Tommy Sands at Monmouth University

An intimate concert of songs and stories in New Jersey.

Monmouth University welcomed Tommy to its campus on 4 March 2013, at the opening of his spring American tour. The concert was presented alongside the university’s new Irish Studies programme, bringing his songwriting and experiences of Northern Ireland to a university audience.

A shared stage with Fionán

The university’s advance announcement named Fionán Sands as Tommy’s fellow performer, playing mandolin and banjo. It described a programme drawing on Let the Circle Be Wide and Arising from the Troubles, alongside familiar songs and personal stories.

Songs that invite people in

Reporting after the event, the campus newspaper The Outlook described Tommy and Fionán performing together, weaving humour and serious reflection into the music. Its account recalls audience participation and stories connecting Tommy’s songs with his peace work.

The concert on film

The university’s video presents an intimate Tommy Sands concert. It was uploaded on 1 July 2013; that is the video’s publication date. The contemporary campus sources document his March visit, although the video description does not itself give a recording date.

Watch the concert

Watch on YouTube ↗ · Read the university’s concert announcement ↗