Marvelous Mosaic: 5+ Great Ways to Celebrate Irish Culture & St. Paddy’s Day in NYC

By Jacquelin Carnegie – (New York, NY)

Every March, it’s time to dig out that bright green sweater and brace yourself for gallons of green beer, rowdy teenagers, and lousy weather--it's Saint Paddy’s Day in New York! But, Irish culture is so rich and varied, it should be celebrated for more than just one day! Here are some great ways to do so all year long in New York:

Come for The Craic

Irish Arts Center 

Celtic AppalachianCelebration II 

(photo: Brandilyn Davidson & Erin Baiano)

726 11th Ave (btw 51-52 St), Tel: 212/757-3318; www.irishartscenter.org

The IAC is a treasure-trove of Irish cultural activities. Throughout the year, attend concerts, dance performances, plays, films, lectures or readings, and be sure to enjoy “the craic” (great conversation). If you’re bitten by the Irish bug, the IAC also offers classes for children and adults in Irish music, dance, language, and history. Great annual events include: St. Patrick's Day Open House (Free): Celebrate Irish music & dance with performances and craft workshops for the whole family. Book Day: Snag a free book by a great Irish or Irish-American author.

Discover Irish Playwrights

Donnybrook! (photo: Carol Rosegg)

The Irish Repertory Theatre

132 West 22nd St; Tel: 212/727-2737; www.irishrep.org

The Irish Rep features plays and musicals by well-known and emerging Irish and Irish-American playwrights. 

Get Some Culture

American Irish Historical Society

991 Fifth Ave., at 80th St.; Tel: 212/288-2263, www.aihs.org 

Founded in 1897, the AIHS celebrates the Irish-American experience with a focus on contemporary Irish culture. Events range from talks to art exhibits to readings and concerts on the harp, piano, penny whistle, and bodhrán. All take place in AIHS’ magnificent Beaux-Arts townhouse.
Thrill to the Music

In New York, there are Irish musicians playing everything from traditional, to rock to pop. No matter what your taste, there’s a band for you.
Paddy Reilly's Music Bar (519 2^nd Ave., at 29^th St.; Tel: 212/686-1210; www.paddyreillysmusicbar.us): In NYC, there’s an Irish pub on almost every corner, but this is one of the best with great Irish music; Black 47 got their start here.

New in Town: Emmet Cahill the hottest Irish tenor and lead singer of the fab Celtic Thunder group.

Old Favorites: For 25 years, Black 47 was “Rockin’ The Bronx,” giving voice to the joy and the sorrow of all the Irish immigrants who’ve found a second home on Bainbridge Avenue and in other New York boroughs. Band leader Larry Kirwan now does solo gigs with a St. Patrick's Day concert. 

Some years, The Celtic Tenors, doing traditional songs, and The Saw Doctors, with their folk-rock vibe, roll into town. 

Larry Kirwan of Black 47

Sober St. Patrick’s Day® - This is a wonderful way to enjoy the sprit of the day with great Irish entertainment--acclaimed musicians, dancers, singers, comedians--but without the rowdy drunks.

Worship in Gaelic

The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral

263 Mulberry St, corner of Mott & Prince, Tel: 212-226-8075; www.oldcathedral.org
Long before people worshiped at Saint Patrick's Cathedral (1879), on Fifth Avenue and 50^th St., they came here to the city's first Cathedral Church, founded in 1809. Today, Mass is given in English, Spanish, Chinese, and, on occasion, in the Irish language, Gaelic. Throughout the year, there are lovely concerts and other cultural offerings.

 (photo: Laura_Mexico)

Saint Patrick's Day Parade

The first St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York was held in 1762, when Irish ex-patriots and Irish soldiers marched through the city. Every year, the Parade heads up Fifth Avenue, from 44th St to 86th St.

Did you know that there are other regions, referred to as "Celtic Nations," that share this heritage with Ireland: Brittany, France; Wales; Scotland; the Isle of Man & Cornwall.

(Often, Brittany's BZH NY society invites musicians from Brittany to perform and celebrate St. Patrick's Day in New York.)

Marvelous Mosaic: 10+ Great Ways to Vive La France in NYC

French films at FIAF, Kirsten Dunst, Marie Antoinette  

(©Sony Pictures Entertainment/Photofest: Sofia Coppola)

By Jacquelin Carnegie – (New York, NY)

New York has always been the melting pot of world cultures. Former mayor David Dinkins called the city a “gorgeous mosaic" and, to that end, you can find food, culture, and entertainment from just about every country. If you’d like to experience some French culture right in NYC, here are some terrific ways:

Dine à la Française:
While there is no joy in the world like sitting at a café in Paris, you can experience that feeling right here in NYC at several, top-rated French restaurants such as Le Bernardin, Benoit, Daniel, and Jean-Georges. There are also plenty of more affordable options and you can discover new places during French Restaurant Week (July) such as:

Springtime in Paris (artist: Liudmila Kondakova)

West Village: Boucherie (99 7th Ave So; boucherie.nyc)
Mid-Town: Bistro Vendome (405 East 58th St; bistrovendomenyc.com)
Upper West Side: Café du Soleil (2723 Broadway, btw 104-105th St.

www.cafedusoleilny.com)

Live & Learn à la Française:

Michel Fau & Jerome Deschamps, Courteline en dentelles,

 FIAF (photo: Joachim Olaya)

These French cultural institutions offer wonderful events open to the public—films, plays, lectures, photo exhibits, concerts, and more. Many of the events are free; some have a nominal charge.

