About this Event
Samhain marked the beginning of the 'dark' half of the year. It was one of the major seasonal divisions of the traditional Irish calendar. Long before Halloween, the Irish marked the turning of the year with Samhain, the beginning of winter and a night when the boundary between the living and the otherworld was believed to grow thin.
The Spirit of Samhain brings that ancient tradition into the present with an evening of Irish stories, haunting music, seasonal cocktails and tales of the mysterious world beyond our own.
The program will feature haunting melodies and songs from renowned Irish artists Clare O' Malley and Eileen McLain, as well storytelling from NY based actor Kailey Ada Young. The Pigeon's Michael Mellamphy will present history of the traditions and superstitions of Ireland's ancient harvest feast that became our modern day Halloween.
The Spirit of Samhain is presented by The Pigeon, a theatre and cultural production company established in 2018 by producer, Jessica M. DeLucia and Michael Mellamphy. Their work focuses on immersive, story-driven performance that bridges Irish heritage and contemporary audiences.
Guests will enjoy:
- Two original cocktails crafted with Smuggling Nun Poitín
- An introduction to the history and cultural significance of Samhain
- Traditional songs that echo the changing of the season
- An evening of storytelling, music, flavor, and folklore
This is not just a tasting or performance, it’s a gathering. A celebration of the thining of the veil and welcoming the winter season.
THE ARTISTS:
Clare O'Malley is a multi-hyphenate actress and songwriter recently seen as Orla in The Loved Ones Off-Broadway at The Irish Rep. This fall, she originates the role of Bridie in the world premiere musical Parcel from America at Theatre Row. Her global performance credits span international arenas—including Baku’s Crystal Hall for the Eurovision Song Contest—to her hometown stages The Abbey and The Gate. As a recording artist, Clare released her debut EP, New Heights, followed Ériu, a contemporary reimagining of traditional Irish holiday music. ClareOMalley.com
Kailey Ada Young is a New York City-based performer working across theatre, film, and poetry. Kailey is drawn to the power of live performance to bring people together and open a wider door to empathy and our shared humanity. She most recently performed at The Producer's Club in three contemporary plays by Richard Henle: KARMA, Noche No Te Vayas, and Vintage, and can also be seen on-camera in the pilot episode of the web series BODEGA.
Eileen McLain is an Irish fiddle player based in New York City. She studied classical violin and flute and plays the traditional folk music she learned from childhood trips to Ireland with her flute playing Father. She performs across NY and the east coast.
Michael Mellamphy is the co-founder of The Pigeon. He is an award winning actor and company member of The Irish Repertory Theatre in New York. He has worked as a professional actor for over 35 years on both sides of the Atlantic in Theatre, Television and Film. He was Artistic Director of Origin Theatre Company from 2021 to 2025. He is best know as Seán MacGuire from the global video game sensation, Red Dead Redemption 2.
The SmugNun consistently ranks as the smoothest, most premium and flavorful of Irish poitíns. Discover the story of and meet the creator, Maura Clare.
Ticket price includes two crafted SmugNun cocktails inspired by Samhain and created by The Pigeon. Additionally, full menu is available to event atendees. Enjoy all the tavern has to offer!
Many thanks to our friends at The Long Acre Tavern for hosting The Spirit of Samhain and to our good friends at for their support.
Event venue & nearby stays
The Long Acre Tavern, 146 West 47th Street, New York, United States
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