There’s only one break in the holiday action this week: The irrepressible Malachy McCourt—actor, barkeep, politician, author—who will be signing his books (like “Danny Boy” and “The History of Ireland”) at Donegal Square in downtown Bethlehem on Saturday, December 13. Oh wait–a signed McCourt book will make a nice Christmas gift for some Irishophile on your list. So, we’re wrong. No break.
Continue the holiday cheer on Saturday at the Willows Mansion in Villanova where Philadelphia’s Rose of Tralee, Colleen Tully, will be hosting a family-friendly holiday party featuring music, vendors, crafts, and Santa himself. And there’s some good-deed doing involved. Bring a nonperishable food item for the Delco Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry and receive 5 free raffle tickets.
The fabulous local group Burning Bridget Cleary will be holding a CD Release Party and Holiday Show at the Steel City Coffee House in Phoenixville on Saturday night. Their new release is called “Everything is Alright,” and, given everything going on in the economy, we’re hoping they’re being prescient.
History buff alert: On Sunday, go back in time with Robert Mouland at the Durand-Heddon House in Maplewood, NJ. Mouland will be portraying Michael Keane, an Irish harper?who came to America in 1754 with the Royal Governor of North Carolina. He will perform on the cláirseach na h’Eireann (wirestrung Irish harp), baroque violin (c.1760), baroque flute (c.1795), English guittar (c.1770) and union pipes.
Also for history buffs (who like stories and music together), at the Sellersville Theater, favorites Coyote Run will present “A Kilted Christmas.” Expect trad, rock, bagpipes, even a didgeridoo, and lots of fun.
A reminder to you session fanatics: We’ve added a new session at the Auld Dubliner Irish Pub in Gloucester City, NJ, where you can also see some of your local favorites including Kane and Beatty (December 13) and an Irish Christmas Party with the Malones and their Cousin (December 21).
By December 19 you should be finished your Christmas shopping, right? So plan on celebrating the holiday with your friends at the Irish Center, where the amazing Andy Cooney Band from New York is headlining a 50th Anniversary holiday extravaganza featuring comedian George Casey and others. Dinner is available (and can we just say, Mickey Kavanaugh knows his way around a kitchen) and, of course, there’s dancing.
That same night, that crazy Celtic-Klezmer band Scythian is holding its holiday show at the Sellersville Theare, and singer Seamus Kennedy is throwing his party at the Icehouse in Bethlehem. So many choices, so little time!
Are you planning a holiday party, looking for the perfect gift, need a break? Check out your local Irish pub, restaurant, and gift shop. Times are tough and they can use the business. Let’s keep the Irish community alive and vibrant!
