If I had the music in me, it would be fiddle tunes played in the Sligo style. For those of you who think all Irish music sounds alike (my husband is one of those), an evening listening to someone really talented playing in this highly ornamented, lively style will change your mind.
You have that chance on Saturday night at the Coatesville Cultural Society when the renowned Brian Conway will play, accompanied by Brendan Dolan on piano and flute. The Bronx-born Conway was encouraged by his musical parents, Jim and Rose, immigrants from County Tyrone. His first instructor was fiddler Martin Mulvihill of Limerick, one of the most acclaimed teachers of Irish music in America. His album, “First Through the Gate,” was named CD of the Year by The Irish Echo newspaper in 2002.
But you have to hear him—and you can, on his website. See if you don’t think that the Sligo style is something special.
Also on Saturday, the Celtic Cultural Alliance, those wonderful folks who bring you the Bethlehem Celtic Fest, will be holding their fundraising campaign kick-off at Bethlehem BrewWorks in the Christmas city.
You have plenty of sessions to attend right up to Thanksgiving, but save some room for next weekend’s Mid-Atlantic Oireachtas, the regional championships for Irish dance, which will be held in Philadelphia at the Downtown Marriott. See all of last year’s fun.
Enter the Haggis is also appearing at the World Café Live next weekend. They usually play to sellout crowds so make that call or go to the website today.
Next Friday is the official kickoff of the Christmas buying season. Consider gifting your loved ones with something Irish from one of the many Irish shops in the region. You can find them at our handy-dandy virtual mall. Support your local community! If you’re out at King of Prussia Mall on Black Friday, head over to Kildare’s where Blackthorn will be cheering up the crowd.
And you can get all the details on what’s happening, Irish style, on our kicking calendar. Today, tomorrow, and for who knows how far in the future.
Happy Thanksgiving from the staff of www.irishphiladelphia.com!
