Pat Kane and St. Baldrick’s Day

Pat Kane has been an important player in the music community of the Southern Tier for over 30 years, blending music from his Irish and American country heritage. He sings hundreds of songs from a wide variety of sources, including his own songs. He is equally comfortable teaching Irish social dances, as he is calling and dancing square dances. Since 1997 he has taken over 25 tour groups to Ireland, introducing almost 1000 people to the land of his family’s origin. He is preparing three tours to Ireland this year, and as part of his connection to our own "Wine Country," is leading a tour to Italy as well.

During the school year Pat performs at Horigan’s in Elmira every Wednesday, and at the Blind Tiger Pub in Johnson City every Thursday. He is at Hill Top Inn near Elmira most Thursdays of the summer; he is a regular each month at Kitty Hoyne’s in Syracuse, at McGirk’s and the Brass Lantern in the Binghamton area. He is an "Artist in Residence" in three schools in the Athens PA district. He is a veteran of many theatre concerts and festivals; he performs often in Buffalo, Rochester, Connecticut, and Northern Pennsylvania. This month, he can be found every Sunday at Mandell’s in Elmira, from 5-8 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day in Elmira would not be the same without Pat Kane leading the singing at two local Irish spots: Hill Top Inn, from noon until 5pm, and Horigan’s Restaurant, from 6 to 11 p.m. After St. Patrick’s Day this year, Mr. Kane will participate in what’s known as St. Baldrick’s Day.

The event will take place on Sunday, March 21 at Mandell’s Restaurant, 601 Erie St. in Elmira. Pat will join with hundreds of others around the country who shave their heads in solidarity with those children who lose their hair undergoing cancer treatments. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the United States government. In 2009 alone, they raised over $16 million dollars. Pat has been raising funds and pledges and hopes to be able to contribute $1000 to this foundation.

Those wishing to support Mr. Kane in his quest, are invited to join him at Mandell’s as he plays his regular gig there from five to nine. After dinner, the group will roast and toast Pat and the loss of his silver locks. Those who can’t make the event, but would like to contribute to this very worthy cause, may send a check made out to St. Baldrick’s Foundation and mail it to: Pat Kane, PO Box 305, Waverly NY 14892. For more information on the organization, one may visit the website at www.stbaldricks.org. Kane says "I am deeply grateful to all who have contributed already, and I look forward to wearing my huge collection of Irish caps."

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