Famed Irish tenor to sing in Holbrook

Anthony Kearns, a founding member of popular PBS group, The Irish Tenors, has played in some of the most celebrated venues in the world, including Australia's Sydney Opera House and New York's Radio City Music Hall.

On Saturday, the man known as Ireland's “best living tenor” will be playing in a more unlikely spot: Old St. Michael's Church in tiny Holbrook.

It will be Kearns' fifth visit to the historic Irish settlement, which is located 22 miles west of Iowa City in unincorporated Iowa County. Kearns first performed at Old St. Michael's in May 2005 after a fan from Holbrook convinced him to pay a visit to the community that celebrates a proud and rich Irish heritage. He has returned every two years thereafter.

What you need to know: 

• What: Anthony Kearns with pianist Patrick Healy
• When: 7 p.m. Saturday
• Where: Old St. Michael's Church, County Highway F52, Greene
• Cost: $25 to $100
• More information: (319) 325-6556

As with his past appearances in Holbrook, Kearns' performance will raise funds for the Friends of Old St. Michael's, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Holbrook's church, hall and cemetery, all of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.

The basilica-style brick church was built by Irish immigrants in 1867 to resemble the Catholic churches of their homeland. After the Davenport Diocese closed the parish in 1996 due to a declining population, the Friends of St. Michael's purchased the parish buildings and assumed responsibility for its upkeep. The church is now used as a public gathering space and music venue.

Kearns will perform in the apsis of the old church below a stained-glass window depicting St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. He will be accompanied on piano by his longtime friend, Irish composer Patrick Healy.

“This is rather unique for someone of such worldwide fame to appear in such a small venue,” says Marilyn Gaffey, a volunteer for the Friends of St. Michael's.

A singer since the age of 10, Kearns got his big break in 1993 when he won a “Search for a Tenor” radio contest held in connection with the introduction of Ireland's new 10-pound note, or “tenner.”

Kearns' winning performance of “Impossible Dream” attracted the attention of Irish music instructor Veronica Dunne, who took the young singer under her wing. He subsequently attended the Leinster School of Music in Dublin and the College of Music in Wales.

In 1998, Kearns was invited to join The Irish Tenors, which debuted on PBS in 1999 with “The Irish Tenors Live in Dublin.” Five television specials and eight albums later, The Irish Tenors is one of the most successful Irish acts ever to tour the United States, second only to U2.

As a solo performer, Kearns' versatile repertoire ranges from Broadway show tunes to classic arias, although he may be best known for his interpretations of traditional Irish songs.

Following the Saturday show, Kearns and Healy will meet with fans for photos and conversation at a reception at St. Michael's Hall.