Pittsburgh Irish Happenings

Happenings Around My Town – Pittsburgh, PA
January 17, 2007

Hello Friends, here we are mid-January already; many activities will be going on over the next couple of months leading up to St. Patrick’s Day.

Just last week, a very interesting group made their debut performance at Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle – Coyote Run, out of Williamsburg, VA. They were quite a unique group with a very theatrical presentation of their music, which was mostly original along with some covers with their own arrangements. The five members were dressed in kilts, they had a powerful, exciting, sound; and were really good!

Their music is inspired by Celtic, Appalachian, Folk and Maritime traditions and performed with a fusion of instruments including: guitars, mandolin, accordion, drums, electric bass, flute, whistles, bodhran, djembe, digeridoo, bagpipes, and cittern; along with strong vocals. We really liked them and hopefully they’ll be back.

Coming up Saturday, January 20th is A Taste of Ireland at the Irish Centre of Pittsburgh with na Gaels, a local Traditional group performing in Concert, plus it is a ‘social’ and the Taste is Guinness. This is a fun evening beginning at 7:00 pm; tickets at the door are $15.00 and include refreshments. Come and enjoy the Music and the Taste! If you need directions give ‘Big Mac’ a ring at 412.951.7068.

na Gaels

The AOH Allegheny County Board is sponsoring a $$Cash Bash$$ on Saturday, January 27th at the West View Firemen’s Banquet Hall. Doors open at 6:00 pm with the activities beginning at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $25.00 and include: Admission, Buffet Meal, and beverages plus the opportunity to win some cash on your admission ticket. Call Dan Devinney at 412.687.2459 to purchase a ticket and directions.

Congratulations go out to the 2007 Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Jim Lamb, President of the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh and member of Guaranteed Irish. Jim Lamb has been part of the Pittsburgh Irish Community all his life growing up in an Irish home. He began performing Irish music over 20 years ago as a solo then joining Guaranteed Irish. Jim has been responsible in part for integrating many young men and women from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland into our community with work placement and educational environments. Through this integration many of us have become good friends and more involved in our heritage and culture.

Jim Lamb is a member of AOH Sean MacBride Division 32 in Carnegie, Pittsburgh Gaelic Arts Society, the Nomination Committee for the Irish Rooms Scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh, the board of the South Hills Interface Ministries and the international advisory board of Robert Morris University.

Jim Lamb brings advocacy, commitment and talent to the long list of Grand Marshal’s of the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Congratulations Jim Lamb, an excellent choice to lead us down the parade route; and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, again, has chosen well.

The search is on for Miss Smiling Irish Eyes. This young woman is to be between the ages of 17 to 22, single, Irish by birth or descent, an active promoter of her Irish ancestry, and of good moral character. Young women send your Resume along with a 5” x 7” Photo to: Miss Smiling Irish Eyes, PO Box 1917, Pittsburgh PA 15230. The Deadline is February 28th.

The search is also on for St. Brigid’s Court. This woman models the ‘Spirit of the Fighting Irish’. She will be someone who shares the values of Saint Brigid, Patron Saint of Learning, Courage and Spiritual Strength; and has dealt with illness and other limiting challenges with Faith, Hope and Courage. The Nominee is to send a brief biography explaining the illness and describe the challenges and adversity experienced; and a photograph with name, address and phone number to: Saint Brigid Court Committee, PO Box 99516, Pittsburgh PA 15233. Application deadline is March 2nd.

Well Friends, this is all for now; but I’ll be back again soon as there is so much to share with you.

Slan,
Diane