By Paddy McCarthy
Ah, the summer breeze is coming soon and you can feel it already as this weekend it’s going to be in the 70s so be ready with your sunscreen.
I have just come back from Ireland as I was over for a few days in Cork City for a couple of events that were happening. The first one was supposedly a surprise for my sister Mary’s birthday that was on Thursday. As it turned out it was not a surprise as I thought, someone let the cat out of the bag accidently so there will be no finger pointing. As it turned out all went even better than expected as she was so happy to see me there and singing happy birthday to her in person rather than on the phone. I had some birthday cake and also homemade Irish stew that she cooked that I love, now that alone was well worth the trip! This all happened around 1 pm in my sister Mary’s house for a couple of hours and it suited me very well as I was going to a function that evening. Mary and her husband Gerald were getting ready for the next day to go on a little trip down to West Cork for a couple of days as the weather was just beautiful.
That evening I was invited to a fundraiser for a friend of mine Kieran Kramer who has been suffering for over two years from paralysis infection that he got from an insect bite. He is in a wheelchair and hopefully will be cured soon. The event was held at the Rochestown Park Hotel in Douglas
, Cork with the cream of Cork talent performing on the evening to a capacity full house. Heading up the cast of performers was Joe Mac, a Cork icon as he is the legendary Dixies drummer who performed all over the world. Another Cork icon was none other than Gina and the Champions, an Irish pop group who were one of the most popular club acts in Ireland playing on the showband circuit and still perform at selected venues around Ireland. There was a lot of other great talent on the evening along with the host of the evening, none other that the man himself, Denis Desmond, who I am proud to say I performed with in our first band. What a fabulous turn out it was with over 600 people there to help Kieran with his medical expenses.Now back to what is happening Out&About. Here are a few events that are happening that will interest you. First up, the Irish Business Organization are holding their May Networking Breakfast online on Tuesday, May 24th at 8 am via Zoom. The guest speaker is Martin O’Regan, Founder/CEO of InFlightFlix. InFlight Flix are creators of premium destination video content for inflight audiences, connecting airline passengers with great experiences at their destination. It’s sure to be a fascinating discussion! As always, there’ll be the opportunity to introduce yourself, make your ask or offer, and network, communicate and reciprocate! On Wednesday, June 15th musician, writer and playwright Larry Kirwan will be the guest speaker at their June Evening Event. Larry’s play “Paradise Square” is on Broadway now – a definite don’t-miss! For more information email info@ibonewyork.org
Self Help Africa is partnering with Madison Wells Forward, the philanthropic division of Madison Wells, for a special concert event, Broadway for Self Help Africa on Monday, May 23 at 7 pm at The Cutting Room. Stars of some of Broadway’s top shows will sparkle for charity when they take to the stage in a special musical benefit. Broadway for Self Help Africa features a stellar cast led by the musical director of Broadway’s hit Pretty Woman and off-Broadway’s Little Shop of Horrors, Will Van Dyke! Others taking part include Ryann Redmond (Bring It On, If/Then, Frozen), Jelani Remy (Lion King, Ain’t Too Proud), Emily Schultheis (Wicked, Almost Famous), Kevin Clay (The Book Of Mormon), CJ Pawlikowski (Jersey Boys), Jason Gotay (Bring It On, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Gossip Girl), Cristina Rae (America’s Got Talent), Antoine Smith (MJ, The Color Purple, Memphis), Michael Hartung (Peter Pan Live, Hello, Dolly!), Chad Burris (Frozen, Mean Girls, Almost Famous) and James Harkness (Ain’t Too Proud, Beautiful), with more to be announced! Tickets on sale now. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of song and celebration! Tickets on sale now Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of song and celebration!
Here is another great event that you should not miss brought to you by the Co. Kerry P&B Association of NY, Co. Tipperary N&B Association of New York and the Galway Association of New York who present a Trivia Night with Quizmaster Scott Mettey on Friday June 3rd at Kerry Hall (305 McLean Avenue in Yonkers) from 7.30 pm. Teams of four or individuals are welcome with a $25 entry fee per person. Tea, coffee and snacks are available together with a cash bar. Proceeds raised will be divided between the Kerry, Tipperary and Galway Associations for future benevolence. See the ad on page 17 in our Digital Edition for all the details.
The countdown to the 2022 Solace Sunrise Walk has officially begun! They’re gearing up for their annual 5K walk/run which raises much needed funds and awareness for Solace House. The services provided by Solace House are critical now, more than ever. As depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation continue to increase, the demand for their services has risen drastically.
This year, Solace House is excited to announce several Solace Sunrise Walk locations and dates across the US. To find a venue near you, visit their website at solacehouseusa.org/solace-sunrise-walk.
See you all next week when I am Out&About again…