Craig continues a St. Patrick's Day tradition

Every St. Patrick's Day, passerby get a nice break from the routine, as the melodic chirps of the Irish whistle (listen to Craig's sample) emanate from the labyrinth in front of the Liberal Arts Center. This has become a St. Patrick's Day tradition for Dan Craig, associate professor of music. He is often joined by his colleague, Tom Drury, instructor in music, as well as the occasional musician or dancer who joins in for an impromptu accompaniment.  Craig says this is never planned. He's been joined by students who bring a guitar to play along, a student versed in Irish dance, and his favorite, a little girl around the age of 5 who stopped by to give "a marvelous interpretive dance performance."

Craig's love of Irish and other Gaelic-type music started when he was in high school. He listened to the music for 15 years before he decided he wanted to learn how to play this style. During a trip to Dublin in 2002, he was immediately drawn to a set of silver Irish whistles. Returning home, he at first regretted the purchase. "I don't have time to mess with this," he thought. "I've wasted my money." He received a phone call less than 45 minutes later from a friend, who was unaware Craig had just been to Ireland, asking if he'd like to play some Irish music together. "He had no idea I had just been lamenting that purchase. I don't believe in coincidences," said Craig. He played with the Irish traditional band, Rowan Tree from 2003 through 2012, learning not only how to play the Irish whistle, but also the bodhrán (Irish drum) and sing Irish Sean-nós (meaning "old songs").

Recalling his first trip out of the country, when he spent a month in Poland, Craig says, "It completely changed my worldview and made me rethink everything I had thought about European culture." This recollection is one often brought to mind as he takes his students, many who have never flown, to Ireland. "It's that moment, when the airplane, coming into Dublin, goes out over the sea and banks, and they see all the green. I love to see the radiance on their faces." On day one of their arrival, students visited Bunratty Castle, the largest castle in Ireland, ate at the oldest pub and looked upon the Cliffs of Moher. For Craig, sharing those moments are "better than any paycheck I've ever gotten."

During their last visit in Galway, Craig had the students stop in a pedestrian walk prior to a concert. "I said 'everybody, stop right there - we're going to sing three pieces in the Irish language.' Immediately we had an audience of over 2,000 people. People were coming out of the shops. We said 'Come down to St. Augustine in the corner in about 45 minutes and we'll be singing a concert.'" Craig and his students also have drawn crowds rehearsing at airports.

Whether it be playing and writing traditional Irish music, touring with the choirs, or filling the occasion request to help a student plan a "meaningful" trip to Ireland, Craig's blood runs green. After all, he's kissed the Blarney Stone three times.

This St. Patty's Day, take a break from your typical Thursday, and stop in front of the Liberal Arts Center for a musical sampling by Craig and Drury, and maybe even a few unexpected guests.