Together We March On…
March is both a month and a statement—a call to action to walk into the increasing glow of spring. It’s coming, but it’s not quite here yet.
At home, the recent snow is telltale spring snow: beautifully thick, contrasting with the sapphire sea. It’s a reminder—a promise carried on the returning songs of spring birds—that we are called to see and hear all that is magnificent, even when reality can feel so harsh.
February was bleak. As was last February. Both reminiscent of the difficulty life often brings, reflecting a cold, harsh reality befitting the dark and bitter season.
However, in Dublin, where I find myself enjoying a quick visit with our daughter, spring is already in full bloom. It’s delightful to be reminded of what is just around the corner for our tiny island on the coast of Maine.
What’s coming this week is also a celebration of Irish heritage. St. Patrick’s Day will soon be upon us, and we will celebrate in fine style. On Saturday, March 14, we will welcome O’Jizo along with Matt & Shannon Heaton to Peaks Island Concerts.
Hailing from Japan, O’Jizo specializes in Irish traditional music and brings together the musical talents of Kozo Toyota on flute, guitarist Koji Nagao, and Hirofumi Nakamura on bouzouki and accordion. Their band name blends syllables from each player’s name (hirO, koJI, koZO). Their music is a lively mix of old and new Irish tunes, shaped by years of study and travel throughout Ireland, the United States, and Canada. They play with remarkable skill, weaving together a wide range of moods, pacing, and musical space.
For their March 2025 East Coast tour, they will collaborate with Boston duo Matt & Shannon Heaton. The Heatons are integral figures in Boston’s Irish traditional music scene, performing extensively, teaching, and welcoming players of all levels to sessions and other community events. With Shannon on flute and vocals, and Matt’s rhythmic, nuanced guitar and bouzouki playing, the duo is known for their engaging and dynamic stage presence. They have collaborated with members of O’Jizo for over a decade.