Out & About

There are lots of events coming up over the next few weeks that should keep your appetite from getting thirsty...

First up, you have the MurphGuide.com Annual Summer Cruise this Thursday which will departs from the World Yacht Marina (West 41st Street & Hudson River) aboard the Temptress. The price is only $70 at the dock and that includes an open bar, hot and cold buffet and dancing to the tunes of DLJ.

Now where would you get value like that then? Do not miss this great night of fun and sun, rain or shine. For more information call (212) 717-9955.

Next up is the Annual P.D. O'Hurley's Oyster Festival which will be held on September 12 and 13 in Riverside Park (104th Street and Riverside Drive) and at Pier 84 at the Hudson River Park (12th Avenue at 44th Street) with free admission.

The entertainment is superb and it's a day for all the family. Bring the kids  as there will be  childrens games and activities while you're listing to the music; believe me you will have fun.

Heading the bill will be none other than Joe Hurley and the Gents, who are appearing before they go on their European tour. They'll be with Enda Keegan and playing songs from his latest CD 'The Bridge'. Then you have Ellen Foley & The Dirty Old Men, Bedsit Poets and Bill Popp & The Tapes.

As I said this is all happening over two days. First on Saturday at Pier 84 and again on Sunday at Riverside Park. For more information call (212) 873-9001.

Also happening Saturday September 12th, just up from the Oyster Festival at Pier 84, you have an event sponsored by American Airlines in Association with The Friends of the Fighting 69th who are proudly presenting a special screening of 'Lt. Dan Band For The Common Good' (at Pier 86 on the  Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum), a film by Jonathan Flora with a private cocktail reception on the fantail at 6pm. For more information call (646) 537-5678 or email terry.tierney@69thfriends.org. Oh boy, we will never leave!

The second annual edition of 1st Irish, a five-week-long all-Irish theatre festival coordinated by Origin Theatre Company, runs from September 1 to October 4.  Featuring a wide spectrum a works by 21 contemporary Irish playwrights spanning many theatrical sensibilities, 1st Irish 2009, takes place in a total of 12 New York City theatres, and arts and culture-related venues. Approximately 375 writers, actors, designers and stage managers from here and abroad will participate. 

Among the prominent New York non-profits presenting new work in their own theatres are 59E59 Theaters (on two stages), The Irish Repertory Theatre (on two stages), The Mint, and The Vineyard Theatre.

For festival information visit www.1stIrish.org

The Bartenders Ball - End of the Summer Bash - will be held on September 14. It is sponsored by the URTO, together with the Daily News and MurphGuide, and hosted by WABC TV Anchor Ken Rosato at P.D. Hurley's on Monday September 14 at Pier 84, (44th Street and 12th Avenue) from 7pm until 11pm. 

A contest for the Best Bartender, Best Pub, Best Hostess, Best Waiter or Waitress, etc. will be posted on MurphGuide and the winners will be announced at the party and printed in the Daily News.  So, don't forget to vote! 

This event is a chance for you and all the members of your staff (well, those who aren't working that night) to aid your association in its philantropic efforts. Proceeds from the Bartenders Ball will go to a most worthy charity, Free Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, which aids children and adults with Autism and Down Syndrome.   

For a mere $50, which includes an open bar and hors d'oeuvres, you can sway to the tunes of the DJ and enjoy an evening at a great venue overlooking the Hudson River. Please spread the word and join in the fun evening on September 14.

The County Cork Association of New York will be celebrating their 125th Anniversary Banquet on Friday, October 16, at the Terrace On The Park (52-11 111th Street, Flushing Meadow Park). The Guest of Honor is Union Leader John J. Ahern, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 30 and President of the NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. For tickets and reservations call Mary Waters at (718) 899-6776 or Mary Hurley (917) 886-4196.

I just got very sad news on a great friend John Dymes (from Mayo)  passed away on last Sunday after been rushed to hospital and was taken off the ventilator. May he rest in peace.

See you all next week.