In celebration of the upcoming holidays St. Patrick’s Day and St. Joseph’s Day, the Church of St. Aidan will be holding a free-will offering concert on Sunday, March 15, at 3 p.m.
Popular Irish and Italian songs will be performed by the choirs and soloists. Additionally, bells and chimes will be played during many of the songs. Many of the performers are of Irish and/or Italian descent, with at least one baritonist actually being from Ireland.
According to the concert’s conductor, Drago Bubalo, this concert “has been a tradition for the church for [approximately] 30 years.” However, it wasn’t until around ten years ago that St. Joseph’s Day was also included in the celebration.
A big factor into the decision to extend the celebration was the growing presence of Italian Americans in the church. In fact, Bubalo estimated that around 30 percent of the members of the church are of Italian heritage. Now, members of the church of Irish and Italian descent will have an opportunity to celebrate their culture.
Bubalo said this concert is very popular for the local community. “It usually fills up the church,” Bubalo said.
St. Patrick’s Day will be taking place Tuesday, March 17 and St. Joseph’s Day is Thursday, March 19.
