Irish-American actress Kathy Kinney doesn't really look like her Mimi Bobek character from The Drew Carey Show... see for yourself when she signs her new book in the Philly area this week.
This weekend you can help the Hibernians help a veteran in need, see the flashing hard shoes of Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance,” dance your own feet off at AOH Notre Dame Division 1’s annual ceili, and see Burning Bridget Cleary burn up the stage at the Dutch Country Playhouse in Telford.
All in all, not a bad weekend to be Irish.
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, AOH Division 51 is holding its fourth annual “Fill the cart-help a vet in need” project at the Thriftway at Aramingo and York in Philadelphia. Food donations will help homeless vets served by the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service and Education Center.
On stage at the Merriam Theater through Monday is the touring company of “Lord of the Dance,” a classic good vs. evil story told in Irish dance. We talked to the evil Dark Lord himself, dancer Adam McSharry, last week. It’s his eighth year as the embodiment of evil and he loves it.
Burning Bridget Cleary is a hot—really—local group that’s destined for big things. This is your chance to see them locally in concert on Saturday night in Telford.
In a dancing mood? Head over to Swedesburg and move your feet to the music of Tom McHugh and Kevin and Jimmy McGillian.
On Sunday night, Bill and Karen Reid are hosting a house party featuring Brother, a Celtic rock group. There’s limited seating so call now.
On Thursday, the Irish Network-Philadelphia group (we call them IN-Philly because we know them, but you can too) will hold its second happy hour at Maggie O’Neill’s Pub in Drexel Hill. Look for monthly get-togethers, including some tag rugby (we’ll be taking a pass on that) down the line and a trip to one of the Irish Center’s popular Rambling House events.
You probably remember Irish-American actress Kathy Kinney as the make-up-impaired Mimi Bobeck on The Drew Carey Show. She and friend, Cindy Ratzlaff, have just written a book called “Queen of Your Own Life,” which encourages women to claim their happiness—and even wear a crown once in a while. She’ll be at the Barnes and Noble Store in Cherry Hill on Thursday night signing books (sans Mimi makeup, but perhaps wearing a crown). It’s a well-written, funny book (you expected something less?) that’s as wise as it is wise-ass.
Country music singer-songwriter Craig Bickhardt is making his every third Thursday appearance this week at The Shanachie in Ambler. He’s played with and recorded with the best, including Martina McBride, B.B. King, Vince Gill, The Judds and Ray Charles.
Next weekend is a killer: So much to choose from, so little time. The Philadelphia Ceili Group is holding a fundraiser on Saturday, May 22, to help finance its annual traditional music festival in September. They’re pulling from the city’s bountiful local talent, including fiddler Paraic Keane, guitarist John Brennan, and whistle and flute maven Paddy O’Neill to create a brilliant, home-grown concert. Requested donation is $15, but give more—it’s tax deductible.
On Sunday afternoon, one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People—Philadelphia nun and activist for the homeless, Sister Mary Scullion—will be among 11 Delaware Valley Irish and Irish-American women honored at the Irish Center in its first Inspirational Irish Women awards event. The cocktail reception and awards program kicks off an art exhibit of portraits by Pat Gallagher, formerly of the Main Line and the son of Irish immigrants. Go to the Web site to order tickets.
Next weekend Burning Bridget Cleary (remember what we told you about them) is also doing a workshop for the Philadelphia Folksong Society; tenor Daniel O’Donnell will be performing at the Academy of Music, and the Coatesille Irish Music Series is bringing legendary duo Kevin Burke and Cal Scott to the stage at the Coatesville.
Check the calendar for all the details.
