Josh Okeefe is touring the Emerald Isle next month, taking in some cosy little venues along the way, including Foxy John’s on the Dingle peninsula, where he recorded a performance of the well-known folk ballad – Sam Hall. Recorded by Tex Ritter, Johnny Cash, The Dubliners and many more, Sam Hall is an old folk ballad that also goes by the name of Jack Hall, as sung by Steeleye Span’s 1989 album Tempted and Tried.
Whether regarded as a notorious burglar or victim of circumstance, Hall is not forgotten thanks to this song…sold by his parents as a chimney sweep’s climbing boy for one guinea; he would later be hung in 1807 at London’s notorious Tyburn gallows, known as the Tyrburn Tree – triangular gallows that allowed multiple hangings at once. The Dead Rat Orchestra based a touring project around the gallows (Tyburnia) and wrote in a guest article for Folk Radio:
For over 700 years, there was a site of execution at Tyburn in London. Here those who fell foul of political, religious and judicial reforms enacted by the state were executed for public entertainment and instruction. A study of those executed at Tyburn charts a history of the UK, illustrating the twists and turns of monarchical and political whimsy, church and state, and the birth of capitalism. Read more here.
Josh Okeefe on Sam Hall and Foxy John’s and his upcoming tour:
The solace in a quiet pint, a piping hot bowl of chowder, and a breath of fresh Éire were the simple desires that led me on a recent escapade to the magical gem nestled within Ireland’s crown, Dingle, County Kerry. Little did I anticipate the extraordinary adventure that awaited me as I stumbled upon the charming embrace of Foxy John’s, a unique haven that straddles the domains of a half bar and half hardware store.
In the shadowed corners of that hallowed establishment, I was recognized not only as a weary traveler seeking respite but also as a singer whose voice had traversed the realms of the internet. Kindred souls, with a twinkle in their eyes, acknowledged our shared love for music, conversation, and merriment. What began as a simple pint unfolded into a glorious symphony of five days, where the tunes flowed freely, the laughter echoed through the air, and bonds were forged that will undoubtedly withstand the test of time.
And now, my dear compatriots, I offer you a glimpse, a peak into my tapestry of these memories with this off-the-cuff performance of the traditional ballad “Sam Hall” that Cora and I captured on a quiet afternoon there.
As I immersed myself in the captivating verses of this song, I think about the universal struggles we all face, the battles fought within and without. As Sam Hall faces his fate, tumbling down the path destiny has laid before him, I am reminded of the fleeting nature of our own lives. It compels me to seize the precious moments, to make choices aligned with my values, and to infuse my life with purpose and meaning.
But the story doesn’t end here, my friends. I invite you to join me once again as we embark on a new journey together. I am thrilled to announce a series of upcoming performances on the Emerald Isle that includes another night in Foxy John’s. To ensure your presence in these evenings of song, be sure to reserve your spot early, as they tend to disappear like a whisper in the wind (see dates below).
Josh Okeefe Ireland Tour Dates
August 02, 2023 – Hylands Hotel, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare IRE
August 03, 2023 – DeBarra’s, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, IRE
August 04, 2023 – John Lee’s, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, IRE
August 05, 2023 – Hole in the Wall, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny, IRE | SOLD OUT
August 06, 2023 – Féile Na hAbhann, Belfast, N.IRE
August 10, 2023 – Foxy Johns, Dingle, Co. Kerry, IRE
August 11, 2023 – Curby’s Bar, Ardfert, Co. Kerry, IRE
August 12, 2023 – The Village Inn, Bohola, Co. Mayo, IRE
August 17th 2023 – Spirit Store, Dundalk, Co. Louth IRE
More info and tickets: https://www.joshokeefe.com/tour