Irish tenor John McDermott in benefit concert at Quick Center | Press Releases

Image: John McDermott One third of the renowned Irish Tenors, John McDermott, will croon favorite melodies of the Old Sod on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 8 p.m. in Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. This concert is a benefit for the university's Father John Conlisk Irish Scholarship Fund.

John McDermott's meteoric rise to international stardom has become legend in the music recording industry. In a span of less than five years, McDermott has risen from an unknown to become a million-selling solo artist, a third of the dynamic public television and touring phenomenon, The Irish Tenors, and a leading champion of veterans' causes in the United States.

In a mere three years in the United States, John has emerged as one of the leading solo artists in Celtic and Irish music. Last year, based on his remarkable word-of-mouth sales and commitment to building a loyal grassroots fan base, John was awarded a recording and distribution contract by EMI. "Remembrance," a tribute to American veterans, is his first original major label release here in the United States.

McDermott's performance highlights include dates with major Canadian and American symphony orchestras, appearances in the Saint Patrick Day parades in New York City and Chicago, a performance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and a heartfelt performance in Normandy's Juno Beach as part of the Fiftieth Anniversary D-Day ceremonies.

The ninth child of twelve, John and his family emigrated to Canada from their native Scotland in the 1960s, where he nurtured his talents at St. Michael's Choir School in Toronto. Music was an essential part of everyday life in the McDermott household, and John credits his father, Peter, as his chief mentor and teacher.

Of his singing, McDermott explains: It was sort of an education as you go. I know the tunes I liked and I can remember my dad's passion for everything from the ancient airs of Scotland and Ireland to Johnny Mathis. Although dad didn't elaborate much, I have all his references as a starting point for my own research and my repertoire."

The Father John Conlisk Irish Scholarship Fund benefits Irish graduate students who would like the opportunity to study in the United States. The recipients take advantage of Fairfield University's graduate programs in business, education and nursing.

Tickets for the John McDermott concert are $30. To reserve, call (203) 254-4010 or toll free at 1-887-ARTS-396.