What can I say about Joe Hurley? He just keeps going and we thank him for that, even though he is a West Ham fan, keep it up Joe! Joe Hurley’s All-Star Irish Rock Revue is holding its 21st Anniversary Gala Concert on Wednesday March 13th at City Winery (155 Varick Street).
Co-hosted by Hall-Of-Fame DJ, SiriusXM’s Meg Griffin the All-Star Irish Rock Revue features a mad parade of extraordinary singers taking the stage as dozens of Guest Stars dive into the ‘Great Irish Songbook’ performing the timeless classics of Thin Lizzy, U2, The Pogues, Van Morrison, The Undertones, SLF, Morrissey, John Lydon, Boomtown Rats, Rory Gallagher, Dubliners, Sinead, Trad beauties & Rebel Songs.
Doors open at 6pm, with the show beginning at 8pm. Visit tinyurl.com/y5gstwmt for tickets.
The Big Apple Feis and Fleadh is celebrating ten years of Irish performance with new Irish language and music competitions taking the annual NYC dance event to new heights, one decade on. April 14th will mark the one decade anniversary of the Big Apple Feis and Fleadh, an annual Manhattan-based celebration of Irish arts and culture held in the beautiful Marriott Marquis Hotel in the center of Times Square. In addition to the already-popular Irish dance, visual art, and literary competitions, the Big Apple Feis and Fleadh will mark this important occasion by opening its doors to Irish language speakers for the very first time, inviting them to participate in a range of talent contests and community networking initiatives.
Also new to the lineup are many opportunities for musicians with a passion for Irish music to display their talent, connect with those who share their interests, and bring home awards of their own. Together, these two fresh components will further solidify the Big Apple Feis and Fleadh’s status as one of the most inclusive annual Irish culture events in North America.
Speaking about the history and promising future of the event, organizer Unateresa Gormley said: “We are making a bold statement to the world about Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. In the years to come, we will continue our mission to promote creativity, diversity, innovation, and excellence.”
Further details of all competition categories and vendor spots can be found at www.bigapplefeis.com.
Do not forget to book your tickets for the Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Foundation Gala Dinner that will be held at the Sheraton Hotel New York Times Square (811 7th Avenue at West 53rd Street) on Wednesday March 13th from 6.30pm to 10pm and will be honoring Dr. Brian O’Dwyer, the 2019 Grand Marshal of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The St. Patrick Award will be presented to Mel Kenny, who is marking his 76th time marching in the parade. There will also be a special performance featuring Mairead Nesbitt, the world renowned Grammy and Emmy nominated artist.
For ticket information email Noel Ruane at gala@StPatricksDayFoundation.org or call Sean Lane at (516) 362-9538 or Hilary Beirne on (914) 833-8363 or visit their website at stpatricksdayfoundation.org.
A special reminder came in from the Dublin Society with St.Patrick’s Day less than two weeks away. They will be meeting at 11:20am on East 44th Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues.They are designated as an honor unit this year. They will be marching behind the NYU Pipes and Drums, and The St Patrick’s Day Foundation, NYC Directors and ahead of the County Galway Association.
After the parade they are joining their friends from the Irish Business Organization for a party at The Metropolitan Club (122 East 83rd Street between Lex and Park) where they will have traditional food, an open bar and live music from 4:30-9:30pm.
Entertainment will be provided by Dub Soc member, the one and only Niall O’Leary, along with guest musicians and dancers. Tickets are $35 per head for Dub Soc members in good standing (2019 dues paid), and for those marching in the parade with the Dublin Society. Non members/non marchers $65.Under 21 $25, under 10s free.
Gee, I am glad I got that in as it seems like a great after party.
An Beal Bocht Café (445 West 238th Street in the Bronx) asks you to join the fun at the 7th Annual “World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” on March 17th. The event will benefit the Aisling Irish Center’s “Irish Volunteers” Homeless Feeding Program. The outreach program delivers food to hundreds of people in need, and you can help.
The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade route stretches a wee 47 feet… out one door of the An Beal Bocht Cafe in Riverdale and in the other… and it is a spectacle of happiness, community and caring for others. Hundreds participate and it is the highlight of the year.
The festivities will begin around 6pm and, as in previous years, various bagpipe, fife and drum groups and other Irish-themed performers are expected to appear. Traditional Irish food and drink also help make the experience a true, culturally authentic celebration.
Internationally acclaimed recording star Mary Courtney will be joined by Pat Madden to provide authentic, traditional Irish music and set the tone for the parade. It’s all about celebrating Irish culture in the most joyful ways possible, while staying true to our ideals by helping the less fortunate. In fact, the name of the host of the parade, “An Beal Bocht,” is Irish for “the poor mouth.”
You can support the good work of the Aisling Irish Center by sponsoring a parade “foot.” Sponsors will have their names placed on a “foot” which will be displayed at An Beal Bocht. $20 gives you sponsorship of a foot. (Multiple foot sponsorships are welcome!)
Can’t sponsor an entire foot? No worries! $5 sponsors a “toe”! You can show your support even if you can’t physically attend the parade, by purchasing “feet” of the parade, online at the-shortest-parade.eventbrite.ie.
I hope to see you all again next week whem I a, Out&About again.