Black Velvet Performs at Village Green

As a part of the Village Summer Concert series, the Irish folk band, Black Velvet, took to the stage at the Rockville Centre Village Green on July 24. The three-person band, consisting of two guitarists and an accordion player, performed traditional Irish songs for an audience of about 45 people.

Spectators expressed enthusiasm about the performance, but said the event failed to attract a large crowd due to a lack of publicity.

"There's nobody here. I don't know what happened," said Georgann Stamm of Rockville Centre. "I typically come to these performances, but I didn't see this one publicized too much."

Rockville Centre resident Jack Irwin echoed Stamm's sentiments. "This one wasn't advertised," he said. Irwin, who has known the members of Black Velvet for years and often attends their performances, also expressed the cultural importance of having larger crowds at the shows. "We really need more Irish Americans at these events," he said.

Another spectator, Richie O'Shea, has also performed at the Village Green in the past and said the low attendance can be disheartening for the band members. "My band used to play here and large crowds would be drawn for the performances," O'Shea said. "When it's empty, it's hard for the band and it's a waste of money for the town, so there needs to be more advertising."

Despite the low attendance, the members of Black Velvet performed with enthusiasm. Guitarist and singer Mary Skeller urged members of the audience to sing and clap along with the songs. "I don't care if I can hear your feet tapping," Skeller said into the microphone. "But I want to see those feet tapping." At points throughout their performance, the musicians hopped off stage to perform Irish step dancing.

Rockville Centre residents offered some positive feedback of Black Velvet's performance and the summer concert series. "They are very relaxed and talented and they always play songs you know," said village resident Marie Smith.