The Only "Patsy" Touhey
atrick Joseph Touhey (1865-1923) was the most successful of the vaudeville pipers. He was in show business for at least 36 years and thought of himself as a comedian and actor. Touhey was also a virtuoso on the Irish pipes and well-regarded as a piper in his day. These accomplishments might today be forgotten - or nearly so - except that influential recordings of his playing survive. His part in the history of the instrument is secure and his influence on piping is still felt.
P
Patrick Touhey
-Nick Whitmer
(The Lives of the Pipers)
The Venue
The Canadian American Club of Massachusetts has been a home to traditional Irish, Cape Breton, and Scottish music since the organization bought its current home at 202 Arlington St, Watertown in the 1960s. Over the years the club has established deep ties with The Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Together they host one of the most long running events of Irish music and culture in the Greater Boston area.
Beginning with a set dance and ending with a traditional Irish session where many Boston Irish musicians got their start. Besides the Comhaltas events, the club has helped facilitate performances for many of greatest names in traditional Irish music; The Master Piper Liam Óg O'Flynn, Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh, and Frankie Gavin to name a few. In the last several years the club as partnered with The Boston Uilleann Pipers Club with thier mission to further the Irish pipes by hosting a monthly session, monthly club meetings, and putting on events all year.
Accomodation for the Weekend
Here are a few local options for accommodation. I've put them in order of convenience. Please click on them to see location, pricing and booking details.
*The weekend does not have any special relationships with hotels listed or unlisted.
2 min drive to venue
3 min drive from venue
6 min from venue
18 min drive to venue
Lunch and Dinner Options
There are many great eateries near the club. Here are a couple places to check out for lunch and dinner.
European bakery for breads, cakes, cookies & chocolates, with seasonal & holiday specials.
Spare counter-serve restaurant turning out thin-crust pies & hearty calzones since 1961.
Vegetarian & vegan destination with seasonal ingredients, wine & beer, plus gluten-free options.
Classic, quaint diner turning out all-day breakfasts, sandwiches, comfort food, beer & wine.
Traditional Persian dishes & a full bar in a low-key setting with belly-dancing & live-music nights.
Uruguayan & Spanish Basque cooking in a charming space with fine wines & craft cocktails.
Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.
Rotisserie meats & roasted veggies in a historic brick building with a heated patio & a bocce court.