Nowadays people think of Bob Downey as actor Robert Downey, Jr.’s father, but back in the ’60s and ’70s he was celebrated for his avant-garde movies – most notably, his 1969 satire Putney Swope, a send-up of both Madison Avenue and American race relations. After a screening of Putney Swope in N.Y.C. recently, Downey sat down with Glenn Kenny, the film critic and journalist, to … [Read more...] about Downey Talks
Issues
Judy Collins on the Town
Singer and author Judy Collins, just off an 18-month tour with Stephen Stills, and with hit song “Dreamers” on the Billboard charts, was back in New York City, her home since the ’70s, on February 4 to accept the Joe's Pub Vanguard Award & Residency for 2019. The award celebrates the career of a singular artist who has contributed to American life and pop culture. Alex … [Read more...] about Judy Collins on the Town
Business Awards in Philadelphia
Irish Ambassador to the United States Daniel Mulhall presented the Irish American Business Chamber & Network Awards at a luncheon on Friday, March 1, at the Union League of Philadelphia. Over 600 people were present. The Ambassador Award, given each year to a member company that has helped carry out the chamber’s mission of strengthening business and educational ties … [Read more...] about Business Awards in Philadelphia
Story and Song
Author Mary Pat Kelly launched her latest his torical fiction novel, Irish Above All, with a gathering at the Irish Rep. on February 11. It was a lovely celebration of Irish America, as Kelly regaled her audience with tales from her life and historical notes on the journey of her protagonist, her great-aunt Nora. She displayed an image of her parents’ wedding photo (her “one … [Read more...] about Story and Song
Those We Lost
Recent passings in the Irish and Irish American communities. ℘℘℘ Eileen Battersby (1958 – 2018) Former literary critic and correspondent for the Irish Times Eileen Battersby died in late December 2018 in a car accident in County Meath, aged 60. Known for her incisive reviews of a wide range of literature and her enthusiasm for all subjects, Battersby was recognized four … [Read more...] about Those We Lost