Alex of the Martin Family Band--at Graeme Park this weekend.
Though the former residents of Horsham’s Graeme Park (Keith House) were from Scotland, the historic site’s annual Celtic Heritage Festival (Saturday, starting at 10 AM) always has a decidedly Irish flavor thanks to the Timoney and Sabo Schools of Irish Dance, The Martin Family Band, and the Hooligans. Scottish folksinger Carl Peterson will also perform (he does Irish folk songs too). There are plenty of kid-friendly activities too, including a moon bounce, a (kilted) juggler, and balloon animals.
Later that evening, catch the Broken Shillelaghs at the Dublin Square Pub in Bordentown, NJ. (They’ll be at the Blue Monkey in Merchantville, NJ next Thursday.)
On Monday, two charity events for Irish pub employees. Friends of longtime Fado server, bartender and events manager Regon MacInnis will be holding a fundraiser at the Locust Street pub to help defray the costs of cancer treatment for the young Maine native. The $20 ticket price covers the cost of dinner and your first pint. And the money will help this young woman, known to many in the Irish community, fight a particularly aggressive form of cancer. At the Plough and the Stars on Second Street the same night, friends of bartender Stef Stuber will he holding an event to raise money to pay for medical costs she incurred in a serious moped accident while vacationing in Thailand recently. Your $20 donation covers one free drink and appetizers. There will be a 50/50 drawing and a silent auction as well.
Also Monday evening, the Inis Nua Theatre Company is holding its summer happy hour at Fergie’s Pub where they’ll reveal plans for next season. Don’t forget to go to the little ad at the right under the heading “Help one of our partners” to donate to the Inis Nua “Send a local theatre company to New York” campaign. Inis Nua has been invited to bring its tour de force “Dublin by Lamplight” to New York’s first ever Irish Theater Festival this year and they need some financial help to get there.
On Wednesday night, remarkable Irish fiddler Maeve Donnelly returns to the Coatesville Cultural Center with Cork flute player Conal O’Grada for an evening of traditional music that falls into the “must-hear” category. Tickets are going fast, so order now.
Or, you can join the Bogside Rogues and Jamison Celtic Rock on Wednesday night in bucolic Pennypack Park in Philly’s Fairmount Park for an under-the-stars concert. Bring a picnic dinner, blankets, chairs and bug spray. (Catch Jamison at Shenanigans in Sea Isle, NJ, on July 24.)
Next weekend, a real treat: Enter the Haggis AND the John Byrne Band are appearing at the Sellersville Theatre on Saturday.
Speaking of John Byrne, we recently stopped in to his new bar in Northern Liberties, The Blind Pig. Best Cuban sandwich I ever had. Incredible list of beer in cans and some powerful brews on tap (there are parts of the evening I can’t remember, like leaving). And you can probably talk the bartender into singing a few songs. It’s getting great reviews in the Philly media (and from citizen reviewers on sites like Yelp), particularly for its “Thanksgiving Balls.” Seriously, how could you go wrong with an appetizer of turkey, wrapped in mashed potatoes and stuffing, breaded, fried, and served with gravy and cranberry sauce? (All you cardiologists, pipe down.)
Check our calendar for details on these and other goings on.
