Out & About

Talking about Spider-man (turn off the dark) the musical; do you know that it is an Irishman named Michael O'Brien and his company from Tipperary that has done all the construction work on the Hilton Theater (213 West 42nd Street, off Broadway) for the show that will be opening on February 25?

The music and lyrics for Spider-Man  are by  Bono and The Edge and I am sure you know who they are? You're right first time: the World's biggest band U2. What a combination - the Irish build it and the Irish arrange it... only in America.

The stage is set as the countdown begins for Christmas with shopping till you drop. Don't forget me as anything will do... just kidding.

Do think about those who had a very tough year with a lot of people losing their jobs so have a look around and maybe check on your friends and neighbors with families and see who needs a little bit of help this year. As I've said before we've got to stick together and help one another.

Fitzpatrick's Hotels are offering two great locations to party this holiday season so book early as the space is limited. They offer parties for groups ranging from 20-120 people starting at $55 per person and offer everything from cocktail parties to full dinners in both hotels - The Fitz uptown and in The Wheeltapper downtown. For reservations and inquiries call (212) 784-2602.

I am sure there will be lots of parties happening all over the place so please let us know and we will give it a mention in this column or, if you would like to advertise your event, please call us at ( 212) 994-8042 and ask for advertising.

It was great to see another one of our own been giving a very big appointment by the U.S. Government as Declan Kelly was appointed as the United States Economics Envoy to Northern Ireland. What a great honor, good on you Declan.

What about the Editor in Chief of the Irish Echo Ray O'Hanlon who accepted the Ancient Order of Hibernians Sean McBride Humanitarian Award that was presented by the AOH National President Seamus Boyle in Phildelphia. Congratulations to you Ray from all the staff at The Irish Examiner newspaper.

The County Tipperary Hurling Club are having their annual  Banquet on Saturday December 5 at the Lake Isle Country Club (660 White Plains Road in Eastchester) with the Guest of Honor being the New York Champions 1974 Tipperary Team and Mentors.

For more information see their advert on page 13. I can see already that this is going to be a great night.

As I said last week there'll be lots of first class concerts coming your way so do try to do your best to support as many as you can.

Andy Cooney will feature in The Magic of Christmas at Carnege Hall with special guests Crystal Gayle, Eileen Ivers, Ryan Cooney, Fordham Choir and lots more.

This Thursday at 8pm you have The Celtic Tenors at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey. If you're interested in going you can use the code "EXAM" for a 10% discount. Call them at (201) 227-1030. The Celtic Tenors are also playing at Southampton High School Auditorium (141 Narrow Lane) on Long Island next Tuesday. Donations are $50 each or 10 tickets for $450. For more information call the box office on (631) 587-3965. Tickets can also be bought at The First Presbyterian Church (631) 283-1296 and at the Southampton Chamber of Commerce (631) 283-0402. 

Cherish the Ladies Celtic Christmas will be at William Paterson University on Sunday December 6 at 2pm. Now you can't miss this show as it is nice and early. For more information call the box office on (973) 720-2371 or go to  WPLive.org.

The Irish Tenors will be appearing at the State University of NY in Buffalo on Friday December 11.

Aoife O'Donovan & Childsplay will be at Peter Norton Symphony Space (2537 Broadway at 95th Street) on Thursday December 3 at 8pm.

This fiddle extravaganza Childsplay are making their New York debut and celebrating the release of their new CD, 'Waiting for the Dawn.'

Joined by vocalist Aoife O'Donovan (of acclaimed group Crooked Still), this gathering of 21 musicians features some of the best fiddlers in the nation.

Childsplay is unique in that all the fiddlers play violins all made by the same man, violinmaker Bob Childs.

The group includes All-Ireland fiddle champion Sheila Falls-Keohane, national Scottish fiddle champ Hanneke Cassell, All-Ireland harpist Kathleen Guilday, Sam Amidon, Lissa Schneckenberger, Shannon Heaton,  Mark Roberts (Touchstone), and Steve Hickman (Celtic Thunder).

Admission is $30 but there's a $20 special ticket discount for Irish Arts Center members and friends. Go to www.childsplay.org or on Facebook for more information See you all next week.