How to Be Irish in Philly

The Philadelphia LiveArts and Fringe Festival starts next week and features several great Irish plays.

“The Bros. Flanagan,” a play about an Irish pub in Philadelphia, debuts in, what else—an Irish pub in Philadelphia—on September 5. It’s being staged upstairs at Fergie’s Pub on Sansom Street. Tickets are $20, and there’s a buy-one-get-one-free entrée offer going on through the run of the play.

 The Inis Nua Theatre’s popular production of “Trad,” a comic look at culture shock by comedian Mark Doherty, starts on September 3 at the Amaryllis at The Adrienne Theater, also on Sansom Street.

 “Go Irish: The Purgatory Diaries of Jason Miller,” starts on September 4 at the Arch Street United Methodist Church.

 This Saturday, pay tribute to a great guy. Sean Cullen was a union steamfitter, a member of the AOH Div.88 and athletic director for Our Lady of Calvary School Athletic Association. He died in May in a motorcycle accident, and his friends are holding a memorial at the Quaker City Yacht Club, where Cullen was a member, that will also raise money for a trust fund for Cullen’s 7-year-old son, Ryan.

On Tuesday, head down to McGillins in Center City to meet New York Times bestselling author William Lashner, whose Victor Carl novels have been translated into a dozen languages. He’ll read from his book, “Blood and Bones,” whose main characters have a beer at McGillins. You can have a beer too–for $2! It’s all part of McGillin’s 150th birthday celebration. Starts at 6 PM.

 On Thursday, the Pat McGee Band will be playing at the Sellersville Theatre. Though McGee and company don’t do Celtic, he is the nephew of a prominent member of Philadelphia’s Irish community, Kathy McGee Burns, vice president of the St. Patrick’s Day Observance Association.

The first and second of four September festivals is coming up the weekend of September 10—the Green Lane Scottish-Irish Festival and the Philadelphia Ceili Group Festival of Irish Music and Dance. Pace yourself, though. Celtic Classic in Bethlehem and the AOH Irish Weekend in N. Wildwood follow close behind.

It’s going to be one busy Saturday!

First, singer and peace activist Tommy Sands is headlining at the Sellersville Theatre with his children, Fionan and Moya. If you mention you belong to a Celtic society, you pay $17 instead of $24 a ticket, so hurry to the phones right now.

There are three festivalsgoing on. The Hibernian Hunger Project Festival at Shady Brook Farm in Yardley features just about every local high-energy Celtic band, including the Bogside Rogues, the Shantys, the Birmingham Six, and Jamison. Plus, proceeds go to support this worthy charity of the Ancient Order of Hibernians which provides thousands of meals each year to the area’s homebound residents.

The Mid-Summer Scottish and Irish Music and Wine Festival brings some interesting flavors to Lancaster County’s Host Expo Center. The Bogside Rogues will be doing some traveling—they’re on the bill for this festival too. Also, Paddy’s Well, Seven Nations, Charlie Zahm, Brother, the Tartan Terrors and a number of dance schools will be there. Free wine tastings. This festival runs the whole weekend.

And in Berks County, the annual Celtic Oyster Fest takes place at St. Benedict’s Grove in Mohnton with live music and oysters (who may also be live too, at least for a while). There are other things to eat and drink, plus music.

On Sunday night, join WTMR radio hosts Vince Gallagher and Marianne MacDonald for an evening of song and dance at a benefit at the Irish Center on Emlen Street in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia..

They’re still dancing up a storm on Thursday nights at the Irish Center. Head on over to learn the foxtrot, box step, jive or even a set dance so you don’t look like a fool on the dance floor at one of the balls.

Seafood,  traveling to Ireland, and getting something for cheap—three things we love. And that’s how you can be Irish this week.

The Gloucester County AOH  Div. 1 is throwing its annual Crab Boil at Richard Rossiter Hall in National Park on Sunday and your $25 admission fee entitiles you to all the crabs you can eat, clams, hot dogs, corn on the cob, draft beer and soda. Call 856-845-6967 or email rquinn4450@aol.com to reserve your crabs (er, seat). No tickets will be sold at the door. Proceeds benefit AOH charities.

AOH Div 87 will be holding a Crab and Spaghetti Night at Kevin Donnelly Hall in Philadelphia on Thursday to raise money for AOH scholarships. We know from experience that there are some pretty fine cooks at Div. 87, so it should be a great meal.

On Sunday, the Mayo Association is sponsoring a mass to honor Our Lady of Knock at the Irish Center, 6815 Emlen Street, with a dinner to follow. A second Mass is scheduled for August 21 at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Philadelphia.

