Performance(s):
Thursday, December 6, 2007: 8:00 p.m.
"Legend" is not a title John McDermott would readily embrace, but his accomplishments
have become legendary in recording industry lore. Part of John's legend has always been his
remarkable work ethic, releasing at least an album a year, and averaging more than 100 performances a year
over the last decade.
John's "legend" is the story of a hard-working everyman who found a home as an international recording star
and household name – known as much for his successful musical career as for his commitment to veterans'
causes.
John's first album, Danny Boy, was originally recorded as a very private and personal 50th
anniversary tribute for his parents. Its quality could not be ignored and it eventually found its way into
the hands of EMI Music Canada. Danny Boy subsequently garnered strong sales for a debut
release in the U.S. and Canada; it even reached number one on New Zealand's album charts, and was
certified double platinum in that country.
This success, in addition to a fast-growing North American
fan base, won through a tireless touring schedule, led to his participation in the PBS phenomenon
The Irish Tenors. John's presence helped generate a US gold record, three US tours and a high-profile
media schedule including appearances on 'Good Morning America' and 'The Today Show'.
The outcome of that fateful performance has catapulted him into a musical career that includes more than
a dozen full-length albums, three Canadian platinum records, five Juno nominations and a solid international
touring schedule.
The ninth of twelve children from a traditional Glasgow Irish family who emigrated from Scotland to Canada
in the 1960s, John's musical roots are equal parts Scottish and Irish. His songs showcase his innate understanding
and facility with traditional folk melodies as well as more contemporary stylings.
To the generation that remembers the wars, John's music conjures up a vivid emotional landscape, evocative of
love, loss and history. For the rest of us, his simple but richly textured arrangements allow him to weave
narratives — folk tales — that conjure up an exact moment and place. This subtlety for the texture and meaning
of the lyrics has resulted in John's recordings becoming definitive renditions of folk classics like "Danny Boy",
friend Eric Bogle's "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda", and Phil Coulter's "The Old Man".
John's success has provided him with the ability to express his commitment to veterans' causes, which have always occupied a central place in his life and been an important theme in his music. The 1999 album Remembrance and successive concert tours based on that material have raised his profile further in the United States, as he revived songs like "We'll Meet Again" and "I'll be Seeing You" that were popularized during wartime.
In recognition of this commitment to veterans' causes John was awarded one of the United States' highest accolades - the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's "Bob Hope Award". Despite the demands of his increasingly busy career as an entertainer, John continues to devote much of his time to these causes.
Of course John is passionate about all his philanthropic causes and continues to work publicly and privately to bring aid to veterans' and military organizations. A large part of this commitment is to live up to the responsibility that the Bob Hope Award carries by working with groups such as the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the War Amps of Canada, the Semper Fidelis Society, the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, and others.
Tickets on sale now.For more information about John McDermott, check out
his website at www.johnmcdermott.com Or watch the video clip below.
Cost:
$32
Flex: $27
Seniors: $29
Buffalo State faculty/staff: $29
Student Rush: $15 (cash only), available one hour prior to show only with valid student ID.
SEE THREE OR MORE AND SAVE!
Buy any three or more Great Performers shows
for only $27 each.
