Geddes, N.Y. — It was one year and two days ago that an Irish punk band from New York City showed up not-so-quietly in Syracuse and performed a magic trick at the State Fair: It took an empty Chevy Court and turned it into a full Chevy Court in the matter of 20 minutes.
The Prodigals’ full-throttle hourlong set left a lasting impression on Syracuse. State Fair management booked the touring Celtic quartet to return this year, this time in a coveted weekend slot. The Syracuse Irish Festival, a two-day showcase that fills downtown’s Clinton Square with more than 10,000 music fans, quickly signed them as a headliner for Friday, Sept. 8.
State Fair Director Sean Hennessey welcomed the band to the stage on Sunday and told the crowd how he quickly became a fan at last year’s performance. “They’re so good, so fun,” Hennessey said earlier in the day. “We’re so lucky to have them back.”
Unlike last year’s State Fair gig, the stands filled up early on Sunday afternoon. Fans sang along, and about a dozen people ran to the stage and danced in front. Security said the stands in the back under shade, were full.
“It’s just brilliant,” Prodigals frontman Gregory Grene said after Sunday’s show. “We love Syracuse, and we’re lucky to play here twice in a few weeks. There’s such passion here.”
The Prodigals played to an enthusiastic Chevy Court crowd at the New York State Fair on Sunday. (Charlie Miller | [email protected])
Gregory Grene, the lead singer for The Prodigals, plays a solo on his button accordian. The Irish rock band played to an enthusiastic Chevy Court crowd at the New York State Fair on Sunday. (Charlie Miller | [email protected])
The 25-song setlist included songs from the band’s 10 albums over its 25-year career and some new tunes.
From here, The Prodigals return to New York City for regular performances at Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar on 2nd Avenue before returning to Syracuse for our Irish Fest. They’ll then head to the Greeley Irish Fest in Nebraska and the Austin Celtic Fest in Texas.