On Thursday, join Chris Woolson from Enchanting Ireland Travel at Utopia Salon in Holmes to learn about their March 2010 Pub Tour. You can see slides from previous pub tours and learn about traveling to Ireland these days, which is far cheaper than it has been.

And coming up? More seafood–the annual Celtic Oyster Fest in Berks County—and a visit by legendary musician and Irish activist Tommy Sands. That’s where the “cheap” comes in. If you say you’re a member of a “Celtic Society” you’ll save $7 on tickets to hear Sands who is touring with his son and daughter, both extraordinary musicians! Instead of paying $24, you’ll pay $17. See, it’s good to be Irish!

Next week–a wing-ding of a benefit to raise money for the Sunday Irish Radio Shows on August 23 involving food, drink, singing, dancing, and all manner of craic. Ongoing: Thursday night dance lessons at the Irish Center. We’ve been there for several and we can tell you, these folks are having a great time. A few of them are just about ready for “So You Think You Can Dance.”

First, an apology. Due to human error, we inadvertently sent you to the Sellersville Theatre on Saturday, August 1, to hear The Young Dubliners. They weren’t there, were they? That’s because they’re not showing up until August 11. That would be two 1s, not one 1. Sorry for the error, and we hope you made the best of it.

This Sunday, head over to Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia for a full card of hurling and football, starting at 1 PM, when the Notre Dames square off against the Maired Farrells. Once the women are finished, they’re followed by the Kevin Barrys vs. Four Provinces, then the Eire Ogs take on the St. Pats. Bring water and Celtic-strength sunscreen.

Don’t forget the dance classes on Thursday night at the Irish Center. Geraldine Trainor and Laura Gittings of the Take the Lead Dance School in Philadelphia are teaching jive, foxtrot and other dances in a six-week session that will be repeated again in the fall.

Coming up on next Sunday, August 16, a special mass to honor Our Lady of Knock at the Irish Center, with dinner following. A second Our Lady of Knock Mass is scheduled for August 21 at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Philadelphia.

And to come: The 7th annual Berks Celtic Oyster Fest, the legendary Tommy Sands comes to Sellersville (look for an exclusive irishphiladelphia.com interview by Lori Lander Murphy coming soon), a music-packed Sunday Radio Shows benefit on August 23, with Barleyjuice heading our way on August 28. That brings us up to September—that’s festival month in the Philly area. There are at least four on tap. Get some rest.

There are some great parties coming up this week and guess what? We’re all invited!

On Saturday at 8 PM, head over to McFadden’s Tavern in Upper Darby for a beef-and-beer to raise money for the Donegal/4 Province Football team, 2007 New York champs and a great bunch of folks to party with. They’ve really helped put Philly on the Gaelic Athletic Association map.

On Sunday, from 1 to 6 PM, you can have your Irish stew and listen to five hours of great live Irish music too—at the Shanachie Pub and Restaurant in Ambler. Owners Ed Egan and Gerry Timlin are sponsoring a benefit to raise money for the Sunday Irish radio shows on WTMR, 800 AM. The Jameson sisters are going to kick off the musical portion of the show and it’s likely that Vince Gallagher, host of the Vince Gallagher Irish Radio Hour, will perform too.

Also on Sunday, Owen’s Pub in North Wildwood, NJ, has declared it “Tic Toc Day” to honor AOH Division #87 member James A. “Tic Toc” Casson. Proceeds from the day will benefit the Division 87 Scholarship Fund and Shriners Hospital.

The New Dubliners with local group, Na’Bodach, will be at the Sellersville Theatre on Saturday night.

On Tuesday, McGillin’s Old Ale House shows just how old it is—150 years to be exact. McGillin’s is celebrating its big one with a series of parties. This Tuesday and on several Tuesday nights throughout August and September, you can combine your taste for brews with your taste for books. The pub will be hosting free readings from authors who have mentioned McGillin’s in their books. “Joe Sixpack”—Inquirer beer columnist Don Russell—will read from his new book, “Joe Sixpacks’ Philly Beer Guide” at 6 PM at the center city tavern to launch the book-n-beer parties. McGillin’s 1860 IPQ beer will be reduced to $2 a pint during the events. Among the other sudsy writers on tap: William Lashner, author of the thriller “Blood and Bone;” Duane Scwierczynski, author of “The Punisher” comic book and crime novels; Lew Bryson, who wrote “Pennsylvania Breweries,” and Dr. Lewis Losoncy, author of “Early Poppers: Growing when the Heat is On.”

