With the summer sun over Cork, music fans can be found on their pilgrimage into the Live at the Marquee tent for another night to remember.
Opening the evening is James Keegan, a Corkman who has carved out a life on the road, only to return tonight to the city that made him. Between tour stops, the singer-songwriter has been quietly building something undeniable: a voice that carries and a live show that doesn’t let go. This homecoming feels earned.
Imelda May takes to the stage and immediately makes it clear that, for tonight at least, the canvas walls of the Marquee are merely an extension of her sitting room — and everyone is welcome.
Opening with The Rare Old Times, the crowd sways gently and sings along in hushed tones. Between songs, May fills the evening with stories, poems and anecdotes, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the thousands gathered beneath the tent.
A beautiful rendition of Meet You at the Moon is followed by a rousing performance of Bullfrog Blues by Cork’s adopted son, Rory Gallagher. The energy lifts instantly, drawing people into the aisles and putting the spacious Marquee floor to good use.
Continuing the sitting-room theme, Imelda invites members of the audience on stage to join her. One volunteer, James Weaver who, it transpires, is May’s cousin is handed the microphone. Within moments, the audience is hanging on every word and note. Joined by the full band, including Weaver himself, they launch into Simon & Garfunkel’s The Boxer, while two audience members dance joyfully around the stage. The crowd absolutely loves it.
As Imelda appears to bid her farewells, it seems the evening is drawing to a close. Then, stage right, enters Sean, introducing himself as a “Kilkenny cat” before revealing that he will perform Elvis Presley’s An American Trilogy from Aloha from Hawaii. Under Imelda’s guidance, the band quickly falls in behind him, while May herself leads the audience through the soaring “Glory, glory, hallelujah” refrain. The result is one of the night’s many unforgettable moments and a fitting reminder that, in Imelda May’s sitting room, everyone has a part to play.
James Keegan photos:
Imelda May photos:
Photos & words – Shane J Horan @shanejhoran
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