IRISH music, song and storytelling will fill the Redland Coast Museum this weekend when four musicians bring Finding Magic to the stage.
Jack O’Leary, Martin Reece, Christian Rizzalli and Sebastian Flynn will perform at 6pm on Saturday as part of the museum’s spring season showcase.
The performance celebrates the traditions, humour and spirit of Ireland, blending traditional tunes, heartfelt songs and stories inspired by the warmth of an Irish kitchen gathering.
Event coordinator Tara Young said the musicians created an immersive experience that transported audiences to the heart of Ireland.
“The performance offers something truly special and quite unique for the Redlands Coast community,” Ms Young said.
“Finding Magic is the perfect way to welcome spring and bring people together through shared experiences.
“Whether you have Irish heritage or simply love exceptional live entertainment, this enchanting performance promises an evening filled with warmth, laughter and memorable moments.”
Guests can pre-book an individual Irish kitchen supper box featuring cold savoury bites inspired by traditional flavours.
Doors open at 5.30pm, with the show running until 8.30pm.
Tickets are $40, with discounts available for museum members and volunteers.
The Irish evening will be followed two days later by Kids on the Block – Life in the 50s and 60s, at 10am on October 26.
The oral-history show will see residents share memories of growing up in the Redlands, including stories from Cleveland identities Jan Banks, Nola McCullagh, Merle Hurley and author John Dillon.
Ms Hurley, 92, will recall life around what was believed to be Cleveland’s first grocery store – Despots store, established by her parents Johnny and Evelyn Despot on the corner of Bloomfield and Middle Sts in the early 1930s.
“Dad was an immigrant from Yugoslavia and Mum was raised in an orphanage, so they both had no one,” Ms Hurley said.
“I remember walking across the road to the shop at age three.
“Dad had a house built behind and that’s where we lived.
“We all had to pitch in to help. Nothing was automatic. We sliced the bread, measured out the sugar and flour and rice.
“If a label was lost, it would end up in our kitchen.”
She said her older brother’s musical journey began when a man came into the store asking her father to buy his violin.
“Dad felt sorry for him and once he bought it, someone was given the job of learning it,” she said.
Tickets for Kids on the Block are $19.50, or $15.50 concession and $7.50 for museum members, and include entry to historical displays.
For bookings, visit redlandscoastmuseum.org.au/whats-on or phone 3286 3494.
