The Phanatic attempting to Irish dance.
Celtic Thunder’s George Donaldson, a familiar face on Philadephia’s Celtic music scene, was only 46 when he died this year of a massive heart attack. On Saturday, his local friends are holding a fundraiser and tribute to Donaldson, who went from bus mechanic to superstart in his 30s, at The Plough and the Stars in Philadelphia, where he frequently performed.
Raymond Coleman will perform at the event, the proceeds from which will go to Donaldson’s teenaged daughter, Sarah, to pay for her education and other needs.
On Saturday evening, the Galway Society will swing and sway to the tunes of the Paul Moore Band at their annual dinner dance at the Irish Center in Mt. Airy.
On Monday, the popular seniors’ lunch takes place at the Irish Center. It’s gotten so popular that it’s moved to a bigger room and you need reservations. Check our calendar for who to contact.
On Monday night, the remarkable Luka Bloom will perform at the Sellersville Theater. John Byrne will be the opening act.
On Tuesday, dig up some old relatives at the Irish American Genealogical Society meeting at the Irish Immigration Center in Upper Darby.
Then on Friday, learn how to say “Batter up!” in Irish, because it’s Irish Heritage Night at the Phillies (and Irish Heritage Night at the Reading Phillies in Reading on Saturday!). There will be Irish dancers on the field, Irish music coming our of every orifice, and even Irish food. There’s always beer.
The Mayo Spring Social is also on Friday night at The Irish Center.
Next Saturday, some of the local traditional Irish musicians who qualified to compete in the All-Ireland Championships in Sligo in August will be holding a fundraiser at Molly Maguire’s Pub in Downingtown to raise money to defray their costs. There’s a concert, brunch, and a session afterward.
Also next Saturday, The Irish Immigration Center is sponsoring a Feile na Bealtaine—a welcome to summer—at the American Legion Hall in Havertown. There will be food (barbecue), a moonbounce, face-painting and, of course, music (this time by Raymond Coleman).
