Cork fiddle player to perform for Obama
UCC final year music student Maggie McCarthy will perform for the world’s most powerful man at the White House on St Patrick’s Day.
For Maggie, who is from Dripsey, it’s a dream come true as she says Obama is her idol.
“I am absolutely privileged to get this opportunity and I’m delighted to represent Ireland,” Maggie said.
She’s met one or two famous Americans before, most notably singing legend Dolly Parton who she performed alongside at ‘Dollywood’ in April 2007.
The 23-year-old will play the fiddle while doing some traditional Irish dancing for the president.
She will also entertain him with the bodhrán and banjo.
Maggie will having a backing band of four All-Ireland music champions, including highly-acclaimed accordion player Alan Finn, who is from Buttevant.
Together with her manager and creative partner, Michael Anthony, she has written a special song for the president called Picture This.
Michael, who lives in Kinsale and who has produced songs for Belsonic Sound and Fiona Kennedy, said Maggie always wanted to perform in the White House.
“As far back as February 2008, she started to inquire about playing in the White House. Even at that stage Maggie believed he (Obama) would get there,” Michael said.
Following several inquiries Michael— who lived in America for many years — decided he would send a video of Maggie’s performances to the White House.
“I got hold of their social affairs office and started to bend their ears. A few days ago, we got an invitation to perform on St Patrick’s Day. It was fantastic,” Michael said.
