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How to Be Irish in Philly

How to Be Irish in Philly

How to Be Irish in Philly This Week

There’s a lot of music on tap for this week, along with a fund-raiser and what promises to be one fun bowling night.

First off, for those of you who make last-minute plans, two opportunities for music tonight.

At Dubliner on the Delaware, 34 North Main Street in New Hope, catch the always entertaining Gerry Timlin’s show, starting at 7:30.

Also tonight … Jamison Celtic Rock at Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 39, 7229 Tulip Street in the Tacony neighborhood of Philadelphia. The show starts at 9 p.m. and runs through the wee hours. It’s open to the public, and there’s no cover.

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How to Be Irish in Philly

How to Be Irish in Philly This Week

A bit of a slow week, but what there is promises to help you keep your New Year’s resolution to be a better-informed Irish person.

Tonight, starting at 8, John Byrne and band members will perform at a new venue, the Living Room at 35 East, 35 East Lancaster Avenue in Ardmore.

Also tonight, Seamus Kelleher fans can catch him at O’Mare’s Irish Pub, 10253 Bustleton Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia. His show also starts at 8.

One quick note for those of you who were hoping to catch the Seamus Egan Project at the Michener Art Museum tonight in Doylestown … the show is sold out. Sorry about that.

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How to Be Irish in Philly

How to Be Irish in Philly This Week

After the Christmas holidays, you’d expect a lull in Irish-y activities. Guess again.

Start tonight at 6 by joining First Fridays with Round Tower at Hanrahan’s Irish Pub, 690 Burmont Road in Drexel Hill. It’s a nice long happy hour—it lasts ‘til 9—with a terrific band.

Meanwhile, at Philadelphia’s Irish Center (the Commodore John Barry Arts and Cultural Center), 6815 Emlen Street in Mount Airy, you can join the First Friday traditional Irish music session, starting at 8 p.m. If you play an Irish instrument, by all means drop in. (Learners and beginners welcome—the first hour is the “slow session.”) Even if you don’t know one end of a tin whistle from the other, it’s still a great opportunity to visit and listen in.

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How to Be Irish in Philly

How to Be Irish in Philly This Week

Two area Gaelic athletic clubs are sponsoring fund-raisers this week, and of course New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, so you’ll have an opportunity to put on your party hat and celebrate.

Here’s what’s on.

Glenside Gaelic Club hosts its annual Adult Winter Holiday Party Saturday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m, at Jerzee’s Sports Bar & Pizzeria, 2609 Mount Carmel Avenue in Glenside. Friends of the club are invited to join in the fun, which includes drink specials. Jerzee’s will donate a portion of the night’s profits to the club. There will be a 50/50 and baskets of cheer and beer raffles. All donations cheerfully accepted. Music by Raymond McGroary.

Also that night (at the same time), the John Byrne Band presents the music of Shane MacGowan and the Pogues at The Locks at Sona, 4417 Main Street in Philadelphia’s Manayunk neighborhood. Shane was born Christmas Day in 1957, so consider this his 61st birthday party.

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How to Be Irish in Philly

How to Be Irish in Philly This Week

After the last several weeks of frantic pre-holiday activity, maybe we need a light week to just settle in and relax, hopefully with a few days off from the 9 to 5.

So, here’s what’s on tap for the week ahead.

Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight, check in to Rock Saginario’s Toy Drive for Local Orphanages at Paddy Rooney’s Pub, 449 West Chester Pike in Havertown. They’re asking that you bring a new unwrapped toy or give a cash donation at the door. Music by Lefty.

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How to Be Irish in Philly

How to Be Irish in Philly This Week

The city desk at Irish Philadelphia world headquarters (my coffee table) is abuzz with activity again this week. Philly Irish know how to celebrate Christmas, and they’re doing it with great aplomb. Or a plum pudding. Whatever.

Remember, he sees you when you’re sleeping. (Which I’ve always found kind of creepy.) So, no sleeping. Get out there and be Irish.

If you have an ugly Christmas sweater, haul it out of mothballs. You have an excellent opportunity to don you now your gay apparel as the Philadelphia Hurling and Camogie Club hosts its Ugly Christmas Sweater Pub Crawl Saturday, December 15, from 7 to 10 p.m., meeting at Tir na nOg, 1600 Arch Street in Center City. Rules and pubs to be announced.

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How to Be Irish in Philly

How to Be Irish in Philly This Week

We have an exceptionally busy week, some of it with a holiday flair.

Here’s how to get your week in gear. There’s plenty to choose from.

On Saturday, the John Byrne Band puts in an appearance at Puck in Doylestown, starting at 8 p.m. You can find Puck at 1 Printers Alley.

McDade-Cara School of Irish Dance hosts the Irish You a Merry Christmas Dance Spectacular Sunday, December 9, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Archbishop Carroll High School, 11 Matsonford Road in Radnor. Tickets are available at the door—it’s $10 for adults, $5 for children under 10.

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How to Be Irish in Philly

How to Be Irish in Philly This Week

Hoo boy, do we have a weekend for you!

In some cases, you’d have to very nearly be in two places at once, so unless you know some trick involving the space-time continuum, you’ll have to make some tough choices.

There are several events on Saturday.

From 10 a.m. to noon, help out some local families this Christmas by attending the second annual Knute’s Angels Breakfast with Santa Toy Drive. The event takes place at Haggerty’s Café, 2373 MacDade Boulevard in Holmes, Pa. Kids will love it. There will be face painting, a photo booth … and a visit from Santa!

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