Seldom Sober, but always entertaining: Savannah bids farewell to beloved Irish Duo
After 17 long years, the Savannah Irish music duo draws the final curtain
The vibrant city of Savannah, known for its rich Irish cultural fabric, is bidding farewell to an iconic part of its music landscape. The beloved Irish music duo, Seldom Sober, has announced their retirement after sharing their distinctive musical talents with the city for nearly two decades. Michael Corbett, a Boston native, and Colleen Steele, a New Yorker, were the heart and soul of Seldom Sober, gracing countless events, shows, and impromptu jam sessions with their uniquely Irish music repertoire.
The Journey of Seldom Sober
For Corbett, the journey into Irish music started in his high school years when he saw the Clancy Brothers perform. What was once an interest turned into a passion and, ultimately, a profession. Corbett learned to play guitar with the sole purpose of performing Irish music, thus setting a solid foundation for the duo’s authentic Irish sound. This authenticity was bolstered by Steele’s contributions: her remarkable skills on the fiddle characterized their performances and distinguished them from other Irish musicians in the Southeast.
From Boston to Savannah
While the cost of living was a significant reason for Corbett’s move from Boston to Savannah, the rich Irish cultural scene in Savannah proved appealing as well. In fact, before Seldom Sober was even conceived, Corbett had already envisioned the potential of Savannah as a perfect stage for their performances.
The Birth and Growth of Seldom Sober
Corbett and Steele kicked off their musical partnership at Murphy’s Law Pub on Congress Street. It was in this small Irish pub that Seldom Sober was born and where the duo honed their music and harmonized their styles. Gradually, their performances at the pub earned them a robust following in the local Irish community.
The Unforgettable Session Nights
In the years following their debut, Seldom Sober became a fixture at local pubs, performing informal sessions with local musicians. These gatherings were an opportunity for the duo to learn new material and engage with their audience, providing a unique outlet for their music even after the closure of Kevin Barry’s, their primary performance venue.
Farewell to Seldom Sober
The decision to retire was influenced in part by Steele’s health issues, but also the challenges linked to their ageing and the physical strain of performing long pub gigs. Although Corbett plans to continue playing, Steele made it clear her last professional performance would be on April 19.
Seldom Sober and St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day was a highlight in the duo’s performance calendar, often providing memorable experiences for both the performers and their audiences. Playing from 2 pm to 2 am, the duo fascinated both the locals and tourists with their music, leaving indelible impressions that linger even as they plan their exit from the professional scene.
Honoring Irish Culture and History
More than just a professional endeavor, Seldom Sober was a conduit for Corbett and Steele to connect with their ancestry and share the history and spirit of Irish culture with their audience. It was a mission to promote Irish culture in Savannah – a mission they can proudly declare accomplished.
As Seldom Sober draws the curtain after 17 years, their legacy and impact on Savannah’s cultural landscape will undoubtedly continue to echo in the city’s numerous pubs and in the hearts of their loyal listeners.
