Columns, How to Be Irish in Philly

How To Be Irish in Philly This Week

Oisin MacDiarmada of Teada will be bringing Irish Christmas in America to the Philadelphia Irish Center.

Oisin MacDiarmada of Teada will be bringing Irish Christmas in America to the Philadelphia Irish Center.

Between a hefty dose of turkey and getting up at 3 AM to be first in line at Walmart, you’re all probably going to sleep through the weekend. But, seriously, if you wake up from your nap occasionally, consider being Irish by:

  • Attending the 122nd Donegal Ball on Saturday night. Not only is Blackthorn playing (Blackthorn!), part of the evening is turned over to the selection of the next Mary from Dungloe from Philadelphia. The winner of this annual pageant will go to Dungloe, County Donegal, next summer (provided there still is an Ireland) to compete in the international event.
  • Listening to the Sunday Irish radio shows on WTMR-800AM starting at 11 AM. Vince Gallagher and Marianne MacDonald will be launching their next appeal for funds to help pay for the shows, which have been a Delaware Valley tradition for many years. Consider whether you could be an advertiser for the shows, that reach thousands of people from all over the Philly area and New Jersey. If you have an Irish-themed business or are an Irish-themed person yourself, you may be able to reach your target audience via Irish radio.
  • Sunday-brunching in Bethlehem at McCarthy’s tearoom which features a delicious menu and traditional Irish music.

And during the week:

On Tuesday three of Ireland’s top young novelists—Kevin Barry, Claire Kilroy and Paul Murray (longlisted for England’s 2010 Book Prize) will read from their recent works at Villanova University’s Falvey Library Lounge.

On Wednesday, the Brehon Law Society is having its annual Christmas part at Tir Na Nog.

On Thursday, continue in the Christmas spirit when the Irish American Family History Society holds its Celtic Christmas Celebration at the Camden County Library Voorhees Branch. Hopefully, you won’t have to keep your cheer to a dull whisper.

Three fun events next Saturday:

The Peter J. Hanlon Memorial Jingle Bell Run sets off from St. George’s Catholic Church at Venango and Edgemont Streets in Philadelphia to raise money for charity in the name of a former officers of AOH Div. 87 who dies in 2007.

The Philadelphia Rose of Tralee will be holding its annual Santa’s Workshop and Christmas celebration at The Irish Center. There will be arts and crafts, face painting, games, raffle prizes, food and a visit from Santa. Bring canned food donations—one can equals one free raffle ticket! Kids and parents can meet the 2010 Mid-Atlantic Rose of Tralee, Mairead Conley.

The Celtic Tenors will be performing with the Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra at the Patriots Theater at Trenton’s War Memorial on Saturday night.

As always, you can find details and even maps on our interactive calendar.

And don’t forget to get your tickets to see Irish Christmas in America, which comes to the Irish Center on December 12. Featuring Irish band Teada, singer Seamus Begley and a remarkable Irish dancer from Connemara, Brian Cunningham. Get ready for a warm, wonderful Christmassy evening with some amazing music. Contact Jim McGill at ceiliconcerts@gmail.com or Tom Walsh at the Irish Center (215-843-8051).

And while you’re feeling the Christmas spirit, consider “Dublin Carol,” a play by Conor McPherson at the Amaryllis Theatre on Sansom Street in Philadelphia which opens for a two-week run starting December 7. This take on Dickens involves a Dublin undertaker whose life was nearly destroyed by drinking who, while telling his young assistant about his life one Christmas eve, is interrupted by a mysterious visitor who brings his past and present together, and threatens his future. Call 215-717-2173 for tickets.

November 26, 2010 by
Music

Review: “The Blue Dress” by Shannon Heaton

The Blue Dress

The Blue Dress

“The Blue Dress” is all softness and satin. On her new solo album, the delicate sound of Shannon Heaton’s Irish wooden flute is accompanied nearly throughout by lighter-than-air instruments such as Maeve Gilchrist’s harp and her husband Matt’s guitar and bouzouki. The result is 12 tracks of beautifully played tunes that all blend together like the threads of some silvery, fairy-spun fabric.

