From U2 and The Cranberries to traditional Irish classics — an all-female lineup of musicians is set to perform at the Music Box Supper Club brunch Sunday, Jan. 25, to honor St. Brigid’s Day and celebrate women.
Who was St. Brigid?
St. Brigid, the mother, or “patroness,” saint of Ireland, is honored each year by Irish Catholics on her feast day on Feb. 1. She is one of three national saints of Ireland, of which St. Patrick is the best-known.
Brigid lived in the 5th century and was the leader of a monastery in Kildare, Ireland. “She probably had the highest position of influence and authority that a woman could have in society or in the [c]hurch,” explained the Rev. Jim Bretzke, a theology professor at John Carroll University.
In Irish-American culture, said Bretzke, “you get a lot of Irish immigrants – first-generation, second-generation Irish — with a particular devotion to St. Brigid as a protector in a fragile or vulnerable time.”
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‘One continuous story of Irish women claiming their space’
The selection of music chosen by the eight women expected to perform at the show ranges from songs about St. Brigid to traditional Irish folk songs and modern classics.
The song “Brigid of the Flame” is a celebration of Brigid as both a Catholic saint and as a pagan goddess, explained Mary Agnes Kennedy, one of the initial organizers of the all-female St. Brigid’s Day concert and brunch, now in its fourth year.
“The Song of Brigid’s Cloak”, composed in 2020 by Irish songwriter Catherine Ann Cullen, tells a story of Brigid using her powers to change the heart of a mean king to allow Brigid and her friends to build a church on his land.
“It’s the centerpiece of our program,” said Nikki Custy, one of the performers. “It captures the spirit of the day – St. Brigid as a figure of welcome, protection, generosity and renewal. Even though it’s a modern composition, it feels timeless and sits beautifully alongside the other pieces that we do.”
Custy said she is also planning a special mash-up of songs from Irish rock groups The Cranberries and U2.
The Cranberries’ singer, Dolores O’ Riordan, who died in 2018, is one of Ireland’s most renowned female musicians of all time. O’Riordan once spoke about feeling like the only girl in a male-dominated industry, according to Custy, and “didn’t respond by quieting herself.”
“That kind of honesty is exactly what St. Brigid symbolizes to me,” Custy added. “Bringing Dolores into a St. Brigid’s Day celebration feels like one continuous story of Irish women claiming their space.”
All are welcome to the Music Box Supper Club to celebrate St. Brigid’s Day with brunch and an Irish music concert in celebration of women on Sunday, Jan. 25. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of show. Brunch is an extra $36 for adults. Profits will be donated to Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center.