The Young Wolfetones will be at The Plough and the Stars.
If you’re of Irish descent and are thinking of starting a family, take time out on Saturday morning to be tested for Tay-Sachs disease at the Irish Immigration Center in Upper Darby.
This insidious genetic condition strikes babies and is always fatal. The Irish, as well as Eastern European Jews and French Canadians, have a higher than average risk of being carriers of Tay-Sachs. The Albert Einstein Society and National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Foundation of the Delaware Valley are offering free screenings to anyone over the age of 18 who had at least three Irish grandparents. The screenings start at 11 AM.
On a lighter—and musical—note, Catherine Rooney’s Pub in Delaware is scheduling more live Irish music to take us through the holiday season, starting with Benny and Bill on Saturday night. Timlin and Kane and Gary Quinn are also coming up, as well as sessions, starting with one this Sunday. Check our calendar for times and details.
Also on Saturday, The Shantys will be at the Red Rooster Inn in Philly while Jamison is at Dublin Square in Cherry Hill, where you may be able to pick up one of their brand new CDs. We just listened to it and love it—it’s live, so it’s just like being there, but it’s much easier to admire that high level of musicianship that characterizes this local band.
Tullamore Crew, the old gang from the late, great lamented Shanachie’s kitchen, will be serving up a fine Irish meal on Sunday at the Irish Center starting at 5 PM.
Also on Sunday, The Plough and the Stars celebrates its 15th birthday with a concert by the Young Wolfetones. Go down for dinner—the food is outstanding and the atmosphere couldn’t get more Irish (is that peat you’re smelling?)—then stay for the concert.
At Coatesville, the Irish traditional music duo, Lilt, will be on stage.
Of course, on Wednesday night you’re probably baking pies. Thursday is Thanksgiving, after all. What? You bought pies this year? Well that’s good because that means you have some free time to go see Jamison at Curran’s in Northeast Philadelphia.
Next week being Thanksgiving weekend, look for two annual events: The Mary from Dungloe pageant, which is part of the Donegal Association of Philadelphia Ball, held at the Irish Center, and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Oireachtas, a major Irish dance competition drawing dancers from the Atlantic Coast states for three days of jigging, reeling, and fun-having at the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott. We like to go for the kicks and giggles—and believe me, there are plenty of those.
Have a great week and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us who give thanks for all of you!
