Out & About

Would you believe it? Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi became a member of the County Cork BP&P Association and was introduced last Sunday at their monthly meeting and the party that followed.

Now I know what you're thinking: what's the connection? Well here it is: his great great grandfather came from Bean (just outside Mallow in County Cork) and his name was William Holmes.

I wonder, is he a relation to Johnny Holmes the bartender in Nevada Smiths? I must check that out as he might be a celebrity .

As we are on the subject of the Cork Association, they'll be celebrating their 125th Anniversary at their Annual Banquet on Friday October 16 at the Terrace On the Park (111th Street in Flushing, New York).

The Guest of Honor will be John Ahern, the Business Manager and Financial Secretary of IUOE Local 30 and President of the NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. The evening starts with cocktails at 7pm followed by dinner and dancing to the New York Showband until 12:30am.

For more information and reservations call Mary Waters on (718) 899-6776 or Mary Hurley at 917 886-4196 or Journal Chairpersons Mae O'Driscoll on (718) 891-0388 or Mary Naughton at (718) 885-9154.

I am very excited to tell you that the NYPD Emerald Society has made 'The Streets Of New York' their official song. The song was penned by Liam Reilly, lead singer of Ireland's legendary band Bagatelle. They will be honored on Thursday October 1, followed by a fundraising concert for the NYPD Widows & Children Fund.

This being their 30th Anniversary this is a great way to celebrate and honor their contribution to Irish music as well as helping a great cause.

A limited number of tickets are available for this great event. Again, don't forget the date, Thursday October 1 and the venue is P.D. O'Hurley's Restaurant at Pier 84 (44th Street at 12th Avenue). The evening starts at 6pm and performing will be Bagatelle, Joe Hurley & The Gents and Enda Keegan. Tickets are available for $30. Call (917) 439-0986 or email info@endakeegan.com for more information or tickets.

The sponsors for this event are P.D. O'Hurley's Restaurant, Anheuser-Bush New York, The Irish Examiner, Smyth Media Group, John Burke Law, MurphGuide, Enda Keegan Music, and One Tree Entertainment. We hope to see you all at this worthy cause.

At The Tilles Center in Long Island, on Thursday October 8, Celtic Thunder will kick off their "Take Me Home Fall 2009 Tour," an extensive trek across North America in support of their new Decca Records album.

Take Me Home was recorded live at Toronto's Casino Rama and features the group's signature takes on hit songs including "Every Breath You Take" by The Police, the Josh Groban classic "You Raise Me Up," "500 Miles" by The Proclaimers, and many more.

The highly anticipated North American trek is the second full fledged US tour for the group whose 48 city itinerary last year earned the #20 spot on Pollstar's top tours of 2008. For more information, including tour updates, log onto celticthunder.com.

Singer Emma-Kate Tobia hails from Westport, County Mayo, and now lives in Kinsale, County Cork. She is a multiple award winning artist who has a grá or love for Irish Song.

Her US debut cd, 'Aisling na nGael' (An Irish Dream), is an expression of that love and a unique combination of classical singing and traditional songs. She is a classically trained soprano who melds her pure lyrical voice with the timeless melodies of her Irish heritage.

The songs recorded on 'Aisling na nGael' are normally sung in the sean-nós style with little or no accompaniment. Here they are presented in rich orchestral and choral arrangements.

Currently breaking out nationally with her CD and music, Emma-Kate is getting radio airplay across the country.

Come out and hear her sing songs from her CD and other Irish favorites on October 7 at the Triad Theater (158 West 72nd Street) from 7pm. Tickets can be reserved for $20 on www.triadnyc.com. There will also be tickets available on the door, cash only please, there is a 2 drink minimum.

As you can see, their are lots of eventx happening in the New York area and, as you know, Finbar Furey will also be performing at Nevada Smiths on Thursday October 8 at 8pm so mark you calender.

We visited the HoundsTooth at 37th Street on 8th Avenue on Thursday night. The place was packed to capacity so we stayed for a pint and then headed across the street to Stitch to meet Nick Cohen. That again was a full house and had a few cocktails with the man himself and then went over to Metro 53 that is owned by James Tourberty. Again, I don't know what was going on as this place was also packed.

I really enjoy moving around the city because I get a chance to meet a lot of wonderful people, even coffeeman Pete Scalley.

I have to finish with some very sad news this week. One of Ireland's favorite entertainers Glen Curtin passed away last Friday in Dublin. He was another great friend; may he rest in peace and our condolences go out to his family.

See you all next week.