That’s not to suggest “The Blue Dress” is insubstantial. All of the choices are firmly rooted in traditional music, from “Boil the Breakfast Early” and “Eddie Duffy’s Reel” to “Campbells Are Coming” and “Irish Washerwoman.” The tune selection is a nice balance of reels and jigs, with a set of hornpipes (“Grandfather’s Thoughts” and “Fairy Queen”) and a pair of polkas (“#99 Polka” and “High Caul Cap”) thrown in for balance.

Heaton also is supported by Paddy League on bodhran, percussion and bouzouki, and by Liz Simmons on guitar. League is especially effective on the polka track, playing what sounds like djembe on these very syncopated tunes. It’s the kind of set that, on a Lunasa CD, probably would transition to a mazurka. League’s bodhran play on the “Dennis Watson’s” reel set (“Wheels of the World,” “The Flogging Reel” and “Dennis Watson’s”) really propels the tunes with wild, burbly energy in support of Shannon and Matt Heaton. He shows up again in a few places; he provides an interesting contrast to Heaton and Gilchrist on the last track, a set of reels (“Hornless Cow” and “Boil the Breakfast Early”).

There are three more pensive tunes, as well, all of them Heaton’s own, including the delicate “Blue Dress Waltz,” one of the highlights of the CD. Gilchrist begins the tune, with Heaton joining a couple of verses in. It’s a lovely dance, a perfect pairing of two very complementary instruments and styles. “Blue Dress Waltz” is dedicated to all the fans who supported the recording on Kickstarter.com.

Two other pieces by Heaton, “Nights on Caledonia Terrace” (a slow air) and “Frost Place” (a slow reel) are especially lovely and show off her talent and sensitivity. She’s one of the leading wood flute players in the world, and these tunes help illustrate why she is held in such high regard.

All told, this is music played with a sure hand and faithfulness to the tradition, aided by a strong supporting cast. Together with Flook frontman Brian Finnegan’s earlier “The Ravishing Genius of Bones,” “The Blue Dress” is one of the most impressive and most completely realized albums of the year.

November 24, 2010 by
People

At Last, a Sash of Her Own

Kathleen Paulson

Kathleen Paulson

When Neumann University accounting major Kathleen Paulson decided to enter Philadelphia’s 2010 Miss Mayo pageant, she already had a pretty good idea what to expect. Caitlin Lotty, Miss Mayo 2009, is one of her best friends at Neumann and was her roommate in sophomore year. And when Caitlin, a nursing major, traveled to Ireland last summer—her prize for winning the pageant—Kathleen went along.

And it was Caitlin who encouraged her to give it a try this year?with an added nudge from Sister Marguerite O’Beirne, Neumann’s vice president for mission. (Sister Margaret, something of a queen maker, also gave Caitlin a gentle shove last year.)

Without such encouragement, Kathleen says, “I don’t think I would have done it. She (Sister Margaret) and Caitlin both pushed me to do it. Sister Marguerite sent me the application form. She’s very persuasive.”

The thought that she might win also never entered her head. “The other girls I was talking to, they were all so accomplished,” Kathleen says. “I’m just a 20-year-old trying to get through college, I’m not doing anything life-changing. (Knowing that) kind of relaxed me because I didn’t think I was going to win. I thought maybe I‘d do OK, but I definitely didn’t think I was going to win.”

Looking at Kathleen’s background, she clearly had a better shot than she realized. She’s been an Irish dancer all her life, first at the McAleer School of Irish Dancing in Wilmington, Del., her home town, and later with the Broesler School of Irish Dance. Her mother Eileen also has been involved in dance as well. She danced as as a girl and serves as co-chair of the Irish Culture Club of Delaware Feis. Brother Nick dances competitively. Like most dance dads, father Nick was also pulled into the act, accompanying the kids to competitions and lugging all the costumes and other paraphernalia. (He has a bumper sticker, Kathleen says: I Don’t Dance, I Finance.)

As for many kids who wear the wigs and the ghillies, dance was Kathleen’s entree to Irish culture and, indeed, to Ireland. She’s traveled there five times. Her Miss Mayo trip will mark her sixth. She believes her great familiarity with the culture helped her snag the tiara.

