Lectures & Presentations

An Irish Homecoming

I had the honor to live in Ireland for nearly 5 years. As an American of Irish descent, I created An Irish Homecoming to take the audience to all 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland and the 6 counties of Northern Ireland. The presentation features eight songs from my Ireland Suite with slideshows showcasing:

  • Athlone

  • Belfast

  • Cork City

  • County Cork

  • The Doors of Dublin

  • Dublin

  • Galway

  • Killarney

The city of Dublin is home to nearly one-third of all of Ireland's popluation and one of the most beautiful aspects of the city are the gorgeous doors which adorn most of the city's buildings and homes. Click below to watch the video featuring my song The Doors of Dublin, which I wrote under my professional name, Kelly Michaels.

Stranger in a Strange Land

Stranger in a Strange Land introduces the audience to the history, people, places, and customs of modern Israel. I named this presentation Stranger in a Strange Land because I am not Jewish but had the privilege to live and work there for 11 years, and to experience much of Jewish culture during my years there. The presentation features six songs from my Israel Suite composition; my protest song, also written under my professional name, Kelly Michaels; as well as one 6-part choral arrangement, showcasing slideshows of:

  • Be'er Sheva

  • Eilat

  • Haifa

  • Jerusalem

  • Tel Aviv

  • On The Tayelet (Tel Aviv's Seaside Promenade)

  • When Willl They Ever Learn (my protest song)

  • Hatikva (The Hope - Israel's National Anthem)

When people think of Israel, they tend to think about Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, but Haifa is a wonderful and beautiful multi-cultural city. Please click below to enjoy my musical tour of Haifa.

Audience Comments

  • "I went to Patrick's lecture on American Music for Non-Americans. It was fascinating! I learned so much about the country as well as the music. It was first rate!"
    – Uri, Tel Aviv, Israel

  • "Patrick's presentation about Israel, Stranger in a Strange Land, is wonderful! The pictures are thrilling and the music in the slideshows makes you feel as if you could step right into the picture. I can't wait to see it again."
    – Mary, Hinckley, OH

  • "I've known Patrick for many years and have attended many lectures and presentations he has made. He is erudite, intelligent, and often very funny in his talks. His lecture on American Music for Non-Americans was enlightening and interesting. I'd recommend it to anyone."
    – Sharon, Ra'anana, Israel

  • "Stranger in a Strange Land is a wonderful visual excursion through Israel with stunning photos and commentary that debunks myths and leaves you with a much better understanding of this multi-cultural country with such a rich history and vibrant population."
    – James, Medina, OH

  • "I learned so much from Patrick's lecture on American Music for Non-Americans! Patrick is a marvelous storyteller and he makes the history come alive as he weaves the story of America's music and its history."
    – Niva, Be'er Sheva, Israel

  • "We have seen both Stranger in a Strange Land and An Irish Homecoming. Both presentations were entertaining and extremely informative. The pictures were beautiful, Patrick's music is delightful, and his narrative was extremely insightful. In short, both evenings were wonderful."
    – Barry and Lauren, Medina, OH

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