OCEAN CITY — Been to a good wake lately? Grab your green and come to a grand one at the 4th Annual Finnegan’s Wake to be held on Saturday, March 19, starting at 5 p.m. in Seacrets Morley Hall.
Finnegan’s Wake is a mock Irish funeral that notes the supposed passing of Tim Finnegan. The Irish are known for their love of good conversation and good drink and they said good-bye to their loved ones with a lively party.
This event, sponsored by The Friends of Worcester County Developmental Center (WCDC), will fill Morley Hall with great music, great food and lots of laughter all for the benefit of the clients of the WCDC.
Headliners again this year will be the Irish Lads. Based in northeast Pennsylvania, the lads have been performing traditional Irish folk songs since 1978. Members include Tommy Boyle (guitar, vocals and keyboard), Mike Dolan (button box accordion, Bodh ran, tin whistle and vocals) and the Lad who is a lass, Gwenn Boyle (vocals). The Lads have shared the stage with many Irish legends including The Clancy Brothers, Tommy Makem, Seamus Kennedy and the Dubliners.
Back for their second year is local favorite Folk Heroes. In 1994, Robin Cockey, Charlie Stegman and Mike O’Loughlin formed the group, and in 2007, Mickey Justice joined the band. They are known for their classic Irish style and multi-instrument musicianship. They have been popular entertainers around the Delmarva Peninsula, and can often be found at the Irish Penny in Salisbury in Celtic jam sessions.
No Irish wake would be complete without a bagpipe, and Tim Finnegan goes out in glory with the renowned Ocean City Pipes and Drums. Not only does this talented troupe start off the evening in style leading the funeral procession, but they also perform two flawless sets of highland music and military marches that will stir and move you.
There will also be chances for audience participation. Audience members will be able to view Finnegan and tell him a joke. If Finnegan responds and you “raise the dead with laughter,” you get a free drink.
Wealthy Irish hired professional mourners called Keeners to wail for their loved ones. Anyone who wishes will be able to have their mourning judged by volume and style and be in the running for a special prize.
Event sponsors are Cheers Beer, Wine and Spirits of Berlin and The Robert W. Nock Insurance Agency of Salisbury. Entertainment sponsors are Crush ‘N Crab Restaurant in Berlin and Ocean Pines Realtor Steve Cohen.
Admission is $20. Happy hour prices will be in effect at the bar and the Secrets kitchen will be offering traditional Irish foods as well as their regular menu.
All money raised goes to the Friends of WCDC, the auxiliary that supports the mission of the WCDC. WCDC provides employment opportunities, day habilitation training, residential services and community based supports for adults who live with an intellectual disability.
For more information about the wake or about the WCDC programs, call 410-632-2382.