There are two benefits this week, and another big one a little later on. Here’s what’s happening.
Saturday, November 9
It’s Cummins School of Irish Dance dine and donate night at Jerzee’s Sports Bar and Pizzeria, 2609 Mount Carmel Avenue in Glenside. The benefit starts at 5 p.m. Billy from Philly will provide the tunes, and there will be a visit from the newly crowned Miss Mayo 2020, Tara Regan. A portion of food sales from eat-in and take-out will benefit the Cummins School.
Friday, November 15-Sunday, November 17
The Straight Out of Ireland Exhibit, presented by the Irish Immigration Center of Philadelphia, kicks off with a private VIP reception and preview in a stunning mansion on the campus of Sacred Heart Academy 480 S. Bryn Mawr Avenue in Bryn Mawr.
The unique exhibit showcases more than 20 artists from Ireland and another dozen artists from the United States who are influenced by Ireland. This is Ireland as you have never seen it before, featuring a range of contemporary art, including ceramics, glass, drawings, lace, jewelry, photography, paintings fashion and more.
The event continues through the weekend, with Saturday devoted to a celebration of the art, with panel discussions featuring the artists, and the opportunity to check out the exhibit at your leisure. Sunday is Family Day, featuring activities for the kids, including a puppet show, dance exhibition and presentation by the local Gaelic Athletic Association.
Lots more information about the exhibition in our recent story.
And here’s where to go for tickets. Registration ends November 14.
All proceeds benefit the Center. Food will be served.
Looking ahead just a bit:
Saturday, November 16
Head to Villanova for the university’s annual Intercollegiate Irish Dance Festival, starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Jake Nevin Fieldhouse. The day is jam-packed with Irish dance routines presented by college and university Irish dance teams from throughout the country. We’ve been there a few times, and it’s a kick. (Really bad Irish dance joke.) The event is hosted by Villanova University’s Irish Dance Team.
Sunday, November 17
The Ancient Order of Hibernians/Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians hosts a Freedom for All Ireland Fundraiser at FOP Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road in Northeast Philly. It starts at 1 p.m. The fundraiser will feature many favorite local Irish musicians. A donation of $35 is requested, which covers draft beer, soda and buffet.
Also, The Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame hosts its 2019 Dinner, honoring four stellar representatives of the local Irish community. They include: Judge Patrick Dugan and Sister Marguerite O’Beirne, OSF, with a Commodore John Barry Award to be presented to Russell W. Wylie. Liam Hegarty is being honored posthumously. (Profiles of each are featured on irishphiladelphia.com this week.)
The dinner begins at 5 p.m. at the Commodore John Barry Arts and Cultural Center (The Irish Center), 6815 Emlen Street in Mount Airy. Reserve tickets here.
And that’s it for now. See you next time.
