Maria Walsh, the Philadelphia Rose of Tralee
The second of a series of fundraisers for the Philadelphia Irish Center is this Sunday and it promises to be lots of fun. Performer Cahal Dunne (Jeff Meade interviewed him this week and emailed me, “He’s a charmer”) will take the stage at the Center for some music, storytelling, and laughs, with room for dancing. The native of County Cork, who has a sizeable local fan base, volunteered to help raise money for the center. Kudos to you, Cahal!
Another volunteer is New York (via Wexford) Irish comic Mick Thomas (who is also a former European kick-boxing champ—hecklers, take note) trained with the Upright Citizens Brigade (one of their comedy alums is Amy Poehler) and you may hae seen his hour special on the comedy series, “Live at Gotham.”
Mick will be appearing at The Irish Center on September 5. For a taste of his comedy (I’m still laughing), check out this clip from youtube.
A third fundraiser, Quizzo Night at The Irish Center, is slated for September 19, the week after the Philadelphia Ceili Group Festival, featuring the super group, Full Set, Sean Keane, and a host of local performers (September 11-13)
This Saturday, catch Slainte (that’s Frank Daly and the airborne fiddler CJ Mills of Jamison) at Keenan’s in North Wildwood; they’ll be with the whole crew later that night at Casey’s, just down the street. On Sunday, they’ll perform at Shenanigans’ in Sea Isle.
Barleyjuice is on stage at the Sellersville Theatre on Saturday. They’re a kick-ass Celtic rock group that will have you jigging in your seats.
On Monday, rte.ie starts its broadcast of the Rose of Tralee pageant in Ireland. Maria Walsh will be representing Philadelphia. Born here, she was raised in Mayo so is our first Philly Rose with an Irish accent! On Tuesday, Maggie O’Neill’s Irish Restaurant in Drexel Hill will have the final night of the Rose pageant on screen from 3-7 PM. It’s $12 for food and kids get in free.
Next weekend., St. Patrick’s Church in Norristown holds its 21st annual Irish Festival, with music, ceili dancing, and homemade food.
Check our calendar for the full details.
