Join us at the ICC on Tuesday, June 16 for Plight of the Bumble Bee, a captivating short film that takes you deep into the world of bees and their profound connection to Irish religion, folklore, and biodiversity. Accompanied by a unique live soundtrack of traditional Irish music, this is a special event you do not want to miss.
Tickets
$30 for ICC Patrons / $35 General. Purchase tickets online >
Or call 413-342-4358 (for parties of more than 6 people, please call due to limited table setup).
Doors open at 5 pm for a social hour. The film is presented from 6–7 pm. Guests are welcome to stay for a meet and greet from 7–8 pm. The Trinity Pub bar will be open for purchase, with light snacks provided by the ICC.
About the Film
This thought-provoking documentary explores the vital role bees play in our ecosystems, the challenges they face, and how we can help ensure their survival. With moments of sadness, humour and ultimately hope, the film beautifully weaves a narrative that highlights the urgent need to protect biodiversity, both in Ireland and across the globe.
The stories of the Irish saints associated with our bees are colourfully animated by Ruth Clinton and Clare Henderson. Featuring heartfelt interviews, such as with Kilkenny native 81-year-old Peter Walsh, who’s been counting bees since 1959, and showcasing a 5km biodiversity corridor created by locals in Skerries, it debunks myths and inspires action.
Accompanied by a unique live soundtrack of traditional Irish music composed by Brenda Castles, Plight of the Bumble Bee is a celebration of nature, community, and resilience. Prepare to be inspired. Prepare to act. This is a story not just about bees, it’s about us all.
View the trailer >
Musicians Accompanying the Film at the ICC
Brenda Castles – Brenda Castles hails from Co. Meath and honed her concertina skills under the tutelage of Rena Traynor and Mícheál Ó’Raghallaigh. She released two solo albums of concertina music in 2016 and 2021.
Brenda is a seasoned performer and often graced stages alongside Mick Moloney’s Green Fields of America. Beyond her musical endeavours, Brenda has delved into the realm of film, creating and producing the evocative short film Plight of the Bumble Bee, complete with a traditionally inspired soundtrack of her own composition, for which she received the Brian O’Donovan Award in January 2025. The film was shortlisted for the 2025 Powerscourt Nature Media award.
Notable recent Irish performances include a headline solo concert at Temple Bar TradFest, Dublin, an appearance on Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ’s Late Late Show, Earth Rising Festival in the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and the ITMA’s Drawing From the Well concert in Dublin’s National Concert Hall.
David McKindley-Ward – Award winning musician and singer, David McKindley-Ward, grew up in the DC area steeped in folk, traditional, and protest music from all over the world. From his folk foundation of Pete Segeer and Stan Rogers, he found a love for Irish music from cassette tape recordings of the old folk revival balladeers from the 50s and 60s; the Clancy brothers and Tommy Makem, the Dubliners, The Wolftones, and many more. His interest in traditional singing grew when exposed to such greats as Paul Brady, Dolores Keane, and Donal Maguire. David collaborates with many Irish singers and instrumentalists, including, Eimear Arkins, Liz Hanley, Brenda Castles, Joey Abarta, Allen Murray, and many others. He has recorded three albums with singer-songwriter Letitia VanSant, their latest release Eye of the Storm will be released this year.
Over the last few years, he has made a name for himself as a touring artist across the US, Ireland and the UK and a regular performer and instructor at festivals including O’Flaherty’s Irish Retreat, Atlanta Irish Fest, Baltimore Tradfest, Celtic Fest Mississippi, the Ashokan Center, The Philadelphia Céilí Group Traditional Irish music and Dance Weekend, and the Augusta Irish Retreat.
Eimear Arkins – Eimear Arkins is an award winning musician and singer from County Clare. She has toured throughout the US, Ireland and beyond with acclaimed bands like Cherish The Ladies, Téada, and Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas. She is regularly seen performing with harp player and St Louis native, Eileen Gannon and guitar/bouzouki player and singer David McKindley-Ward. Eimear has also toured extensively with the international music organization Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann on concert tours throughout Ireland, Britain, North America and Canada and with the internationally renowned show Brú Ború.
Eimear is a qualified Irish music and dance instructor and has performed and given workshops at festivals all over the world. In June 2018 she released her debut album, What’s Next? and was awarded “Best Newcomer” from LiveIreland in 2019. Eimear released her second album, Here & There, in 2024 featuring collaborations with David McKindley Ward, Eileen Gannon, Alan Murray and Kevin Buckley. She was named one of The Irish Echo’s top 40 under 40 honorees in 2025 and was awarded ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’ from Ireland Tonight. Eimear and Eileen Gannon recently released their duet album The Belles of St. Louis.
Please let us know if accessible seating is required. Seating includes tables with regular height chairs, taller bistro-style chairs, and the bar. All sales are final. Refunds are given ONLY in the event of cancellation by performers.
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