Tuesday, December 31, 2024 Happy New Year! You’re invited to attend First Night—Northampton’s most beloved signature event. Since 1985, First Night Northampton has filled Paradise City with a 12-hour, family-friendly festival of the arts, culminating in a traditional ball-raising from the roof of the Hotel Northampton. Gather with friends, neighbors, and visitors at over 20 terrific downtown venues for an astounding array of entertainment presented by hundreds of talented performers.
Through songs in Irish Gaelic and English, Jocie uses her voice to bring audiences along with her to the Emerald Isle. Traditional songs, mostly, shape the experience – from otherworldly sean-nós laments, to playful love songs, to fast dance-tune songs. On some songs, Jocie relies solely on her voice, on others, she accompanies herself on guitar. She might even play her flute. And, when the setting is right, Jocie will invite toe-tapping, hand-clapping, and simple sing-alongs, as the audience transforms into her band. Many an evening singing and playing in Irish traditional music sessions, time with renowned Irish singers and musicians, study of sean-nós singing and Irish Gaelic, and travel in Ireland, ground Jocie’s understanding of Irish traditional music in the feel of the music and a deep sense of community and culture. Her singing has been well received both here and in Ireland. “Making her magic” – F. Alex Johnson