On Friday night, come over to the Irish Center and vie for a coveted spot on the new game show, “Who Wants to Be A  Hundredaire?” The brainchild of sisters Sarah Conaghan and Karen Conaghan Race—they’re also the brains and beauty behind the annual Philadelphia Rose of Tralee pageant (now Mid-Atlantic Rose of Tralee)— this fun event will raise money for the Sunday Irish radio shows—and for some lucky winners. We’re thinking of competing, so if for nothing else, come out to see a couple of folks who have more senior moments than they care to think about make total fools of themselves. Seriously, it will be a treat.

Another real treat: Irish singer Andrew Strong (you know him as Deco Cuffe from the great Irish flick, “The Commitments”) will be appearing at the Sellersville Theatre on Friday night.

Of course, all the details are on our calendar. We did some updating this week, and you need to check out September—the second best time to be Irish in Philly after March. There’s the Philadelphia Ceili Group Festival, Green Lane Scottish-Irish Festival, The Celtic Classic in Bethlehem and the Irish Weekend Festival in North Wildwood (and thank God they run more than one day, because the dates overlap).

I remember a few years ago when a reporter asked Denise and me, “So what are you going to write about when you’re all done writing about beer and shamrocks?”

I suppose he thought it was a good joke. Whatever could be happening in that sleepy little Irish Philadelphia community?

Ha ha ha, Mister Jokey Reporter Man. The joke’s on you this week, pal.

It isn’t just that there’s a lot to write about this week; it’s also the variety.

Let’s start wth two Saturday benefits.

First, starting at 3 p.m. and lasting ’til 9, the venerable MacSwiney Club in Jenkintown will host a building fund picnic and raffle. Here’s a great way to help sustain one of the Irish community’s most beloved institutions.

Next, from 7 to 10 at Bain’s Deli/Fuelhouse Coffee in Vineland, N.J., lovers of traditional Irish music will plunk down cash to support 6-year-old fiddler Haley Richardson’s trip to the world Irish music championships, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Tullamore, County Offaly. Haley snagged first place in under-12 fiddles at the Mid-Atlantic Fleadh at Pearl River, N.Y., in the spring, qualifying her to compete at the world level. (See our story.) Haley and her brothers are slated to perform. If you’re an Irish musician, you’re invited to bring along your instrument and participate in a big session. You can count on Haley to keep up.

Switching gears, those rabid Gaelic Athletic fans will gather at Cardinal Dougherty High School field in the Olney section of Philadelphia on Sunday for game two of the Joe Lyons Championship Cup hurling match. If you’ve never seen hurling, you’ve missed one of the most exciting and crazy fun sports on the planet. Turn out to watch the local Shamrocks battle the Allentown Hibernians, starting at 1 p.m.

Later in the week, the Jameson Sisters—also known as singer Terry Kane and harper Ellen Tepper—will team up for two Delaware Valley performances: first, Tuesday night from 7 to 8:30 at Doylestown’s cool Fonthill Museum, and on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Mount Airy train station. (Read our interview with Ellen Tepper.)

Going out a bit beyond a week, get ready for some kick-butt Paddy rock as the Young Dubliners and Na’ Bodach perform at Sellersville Theatre Saturday, August 1, from 8 to 10 p.m.

All that, and we haven’t even mentioned shamrocks and beer. You’re bound to run into them somewhere this week.

Great weekend—and a great two weeks ahead—if you’re trying to be Irish. (We’re hoping many of you are now getting good at that.)

First, on Saturday night, Black 47 is coming to Sellersville. If you’ve never heard Larry Kirwan and his gang, you’re in for what they used to call a rollicking good time. They’re a hard-charging rock band with a Celtic flavor and atty-tude. We love ‘em.

Then, on Saturday, there’s the Guinness Seafood Festival at Tirnanog in Trenton, the great pub owned by the late Irish Billy Briggs. It’s a fundraiser for the Irish Billy Briggs Memorial Scholarship Fund, sponsored by the AOH Joe Cahill Division, to honor Trenton’s beloved publican. In my youth, I spent some good times at Billy Briggs’ pub. He was a great guy. Anyhow, seafood and Guinness. You can’t go wrong.

On Sunday, we understand there are GAA football games on the field at Cardinal Dougherty High School and that you might catch the winning Donegal team that usually plays in New York. Head over to 6301 N. Second Street in Philly around 3 PM.

On Sunday night, hear the incredible harp-guitarist-storyteller John Doan in a multimedia Celtic Pilgrimage at the Temperance House in Newtown, Bucks County. Read our story.

If you’re in Jersey on Sunday, it’s Hibernian Hunger Project Day at Keenan’s Pub in North Wildwood (or, as we like to think of it, Port Richmond, Southern Division). From 3 PM to 7 PM, your $30 will buy you beer, wine, soda, and music–as well as the unending gratitude of the people who are served by this AOH national program that got its start in Philadelphia.

