Keegan Loesel and Alexander Weir, two of the Sligo-Bound Six
If you’re incredibly good at time management, you might be able to have a total immersion Irish experience on Sunday, but beware: there will be some overlap.
Here’s the Sunday rundown:
Help send the Sligo-Bound Six to Ireland for the annual Fleadh Cheoil—otherwise known as the All-Ireland Championships, or as we like to think of it, the world series of Irish music. A sextet of the area’s best best young Irish musicians are heading to Sligo August 10 through 17 to test their mettle against some of the world’s best players.
A fund-raiser for the Sligo-Bound Six takes place Sunday at Molly Maguire’s Pub in Downingtown. It’s the first of three fund-raisers. The kids will play a brunch concert from 1 to 3, followed by a traditional Irish session from 4 to 8. From 1 through 8, Molly Maguire’s will donate 15 percent of all food purchases to the kids, but you have to let your server know you’re their to support the cause.
Two of the competitors are tops in the world in their age group. Fiddler Haley Richardson was the under 12 fiddle champ last year, and harpist Emily Safko grabbed the trophy in under-12 harp.
Joining them in Ireland will be Livia Safko, concertina and fiddle; Alanna Griffin, concertina; Keegan Loesel, who plays uillean pipes and whistles; and fiddler Alexander Weir.
Next up: Summer starts on June 21 at 6:51 a.m. on the nose here in the States, but in Ireland it starts in May. You can celebrate at the Feile na Beltaine this Sunday from 2 to 6 at American Legion Noonan-Slook Post 38 at 2200 Grasslyn Avenue in Havertown. There’ll be a barbecue, Raymond Coleman will provide the tunes, and there will be fun for the kiddies—including face painting and a moon bounce. It’s all in support of a great cause, the Irish Immigration Center. By the way, it’s pronounced “bee-EL-tin-nuh.” If you’re gonna go, you oughta be able to pronounce it.
Later in the day, catch Cassie and Maggie MacDonald, two Celtic singers and multi-instrumentalists (with some step dancing mixed in) from Nova Scotia at Blue Ball Barn in Alapocas Run State Park in Delaware. The show starts at 7 p.m.
Good luck with all of that.
If you’re looking for a way to invest in Ireland, get an insider’s perspective as the Irish American Business Chamber & Network hosts an Investing in Ireland Seminar Wednesday morning, starting at 7:30, at the Union League of Philadelphia, 140 South Broad. You’ll hear presentations from leading professionals in residential and commercial property, venture capital, and the business and banking sectors. Some big firms are represented: Bank of Ireland, SmartInvest and DTS SherryFitzgerald. Load up on a great breakfast and great business insights at the same time. Details here: http://iabcn.org/event/invest-in-ireland-an-insiders-perspective/
One event to keep in mind for next weekend, because it’s never too soon to plan:
You can attend a Commodore Barry Memorial Mass next Sunday at Old St. Mary’s Church on 4th Street in Philly. The Mass begins at 11 a.m., followed by a memorial service.
And a little further out, on Friday, May 30, help AOH Division 22 raise cash to refurbish and maintain Big Green, an old pumper truck (did we mention it’s green?) that serves as the division’s PR vehicle. Jamison is providing the music, and there are more tunes from a band called Rita’s Fog. If you’re of a mind to march, the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums will also be on hand. The benefit starts runs from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Lounge at Local 22, 415 North 5th Street in Philly. Details here: http://aoh22philly.org/fundraiser.html
