Bring Him Home"
Last week, I opened my email to a post from my dear friend, Mary, one of Michael Campbell's biggest champions on this side of the pond. Mary campaigned tirelessly for Michael's repatriation to Ireland on the grounds that his human rights were being violated.
Many others, around the world, stood up for Michael Campbell, as he sat locked up in a filthy, medieval prison cell in Lithuania. Many spoke out, signed the online petition, stood in solidarity at rallies, walked with signs, circulated petitions at community events, posted words of support in blogs, on twitter, in facebook posts and newspaper comments.
Many wrote to Michael in his prison cell, to the Lithuanian and Northern Irish government officials, to the consulate, and to Amnesty International. They sent emails to any other influential parties who might help. Individuals contributed donations and helped with fundraising activities. Michael's supporters - many of them the same ones who support Marian, Stephen, Martin and the rest of the Irish POWs and political prisoners - never gave up.
No matter how big or small the effort, it took an immense amount of persistence and patience to remain a positive, enduring and unified presence in the midst of a sea of staunch resistance and negativity. The media was not extremely sympathetic to Michael's plight.
Be that as it may, last week, I opened my messages to a surprise - Michael Campbell had been released. There was great joy in the hearts of many. Most, like me, have never met Michael but that makes his victory even sweeter.
Standing behind Michael, whose human rights were being battered and violated daily, was the morally right thing to do. The solidarity amongst Michael's supporters was so strong we did not need to meet each other. Our mission as a whole was far greater than any of us as individuals.
Last Spring, as the campaign for the repatriation of Michael Campbell was beginning to surge, I became aware of a poem, written by one of Michael's family friends, called "Bring Him Home". Mary, whom I spoke of at the beginning of this blog entry, was the person who brought it to my attention.
The author of the poem wanted it turned into a song but attempts to find someone to do this weren't successful.
So I offered The Troubles up for the task. The poem was beautiful yet too short for a song. Still, it had potential & passion. The first task at hand was to get the band behind the project. The second was to compose the rest of the words and structure it into a song.
That was my job. Getting The Troubles on board was easy. Adapting the poem took a bit more effort but surprisingly, the words flowed easier than I thought and it all fell into place.
Once the words were finalized, it took a little more time, but slowly, Bring Him Home, took shape. Patrick's amazing guitar work and Noonie's strong sense of rhythm made the words soar. The stanzas and the bridge that I composed, I am pleased to say, fit seamlessly with the original author's and as two writers, we spoke in one voice.
All this took the poem to a new level. It became a song. After getting a final approval from the author, The Troubles recorded the song, Bring Him Home and it found it's way on Reverb Nation, Facebook, and eventually, as the track for a short video.
The Troubles are very proud of Bring Him Home and the number of folks who responded to the song through plays and downloads. It is one of our most popular songs and videos.
We hope in some small way, our song helped make a difference and ultimately, contributed to Michael's freedom. We never know when we set out to do good what the end result will be. In Michael's case, it took a global village working endlessly to make his freedom reality.
Thank you to all who listened to Bring Him Home, watched the video, or showed support for Michael in any way. Your compassion and affirming thoughts helped to change the public consciousness.
Music can be a powerful force.
The Troubles
Reply
Happy Birthday, Mahanoy City!
The Troubles had a great time in Mahanoy City, Pa. in the ♥ of the Coal Region this weekend. We played at McNiff's Irish Pub on Friday afternoon from 4-7pm then were back over Saturday morning bright and early to line up for the 150th celebration - the town's long anticipated Susquecentennial/Fireman's Convention Parade. Thanks, Mahanoy City, for some great memories.
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There Are No Chains...
For all those who marched against internment yesterday in Belfast, the spirit of pride, solidarity, and respect for human rights displayed by all was a true example of peaceful political discourse. There are no chains that can bind the hands or silence the voice of those committed to truth, justice, and freedom.
Well done.
Tiocfaidh Ar La
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New Mobile App!
Well, I don't have a cell phone but I just created a new mobile app for The Troubles that you can download for free when you visit The Troubles on Reverbnation. www.reverbnation.com/thetroubles55
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Making a Difference
It is sometimes enough to make music that is beautiful...or has amazing rhythms...or a catchy chorus. It is sometimes enough to make music for yourself...or for your band. It is sometimes even enough to make music you know people will like.
Sometimes, though, it is not enough to make music for those reasons. Sometimes the only thing that is enough is to make music that will change the world...
Or at least some small corner of it.
"Bring Him Home" is that kind of music. It was music that had to be made because of what it stands for as well as what it stands against.
This video of "Bring Him Home" is finally finished. If it makes a difference in the heart of one person, or makes a difference of one signature on the online petition for Michael Campbell, or makes a difference in all the work that is going on out there in the world for human rights, then it is all worthwhile.
Sometimes it is only enough if you make music that makes a difference.
The link for "Bring Him Home", the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEGdseX9MOY&feature=share&list=UUkijfXMQU89P4KhDwmEbrXA
Wishing on that magic moon out there that you'll make a difference by watching it.
