Joan Diver of The Screaming Orphans
York is less than a couple of hours drive from Philadelphia, and it’s worth it to make the trip this gorgeous weekend if only to see and hear The Screaming Orphans. Four sisters named Diver from Donegal play everything from trad tunes learned from their parents to Celtic pop and rock that they make their own with those tight sisterly harmonies. They’re also a hoot on stage and they’ll be lighting up said stage at the annual Penn-Mar Irish Festival on Saturday at the Markets at Shrewsbury in Glen Rock.
It’s the 14th annual festival but the first year for festival organizer Mary Yeaple to take the whole shebang over on her own (with an army of volunteers, of course). And The Screaming Orphans aren’t the only draw. Expect to hear accordionist and all-round good guy John Whelan, the wild and crazy Barleyjuice, and six award-winning representatives of the next generation of Irish trad including three of the local kids heading to Sligo this year to compete in the All-Irelands. Of course there will be Irish dancers, Irish food, and a chance to get a leg up on your Christmas shopping with dozens of vendors.
It only costs $10 to get in and kids under 12 are free.
In Philly on Saturday, catch Friends of Eric, a local band that plaus Irish and old time music, at a free concert at 4th and Bainbridge—all part of the Make Music Philly outside event this weekend.
The Shantys will be providing the Irish tunes at Paddywhacks on the Roosevelet Boulevard on Saturday afternoon.
“The Toughest Boy in Philadelphia,” a gender-bending play based on a true story, continues this week at the Luna Theatre, as does the Joyce-Shakespeare exhibit at the Rosenbach Museum.
On Sunday, the St. Patrick’s Gaelic Football Club is holding a fundraising beenf and beer at Nineteen 19 at 1254 W. Chester Pike in Havertown.
Break up your week with a little bit of Irish music. On Wednesday, listen to NJ singer Bill O’Neill at AOH Div. 61 Clubhouse at 4131 Rhawn Street in Philadelphia.
If you’re in Bethlehem, break up your week with a little Welsh music. Jodee James will be singing the music and telling the stories of Wales at the Bethlehem Public Library on Wednesday, a program sponsored by the Celtic Cultural Alliance.
Next Friday, Jamison will be playing at Curran’s in Tacony.
And get tickets now to hear traditional Irish flute player, guitarist and pianist John Blake at the Coatesville Traditional Irish Music Series in Coatesville on Saturday.
Sunday, June 29, is Celtic Day at picturesque Bristol Riverfront Park along the Delaware. The Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums, No Irish Need Apply, and the Hooligans will be playing.
Check our calendar for all the details—and don’t forget to add your event!
