On March 16th at 7:30 p.m., the Uptown Music Collective will bring a one-night-only musical experience, “Rattle and Hum: A Celebration of U2 and Irish Rock,” to the Community Arts Center in Williamsport, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This event, presented in partnership with UPMC North Central Pa and UPMC Health Plan, celebrates the enduring legacy of Irish Rock. The show will include the music of iconic artists like Van Morrison, The Boomtown Rats, Thin Lizzy, The Cranberries, Sinead O’Connor, Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, and the legendary U2. The concert is set to be an unforgettable journey through the heart of Irish rock, honoring these artists’ unique contributions to the global music scene as UMC students strive to encapsulate their passion, political messages, and the poetic beauty that defines Irish music. This performance is sponsored, in part, through a partnership with Hudock Capital Group.
With its rich history and deep roots, Irish rock music has been a significant force on the global stage since the 1960s. It all began with the beat boom, where bands like Them, led by Van Morrison, started making waves with their distinctive blend of rock and blues. The 1970s saw the rise of bands like Thin Lizzy and The Boomtown Rats, who not only brought Irish music to international audiences but also infused it with a sense of rebellion and social commentary. The 1980s and 1990s witnessed the global ascendancy of U2. This act combined rock with political activism alongside the poignant voices of artists like Sinead O’Connor and the unique sounds of The Cranberries. The late 1990s and onwards saw the emergence of bands like Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly, who blended punk rock with traditional Irish elements, showcasing the versatility and enduring appeal of Irish music. These artists and bands have played a pivotal role in shaping the sound and soul of Irish rock, making it a beloved genre worldwide.
“Irish Rock music mixes traditional Irish roots, including the often-embattled countries’ years-long internal struggles, with the naturally rebellious and passionate power of rock ‘n’ roll to create unique, highly emotional, and exciting music,” said Dave Brumbaugh, UMC founder and executive director. “Nothing excites me more than combining music imbued with intense feelings with our group of young musicians filled with their own passions and watching the sparks fly.”
Rattle and Hum will highlight the talents of the school’s elite performance group, Special Performance Group 1, comprised of students aged 14 to 18, who audition to be a part of the group and then work together to plan, direct, design, rehearse, and perform the music that inspired many of them to pick up their instruments in the first place. Along with the music, a professional-grade light and sound show will be organized by the students working alongside the professionals at the Community Arts Center. As with all Uptown Music Collective performances, the students are not only the performers but also the directors of the show. A group of younger students, or “Tech Monkeys,” will serve as stage technicians and spotlight operators.
This show is directed by Uptown Music Collective senior students Gabreon Godin (Williamsport Area High School), Brendan Kuriga (South Williamsport Area High School), and Carter Rodgers (Muncy Junior-Senior High School). The show’s leadership committee consists of UMC students Matthew Bellino (Danville Area High School); Izzy Butters, Chase Cowden, Jossian Lilley, and Scarlet O’Brien (all Loyalsock Township High School); Connor Evans, Duncan Larson and Stephanie Nappi (gap year); Tixo Bower, Grace Godin, Abby Jamison and Owen Miller (Williamsport Area High School); and Gianna Waldman (Montoursville Area High School).
“Prior to working on this show, I wasn’t very accustomed to much of the music we were performing,” Rodgers said. “However, after researching and learning more about the rich history that has inspired many of the songs in our set, I am now very excited to perform this powerful music. From the melodic ballads of The Cranberries to the driving rhythms of U2’s classic hits, this show has something for everyone!”
Additional partners and sponsors for this performance include Chartwell Hotels, KFC of Williamsport, Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, The Kiessling Group of Janney Montgomery Scott, Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, The Brickyard Restaurant and Ale House, The Stonehouse Wood Fired Pizza and Pasteria, Woodlands Bank, FASTSIGNS of Williamsport, Lycoming College, Pennsylvania College of Technology, The Hartman Group, and Beiter’s Furniture, Mattress and Appliance. Media sponsors include Backyard Broadcasting, the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Lamar Advertising, 92.1 WSQV, NorthCentralPa.com, and The Graphic Hive.
Tickets for the performance, which are $20 in advance and $25 at the door (plus fees), are only available through the Community Arts Center box office (220 West Fourth St. Williamsport, PA) and website (www.caclive.com). In addition to this show, tickets for the remainder of the Collective’s performance season are now on sale at the CAC. Upcoming shows include Fleetwood Mac: Rumours & Other Stories on April 26 and 27.
For more details about Rattle and Hum: A Celebration of U2 and Irish Rock, visit uptownmusic.org/rattleandhum or call 570-329-0888. Check out the Collective’s official Facebook page and other Collective social media outlets for teasers, previews, behind-the-scenes info, and more from the performance.
