Description
Hailing from County Cork, Paddy Homan, star, creator and co-producer of the PBS show, I AM IRELAND, isn’t just another name on the list of Ireland’s gifted tenors; he is a natural, elevating traditional Irish songs to new heights. A born entertainer, Paddy adds a layer of warmth and familiarity to his performances, bringing the audience not just closer to the music, but welcomes them into a unique Irish experience. Paddy’s quick-witted, Cork humor and spontaneity on the stage gave birth to the nickname Paddy ' The Show-Man- Homan ’. He has earned his place beside a wide variety of talented musicians who travel with him
and who are recognized as the best in the business. Paddy doesn’t just create an atmosphere of beautiful music, but rather, crafts an authentic real Irish experience.
“Nobody sings like this, and nobody sounds like this. The voice never, ever grates. The range is stunning. The interpretation is perfect. This is the whole complete deal wrapped up in one voice, one talent.” – Irish Music Magazine.
“The voice. Oh the voice. Clear as a bell, and gift from Heaven. And it sings to every one of us, reminding us all of what could be and should be.” – American Public Radio.
Work Sample
The Noble Call Christmas show takes audiences back to the 'hearth’ of an Irish Christmas, filled with songs, stories, rousing music and traditional Irish dancing.The Noble Call is that age-old Irish tradition,where, in the 'wee' small hours of the morning when everyone gets a chance to sing a song or tell a story. This Noble Call tradition is very popular at Christmas time in Ireland, as family’s gather together, to welcome home their sons and daughters from distant shores and to share in the festivities. And no better way to do that than through music! Lead by one of Ireland’s foremost traditional Irish Tenors- Paddy Homan, star of the hugely successful I AM IRELAND SHOW - The Noble Call also features Larry Nugent on Flute and Brendan Bulger on Fiddle, along with a host of other musical guests who deliver an incredible night of music, song and dance. Presented in two acts 2 x 45 mins sets. With a 5 piece group and dancer.
Join The Noble Call for a special St. Patrick’s Evening Concert, as they bring the song and story out of all who gather in honor of Ireland’s patron Saint…..who happened to be a Welshman! But sure, aren't we all Irish in March! So sit back and listen to the very best of Traditional Irish music and song, from some of Ireland’s leading musicians. The Noble Call derives its origins from that age old Irish tradition of 'calling' on invited guests to share their favorite song or tune or dance. Lead by one of Ireland’s foremost traditional Irish Tenors- Paddy Homan, star of the hugely successful I AM IRELAND SHOW- The Noble Call also includes award winning virtuoso flute and whistle player, Larry Nugent, from County Fermanagh and Brendan Bulger on Fiddle. The Noble Call are always joined by a host of special guests and dancers for what promises to be an incredible night of music, song and dance. Presented in two acts 2 x 45 mins
https://www.pbs.org/video/i-am-ireland-ll1pmq/
To honor the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising in Ireland, celebrated Irish tenor Paddy Homan presents "I Am Ireland," a one-man show to take American audiences on a journey through the songs, speeches and images of the time to honor and celebrate the Irish road to freedom. Created by Homan, this show was adpated for PBS in 2020 with composer Rich Daniels, in collaboration with the CFM. Rich Daniels had known Homan for a few years and saw him perform I Am Ireland at the Beverly Arts Center a few years ago. "The first thing I said when I saw the thing is, ‘Wow, this thing is made for PBS!’” says Daniels. “But when the world turned upside down on March 11, we realized that all bets were off,” Daniels says. “So without calling it all off and waiting until the world we re-started, I said, let's do what we call the pandemic version of this. Homan says, " These songs and speeches give the narrative of Ireland's road to independence during that period. Presented in two acts with images projected to bring to life the faces of the great statesmen and pictures of the time, Homan performs with a three-piece band of the finest Irish traditional musicians in North America. They bring the songs to life, they weave through the words of statesmen, and they celebrate the glory of Irish music, the glory of the Irish nation. Since 2020, this show has been aired over 500 times across 170 PBS stations.
The samples submitted here ALL relate to music withing story telling realm, and the power of music in lifting the hearts and minds of people. NO more so than during the pandemic, when our PBS show captured the hearts and minds of so many people around the country and gave them hope.
