Out & About

This year looks to be shaping as the year of the Century with everything that is happening.

First up, as I'm sure that you know you by now, the New York Saint Patrick's Day Parade will be celebrating its 250th Anniversary. Now what a joy that is huh?

On top of that there is a special Saint Patrick's Day book been published to coincide with the anniversary and I did see a sample of it and it blew my mind; it's filled withgreat content and I'm sure that it will be a collectors' item for years to come. The commerative book documents 250 years of Irish heritage, culture and faith in New York and will be launched at the Irish Consulate on Tuesday January 4th.

The first New York St. Patrick's Day Parade was held on March 17, 1762, fourteen years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

That heritage is uniquely presented in Quinnipiac University Press' 'Celebrating 250 Years of the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade', written by noted historian, John T. Ridge and edited by Lynn Mosher Bushnell (publication date: January 30).

This beautiful book pays heartfelt tribute to the Irish in America, descendants of the seven million who emigrated from Ireland over three centuries.

The annual parade reflects their strength, their spirit, and their passion and contributes to the unique character of New York City.

Through moving text written by John T. Ridge, one of New York City's leading historians, 'Celebrating 250 Years of the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade' explores the past, present and future of Irish-American heritage in a vivid portrait of the nation's longest-running parade that symbolizes the proud and passionate people and the events that shaped it.

Drawing from New York's most precious photographic archives, editor Lynn Mosher Bushnell has assembled a visual history of the parade that unfolds page by page with hundreds of rare and extraordinary photographs.

Held each year to honor Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, the parade also honors the Archdiocese of New York by celebrating a proud legacy of Irish faith and heritage.

This year the Parade will again be reviewed from the steps of St. Patrick's Cathedral by Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, a tradition dating from earlier days at the Old St. Patrick's Cathedral in Lower Manhattan.

In 2011, as in all 250 previous years, the parade will be organized by volunteers from the community and AOH under the careful stewardship of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee who ensure that the parade retains its traditional values and connection to its past and the church, under the steady leadership of Chairman-Director John T. Dunleavy.

This year the Grand Marshal of this historic parade is best-selling author Mary Higgins Clark.

"Recognizing the 250th Anniversary of the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade is a momentous occasion worthy of great joy and celebration," says Mr. Dunleavy. "By publishing this signature book along with Quinnipiac University Press, we strive to preserve the history of the parade and the memory of all the wonderful years for future generations to enjoy and remember. On behalf of the parade committee, our affiliated organizations, sponsors and supporters, we hope you enjoy this publication and all that it represents in our proud 250-year history of marching on the streets of New York."

Celebrating 250 Years of the New York St. Patrick's Day Parade is a full-color hardcover book. Its 144 pages contain a lavishly illustrated history of the legendary New York City event, the oldest (and biggest) parade of its kind in America.

Published by Quinnipiac University Press, the book retails at $49.95, and is available for pre-order through a dedicated webpage at 250yearsparadebook.com. For more information contact: Turlough McConnell of Turlough McConnell Communications at (917) 873-6623.

Now how about that huh, good on yea boys, keep it going!

I am still nursing a hangover after New Year's Eve and you know what? I'm loving it... Why? Because I had a great time celebrating the New Year and the few days after with some great friends who support what we're doing, yippee!

Next up we've the United Irish Counties Association of New York who will be holding their 107th Annual Dinner Dance on Friday January 28th in Antun's (96-43 Springfield Blvd in Queens Village). That's a great spot and as for the owners, well, you could not meet nicer people than the King family; they are so helpful to every organization that patronizes their establishment.

Cocktails will be served at 7:30pm with Dinner and Dancing to follow.

The Gael of the Year award will be presented to restaurateur Paddy Reilly, the James and Helen Grogan Distinguished Service Award recipient is Ray Conlon, President of the County Sligo Association of New York and they'll be awarding a Special Recognition Award to The Honorable George J. Mitchell Jr., Chairman of the International Commission on Disarmament in Northern Ireland.

Admission is $85 per person or $850 per table of ten... is that all, it seems like nothing...

Music will be provided by Gerry Finley and the Cara Band (I tell you, that man never stops and that's good as you can get, there's none better).

On Sunday, January 9th at 3pm NYC Gotham Arts Exchange and Symphony Space will be presenting Stam-Pede, an afternoon of the very best in percussive dance by seven celebrated companies at Symphony Space (2537 Broadway at 95th Street).

From soulful flamenco to lively Irish dance to innovative body percussion to exhilarating tap dance and mesmerizing Bharatanatyam, this impressive collection of companies offers something for everyone who loves the power and precision of percussive dance.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at symphonyspace.org or by phone at (212) 864-5400. The show's appropriate for ages 5 and up.

Participating companies include: Barbara Duffy and Company; Buckets and Tap Shoes; Darrah Carr Dance; David Parker and The Bang Group; Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater; Ragamala Dance; and The Vanaver Caravan.

Prepare to be amazed by their virtuosic displays of lightning fast footwork, intoxicating rhythms, and high energy musical accompaniment.

Expect a rollicking good time as the audience is treated to a sensory feast for sight and sound.

On Saturday January 15th, the New York Irish Center (at 10-40 Jackson Avenue in Long Island City; www.nyirish.org) will be presenting Ashley Davis in Concert with harpist Cormac De Barra for one night only.

The show begins at 8pm but doors open at 7pm for a FREE pre-show cocktail hour (including finger food and sandwiches)... I love that!

Tickets are $37 each and can be purchased by credit card at Paypal or via their home page at www.nyirish.org.

"Davis has a knack for evoking many lands and cultures. She does this flawlessly and her work that deserves a wide audience. Seek out her albums and any live performances," said Irish Music Magazine,

Her highly regarded latest album 'Down by the Sea' includes special guests Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains, Moya Brennan of Clannad and Cathy Jordan of Dervish. Ashley's website acn be found at daisyrings.com.

Corma De Barra is a harpist and composer who has collaborated with Clannad, Moya Brennan, Hazel O'Connor and Brian Kennedy. He is renowned the world over as one of the finest harpists working today and collaborated with Ashley Davis on her last album. You can find more information about this talented musician at cormacdebarra.com.

So anyway, I'll be there, will you? See you all next week.