Today the Venice Paparazzi spotlight shines on our local Irish music legend, and mandolin player extraordinaire, Ken O’Malley! How many years in Venice? 23 years Tell us about your music/band: I play Irish Celtic music. I perform solo and in play in three bands as well: The Twilight Lords, The Ne’er Duwels, and Jaeger Malones. Genre: Irish Celtic Folk music Your job in the band: Lead vocalist, acoustic guitar and mandolin. What projects are your currently working on? I guide tours to Ireland every year in April and October. I take groups of people and show them the culture, history, the beauty and music of Ireland and we always have a terrific time. I can be reached at [email protected] for more information. Past bands/ Albums recorded: The Mulligans Blended Spirits The Twilight Lords The White Seahorse O’Maille Women of Ireland Songs by a Winter’s Hearth. For more info: kenomalley.com/cddvdstore Influences: Van Morrison The Beatles Pink Floyd Crowded House The Smiths Bob Dylan The Chieftains How did you get into it? I started playing piano at 6 and guitar at 8 and never stopped. Upcoming Shows: Every third Tuesday at Finn McCool’s on Main in Santa Monica. Click here for all upcoming shows! Best memory/show: Performing in a pub in Ireland when I was 14. I wasn’t old enough to be in there. My Mom was there and bought me a pint. What advice would you give someone starting out in your field? Work hard and never give up. Favorite book, band or movie? Band: Pink Floyd Movie : Zulu Book: The Hobbit What causes do you support? Anything to do with children. Favorite affirmation, mantra, or quote: “I have great respect for anyone who makes an honest buck in show business, because it’s hard work.” Ken O’Malley’s first Saint Patrick’s Day in America, Molly Malone’s on Fairfax 1975 What’s one thing we can do to make the world a better place? Vote! We have the privilege and the responsibility to vote, so vote! List 1-2 things on your bucket list. I would like to visit Tibet and go into a monastery and pray. I would like to take a dear friend with me. Anything else you want to share about yourself to the world? Fun facts? I totally enjoy entertaining people and leaving them something good to remember me by. That’s success to me. . . Describe Venice. Love the Venice Boardwalk, always different, always changing. My son lives right next to the sand and has a cool place. I love the mix of regulars and tourists blending in to the atmosphere. There are great restaurants and clubs in Venice, and I have played quite a few in my time. Describe your perfect day in Venice: Breakfast at the Sidewalk Cafe, walk up and down the boardwalk all morning. Listen to the live music from the variety of street musicians. Go hang for a while with my Son and his friends at one of the bars, maybe catch a Premier League game Have dinner later on Washington Boulevard. List any of your favorite Venice businesses, event(s) or activities? Killer Shrimp Whole Foods The Cadillac Hotel The Rose Cafe Favorite place to watch live music? Anywhere on Washington Boulevard Your favorite Venice bands? The Lads, Slavin’ Dave. What is your craziest or fondest Venice experience? Too many to remember … Anytime I took Irish visitors to the Boardwalk… Just to watch their reactions, priceless… Any shoutouts or thank you’s? Marlena Conners Anything else about Venice that you would like to say? Best place to visit or live in California! HOW CAN ONE FIND YOU? Website: kenomalley.com Other website: twilightlords.com Email: [email protected]
