Irish entertainer to present musical tribute in Uniontown
The State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown will present Irish entertainer Cahal Dunne at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The composer, pianist, comedian and storyteller combines all of these talents into a performance full of audience participation, which includes popular music, gospel, Broadway show tunes, classical pieces, original compositions, laughter and a musical tribute to veterans.
Born in Cork, Ireland, Dunne’s extraordinary talent surfaced at the early age of 3 when he was already picking out melodies on the family piano.
His childhood music teacher urged his parents to enroll him in the College of Music in Cork, where he studied until he was 21. As his reputation as an entertainer grew, he was able to help his parents pay for his education.
“Music has always been an important part of my life,” he said. “I have found that through my songs, I have been able to reach people, touch them and hopefully give them something of myself.”
Obviously, his choice to pursue the unpredictable life of the entertainer came easy for him.
Dunne won many song contests and represented Ireland in Tokyo and Bulgaria. His big break came when he won a national Irish songwriting contest with the song “Happy Man.” He went on to represent Ireland at the International Eurovision Music Contest in Israel. Subsequently, “Happy Man” became the number-one hit in Europe. His first American album was released in 1982 followed by a nationwide tour when he took up permanent residence in the United States where he began to write proficiently.
He has recorded seven albums and made three videos, including “Thank you, America,” now appearing on PBS. In addition, Dunne has appeared on David Letterman, Entertainment Tonight and The Nashville Network. He has appeared with Bob Hope, Sophia Loren, ABBA, Tony Orlando, Wayne Newton, Al Martino, Dennis Day and Carmel Quinn.
Dunne currently resides in Pittsburgh with his wife Kathleen and their son Ryan. Tickets are available now by calling 724-439-1360 or toll free at 1-800-397-2554. All proceeds will benefit the Conn-Area Catholic School in Connellsville.