Ken O'Malley solo concert: "Emigration" at The Coffee Gallery in Altadena

From the creaking boards of the decks of the "coffin ships" of the Famine years of the 1840's to the transatlantic liners of the mid 20th century, the story of Ireland's people leaving home will be brought to life in song and story by Irish balladeer Ken O'Malley at Altadena’s Coffee Gallery backstage at 3:00 PM on Sunday, June 10, 2012. The "American Wake" was a farewell to those who left Ireland's shores, never to return. The New World waited, though not always with the outstretched hand of welcome. Nonetheless, the Irish survived and with tenacity they built their future and that of their new land.

Ken O’Malley, himself an emigrant from Dublin in the 1970’s, shares a personal connection with these stories. Acclaimed for his captivating storytelling as well as his rich, powerful vocals, his engaging stage presence has delighted audiences for over thirty years. “He holds nothing back. Whether singing a passionate ballad, playing a solo on the mandolin, or explaining the gloriously sad history of Erin his homeland, Ken O’Malley is all-in, wide open to the world, and as true as an arrow’s flight. . . His wonderful wit and good humor draw us in and carry us along, and the beauty of his songs, both traditional and original, fills us with irresistible joy” raves Wayne Slater of Desert Song Productions.

The event promises to be a magical afternoon of music with songs in both English and Irish Gaelic, suitable for all ages. Not just a singer, about whom Dave Soyars of the Irish Herald writes "his powerful and emotive voice shines through on everything he does", O’Malley is also a cultural ambassador and educator who infuses every performance with a genuine passion and love for his native land and its people. In the words of one longtime fan "the songs Ken sings touch all of us, Irish or not, to the very core of the human heart".

Showtime is 3:00 PM on Sunday, June 10, 2012 at The Coffee Gallery Backstage located at 2029 N. Lake in Altadena admission is $18. For information and reservations call (626) 798-6236 (after 10AM) or visit their website www.coffeegallery.com. For more about Ken O’Malley visit www.kenomalley.com.