This fall, Saint Mary's is offering an exciting alternative to the typical concerts held on campus. The Shaheen Discovery Series is presenting four concerts in this year's Celtic Series. Kennedy's Kitchen, an Irish band from South Bend, had the honor of opening the series Friday.

"Through these concerts, we hope to introduce Irish music to the students as well as to the community and it is nice to start with a local band," Lisa Peppers, Assistant Director of Student Activities at Saint Mary's, said.

Kennedy's Kitchen formed four years ago around Irish family tradition. Their music was a pleasing choice for the opening act. The band possessed a smooth blend of a variety of sounds essential in Celtic and Irish music. They created an impressive mixture of felicitous, relaxing and lively sounds. But most impressive was the composition of the band itself.

John Kennedy, the founder of Kennedy's Kitchen, described the group as, "A bunch of old guys hanging out with young talent."

Three of the eight performers are 16 or younger, including their featured musician. The young band members are: 16-year-old Autumn Rhodes, an award winning flute and tin whistle musician, 12-year-old Nolan Ladewski, another tin whistle musician and Tara Ladewski, an Irish dancer and vocalist.

"The decision to play Irish music was made for me; it is something that I grew up with," Kennedy said.

The situation is very similar for his nephew and niece, Nolan and Tara. However, for Nolan, who started playing the tin whistle at the age of 6 and began performing at 7, "it is just fun for now."

Autumn Rhodes, one of the lead musicians, recognizes the cultural value of her performances. She believes Irish music gives connection to a past.

"The music I play is a narrative of Irish history," said Autumn.

This story telling aspect is quite evident within the repertoire of Kennedy's Kitchen, which is comprised of lively jigs, sedate instrumentals, reverent folk songs and impressive solos that often pay tribute to the hardships of their ancestors. Band members wrote an additional four verses to the song "Immigrant Eyes", personalizing the message of the lyrics. Nolan and Autumn, two of Kennedy's former pupils, performed several of the solos. "As Nolan plays, I can close my eyes and just feel that I am in Ireland," Kennedy said.

Playing the mandolin, banjo, guitar, mandola and singing, is Jim Bradberry, founder and owner of Mr. Bradberry's Violin Shop. His musical career began by playing on the back porch with his family and with Jericho and TD Davis in the 70s. Jim enjoys playing bluegrass, country, Bulgarian and, of course, Irish music.

Bob Harkie, who provides guitar and vocals for the group, started off playing old-time country. On a trip to Ireland with his wife, he fell in love with the music of Paddy Reilly, which sparked his interest in playing traditional Irish music. Bob is a songwriter who teaches science at Reilly Junior High School.

Chris O'Brien played the fiddle and sang backup vocals. He has played in an old-time duo with David James and in Pallas with her husband John in addition to playing with Kennedy's Kitchen.

Finally, Joel Cooper, a singer and composer who is currently the Director of Information Technology at Carleton College, plays the bass for the group, and is known as "Michiana's favorite bass player."

Through their music and casual style, the band attempted to communicate their connection with Ireland to the audience. For Christina Holdvogt, a student at Saint Mary's College, the music brought a "remembrance of studying abroad." For other audience members, like Alyssa Blair, the band made Irish culture and heritage appealing. "Their music just made me want to be Irish!"

The band can also be found at Lula's Café in South Bend every Monday, where they offer sessions of traditional Irish music.

A subscription for the remaining three Shaheen Discovery Series consisting of four concerts in the Celtic Series (Dervish on Sept., 28, Colcannon on Oct., 9 and The Baltimore Consort on Nov., 10) can be purchased for $36 for adults or $24 for students.

For subscription or single ticket orders, call or visit the Saint Mary's box office located in the O'Laughlin Auditorium lobby, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or call (219) 284-4626.

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