Meghan Davis, the international Mary from Dungloe, will be giving up her Philadelphia crown this week.
Even though you’re probably totally dragged out after camping out at Walmart on Thanksgiving night, you’d better catch a power nap and get ready to be Irish this week.
If you’re an Irish dance fan, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Oireachtas has taken over the Marriott Downtown in Philadelphia—hundreds of dancers jigging, reeling, and who knows what else in this major Thanksgiving weekend event. Can’t make it? Check out our video special featuring local Irish dance schools.
And speaking of Thanksgiving weekend events, a new Philadelphia Mary from Dungloe will be selected from a bevy of smart, attractive young women at the 124th Donegal Ball at the Irish Center on Saturday night. The reigning Philadelphia Mary, Meghan Davis, is also the reigning International Mary from Dungloe, capturing the crown last summer in Dungloe, County Donegal. The Willie Lynch Showband from New York will be providing the music for the ball.
Timlin and Kane will be performing Saturday night at St. James Gate Pub in Bethlehem, at the Sands Casino.
On Sunday, head down to Finnigan’s Wake for its annual Fall Festival, with music provided by No Irish Need Apply (Meghan Davis, the reigning Mary from Dungloe, is a member of the band), the Broken Shillelaghs and Celtic Connection.
On Tuesday, catch Galway Guild at Marty Magee’s in Prospect Park.
Next weekend, there are events that will capture your heart and put you in the Christmas mood.
Irish Network-Philadelphia and Team Oscar–Philly is sponsoring a benefit to raise money for “Wee Oscar Knox,” the little Belfast boy whose parents held fundraisers to bring him to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for treatment for a rare cancer. While there, CHOP doctors diagnosed another rare illness that meant Oscar could not be treated. The event, which starts Sunday, Dec. 2, at 2 PM at Tir na Nog in Center City, will have a complementary buffet, open bar, live music, raffles, and special treats for children.
Also on Sunday, the Divine Providence Village Rainbow Irish Step Dancers are presenting a Celtic Christmas Dance Recital at the Cardinal Krol Center in Springfield, Montgomery County. The Rainbow Dancers are group of developmentally challenged women who started performing in 2012 and debuted in the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade. They’re raising money to buy logo jackets to wear in the 2013 parade.
And if you’re looking to celebrate a Celtic Christmas, you’re in luck. There are four more ways to do it next weekend.
On Saturday, December 1, join Jamison Celtic Rock, Celtic Flame School of Irish Dance, Bucks County Dance Center, singer Kimberly Killen, and DJ Romeo at the Bensalem High School Auditorium for “an American Celtic Christmas.” Not only can you rock around the clock with Jamison, you’ll explore hip-hop and Irish traditional music.
And on Sunday, here’s the lineup:
A Celtic Christmas at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia features the Jubilate Deo Chorale with two guest choirs featuring Irish music and a live Nativity scene.
Celebrate an Irish Christmas with the popular Irish group, Danu, at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square.
The annual Celtic Christmas in Doe Run holiday show—there will be two performances– will feature the Brandywine Harp Orchestra (Dec. 2) and Burning Bridget Cleary (Dec. 9) along with dancing, gifts, free holiday hors d’oeuvres and more.
We’re not done Irish Christmasing—not by a long shot. Take a look at our calendar to see what’s coming up.