“I’m fifth generation Irish, so I don’t have any direct connection,” Kathleen says. “Still, I identify with my Irish heritage. As an Irish dancer, we always went over to Ireland. Some of my closest friends are from dancing. For a lot of kids, your friends are from school and your neighborhood, but mine are from dancing, and they’re from all around the world.

“A lot of the people I encountered through dance (like Veronica McAleer), they had direct relatives in Ireland. Those relatives would all take us in like we were a member of their family. We have a couple of good friends in Killarney; we like to say they’re our adoptive family. They love to have us over and it’s always a lot of fun.”

In her interview with the Miss Mayo judges, Kathleen says, she thinks her love of the culture and people of Ireland shone through. She says she especially appreciates the legendary hospitality of the Irish. “They’ll always ask you in for a cup of tea and a scone and a biscuit,” she says. “They always have time to sit and chat with you.”

Now, with her Miss Mayo win, Kathleen will have another chance to experience the warmth and companionship of the Irish up close and personal. And of course, she says, the win itself is gratifying.

Even though she danced for years, competition was never her thing. She was always in it mostly for the ceilis and socializing. Her brother Nick was the one who racked up all the medals. But winning Miss Mayo makes up for a lot. “My brother always won the sashes,” she says. “So now I finally got my own sash.”

November 24, 2010 by
News, People

IN-Philly Celebrates Irish Culture

Fiach MacConghall with IN-Philly's Laurence Banville in back.

Fiach MacConghall with IN-Philly's Laurence Banville in back.

The director of Dublin’s Abbey Theatre, Fiach MacConghall, was the guest speaker at a meeting of Irish Network-Philly this week at the Philopatrian Society in downtown Philadelphia.

Also on hand were representatives from the city’s rich theater community, as well as artists, photographers and painters.

One of our own was there too: Photographer Brian Mengini brought back photos of the event.

November 18, 2010 by
News, People

Three More Names in the Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame

Vera and Vince

Vera and Vince

Now this is how to run an event: An elegant dinner, fabulous music, short, punchy speeches, and honorees that everyone loves. That was Sunday night’s Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame dinner.

The honorees were Vince Gallagher, the local musician and businessman who is president of the Irish Center and founder of the Hall of Fame; Msgr. Joseph McLoone, chaplain of the Hall of Fame and the Donegal Association as well as pastor of a diverse parish in Chester County; and Kathleen Sullivan, a former city representative under Ed Rendell who served as his liaison on the board of the Irish Memorial then stayed to continue the work, becoming vice president of the board.

Tom Farrelly of the Cavan Society was master of ceremonies and two former presidents of the Hall of Fame – John Egan and Bob Hurst—were given special awards for their contributions to the organization, which is celebrating its tenth year. Current president is Kathy McGee Burns, who also recently became president of the St. Patrick’s Day Observance Committee, only the second woman to helm the group that runs the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade in its more than 100-year history.

November 18, 2010 by
News

Looking for a Few Good Sax Players

This could be you!

This could be you!

STORY UPDATED! The Irish American String Band is sending out an SOS to all sax players who don’t mind dressing up in feathers and spangles. They’re a few short for this year’s New Year’s Day Mummers Parade in Philadelphia. They could use a few dancers, marshals, and other musicians so they can strut proudly up the street for the big event. If you’d like to join the band, formed in the Northeast Philly area in 1998, and their sprightly captain, Kelly Marie Mahon, contact them at ishamericansb@gmail.com. The band also performs at weddings, corporate events, private parties, and even went to Dublin in 2002 to participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

November 18, 2010 by
Columns, How to Be Irish in Philly

How to Be Irish in Philly This Week

The John Byrne Band will be appearing at the World Cafe Live on Friday night.

The John Byrne Band will be appearing at the World Cafe Live on Friday night.

It’s a surprisingly busy week for the one leading up to Thanksgiving. If you’re not too crazed making stuffing, cranberry relish, and pies, there’s lots of Irish craic going on. There are even some events where you can take your visiting relatives so you don’t actually have to talk to them.

