If you live in southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware, here are some great links and events that I've come across. If you have a link or event that you'd like to add, please e-mail me. I will make every effort to post them in time, however sometimes life intervenes...
Daltai na Gaeilge: (Irish for "students of Irish") This is a nonprofit group dedicated to teaching the Irish language and culture. They are based in New Jersey, but have immersion programs in the Irish language around the country. They also may be able to hook you up with a teacher of Irish in your area. Their immersion programs are for a day, a weekend or a week, and consist of Irish classes, workshops in musical instruments and dance, lectures, and fun ceilis with live music. Their web site has audio of Irish words and phrases, so you can hear how words are pronounced; a message board for questions; lots of info about the Irish language; vocabulary; info about upcoming and photos of past Daltai events, and much more.
East of the Hebrides: Promoters Bill and Karen Reid hold a number of Irish and Scottish music festivals in the wide Delaware Valley area, throughout the year, including in the Poconos, New Jersey, northern Delaware, and southeast Pennsylvania. The music is always great and varied - and there are also celtic vendors, Irish and Scottish food (as well as American), representation of nonprofit groups and organizations, and much more.
The Irish Memorial: An Gorta Mor (the Great Hunger) of the mid-19th century in Ireland was a tragedy of major proportion, causing the deaths of one million people and forcing another 1-2 million to emigrate. Recently this history has been taught in the schools and in communities, to raise awareness and to try to prevent such things from happening again. A memorial to the famine has been created by sculptor Glenna Goodacre, and placed at Front and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia. The landscaping has plants native to Ireland. There are also educational tools at the site, to help teach people about the famine. The sculpture itself is very large and made of bronze (see photos to the right and below).
The Irish Edition is a newspaper published near Philadelphia, which covers events both here and in Ireland. It comes out once a month (about 20-some pages), and has so many interesting sections every month. Local Irish-related events are posted, including fraternal organizations, festivals, concerts, seisiuns, etc.; and there are always articles and columns about current and political events concerning Ireland and from Ireland; there is a large column devoted to recent CD releases with enthusiastic reviews; cultural news such as theater, prose, poetry, dance, art, etc.; and Irish sports news. They can be reached by e-mail at ired@voicenet.com) or at (215) 836-1929.
The Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival is a theater group based at 2111 Sansom Street in Philadelphia. This year (2005) they are going to have three plays running concurrently in the spring. They have been around for about 6 years, and the level of their productions is very high. They have a grass roots feel, and their plays are always so spirited, original and imaginative, including the acting, scenery, costumes, music, etc. One special thing about them is that they present Shakespeare in such a clear fashion that it is easy to follow and enjoy the story. Sometimes they take creative liberties with music or costumes, etc. to produce a contemporary edge. See also Philly Shakespeare for more information.
Famine Memorial Sculpture by Glenna Goodacre, Philadelphia, PA (at Front & Chestnut Streets near Penns Landing) - This large bronze sculpture (12 feet high by 12 feet wide by 24 feet long) contains about 35 figures. The sculpture consists of the metaphorical journey of emigrants of the Irish famine from their beloved land to a ship that carried them over the great ocean to a new land of promise and survival. Emigrants enter the ship on one side of the sculpture, and on the other side of the sculpure, immigrants leave the ship to begin their new lives in America. This photo, taken by my sister-in-law, Ann Hazlett, shows the sculpture from the side representing people struggling during the Irish famine of the mid-19th century. Celtic crosses are shown, and the figures are shown trying to scavenge a spoiled potato crop, and crowding up toward the inside of the sailing ship. The sculpture has been installed in its permanent location, and is landscaped with plants native to Ireland and America. At the landing in America, a tall male figure with a top hat welcomes the new immigrants (shown in the left side of the photo to the left, in front of the flag pole).
The Irish Repertory Theatre of Philadelphia is located at the Lion Theater at 4442 Frankford Avenue in Philly. In March and April of 2004 they presented Brian Friel's play Translations. The play The Whiteheaded Boy by Lennox Robinson, who was the manager of the early Abbey Theatre, ran from November 5-21, 2004. Call 215-744-5277 for more information. The Irish Repertory Theatre of Philadelphia is located at 4442 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124.
