NicGaviskey: a group from both sides of the Atlantic will perform Saturday at the Irish Center.
The Easter Bunny isn’t the only visitor showing up this weekend.
On Saturday at The Irish Center in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Ceili Group is hosting NicGaviskey, a lively and authentic Irish traditional band from both sides of the ocean that includes flute player Sean Gavin, fiddler Bernadette Nic Gabhann, concertina player Caitlin Nic Gabhann and accordianist Sean McComiskey. Think of it as the girls from County Meath meeting the boys from Counties Detroit and Baltimore. And actually, that’s what happened. They all ran into one another at the Catskills Irish Arts week in upstate New York in 2009 at an early morning session and the rest, they say, is history.
Caitlin NicGabhann is a three-time All-Ireland concertina champ and a regular on National Irish Radio as well as an accomplished Irish dancer who has toured with “Riverdance.” Her sister Bernadette has performed with Michael Flatley’ “Lord of the Dance” and done solo gigs and tours throughout the world.
Sean Gavin’s from Detroit but this flute player is the son of Clare-born, Mick Gavin, a fiddler. Sean McComiskey of Baltimore is the son of celebrated accordian player Billy McComiskey.
It promises to be an amazing evening.
It’s always an amazing evening with RUNA, the award-winning local Irish band that combines some interesting musical sensibilities—a little jazz, a little country—with some solid Irish traditional style. They’re at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem on Saturday night.
You can also catch the Broken Shillelaghs at McMichael’s Pub and Grill in Gloucester City (fabulous place!) and The Shantys at Daly’s Irish Pub in Philadelphia on Saturday night.
Just a note on Molly Maguire’s in Phoenixville: They’ve instituted “Supper and a Session” on Sunday at the pub and kids eat for $1! They’re hoping that plenty of young Irish dancers will come for dinner and a jig, not necessarily in that order.
On Monday, join the Gloucester County AOH at the Richard Rossiter Memorial Hall in National Park, NJ (right over the bridge from Philly) for its Easter Monday flag raising. The event is followed by a Mass and lunch and is open to all.
The Inis Nua Theatre Company’s ambitious production of “Dublin by Lamplight” opens for preview on Tuesday at Broad Street Ministries in Philadelphia, across from the Kimmel Center. It opens the following day for a two-week run. Read more about it here.
Later in the week, a post-Easter treat. Cappella Caeciliana, Northern Ireland’s foremost liturgical choir, will be performing two free concerts, the first at St. Thomas Church on the Villanova University campus on Wednesday and the second at St. Malachy’s Church in North Philadelphia on Thursday. Read our story on this remarkable choir.
On Friday, The Reading Phillies are holding Irish night as they go up against the Portland Sea Dogs at First Energy Stadium in Reading. If you’ve never been, the Reading Phils play ball like it should be played—in a stadium where you’re close to the action and food doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. It’s a great family evening.
Check our calendar for all the details, and Happy Easter!
