Irish Band Rocks Common Hour for St. Patrick's Eve
By VINCENT DANGOLOVICH Students in Stacks Market were given an early St.
COPY EDITOR Patrick's Day treat as the Screaming Orphans jammed
vwDsoo6@psu.EDu the common hour on Tuesday. The event was arranged
through Leilanda Rowland M.S. Ed. ofthe PSH office of
Campus Life and Intercultural Affairs who recently brought producer Steve Buckingham
for Black History Month.
Attendees of the concert were treated to traditional Irish songs and reels, in addition to
original material by the band. Guitarist Grainne Diver joked that "Radio" was a response
to the terrible pop music heard on contemporary radio. Also, on the set list were noted
classics "American Pie," by Don McLean, and "Brown-Eyed Girl," by Irish singer/
songwriter Van Morrison.
Originally from Bundoran Ireland, the quartette that would become the Screaming
Orphans started life as four "musically obsessed" sisters. Grainne Diver, the second
oldest, took a few minutes as their set to discuss the roots of the band. Marie Therese,
the oldest, plays keyboards and accordion. Angela, the third oldest, carries rhythm on
bass and fiddle. Joan, the youngest, was stuck playing drums but it did not stop her from
taking lead vocals.
As teenagers, the group attended a Catholic School converted from an orphanage where
a friend of Joan's created their name. Apparently, more than a few nuns did not like it.
"There were (only) three old nuns who thought it was catchy," recalled Grainne. "It was
one of those things where either you love it or you hate it."
As for why the sisters became a band is almost a matter of familial destiny.
"We never thought about it as our mother was in a band with her two brothers," said
Grainne.
Following their individual college careers, the sisters took their band and tour and
soon got the opportunity to play with acclaimed artists such as Peter Gabriel and Sinead
O'Connor.
When one listens to the girls play, the vocal harmonies and diverse instrumentation
remind one of the Dixie Chicks. However, the Grainne was quick to list several influences
and favorites including the Pixies, ABBA, the Indigo Girls, and her father's love of
country music
With obvious charm and talent, the girls attracted new and old fans for Tuesday's concert.
Dustin Hoopfer, 21, came with a love of Irish music. Prof. Jonathan Gainor of HACC-
Central Pennsylvania's Community College was an old fan.
"Fifteen miles away, I have to see them," said Gainor. "I skipped my office hours to catch
them, they're really exceptional."
"I'm their biggest fan," beamed Mary Yeaple of York.
As an organizer for the York St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Penn-Mar Irish Festival,
Yeaple has been trying to book the Orphans for some time. She has followed them around
the state for every one of their visits.
"At a recent auction someone actually paid $lOO to sit in the front row of a free show,"
said Yeaple referring to the Pullo Center sow Of Penn State York this Thursday.
If you wish to see the Screaming Orphans play live they insist on America as a great
place for music between shear size and the number of festivals held each year. While
they have been featured in the Celtic Fling of the Mount Hope Estate/PA Ren. Fair, the
Photo club contest March 3
Winner: Brett Eyer
most frequent the Winter Festival of King of Ptussia.
However, if you simply just want to learn more about the band, Grainne says it best
"Everybody be our friend on Facebook, I'm obsessed with it!"
runners up:
Luke Lawson
Stephen Easton
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Photo by Jenna DeNoyelles/ The Capital Times
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