Big doin’s this weekend!

Tomorrow, Saturday, you can get a total immersion sneak preview of the Irish language at the Commodore Barry Arts and Cultural Center (the Irish Center).

It’s called Satharn na nGael. Although about a third of the attendees are expected to be Irish language newbies, there will also be intermediate and advanced classes.

In addition to language, there will be a focus on Irish folklore, customs, music and poetry.

The language classes take place in the morning and afternoon. You’ll also get a chance to try your hand (or foot) at Irish dance.

It’s all expected to be pretty informal, with lunch provided, and a traditional music session (seisiún) at the end of the day. You’re invited to bring snacks. The cost of admission is $50. The event is sponsored by Daltaí na Gaeilge (Students of the Irish Language).

For details, call Aengus Lawlor at 484-854-1040. Visit the Daltai website to register.

The Irish Center is at 6815 Emlen in the Mount Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia.

Next up:

If you’ve never been to the Philadelphia Irish Festival at Penn’s Landing, here’s your opportunity. (And if you have been before, you already know what to expect—and why it’s a guaranteed great time.)

The festival kicks off Sunday at noon on the waterfront below Front and Chestnut, and runs through 7 p.m. Throughout the day, you’ll be treated to Irish rock on the main stage—local bands and performers Jamison, and CJ Mills, Seamus McGroary and Joe Kirschen, along with first-timers from New York City, the McLean Avenue Band. And throughout the venue, you’ll find plenty of food and drink, and vendors selling Irish tchotchkes all over the darn place. If you dig Irish dance, you’ll be able to take in a good deal of high stepping, too.

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Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Here’s how the week is shaping up.

Saturday night, Nathan Carter brings his Celtic country show to the Keswick Theater, 291 N. Keswick Avenue in Glenside, Montgomery County. The show starts at 8. Carter is hugely popular all by himself, but for this concert he is also joined by Celtic Woman alum Chloe Agnew. He has a superb band as well. Carter was a big hit a few months back at the Irish Center. Here’s another chance to catch his act.

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It’s a light week for Irish types, but still manages to provide plenty of interest..

We have three events in the lineup.

The John Byrne Band takes the stage Saturday for a free concert—yes, free—at Drexel Lodge Park in Newtown Square. The concert starts at 4:30 p.m. The park is at 4104 West Chester Pike. A great band in a neat outdoor venue, and did we mention it’s free?

On a different note, catch an award-winning short film called “The American Wake” Sunday at 4:30 at the Philadelphia Irish Center, 6815 Emlen Street in Mount Airy. It’s the story of filmmaker Kevin Quinn’s grandmother’s immigration from County Mayo to New York back in 1950. You can also meet the filmmaker after the presentation. The film will show in the Irish Center’s Barry room right after the Mayo Association meeting.

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