OFTEN overlooked as the unsung heroes of Irish music are the solo ballad singers who are called upon time after time for all kinds of benefits to help out their fellow Hibernians.

Many have toiled in the Irish pub scene and festival stages for decades playing a very important role in the entertainment scene without the safety net of decent health insurance or income options should tragedy befall them.

One of them in need right now is the very classy troubadour Danny Doyle from Dublin, who makes his home in Virginia. With a velvet voice and dramatic flair, Doyle has a way of making even the most familiar Irish songs come alive in bard-like fashion that transports you to the very heart of the song.

After surgery in August for blockage in his carotid artery, that voice is stilled and he is unable to perform for the time being and hence, he isn't getting paid for his canceled gigs.

His friends in the Washington, D.C. area have mounted a benefit concert at the Four Fields Pub (3412 Connecticut Avenue NW in D.C.) on Sunday, November 18, from 4-9 p.m. that will include many fine singers and performers who have befriended him over the years.

It features Seamus Kennedy, St. Brendan's Fair Isle, Danny O'Flaherty, Jesse and Michael Winch, Dominick Murray, Liam Maguire, Pat Garvey, Brendan Sheridan and the Culkin School of Dance.

Donations can also be sent to the Friends of Danny Doyle; 3902 Aspen St., Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815 or call 202-244-0860.