But let’s start with Friday. The John Byrne Band is playing Friday night at the World Café Live where a new chef—Jim Coleman of Coleman’s in Blue Bell and WHYY’s Saturday morning radio show, “A Chef’s Table”—is taking over the restaurant which was already good. Starting off the evening will be Citizen’s Band Radio which shares some band members with Byrne. Very handy.

If you’re in Bethlehem, check out “The Lost Ones,” a play based on a short story by Irish playwright Samuel Beckett about an entire world enclosed in a small cylinder and the people who inhabit it. And no, it’s not that little world you saw in “Men in Black.” The play was originally performed at the Capitol Fringe Festival.

On Saturday, the McDade-Cara Dancers are holding their annual dance recital at Msgr. Bonner High School in Drexel Hill. It may seem weird to go to a dance recital when you don’t know any of the dancers, but McDade-Cara produces some world class Irish dancers so it’s great entertainment. And the little ones are so cute! We went last year and had a blast.

One of Northern Ireland’s greatest folk singers is coming to Chestnut Hill for a house concert on Saturday night. Gabriel McArdle was one of the musicians chosen to represent Ulster at the Smithsonian Folklife Celebration in Washington a few years ago. Check the calendar for contact info—the location’s a secret unless you pay for a ticket.

On Sunday, Irish Network-Philly will be raising the flags at the Irish Memorial on Penns Landing. Every few months, a different Irish organization in the area takes responsibility for raising both Old Glory and the Irish tri-color. The event starts at 12 pm and is followed by a reception at the Plough and the Stars which is nearby.

On Sunday night, the Philadelphia Athletic Association is holding its all-star banquet at the Irish Center. Lots to honor this year—two national champion ladies football clubs in Philly. Those girls rock.

The ever-popular Enter the Haggis, a Canadian band that makes its way to the Philly and Lehigh County areas several times a year, will be on stage at the Sellersville Theatre on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. Hey, you can buy pies—go see this high-energy group that mixes highland pipes and fiddles with contemporary instruments. They’re actually doing a second show on Thanksgiving night. Forget all the cooking and have your bird at the Washington House, next door to the theatre. (And no, the boys are not missing Thanksgiving at home. Canadians have their Thanksgiving celebration on the second Monday of October.)

The Mid-Atlantic Oireachtas step dances off on black Friday at the Downtown Marriott on Market Street in Philadelphia—hundreds of dancing boys and girls, men and women, all competing at this annual regional event. It goes through the weekend and is a sight to behold. Bring the family. You can get some shopping in at Macy’s, which is across the street and is decorated for Christmas, or at the Reading Terminal Market. You can take the kids for giant burgers at the Hard Rock Café. There, your afternoon is planned.

And don’t forget the Donegal Ball on Saturday, November 27. The new Mary from Dungloe will be selected that evening and music will be provided by—wait for it—Blackthorn! With Vince Gallagher! Admission to the ball is only $20 in advance, $25 at the door, though refreshments are extra. Bring your dancing shoes.

And as you’re making your lists and checking them twice, consider patronizing our local Irish gift shops and other establishments to support your own. Sure and everyone loves an Irish gift for Christmas. To find local outlets, check our Irish gift shop finder. New stores are added frequently so keep checking back. Buy Irish!

And a very Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Irish Philadelphia!

November 18, 2010 by
Dance

Video Special: Philly’s Irish Dancers Step Out

Getting ready to compete.

Getting ready to compete.

You’ll be eating turkey in the comfort of your own home. The hordes of Irish dancers competing in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Oireachtas will be downing their Thanksgiving feast in a Center City hotel or one of the surrounding restaurants. Maybe that’s the Irish dance equivalent of carbo loading.

Whatever, they’ll have a couple of days to work off all that stuffing and pumpkin pie. Once the competition starts, those kids (well, most of them are kids) will be dancing their legs off pretty much non-stop. When they’re not competing in the halls, they’ll be practicing in the hallways.

In celebration of this high-stepping festival, we put together a playlist of over 30 videos highlighting Irish dance in the Philadelphia area. We’ve tried to show every school. If we’ve missed any, let us know, and we’ll see if we have a video in our now vast collection. If it’s there, we’ll add it.

Happy watching!

November 17, 2010 by