By Paddy McCarthy
I am not going to list anymore bars and restaurants that have closed as it is so sad to know this is happening. But. I am going to tell you of some of these bars and restaurants that are open are not sticking to the rules and that is dangerous to the health of others. Look, we are all suffering from this Coronavirus as it affects all of us all in all walks of life no matter where you work or live, it has no borders. I am venting on this again because there are owners of bars and restaurants that are not listening and people are not socially distancing or reducing physical interactions from this virus in their establishments and that is not good. If you are one of them reading this then please do not take chances with your clientele because your health is your wealth and just hold tough, we will get over this. Look I am not crying or looking for pity with my paper and I am sure the other Irish newspapers are feeling the same pain. First of all, we depend on you the readers and we are all here for you as we are all in this together and we cannot do it without your support, now I’m crying. A lot depends on our advertisers because it is the backbone for us to bring all the news from Ireland and beyond with sports, entertainment, arts, music, travel and lots more for your enjoyment, I now need a pint after all that, just kidding.
Now for another bit of sad news, well not so sad as they need some breathing room too and that is that the Irish Business Organization of New York Virtual Networking will be taking a summer break, can’t say holiday because where would the go? By the time you read this the last breakfast will be already over. This is what we have been told: “Friends, the IBO is about to begin its summer hiatus, returning with the evening event scheduled for September 9.” They to thank their guests who made last Wednesday’s IBO virtual happy hour so memorable: ah, we will miss them even though it’s a pretty short time as it is a great organization and again if you are reading this column go and join them. Please visit their website at www.ibonewyork.org for regular updates.
Now on the other hand we have The Irish Repertory Theatre who are going gang busters with their digital performances and this time it is “The Weir”, a performance on screen written by Conor McPherson, directed by Ciarán O’Reilly and starring Dan Butler, Sean Gormley, John Keating, Tim Ruddy, and Amanda Quaid which runs online until July 25. To all of you out there you have to try and tune in as it has everything for everybody. This is what one of the critics said “The Weir… invites us to re-examine the theater, and to ask ourselves what we seek from stories and those who tell them.”
Now here is a little snippet of what the show entails: In a remote country pub in Ireland, newcomer Valerie arrives and becomes spellbound by an evening of ghostly stories told by the local bachelors who drink there. With a whiff of sexual tension in the air and the wind whistling outside, what starts out as blarney soon darkens as the tales drift into the realm of the supernatural. Then, Valerie reveals a startling story of her own…
This new production has been filmed remotely from quarantine and designed for a digital experience; it is the third Irish Rep production of The Weir. This event is free to attend, but advance reservations are required. The event link will be emailed to registered attendees two hours before the performance begins. If you are in a position to support them then they ask that you please consider a donation of $25 per view. For more information contact their Box Office at (212) 727-2737 or visit irishrep@irishrep.org.
The show has to go on and who better to do it than the only the one and only Andy Cooney who performed at the Kasschau Memorial Band Shell in Ridgewood, New Jersey. I am told that he was again on fire and with a brilliant show. I am not too sure if his son Ryan performed with him and his band with their new release “Were All In This Together”. I did listen to it and I can only say just brilliant .
Here is something else that might interest you during this pandemic, it’s the Irish American Writers and Artists that are presenting these great events,
Play reading – Mrs Loman
IAW&A member Barbara Cassidy’s new play Mrs. Loman is an imagining of what could happen to Linda Loman from Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman after (spoiler alert!) Willy commits suicide. Though taking place in 1949, Mrs Loman is extremely relevant to today. The reading is happening virtually on Cyber Tank this Wednesday, July 22 at 8 pm, directed by Meghan Finn. Monique Vukovic plays Linda Loman.
Here is the link for tickets: thetanknyc.org/cybertank-calendar/2020/7/22/mrs-loman (just click the free option).
Off The Meter online
Off the Meter, John McDonagh’s one man play about driving a Yellow Cab in New York City for the last 40 years, is coming to the the San Francisco Labor Festival via Zoom on July 28th. So sign up and see the Irish Repertory production of Off the Meter – Q&A to follow at https://laborfest.net/event/play-off-the-meter-cab-driver-play-zoom.
Irish Cawffee Tawk
Irish Language Edition
In the next installment of the free-form community gatherings of “Irish Cawffee Tawk,” new board member Frances Mulraney will host a special evening focused on Irish language speaking and learning, with guests from around the US and Ireland. The evening is scheduled for Monday, August 3, starting at pm. Of course the forum is open to all, but this is a chance to learn more about the Irish language and to hear it spoken in conversation.
Remember, you can keep up to date with all of the news and events of their members and community, as well as publicize your own news, at the IAW&A Facebook page. Click this link for all the latest: www.facebook.com/IrishAmericanWritersAndArtistsInc. Also be sure to visit their website at iamwa.org.
That what I have for you this week and I will see you all again WHEN I am Out&About…