It’s July, sure, but it’s not too early to be thinking about Christmas. On Tuesday, the Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton story in Rehobeth Beach, DE, (love that place!) will be hosting Master Artist Vincent Rellis who will sign your Waterford purchases. We almost lost this icon of Irishness this year, but a last-minute save by an investment company has kept this crystal maker in business (though, alas, not the store in nearby Limerick, PA).

On Wednesday, master flute maker and performer Skip Healy and noted bodhran maker and player Albert Alfonso will be offering a workshop on their respective instruments in Lansdale, followed by a session at The Mermaid Inn in Philadelphia. Then they’ll be performing a house concert on Thursday in Lansdale. They’re here thanks to Spring Hill House Concerts, the brand new venue founded by Indiana transplants Bette Conway and Bob Hendren.

Were you a fan of American bandstand? Then you might be interested in Irish Bandstand—actually, a six-week course in jive, quickstep, waltz, and ceili dancing offered by Geraldine Trainor at the Irish Center starting on Wednesday. You don’t need a partner, so if concerns about coming solo is the only thing stopping you, put on your dancing shoes.

Since I’m not going to be around next week, and the last time I went out of town our calendar went into a sulk and crashed, I’m going to tell you how to be Irish next week too. Two for the price of one! (Oh, that’s right, you don’t pay for this. . . .)

On Saturday, July 25, come out to support the MacSwiney Club in Jenkintown, where they’re holding a fund-raising picnic and raffle for their building fund.

In the fundraising mood? Also on Saturday, there’s a benefit concert by six-year-old fiddler Haley Richardson and her brothers to raise money to send Haley to the All-Ireland competitions in Tullamore. She finished first in the under-12s in the Mid-Atlantic Fleadh Cheoil in Pearl River, NY, this year. The event will be at Bain’s Deli/Fuelhouse Coffee in Vineland, NJ. Come out to hear this pint-sized major talent.

Looking ahead: The Young Dubliners are going to kick of the festivities in August at the Sellersville Theatre. There are more football games, radio show benefits (including one at Ambler’s Shanachie Pub on August 2), concerts, and dances coming up too. Then September will arrive with the Philadelphia Ceili Group Music Festival, the Celtic Classic in Bethlehem, the Scottish-Irish Festival in Green Lane, PA, the AOH Irish Weekend in N. Wildwood. There’s also going to be a bus trip from the Irish Center to Gettysburg where you’ll learn about the role the Irish played in the war between the states. That’s why I’m getting out of town. I need to rest up.

You go away for a few days and look what happens. Our calendar goes into a major funk, breaks down, and there’s no “How to be Irish in Philly” feature. I bet all of you just stayed home, didn’t you?

Well, here’s a mid-week peek at what’s up (including, finally, our calendar):

Angelina Carberry and Martin Quinn are on tap at the Irish Center for Friday night. They are a delightful duo (tenor banjo and button accordian) that will reel and jig all night if you let them. Please, let them!

And we like the fact that folks are taking our encouragement to “put everything but the family picnic up on our calendar” seriously. If you happen to be in County Cavan on the weekend, there’s a celebration of the music and art of Donovan (“Sunshine Superman”) at the County Cavan Museum in Ballyjamesduff. Honest, you can read all the details on our calendar. We don’t know who put it up.

Since we’re already here, let’s take a look at the next week or so, shall we?

The Irish Club is holding its first Irish Picnic (we don’t know what they’re going to throw on the barbie, so prepare for hot dogs or bangers) on Saturday at the De la Salle Swim Club in Springfield, Delaware County.

Also on Saturday, the Philadelphia Shamrocks take on the Hibernians in Allentown at 4 PM at Haines Mill Fields. These hurlers just keep getting better and better and this is the first of the best of three games for the Joe Lyons Cup.

Down at Penns Landing on Tuesday, July 14, the good ship Eithne pulls into port. The flagship of the Irish Navy will be in Philadelphia for three days and on Thursday, the crew will take on local Gaelic Athletic Association players in what is described as “a friendly game of football” at Cardinal Dougherty field. Apparently, the writer of the press release announcing the game has never actually seen a game of Gaelic football. Friendly? I don’t think so. Be that as it may, the ship will be open over the three days and there will be various and sundry official events, some of which are open to the public.

On Friday, July 17, the group Cheap Whiskey (two members of the better known Broken Shillelaghs) will be performing at Doc and Joe’s Tavern in Gloucester City, NJ (which, by the way, is a happenin’ place to hear Irish music, just over the bridge from Philly—who knew?).