There are high hopes in Ferndale, Michigan. Opposite to Shaun Clancy of Foley's Pub and Restaurant in Manhattan who is loathe to hear "Danny Boy" in March, A.J. O'Neil, owner of A.J. Café, has been hustling to get enough folks together to break the Guinness Book of World Records in a "Danny Boy" singing/playing the song marathon for a St. Patrick Day first.

Here's how it will work. Starting at 3 p.m. today, various musicians will take turns belting out the lyrics or playing the tune "Danny Boy." The goal is to have the singing and playing go non-stop for 50 hours. The end point is March 17 at about 5 p.m. [see article] The marathon is also a fundraiser. Gleaners Community Food Bank, Ferndale Youth Assistance, St. Patrick Senior Center in Detroit and Detroit Together Men's Chorus will benefit from the proceeds. Ah, creativity at its finest.

A few days ago, 600 people had signed up to participate but a few hundred more were needed. Folks can rap, sing, play an instrument, whistle, hum, whatever it takes to keep the song going over and over and over again.

I hope Mr. O'Neil still likes "Danny Boy" once this marathon is over. I'm sure he'll know the words. Let's hope he has the luck of the Irish and gets the record for his efforts.

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