Still feeling too stuffed to move? Not the case for the teems of Irish dancers from the Mid-Atlantic region that are in Philadelphia this weekend at the Oireachtas, a major competition being held at the Marriott Downtown on Market Street. It’s an annual event, open to the public and a lot of fun, even if you’re competing.
The Donegal Ball is Saturday night at the Irish Center. The Philadelphia Mary from Dungloe, Shannon Alexander, will be giving up her crown to a new Mary who will compete this summer in Dungloe, County Donegal.
The Bogside Rogues are playing at the Red Rooster Inn on Saturday, starting at 9 PM. It’s located at 7960 Durgan Road in Philadelphia.
On Sunday, the Flip n Mickeys—a new group to me—is playing at Pub36, 7681 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia.
Next time you’re at Fergie’s Pub, make sure to wish it a happy 21st birthday. There’s a celebration at the Pub on Sansom Street on Monday.
On Tuesday, the first of December—how did that sneak up on us?—Emmett O’Hanlon is back in town bringing holiday cheer to the Hard Rock Café in Philadelphia. It’s a very intimate setting and you’ll be sharing the space with hardcore Celtic Thunder fans—Emmett’s one of that singing crowd.
On Thursday, December 3, the Brehons, IN-Philly and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick are joining forces for their annual Christmas party at Turn a nOg at 1600 Arch Street in Philadelphia.
Also on Thursday, the St. Patrick’s Gaelic Football Club is raising money for the footballers with a designer bag bingo at St. Laurence Church Hall in Upper Darby.
On Friday, the John Byrne Band will be performing at The Tin Angel in Philadelphia, debuting some of their new Christmas music. Check out “Christmas in Philadelphia” below.
Also on Friday, the Paul Moore Band will be in its usual first Friday spot at Brittingham’s in Lafayette Hill.
And on Saturday, the musical extravaganza known as An American Celtic Christmas, featuring Jamison, John Byrne, and a host of other performers and dancers, all at the Bensalem High School.
Coming up next Sunday, the Divine Providence Village Rainbow Irish Step Dancers, a group of developmentally disabled women, will be performing a Christmas program with the Tara Gael Dancers at the Irish Center. If your heart needs warming, this will be the place to be. Also on Sunday, individuals and groups from the area will be meeting on the steps of the Art Museum for a photo to show support for political prisoners in Northern Ireland. All are welcome—bring a sign.
Listen to Christmas in Philadelphia by the John Byrne Band.
