Celebrations Galore at IAC

By Paul Keating May 4, 2016

As New York was officially celebrating the 1916 centennial two weeks ago, it seemed like the Big Apple was thoroughly immersed in showing its green side.

The icing on the cake was the symbolic and ceremonial events at Wagner Park on April 24 and the accompanying cultural day on the nearby public stage and throughout Pier A. But leading up to that day were significant lec- tures and seminars at Glucksman Ireland House moved to Pier A for its greater capacity two days before, and a moving remem- brance of 1916 starting with a Mass Green Fields of America at Symphony Space: Joanie Madden, Mick Moloney, Athena Tergis at St. Patrick’s Cathedral followed and Billy McComiskey. Photo by Erin Baiano. by a march to the Irish Consulate where a Proclamation reading and reception was attended by over Rising: Words and Music For A that the Irish have ever embarked 2,000 people organized by the New Century” to a capacity aud- upon in New York. Ancient Order of Hibernians. ience at Symphony Space on Friday, April 22 on Manhattan’s The audience included many The United Irish Counties Upper West Side. wealthy philanthropists, power Association proudly convened to wielding politicians and culture- launch a book extolling the role of The show melding both the literary loving seekers drawn by the the Irish in New York around the and musical prowess of the Irish diverse, sophisticated program- time of the Rebellion on April 24. and their kindred spirits around ming on offer at the IAC. There the globe was the creation of Bill was even a corps of early IAC With so much history swirling Whelan and Paul Muldoon, whose members whose pioneering efforts around New York that weekend, muse has been recognized world- back in the wild and wooly 1970s leave it to the Irish Arts Center to wide for decades. They came in New York gave rise to the Hell’s take the occasion to accentuate together to help create a special Kitchen edifice whose influence why the future of the Irish in New endgame for the IAC’s Almost could never be contained inside the York looks promising and fulfilling Home campaign which will reach humble brick and mortar of 553 for the Irish diaspora. the goal line of $60 million that West 51st Street, and where will allow work to begin on the new inspired visions always haunted its The center is taking a larger place center arising around the corner of cramped hallways and rooms. in a world where borders and 11th Avenue. In the audience were allegiances are less important than so many people who have helped Whelan established the theme a common humanity and triumph the cultural juggernaut raise $47 early on when he said, “Irish Arts of the human spirit. And so they million so far in the most im- Center brings people together and did with their production “Ireland pressive and successful campaign creates unexpected marriages.”

That was born out over and over and an American, Nic Gareiss from well as inform their work as a with a stellar lineup that included Michigan, who is known widely for threesome. appearances by singer-songwriters his original choreography in Celtic Declan O’Rourke, JD and the and American circles. Admission is Further down the road on Friday, Straight Shot (JD is Jim Dolan, free on the night. May 20, the Cuala NYC Festival CEO of Madison Square Garden by curated by Susan McKeown the way), Loah, Liam Ó Maonlaí, The results of their week-long dovetails the Songlives series high- Nicole Maguire and Paul Brady; sojourn in the Big Apple will lighting contemporary singer- actor Lisa Dwan; authors Anne produce two shows at the Irish songwriters (initiated by McKeown Enright, Colm Tóibín, Nick Laird, Arts Center on Saturday, May 14 and the IAC) with an Irish bent Peter Quinn and Zadie Smith; Irish and Sunday, May 15 both at 8 p.m. that would be at home busking in traditional musicians Athena Dublin on Grafton Street or in New Tergis, Joanie Madden, Billy For those who are looking to York City. McComiskey and Mick Moloney, satisfy their trad IQ in a quality who flew the trad flag as Green listening environment, you have a The night pairs two dynamic Fields of America that night; drag treat in store in performers who will have their queen and activist Panti Bliss; when the deeply rooted Open the own acts in Luan Parle and Micky vocalist and guitarist Becca Door for Three band crosses the Coleman, who is well known Stevens; vocalist and composer threshold of the IAC’s Donaghy around Woodlawn and Rockland Christine Tobin; accordionist Billy Theatre to perform on Saturday, County. McComiskey; jazz guitarist May 7 at 8 p.m. Andreas Varady and singer Visit www.irishartscenter.org Cassandra Wilson; stepdancer The trio contains three highly ; and Women of the seasoned and respected musicians

World. within the tradition, with husband and wife combo Kieran O’Hare on Transcribed by Irish Arts Center. Many of these artists have em- /flute/whistle and Originally appeared in the Irish Voice May braced and graced the stage of the Liz Knowles on fiddle and Pat 4-10 print edition. IAC over the years and were Broaders, who is one of the finest showing their solidarity this night singers and accompanists (bou- when Whelan and Muldoon came zouki) in the American Irish scene. calling. The intimacy of the black box The range and diversity of the theater will enhance the experience talent on stage certainly created of listening to three musicians who excitement and anticipation for the came to the music from three new Irish Arts Center, and also a different places but all found need for the Irish community seminal sources upon which to around New York to rally around build their own music repertoire as their fundraising efforts as 2016 draws to a close and the dream becomes a reality. The IAC has created a dedicated webpage at www.almosthome2016.org to in- form and encourage greater anticipation.

As we have come to expect though from the creative minds at the IAC, programming continues apace. Indicative of its ground-breaking reputation, the 10th edition of its original series “Masters in Collaboration” will be coming up soon with two dancers paired together for the week in New York.

On Wednesday, May 11, creator Mick Moloney will interview From left to right: New York Assemblyman Michael Cusick, Congressman Joe Crowley, City star Colin Dunne from England, who took over for Councilman Danny Dromm, and the IAC’s Pauline Turley and Aidan Connolly. Photo by Erin in the lead role, Baiano.