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Dinner and Dancing “At the Crossroads”
Inspired by Janet McShain’s beautiful painting, that graces the stage at the Commodore John Barry Arts and Cultural Center, Pari Livermore and Kathy Magee Burns conceived of this event to benefit the Irish Center. The crossroads dance was a type of event popular in Ireland years ago, in which people would congregate at the large cleared space of a crossroads to dance. The tradition of the dance was continued in America at local Social clubs, […] Read More
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Kersti Powell, Advancing Irish Studies at St. Joe’s
Born in the Baltic nation of Estonia, St. Joseph’s University associate professor of English Kersti Tarien Powell first encountered the works of John Banville, Irish author of the Booker Prize-winning novel “The Sea,” in the British Council library in the Estonian capital city of Talinn. “It wasn’t even a library,” Powell says, looking back. “It was more like a bookcase that they had there, for people who just didn’t feel like taking their paperbacks home. […] Read More
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‘Crossroads’ by Janet McShain
Soulfully on display as a vibrant yet grounding backdrop for the Philadelphia Irish Community’s sacred cultural life- Janet McShain’s grand and luminous painting,“Crossroads,” offers added beauty and depth to the many gatherings held at TheCommodore Barry Irish and Cultural Center. Janet’s sensitive brushstrokescreate a warmly inviting scene layered with as many greens as the Artist couldboth imagine and create from her palette; and from her knowledge of Ireland’sbeloved landscape. Golden light filters softly on hearth […] Read More
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Looking for Some Craic? Face “The Consequences”
They call themselves “The Consequences,” but this exciting young Irish trad group could have called themselves “The Champions.” Because they all are. Lexie Boatright is a multiple All-Ireland award winning harpist and concertina player. Jake James is a two-time All-Ireland fiddle champion. Cara Wildman is an All-Ireland champion bodhran player. And pianist and accordion player Ryan Ward is the current reigning Senior All-Ireland Accompaniment Champion. They come from all over: Lexi from the Washington, DC, area, […] Read More
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The Feis @ The Fleadh
Fleadh is an archaic spelling of the Irish word fleá (pronounced [fʲlʲaː]), meaning a festive occasion or banquet. It is used by a number of festivals such as The Philadelphia Fleadh, which have an Irish-originated inspiration. The term Feis is commonly used referring to Irish dance competitions , So there you have it, Irish Lesson 101. I’ve been going to this festival since it began. This year was the best by far. The Feis has taken on […] Read More
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2023 Philadelphia Rose of Tralee
Softly smooth gentle to the eye. Oh, so fragile and sweet to smell a woman is a blessing from the sky. Each is uniquely enfolded in its own delicate form. But all possess adorable traits that were specifically created and magnificently transform her position and are able to withstand any life-raining storm. Her empowerment of alluring beauty is shapely made with everything in tack a persona of wonder that it doesn’t lack. A woman can […] Read More
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Learn the Shocking True Story Behind This Novel of Immigration
John Heagney’s four years of family history research turned up some surprises, particularly for his wife Linda. She came from the Scots-Irish clan that owned Dunluce Castle, the fairytale cliffside ruins on the spectacular Antrim coast in Northern Ireland. She had three ancestors on the Mayflower. His own ancestors trod a more humble path. “As far back as the 18th century it was Heagney the dirt farmer, Heagney the dirt farmer, Heagney the dirt farmer, Heagney […] Read More
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The Best Seat in the House: A Dance Judge Takes You Behind the Scenes
By Kate O’Neill Wosczyna In the fall of 1974 when I was four, my Mom started me in Irish dancing. Being a first generation Irish American, my Mom felt it was important that I remain close to my Irish heritage. All four of my grandparents were from Ireland–Mayo, Donegal, and Tyrone. Along with the dancing, I attempted playing the accordion, fiddle, piano, and tin whistle. Needless to say (and for the betterment of everyone’s ears), […] Read More
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Cherishing Joanie Madden
By Frank Keel Many apt descriptors come to mind when one thinks about Joanie Madden, the world-renowned flute and tin whistle virtuoso and unquestionable leader of the acclaimed Irish-American trad band, Cherish The Ladies. Gifted. Visionary. Trail-blazing. All the terms fit. But, for this long-time fan of Cherish The Ladies and Joanie Madden, there is one descriptor that truly captures the essence of this remarkable musician and band leader. Indefatigable. Take a glance at her […] Read More
