Think of Sunday, August 24, as benefit day.
Starting at 5 p.m., enjoy a terrific group of Irish performers who are donating their time to raise money to keep Irish radio alive at WTMR 800 FM. The show, to be held at the Irish Center in Mount Airy, will benefit The Vince Gallagher Radio Hour and “Come West Along the Road,” Marianne MacDonald’s traditional music show. Both air on Sundays from 11 to 1. On the bill are Blackthorn’s John Boyce (and friends—we’re anxious to see who he’s bringing); the King Brothers, singer Terry Kane, Round Tower, fiddler Mary Malone, piper Den Vykopel, banjo player Fintan Malone, singers Tom and Marian Gittelman, ceili dance specialists Kevin and Jimmy McGillian, and many others. Along with music and dancing, there’s a buffet dinner donated by caterer Mickey Kavanaugh and drinks are always available at my favorite bar. Tickets are $20 and include the buffet, music, and a chance to win some terrific door prizes.
If you’ve already made a pledge and haven’t sent it in, mail your donation to WTMR Radio, C/O Sunday Irish Radio Shows, 2775 Mt. Ephraim Avenue, Camden, NJ 08104. If you haven’t made a pledge and would like to donate, do the same thing. Write “Irish Radio Shows” on your check. Thanks!
And yes, you can do both benefits if you really want to. The other one starts at on Sunday, at Maggie O’Neill’s Pub and Restaurant in Drexel Hill, will benefit Team Ratty Shoes. The name comes from a Blackthorn song, and is the wonderful crew assembled by Blackthorn fan Patti Byrd to participate in the annual fundraising walk for the Delaware Valley Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Random Blonde will be performing, and we hear that band member Seamus McGroary has become the newest member of Team Ratty Shoes. Yes, he’ll be hoofing it for charity this fall. You rock, Seamus! I mean, really.
We would be remiss if we didn’t remind you of the Berks Celtic Oyster Fest on Saturday, August 23, in Mohnton, near Reading. Along with the oyster-eating contest, you can enjoy music, more seafood, Celtic vendors, and just have a good old time. This festival is in its sixth year, so you know it has to be great.
And if you’re out back-to-school shopping this weekend, head over to Five Below for school supplies. Take this coupon http://pae.nationalmssociety.org/site/DocServer/CHW_Team_Ratty_Shoes_5_Below.pdf?docID=31555 and Team Ratty Shoes will get a percentage of the sale for MS research. You’ll find a list of all the stores in the tri-state area on our calendar.
And speaking of our calendar, check it out for all the details of this week’s events. It misses you when you don’t.