"I don’t usually write fan mail, but I was tremendously moved by your performance and the organization of the I am Ireland presentation on PBS, which purely by hazard I found on PBS this morning while getting ready for an appointment, which I cancelled to see the complete performance. My family left Ireland and 1847, traveling first to New Zealand and then arriving in Boston in 1876, after conscription in New Zealand. I never knew the details of their life in Ireland prior to migration, just that things had been very bad and they were so happy to have come to America. What a light you have given on the events and trials of the Irish people in Ireland and gaining their independence. I guess I just thought that there was always and Ireland and crops had been bad in 1847. What an awakening this has brought to me and my family. Please keep up the good work. ” - Randolph Linehan, Rancho Mirage CA
History
I'm a Traditional Irish Tenor, who came to Chicago from Cork city, Ireland 15 years ago. Since then, I have honed my craft in music and also in service to others to use music as a medium to tell stories. Having a background in Social Work has helped!
I am a frequent key note speaker in Senior Living Retirement communities and schools where I present on the role of music in supporting seniors at home and in their residences. I have been engaged by many business and civic organizations as singer of Irish traditional songs, of the anthems of Ireland and America, and as a moderator in motivational programs for employees and community audiences. For me, music and service to others go hand in hand. I get no greater 'kick' out of being in someone's home, having a cuppa tea, hearing their story, and being present to them through the gift of song. It’s all about connecting with people, be it on stage in the songs I sing, or in my work. You just have to give it your all. I travel with some of the very best traditional Irish musicians with my group, The Noble Call. I have produced four CDs, my latest in 2018, Christmas Time In Ireland is released as part of the group, The Noble Call, which takes audiences back to the 'hearth’ of an Irish Christmas, and is filled with songs, stories, rousing music and traditional Irish dancing. I have also co-produced the I AM IRELAND show PBS DVD special with Rich Daniels, Composer.
Artistic Vision
The vision of my work is intrinsically related to the songs and stories I seek to represent, and performing them withing the cultural melting pot of America and the greater Midwest. With my group, The Noble Call, I always like to bring the best out of others too, and so each of our group has an opportunity to perform. Our performances, while choreographed, also have a lot of improvisation with them. In this day and age, words matter! The songs and music we perform have intrinsic meaning within them, and representative of our own native Country and our traditions.
Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise
For seniors, I have 17 years of working in the area of gerontology and music to go with this. For the Christmas and St. Patrick's shows through our songs, we connect with people and tell stories right through, we also have powerpoints for some songs with pictures. We have a unique Irish dancer who gives demonstrations in his music. The I Am Ireland show has been adapted for audiences at Universities and Life Long Learning programs who seek a more meaningful understanding of Irish history through the use of creative story and music. A study guide has been created for those sessions. Dr. Nona Lyons, Visiting Research Scholar, University College Cork says: “The history of a people can be taught and learned in many ways. The I Am Ireland Show is another way of knowing. Because song and story are a particular way of knowing for the Irish, it is especially attractive to all who would know and learn of this critical chapter in Irish history. As someone who has experienced this program at its debut, With all the talent and passion provided by such a superb performer, Paddy Homan's I Am Ireland is a learning experience for learners of all ages.”
Traditional Folk/Ethnic Artform Statement
Everything I do and perform is intricately related to my parish in Cork city, Ireland. I come from a very poor family, 2nd youngest of 7 and first to finish high school and only one to go to college, so I value education as the great equalizer in society. At the same time, I am like a 'musical' sponge as I meet people here, listen to their stories and like a sculpting, create my own music around these encounters. Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune reporter wrote of my I Am Ireland premier in 2016 “For hundreds of years and for hundreds of thousands of people, Chicago has provided a welcoming, comfortable and nurturing home for those who trace their roots (their hearts and souls) to Ireland. Paddy Homan, the map of his native County Cork on his broad/happy face and his country's accent still deep in his voice, in conversation and in song, is an Irish tenor who has used his voice to great and emotional effect since moving here for keeps a decade ago.” I use my music, along with my background in Social Work and Philanthropy ( Irish Social Work Degree and Masters in Philanthropy from De Paul) to infuse my service to others and in building community. For me, this is what the American Dream is all about!
Name
Paddy Homan
Type
Individual Artist
Address
4499 North Keokuk Apt. 2
Chicago, Illinois 60630
Artistic Director
Paddy Homan
[email protected]
857.891.6333
Contact Person
Paddy Homan
[email protected]
857.891.6333
Web Site
Artistic Discipline(s)
Dance
- Folk/Traditional
Family/Youth Programming
Music
- A cappella
- Folk/Traditional
- Heritage
Spoken Word/Storytelling
Theater
- Drama
- Musical
- Solo
Geographic Availability
Central Illinois
Chicago/Chicagoland
Northern Illinois
Southern Illinois
Western Illinois
Fee Ranges
$2,5000- $8.000 (5 piece group)
Additional Services
Demonstrations
Lectures
Master classes
Residencies
Workshops
Core Audience(s)
Adult
Bilingual
- Irish
Children
Seniors
Youth
Additional Populations
Cognitive Disabilities