Loretta/The Troubles On the Night of the Super Moon
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O Donegal
Just posted a new video with "O Donegal" in the background. I've been meaning to do this since we recorded the song. The pictures making up the montage are all from a 2008 trip to the West Coast of Ireland. My quest during that journey was to make it all the way up the coast to Donegal to do some research on the O'Donnell clan from Gweedore way up on the Northwest coastline. (We did!) I was taken with Donegal then, much as I am with the entire Northern Irish coastline. The wild beauty and exquisite remoteness of the area found its way into my heart. It is where I will live when one day I find the way and the means to have my cottage there. Let those who want the Tropics have them. I'm for the Northern beaches of Ireland. The lyrics to "O Donegal" are straight from my heart and the lads in the band worked their magic to shape its simple words and melody into a beautiful song. As I was creating the video this past Friday night, I was transported back there to the crashing waves, the perfect white beaches where one could walk for hours without encountering another soul, the quaint pubs, and the breathtaking seascapes. My cottage is there, waiting for me. Someday. Many thanks to Paul and Patrick - the other Troubles - for being part in the creation of this beautiful song. Here's to Donegal, with love - may this little video transport you there, if only for a few minutes. Slainte. Loretta
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Music for Good
The Troubles have just signed up for Music for Good. Three of our songs are now on sale and 50% of the sales will go to help to support the Oxfam charity.
Indifference will never make a difference.
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"An Evening of Irish Song and Dance" Online Article and Pictures
Here the link for a nice piece on The Troubles and our recent benefit performance at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center.
Bear in mind, we are The Troubles (not The Troubles) and there are no lyrics to Irish Washerwoman ;)
Thank you to our reporter, Andy from the Lehighton Times. Much appreciated, Sir!
http://www.tnonline.com/2013/mar/12/irish-song-and-dance-benefit-st-josephs-center
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Made the news!
The Troubles made the news on WNEP last night and this am with coverage on their benefit performance "An Evening of Irish Song and Dance" along w/ their special guests, The McCormick School of Irish Dance. The show was held at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, Tamaqua, Pa. and the band's profits will benefit The St. Joseph's School of Special Learning, Pottsville, Pa. The Tamaqua Times also covered the event and a story will be forthcoming in tomorrow's newspaper. Thanks to all who attended, to Jack Kulp and his wonderful staff at the Community Arts Center, to Caitlin McCormick and her dancers for their performance, and to WNEP and The Tamaqua Times for their news coverage. We had a fantastic turnout and will plan for an even bigger one next year! Happy St. Patrick's Day!
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Facebook Fans
Hey, Facebook Fans, just want you to know that while our stats on Reverb only reflect 620 of you, The Troubles know we actually have 661! It's a little daunting to see our ranks drop especially when our actual numbers are higher. Please keep those likes coming! Maybe it will make a difference.
I'm not sure why our stats are not being reflected properly on our page, but thank you to each and every one who visits our pages and listens to our original songs.
As St. Patrick's Day approaches, The Troubles have quite a few live shows coming up. We hope you can make it to one or two. If not, look forward to two new songs being posted in the next week or so, "The Pipes Are Callin'" commemorating the 10th Annual AOH Girardville St. Patrick's Day Parade, and the other "Bring Him Home", an original song adapted from a beautiful poem called Bring Him Home written by an anonymous friend of Michael Campbell, the only Irish POW/Political Prisoner being jailed outside of Ireland.
Watch our pages for these songs and more as the High Holy Days of St. Patrick's Day approach. Make sure you find yourself some live Irish music and if not, listen to ours. We'll be thinking of all of you and hope you'll think of us.
Tomorrow, myself and the band will be at a fledgling Finnegans Wake, a brand new show that I wrote and donated to one of our local volunteer fire companies. All three of us will be in the Wake and then we'll be taking the stage, so to speak - if there was a stage in the fire house ;) from 6-9pm. Check out our gigs on Reverb here.
Next Saturday, we will be joining forces with the amazing McCormick School of Irish Dance, to raise some money for a wonderful place, The St. Joseph's Center for Special Learning, in Pottsville, Pa. I am one of Caitlin's "old" - and I do mean old lol - dancers and danced with her in a previous Irish dance school, so I know she's an excellent teacher. Right now, these old legs are taking a break from it because of some other commitments, but you'll want to come out and see these girls of all ages highstepping it. The Troubles will be playing a mix of our original Irish and Molly Maguire music, as well as lots of favorite traditional and contemporary Irish tunes.
On Friday, March 15th, we'll be making our first appearance at the Berwick Brewing Company, Berwick, Pa. On Saturday, March 16th, we'll be at one of our favorite Irish pubs, McNiffs' in historic Mahanoy City from 6-9pm. On Sunday, March 27th, St. Pat's Day, we will be bringing in the Green at the Old Forge Brewing Company, Danville, Pa. 3-6pm.
Finally, on Saturday, March 23rd, we take a break and we'll be playing tunes from the back of the Ol' Pick Up at the 10th Annual Girardville AOH St. Patrick's Day Parade. We'll be officially debuting "The Pipes Are Callin'" that day. Donna will be in the driver's seat and maybe Willie will show up again this year to throw some candy at the kiddies.
Whatever you do, where ever you roam this March, remember, two shorten the road so take in the festivities with your favorite person.
I love St. Patrick's Day!
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