There are about four events a year, in the mid-winter and mid-summer, and spring and fall. They have as many as three stages of music going at once - with great traditional and contemporary celtic music from the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, England and Brittany. And there is always so much more to do and see there as well.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCE DATES FOR DAN PAISLEY & THE SOUTHERN GRASS CAN BE FOUND AT www.southerngrass.net. Click on "Schedule"
Brian Conway - Sunday session at Dunne's based on the Wednesday night format. The first session will be February 13th from 5:30-8:30. Gabe Donohue will be with him to launch the Sunday sessions. More details to follow. Dunne's is located at 15 Shapham Place in White Plains, New York and the phone number there is 914-421-1451. The session gets going at 7:30. See www.brianconway.com
The session at Blaggards is sponsored by Ull Mor Nua Eabhrac, The New York Branch of Comhaltas (CCE) every Sunday, from 5 to 8 pm, and is located at 8 West 38th Street (just west of Fifth Avenue), Manhattan (212-382-2611)
The New Castle County Irish Society is located in Wilmington, Delaware at 1301 South Rodney Street. Their phone number is 302-655-8097. They have many Irish activities, including ceili dances and ceili dance lessons, concerts, potluck dinners, parties, and more.
Ian Gallagher is a performer equally at home singing traditional Irish folk tunes and contemporary music including blues, rock, jazz, country and soul. Though his music is firmly based in Irish tradition, Ian Gallagher's professional manner, warmth and years of experience will make entertainment one less thing to worry about. Relax - you've got the best in live entertainment. Irish affairs our specialty.
Ronnie's Sports Bar and Family Restaurant, 215-217 South Street, Holyoke, MA 01040, 413-536-0484 (home of the largest St. Patrick's parade in the area outside of Boston). We have an open Irish session on Sundays, from 1pm-4pm. Our session is hosted by Pat Dunn, a young man from the Black Velvet Band. Pat is a first generation American and he goes often to Ireland to study the traditional music and instruments. You can bring your family.
Brian Conway Biography
New York born fiddler Brian Conway is a leading exponent of the highly ornamented Sligo fiddling style made famous by the late Michael Coleman. The winner of two All-Ireland junior titles in 1973 and 1974 and the All-Ireland senior championship of 1986, Brian's early studies were with his father Jim of Plumbridge, County Tyrone and with Limerick born fiddler/teacher Martin Mulvihill. However, it was the legendary fiddler and composer Martin Wynne who taught him the real secrets of the County Sligo style. Later, Brian met and befriended the great Andy McGann of New York, a direct student of Michael Coleman, who further shaped his precision and skill on the instrument. In 1979, Brian recorded a duet album, The Apple in Winter, with fellow New York fiddler Tony Demarco. He recently released a new solo CD called First Through the Gate in July 2002. This CD was voted the prestigious Album of the Year by the Irish Echo http://www.brianconway.com/review1.html. He has recorded with many of the great Irish musicians of our time, including accordion player Joe Burke. Brian is also featured on the CD, My Love is in America, recorded at the Boston College Irish Fiddle Festival, and on the documentary "Shore to Shore" which highlights traditional Irish music in New York. Brian remains faithful to the rich tradition handed down to him. The directness of his tone, the lift of his playing, and the deft ornamentation he brings to the tunes have placed him among the finest Irish fiddlers of any style. He has performed all over North America from San Francisco to New York and places in between. His talents have also been enthusiastically received throughout Ireland and the rest of Europe. He is also a noted instructor who has mentored many fine fiddle players.
Irish Music in Coatesville, PA - Coatesville Traditional Irish Music Series is now online: The former "Library Guy Productions" concert series in Coatesville, PA, now the "Coatesville Traditional Irish Music Series" (CTIMS) finally has a real web presence. You may want to read about the whole shebang - history, past events and upcoming concerts and workshops at this location: http://ctims.oldmusicproject.com/
www.shopirish.com - Creative Irish Gifts was founded with the sole purpose of financially supporting the activities of the Irish Children's Fund, Inc. This is a non-profit organization that fosters understanding between Protestant and Catholic youngsters in the troubled areas of Belfast. Both non-political and interdenominational, ICF has enriched the lives of over 3,000 children since its founding in 1982. As part of ICF's reconciliation program, 150 twelve-year-olds from Belfast's segregated neighborhoods are selected each year to spend a five-week summer holiday in the United States. Represented in equal numbers, these Protestant and Catholic children bear the scars of deep historical hatred.
