Book Release:
Migrating toward Happiness
Photo: Richard J Velasco
“Migrating toward Happiness reads like a song, an intimate melody, made vibrant by the rhythm of motion and the shifting accents of the immigrant voice. This story is at once familiar and extraordinary – it could be anyone’s family, any American journey – but the storytelling is so poignant, so lively and enchanting, that the tale is utterly seductive. Tara O’Grady sings from the page in this charming debut, and her readers will be keen for an encore.”
–Jeanine Cummins, American Dirt
“You see more than the USA in Tara O'Grady's Chevrolet. All memoirs are journeys but this one is exhilarating, effervescent, and sometimes sad. All men should read it to help them understand the magic of the workings of a woman's mind and all women should read it for affirmation. It's got prose, poetry, music, musing and humor spiced with history all soaring in a wild profusion of color and romance settling on a positive peak. Get elevated. Read it. I loved it!”
–Malachy McCourt, A Monk Swimming
"An unconventional and perceptive memoir that aims to inspire readers to 'discover the happiness that is waiting to be revealed at his or her core.' ”
"...thoughtful, insightful prose..."
"...surprising insights on the nature of the American Dream and the immigrant experience."
- Kirkus Reviews
"It's a wonderful story of magical events occurring at just the right time, synchronistic events spanning the globe and a trip across America (but in many ways, a trip into family, identity and self). An enjoyable, funny and thoughtful book - I'm already looking forward to her next book."
- Robert Waggoner, Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to the Inner Self
Sept 27, 2020
Spirit of Beacon
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"What happens when you take a chance and trust the Universe and follow your intuition? Magic! And destiny. When I decided to move to Beacon, New York, I first packed up my collection of over 75 vintage and retro hats and drove them from NYC to the Hudson Valley, leaving my bed and other furniture behind. Why? The wind told me they were my priority. Little did I know I was moving to a town with an incredible history of hat making! Sept 27th is Spirit of Beacon Day, and I made this video with Jon Slackman to honor the spirit that I have already found in my first month here. I am 100% in love with my new home, its people, its history, its mountains, rivers and wild life. It is truly "My Fall Romance" as I sing in this video. Filmed at Beacon Bath & Bubble LLC and the Tioronda Hat Factory on Fishkill Creek in Madam Brett Park."
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Quarantine Tunes
Tara O'Grady and her band became unemployed when the pandemic hit NYC in March. She contracted Covid-19 and was sick for five weeks. Unable to sing, she welcomes donations in her online tip jar. Please consider supporting arts and music relief funds organized across the country. Musicians are the heartbeat of America. They are currently struggling and need your assistance.
The Studios of Key West
Tara O'Grady was a resident of Key West where Ernest Hemingway used to live and write. From April 16-May 14, 2019 she was sponsored by The Studios of Key West to write songs in paradise. The organization nurtures creative exploration and collaboration supporting the advancement of artists of all disciplines. Tara is often inspired by the places she visits, evident from her songs about Belfast and New Orleans. She completed a full new album of songs about mocking birds, sunsets and key lime pie. Read her article featured in KONK LIFE.
The Magic of Budapest
On December 3, 2016 Tara O'Grady returned to the city where she studied during her university days to present a rare signed bible from 1893 belonging to one of Hungary's most famous sons - Ehrich Weiss - aka Harry Houdini. A press conference was held at The House of Houdini. Irish Ambassador Pat Kelly joined Tara along with Museum Founder and Hungarian escape artist David Merlini, as well as the Hungarian Prime Minister’s cultural advisor and poet Géza Szőcs who said "Books have their own destiny, and Tara was destined to bring this bible to Budapest."
Later that evening a concert was held at Becketts hosted by the Irish Hungarian Business Circle. Tara was joined by Hungarian jazz musicians, including Attila Korb on trumpet and trombone, Istvan Toth on guitar and Zoltan Olah on bass. It was a magical day indeed!
The story of Tara bringing the bible to Budapest reached newspapers across the globe, from Mexico to South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, Ireland, France and even Qatar. Read Tara's article "The Magic of Dreams" which was published in Irish America Magazine, and more about Harry Houdini on the blog Wild About Harry.
Photo: Richard Velasco
IRISH TV DEBUT
THE SUNNYSIDE SESSIONS
A new music series has launched on IRISH TV and Sky 191 with host Cathy Maguire airing Mondays at 8pm/Thursdays at 11pm in Ireland and online at www.irishtv.ie. Tara's band appears August 29 and September 1.
Filmed in the New York neighborhood of Sunnyside, Queens, the show features Irish musicians living and performing in the Big Apple.
The launch party was held at the Irish Embassy in Manhattan where Tara was interviewed on the red carpet by RTE's Colm Flynn who also directed the series. She performed her swinging rendition of "I'll Tell Me Ma" with Cherish the Ladies while Joanie Madden dazzled the audience on an impromptu jazz flute solo.
Judy Carmichael's Jazz Inspired - SiriusXM NPR
What inspires you? How do you create? World-renowned jazz pianist Judy Carmichael explores these questions with her guests every week on her public radio show Judy Carmichael’s Jazz Inspired. Celebrated artists discuss their creative process and how their passion for jazz has inspired their work. They share their favorite recordings with the listener as well as insight into their life and art. Listen to her chat with Tara O'Grady.