French Institute/Alliance Française

22 East 60th St.; Tel. 212/355- 6100; www.fiaf.org
Yes, it’s a place to learn French, but FIAF offers so much more. Every week, there are cultural events--from cutting-edge French films, often introduced by the director and the movie's stars, to performances by popular French singers and acclaimed French actors. There are wine tastings and talks (in English or with a translator) on topics ranging from French fashion to gardens and décor. And, every fall, the Crossing the Line festival brings acclaimed, international performers to New York. 

La Maison Française at NYU

16 Washington Mews; Tel: 212/998-8750; http://bit.ly/2qmC3UQ

Since 1957, New York University’s La Maison Française has been a forum for French-American intellectual and cultural exchange. During the year, over 100 events take place in this lovely, historic Greenwich Village setting. Leading writers, artists, musicians, and performers present along with scholars in a wide range of fields. On any given evening, you might attend a program by eminent philosophers or prominent politicians.

Jules et Jim, Truffaut

Maison Française Columbia University

Buell Hall, Columbia, 515 West 116th St.; Tel: 212/854-4482;

maisonfrancaise.org

At Columbia’s Maison Française, distinguished artists, leading faculty members, and academics from around the world address topics ranging from French culture and history to societal trends and global political issues. Notable guests range from renowned composers to famed filmmakers. (Also, great films are screened.)

French Resources In NYC:

Macaroons (photo: Angelina Herman)

For activities: French Morning; For music: France Rocks. And, if you just want to meet some people who speak French: French New York City

Shop à la Française:

Fabulous French chocolates: François Payard Chocolates & La Maison du Chocolat; French groceries: Le District Fun, silly gifts: Pylones; Quality skincare products: L’Occitane; Classy books: Albertine (972 Fifth Ave, at 79th St.) - Located in the stunning French Embassy building, the bookshop highlights French literature and culture with talks and an annual Lit Festival. Idlewild - Offers French language lessons and books.

Church Services in French: Eglise Evangélique Amour du Christ (250 East 61st St; https://tinyurl.com/4zz3rduu) & Eglise Evangelique Française de New York (128 West 16th St; Tel: 212-929-6312).

 

Marvelous Mosaic: 7+ Great Ways to Enjoy Japanese Culture in NYC

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, Cherry Walk (photo: Antonio M. Rosario)

By Jacquelin Carnegie – (New York, NY)

In this “gorgeous mosaic," as former Mayor Dinkins christened it, you can find entertainment and culinary delights from just about every nation. Here are some delightful ways to experience Japanese culture in New York:

Stroll in a Japanese Garden

Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden - Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

900 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, NY; Tel: 718/623-7200; www.bbg.org

Imagine you’re in Japan as you stroll through this lovely garden with winding paths, a pond and waterfall, picturesque bridges, and a traditional Shinto shrine. The garden is especially delightful during cherry blossom season (April-May).

Delve into Japanese Culture

Japan Society  (photo: Peter Aaron/Esto)

Japan Society

333 East 47^th St.; Tel: 212/832-1155; www.japansociety.org

The Japan Society is on a tree-lined plaza right by the United Nations. Step inside this tranquil space, designed by architect Junzo Yoshimura, and be immersed in Japanese culture. Come here for interesting art exhibitions and a roster of cultural programs: films, concerts, dance, and lectures, even Japanese language classes.

Noguchi Museum & Garden

9-01 33rd Rd., Long Island City, NY; Tel: 718/204-7088; www.noguchi.org

The Noguchi Museum (photo: Elizabeth Felicella)

The museum showcases the work of famed Japanese-American designer Isamu Noguchi. There’s a lovely garden, with around 25 of his sculptures on display. (Free admission First Friday of every month.) 

Visit Japanese Galleries Galore

Asia Week New York www.asiaweekny.com

March annually; (Download a map & guide.)

Kamoda Shoji, Joan B. Mirviss

Every March, Asia Week highlights work by Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indian, Himalayan, and Southeast Asian artists in 43+ galleries, museums, and Asian cultural institutions throughout the city. Even after the week of special exhibitions is over, you can visit the galleries to see some truly-spectacular Japanese art, from ancient through contemporary. Start with these three: Joan B. Mirviss Ltd - Japanese ceramics; Carole Davenport – Japanese photography; Kaikodo – Japanese & Chinese antiquities.

Enjoy Japanese Refreshments

In New York, Japanese restaurants abound, from pricey to reasonable. Everyone has a favorite spot; for top-notch sushi try: Yama (yamanyc.com).

Urasenke Tea Ceremony Society

153 East 69th St.; Tel: 212/988-6161; www.urasenkeny.org

Demonstration of the Way of Tea: Partake in and learn about the history of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Shop for Japanese Goodies

Kinokuniya Bookstore

1073 Sixth Ave., at 41st St.; Tel: 212/869-1700

This amazing store is filled with three floors of everything Japanese from books to music CDs, movie DVDs, anime, and souvenirs. There’s also a nice selection of English-language tomes and an array of fun gift items. On the top floor, overlooking Bryant Park, Café Zaiya serves Japanese dessert specialties and sushi.

Experience Japanese Hospitality

Deco Japan, Japan Society 

The Kitano Hotel New York

66 Park Ave., at 38th St.; Tel: 212/885-7000; www.kitano.com

Although only a few of the rooms have actual tatami mats, the hotel prides itself on Japanese hospitality. There’s a Japanese restaurant and a terrific gift shop with nifty items from Japan, Asia, and Europe.