Hosted by American families, the youngsters participate in a wide range of recreational activities, including a summer camp that uses team games to buidl trust and encourage cooperation. When they return to Belfast, the reconciliation process continues with get-togethers and a summer camp. Three years later, the children return to the United States to take part in a voluntary work program and renew the relationships they've developed.
Cash contributions to The Irish Children's Fund, Inc. can be sent to: ICF, 55 A W. St. Charles Road, Villa Park, IL 60181, phone 630-833-1910. Contributions are tax-deductible under federal law.
ICF has a catalogue of available items, which you can get by contacting them. It has a great number of Irish-related items, such as jewelry, clothing, food, and many others, including a practice bagpipe for $175.00 and a bodhran for about $28.00. There are a lot of good Christmas gifts here!
CLAN NA GAEL REUNION TOUR
Before there was Seven Nations, there was Clan na Gael - Kirk McLeod, Neil Anderson, Struby and Nick Watson. Seven Nations is the most popular celtic rock band in the U.S. The four original members of Clan na Gael reunited for a 4-concert tour in October and November 2005. (See photos of the Glenside concert) Bagpipes and rock music - a natural blend - the pipes sound like electric guitars! and celtic music has always had a strong "beat" - which for us rock fans is the most important thing. Plus, they both have "attitude"!
Neil sang and played highland bagpipes, the uilleann pipes (the Irish bagpipe), and tinwhistle; Kirk sang, played keyboards, guitar; Struby played electric guitar; and Nick Watson played the drums. You really had to be there - it can't be described!
COMPASS RECORDS - A site for independent and quality roots music and American Irish traditional music - Free downloads, multimedia section with posters, press photos and streaming videos. A new blog, open to your comments and featuring guest postings from Compass artists. RSS feeds with updates on new releases, Compass Records news, contests and giveaways. Up-to-date, easily accessible information on all of your favorite Compass Records artists.
Irish Language Greeting Cards - including birthday, sympathy, Christmas, St. Patrick's Day, and congratulations cards - Nancy Doyle Fine Art
DVD SUNRISE ON THE WICKLOW HILLS, 400 years of Wicklow songs - now available - available from Mattie Lennon, 15 Weston Heights, Weston Park, Lucan, Co. Dublin, Ireland - Stories and legends of County Wicklow as told through its ballads. 57 minutes of footage, which, along with old photos and sketches, depicts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Price: 22 Euro (including P&P)
IRISH LANGUAGE - Irish Language schools, phrases and more
The Heart of Camden is a local non-profit community development corporation dedicated to the revitalization of the South Camden neighborhood known as Waterfront South. Their Mission is to restore the dignity and quality of life in the community through programs for housing restoration, economic expansion and human development.
Among many other fine programs, the Heart of Camden holds a Celtic Spring concert each January, with Irish music and dance provided by Mick Moloney and Friends at Sacred Heart Church. (What a great show! - Webmaster)
Documentary by Shawn Swords, director/producer of The Blackthorn Documentary that was on UPN 57: about Charlie Gracie, an early rock'n'roll pioneer and guitar legend, called "Fabulous," that had a Philadelphia Premiere April 27th at The Regal Plymouth 10 (Conshohocken) with two shows at 7:00 and 8:30 pm. The world premiere was at The Delray Beach Film Festival and this exhibition will be the hometown exhibition. The documentary was on PBS (channel 12) on June 6th. There is a nice mix of local talent including Paul Moore (Blackthorn) and Tommy Conwell.
Gracie brought early American rock'n'roll to England, and many British rockers admire him, including Paul McCartney, Van Morrison, Graham Nash and Ray Davies, as well as George Harrison. The documentary includes interviews from many rock artists and music industry notables, and is about 55 minutes long. Properly credentialed press admitted gratis. The Rockabilly Hall of Fame website has a posting about the premiere.
NEW FROM SHAWN SWORDS is a documentary covering the Philadelphia music scene from 1952 thru 1957, which premiered at The Wildwood By The Sea Film Festival on September 29th. For more information, please visit www.characterdrivenfilms.com.
My Irish Jeweler has a collection of useful and relevant resources their site, as well as jewelry direct from Ireland
www.folkjam.org is a growing national list of user-contributed acoustic jam sessions in many styles. If you attend or run acoustic jam sessions please consider registering at www.folkjam.org (free, we just need a valid email address to fend off spammers) and contributing your sessions to the site.
