New 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
Celtic Quest Ireland Tour
Save the date! September 20-28, 2020 Tara taking you all to experience Ireland the way she likes to experience it, with luxurious castle accommodations, connecting to nature and animals, creative literary activities, spa treatments and awe-inspiring menus. This will be a wellness tour for those who feel they need to rejuvenate in a place that inspires their spirit to find inner bliss. Full details will be revealed soon. But here's a glimpse of what we will be seeing... Ashford Castle (previously ranked #1 hotel resort in Ireland and Europe), Markree Castle (where Johnny Cash rented the entire estate), Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens (race horses), Johnstown Estate Spa, Dublin literary museums, private tour with W. B. Yeats expert through Sligo with visit to Ben Bulben Mountain and cruise on the Lake Isle of Innisfree. We will be Migrating Toward Happiness through yoga, journaling, nutrition, meditation, nature walks, and having a good laugh together! Contact Niall Leogue of Caddie Tours if you have an interest in this 2020 tour. 1-866-387-6759
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SEPT
Winnie's Jazz Bar
Refinery Hotel
63 W. 38th St.
7:00-10:00pm
Bar Felice
1591 First Ave NYC
8:00-10:00pm
Surrey Hotel
E. 76th Street
NYC
8:00pm-11:00am
Tanner Smiths
Tipsy Tea Brunch
204 W. 55th
11:30am-2:30pm
Tanner Smiths
Tipsy Tea Brunch
204 W. 55th
11:30am-2:30pm
Winnie's Jazz Bar
Refinery Hotel
63 W. 38th St.
7:00-10:00pm
Surrey Hotel
E. 76th Street
NYC
8:00pm-11:00am
Tanner Smiths
Tipsy Tea Brunch
204 W. 55th
11:30am-2:30pm
Tanner Smiths
Tipsy Tea Brunch
204 W. 55th
11:30am-2:30pm
Milton
1754 Second Ave
8:00-11:00pm
Winnie's Jazz Bar
Refinery Hotel
63 W. 38th St.
7:00-10:00pm
Surrey Hotel
E. 76th Street
NYC
8:00pm-11:00am
Tanner Smiths
Tipsy Tea Brunch
204 W. 55th
11:30am-2:30pm
Tanner Smiths
Tipsy Tea Brunch
204 W. 55th
11:30am-2:30pm
Winnie's Jazz Bar
Refinery Hotel
63 W. 38th St.
7:00-10:00
Surrey Hotel
E. 76th Street
NYC
8:00pm-11:00am
Tanner Smiths
Tipsy Tea Brunch
204 W. 55th
11:30am-2:30pm
Tanner Smiths
Tipsy Tea Brunch
204 W. 55th
11:30am-2:30pm
Celtic Quest Tour
Ireland
Sept 20-28
Call Caddie Tours
1-866-387-6759
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!
Photo: Richard Velasco
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.
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.
