Statue of Commodore Barry behind Independence Hall
A little story about Ceili Rain, the Celtic-flavored band playing Friday night at the Tin Angel in Philly. I heard them many years ago by accident. After dinner at The Plough with my cousins, we were walking along 2nd Street when we heard this irresistible music coming from the upstairs venue. We weren’t planning to hear music that night, but Ceili Rain changed our minds. If you’ve never heard them—they’re Tin Angel regulars—and like Celtic fusion played by top notch musicians, now’s your chance.
This weekend is also the annual commemoration of Commodore John Barry, father of the American Navy. The Wexford-born Barry lived in Philadelphia when he wasn’t sailing the high seas, fighting the British. He’s buried in the historic graveyard of St. Mary’s Church on Fourth Street, and it’s there on Sunday that a Mass and wreath-laying will be held.
Afterwards, head to the Irish Center where they’re holding a fundraiser so that a memorial to Barry can be completed at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Since Barry was an Revolutionary War hero, it’s about time the Navy recognized him. The national Ancient Order of Hibernians is just one of the Irish organizations behind the memorial.
If you’re down the shore, and I know some of you will be, catch Jamison performing at Casey’s in North Wildwood on Saturday night.
If it’s Memorial Day weekend, and it is, Blackthorn must be having its annual bash on Monday at Cannstatters in northeast Philly. And whaddya know, they are! That’s about 12 hours of fun and frolic that should be on your bucket list.
This coming Thursday, two of my favorite performers in all the world will be sharing a stage. Dublin’s legendary Finbar Furey will be at the World Café Live in Philadelphia, with the John Byrne Band (of Dublin and Philadelphia), opening for him.
Unfortunately, a few of my other favorite performers in all the world will be sharing a stage at the same time in Wilmington, DE, also at World Café Live–at the Queen. The Teetotallers are fiddler Martin Hayes, guitarist John Doyle, and the wild-and-crazy multi-instrumentalist Kevin Crawford of Lunasa. What to do, what to do?
Save the date: June 1, next Friday, is kick off for the annual three-day AOH Montgomery County Irish Festival held at St. Michael’s Picnic Grove in Mont Clare, PA. (It’s not as far away as you think—it’s near Phoenixville.) On the bill are Jamisn, the Bogside Rogues, McHugh and McGillian, Fisher & Maher and Belfast Connection. The Celtic Flame and Coyle School dancers will also be there, along with the Irish Thunder Pipes and Drums. Worried about the cost? Don’t be. It’s $5 to get in. Can beat that with a shillelagh.
And don’t forget: Sunday June 3 is the annual Irish Festival on Penns Landing. This year it features Blackthorn, the Hooligans, and Jamison, plus plenty of Irish dancers, food, and vendors, on the sparkling Delaware.
As always, check the calendar for details, times, listings and maps.