[find jams. post jams. play well with others]
Kami Music Co. is a family owned business, manufacturing bagpipes for 50 years - uilleann pipes, Irish pipes, Scottish Highland Bagpipes, Smallpipes, Pipe Chanters, Reeds, Tone Enhancers and a range of other music instruments and accessories.
Green Willow Folk Club is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. They have some great concerts year-round at several venues in the Delaware Valley area. They are dedicated to the preservation and growth of British Isles and Celtic Folk Music. Some of the groups they have presented include the Irish band Teada and the Scottish band Old Blind Dogs.
CCC CELT - A library of Celtic books, music and other materials is located mainly at Bucks County Community College, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This library of Celtic materials is available to anyone at the library, and also through inter-library loan. CCC CELT also puts out an annual Celtic Directory, which consists of Celtic businesses, individuals, events and resources in music, fraternal organizations, media, and just about every other category in the Delaware Valley and elsewhere. Please visit www.ccccelt.org for more information and to order a Celtic directory for 2008.
A Tribute to Andy McGann is a new CD from Joe Burke, Brian Conway and Felix Dolan in tribute to New York fiddler, the late Andy McGann, the standard-bearer of the Sligo-American style made famous by Michael Coleman. On April 1, 2006 in the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago, Joe Burke, Felix Dolan and Brian Conway performed together in a concert titled 'A Tribute to Andy McGann,' honoring a great musician and friend who had passed away in 2004. Four tracks recorded live at that concert are included on A Tribute to Andy McGann together with several other tracks chosen to commemorate and celebrate the life of Andy McGann and to represent the Sligo-American style. A Tribute to Andy McGann is available in music shops and from www.cic.ie.
The CD was launched at the Willie Clancy festival in Miltown Malbay on July 8th.
BRANDYWINE FRIENDS OF OLD TIME MUSIC:
PHILADELPHIA CEILI GROUP
The Philadelphia Ceili Group, c/o The Commodore Barry Club (Irish Center of Philadelphia), 6815 Emlen St., Philadelphia, PA 19119 - 215-242-4280
The PCG began in 1958 with the purpose of fostering the lively Irish traditional arts and culture in the Philadelphia region. In preparation for the celebration of 50 years of its existence the Commore Barry Club, with assistance from the Philadelphia Ceili Group and county and AOH organizations will host the second star-studded concert to be held in the Grand Ballroom at the Commodore Barry Club.
Notes: The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Joseph E. Montgomery Division 65 is hosting the 2nd annual Fleadh an Earraigh at the Commodore Barry Club in the Irish Center. This year we will honor Jim Kilgallen and Paul Phillips for their service and dedication to AOH Division 65 and the Irish Catholic communities of the Philadelphia area.
We are also proud to announce the 1st Annual Joseph E. Montgomery award. This year's recipient is AOH National Vice President Seamus Boyle. We hope you will again support this year's event and make it as successful as last year.
Below is a tentative list of events the Irish Center hopes to have over the next year. If anyone is interested in volunteering or planning any of these events please contact sales@theirishcenter.com
* May Concert event
* September Birthday Bash
* October Halloween Party
* November Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame and other Ball events
* December Christmas Party
Celtic Concert - July 15, 2008
This summer, as part of the Summer Carillon Concert series in Fort Washington (at St. Thomas' Church, Whitemarsh located at Church Road and Bethlehem Pike), we will feature an evening of Celtic Colours on the Green on July 15th. Celtic music will be highlighted in the performance by carillonneur Laurel MacKenzie at 7:00 pm, and a performance of the Brandywine Celtic Harp Orchestra will follow.
More information to follow.
The date is May 4th, 2008 from 4 to 8 pm. Our musical guests are Fitch and Round Tower. Catering will be provided by Mickey Kavanaugh and Una Mullen. The Irish Center will provide a cash bar. An ad book form is also planned. We will also have raffle items and a silent auction. Please remit payment for tickets to AOH Div. 65, 4 Old State Road, Box 165, Media, PA 19063
Notes: Tickets must be purchased in advance. This event sells out, so make sure to get tickets early! Black tie optional - Dinner and Dancing - The Andy Cooney Band
