ISLANDER PAT BONNER - MI IRISH AMERICAN HALL OF FAME

[BI Historical Society]

In the category of Arts & Entertainment, the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame inducts legendary Beaver Island fiddler Patrick Bonner. Patrick (Pat) Bonner was born on Beaver Island November 7, 1882. He lived his entire life on Beaver Island other than some winters late in his life. He died October 26, 1973 at the age of 91. Pat began playing his fiddle as a boy. He never took music lessons but learned to play by listening to other players, friends and neighbors on the Island. Many of the Islanders were native Irish and brought the original Irish melodies with them from Ireland. Pat became proficient at the lilting Irish melodies popular at that time. He played for dances, weddings, anniversaries and celebrations of all kinds. Since he played by ear, he could listen to tunes and after some practice play them himself. Legendary American folklorist Alan Lomax spent time on Beaver Island in 1938. He recorded Patâ??s music for the Library of Congress. Subsequent recordings were made by the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. His ear for the lilting Irish melodies was so acute that the music department at the University of Michigan made tapes of his music for their archives. Pat also wrote poems relating to Irish and Beaver Island heritage, some of which were also recorded by Lomax. Pat made a living as a small farmer and jobs that became available on Beaver Island. His first priority however was his fiddle and his Irish music. He was able to play until shortly before his death in 1973.


The award will be given at the MICHIGAN IRISH MUSIC FESTIVAL, at noon on Saturday, September 19, 2015. Patrick's son, Robert Bonner will attend and receive the award on behalf of the family. Pat's protege and biographer, Glen Hendrix, will be playing Pat's fiddle as a prelude to the ceremony, and at the reception in the Tea Room after. To Beaver Islanders from event organizer Mick Lane "Your home is legendary in Irish American history, come help us celebrate it!"

MI Irish American Hall of Fame link: http://www.michiganirishamericanhalloff ... inductees/
MI Irish Music Festival link: http://www.michiganirish.org/home