The Irish Arts Center (IAC) of New York celebrated a stellar night and raised over $120,000 at its Gala in the New York Athletic Club on October 3. Honoree hosts Liam Neeson and Gabriel Byrne, both patrons of the center, were on hand to greet guests and participate in the auction. Lucky winners had dinner with the two stars as first prize. The IAC provides Irish cultural programs including book readings, film screenings, theater performances, art exhibits and language, history and music classes.
Mike Carty, a prominent Irish businessman and humanitarian, received the “Spirit of Ireland Award.” Guests were treated to a performance by the students of the Niall O’Leary Dance School and live music from the IAC Ceili Band.
Murphy-Gibb Reads at IRISH ARTS CENTER
Storyteller and poet Dwina Murphy-Gibb recently read from her book The Gabby Aggies at the Irish Arts Center. Her comedic monologues are based on her experiences growing up in County Tyrone and feature two local townswomen who gossip about their village, with hilarious results. When the audience wasn’t in stitches from these stories, it was treated to some elegant and romantic poetry by Murphy-Gibb. She is married to Robin Gibb of Bee Gees fame and the couple resides in Florida and Oxfordshire with their son Robin-John Gibb.
NEW CELTIC RADIO
STATION ON THE INTERNET
Accomplished vocalist and former lead singer of Riverdance on Broadway Michael Londra has launched RadioCelt.com, an Irish music station that is accessed over the Internet. Said Londra, “As an Irish singer I know only too well how difficult it is to get exposure for Celtic Music. Artists from around the world have been calling to submit their catalogs of music and to show their appreciation and support for the station. Along with my album, you will hear artists ranging from Karan Casey to Brian Kennedy, from Altan to the AfroCelts.” Artists are encouraged to submit their music for airplay. Send submissions to: AccuRadio 119 W. Hubbard, Suite 4E Chicago, Illinois, 60610.
Irish Photography in Milwaukee
Wisconsin’s Irish Cultural and Heritage Centre in Milwaukee hosted the prestigious AIB (Allied Irish Bank) Press Photographers Association of Ireland Annual Awards Exhibition from October 3-13. The exhibition featured the very best of Ireland’s press pictures in news, sport, features, individual study, arts, politics, and picture essay.
President of the PPAI, Brenda Fitzsimons, welcomed the opportunity to bring to Milwaukee and the U.S. an unmatched pictorial record of Ireland. With AIB’s partnership, the unique Irish/American relationship is cemented yet further through photography.
Ed Kenney and His Excellency Yusuf Nzibo, Kenya’s Ambassador to the U.S., together at the Kenyan Embassy for the screening of a documentary co-produced and directed by Kenney.
The project, titled Shilling for Shilling, is featured in the current season of the public television documentary series The Visionaries, hosted by Emmy Award winner Sam Waterston. Shilling for Shilling was shot on location in Kenya and Tanzania, and profiles the Global Education Partnership and its founder Tony Silard. ♦
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