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Showing posts from 2009

Celebrate New Year's in Boston with a Feast at Seaport Hotel's Aura Restaurant

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Kick off the new year with a meal you'll be talking about for the next 12 months. Rachel Klein's New Year's Eve menu is stuffed with resolution-inducing dishes. Start with a duet of oysters, move on to gnocchi with morel mushrooms and aged Marieke Gouda, swoon over thyme-roasted sirloin and finish the night off with a trio of indulgent desserts. Guests are invited to dance the night away to the live music of Urban Renewal. $95 per person, $125 with wine pairings (view menu here ) The Aura Restaurant at Seaport Hotel is located at One Seaport Lane in Boston's Seaport District. For more information contact 617 385-4300 aurarestaurant.com

Hotel Specials This Holiday Season in Boston, America's Favorite City

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There's no place quite like Boston during the Holiday Season - imagine snowflakes, outdoor ice skating and Christmas carolers, followed by shopping, sightseeing, fine dining and relaxation. Here's your chance to enjoy great hotel offers designed to make your trip memorable. We've selected a holiday assortment of seven (7) hotel packages that suit every Christmas and New Year's wish. So don't hesitate, book your package now, and come to Boston for the Holidays! "On Top of The Liberty " - New Year's Eve Package Boston 's Liberty Hotel Available December 31, 2009 Welcome in 2010 in style at The Liberty Hotel. This luxury hotel package includes: Overnight accommodations in a luxurious guest room, Two tickets to the "On Top of The Liberty" party (21+), Two glasses of champagne at any of our bars on 12/31, Late checkout of 2 p.m. on January 1, 2010, Molton Brown recovery eye cream for New Year's Day, Two Bloody Marys at CLINK's make-

Pulitzer Prize Winners Discuss American Civil War, Abe Lincoln, Race in America

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(Boston) -- The Huntington Theatre Company’s Humanities Forum is presenting Pulitzer-prize winning authors Paula Vogel and Doris Kearns Goodwin on Sunday, December 6 at the Boston University Theatre. Playwright Vogel ( How I Learned to Drive , A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration ) and Kearns Goodwin ( No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, Team of Rivals ) will speak in conversation about the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, race in America, and more. The discussion, which is free and open to the public, follows the 2:00 p.m. performance of Vogel’s play, A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration . Taking place on Christmas Eve 1864, the play features stories by a collection of characters including President Abraham Lincoln and his wife. The stories are woven into an American tapestry, showing that the gladness of one's heart is the greatest gift of all. This production includes holiday music and is enhanced by local choirs caroling be

"Blazing the Trail" depicts early Irish filmmaking, showing on November 23 in Brookline

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The Boston Irish Film Festival is presenting a fresh new look at early Irish filmmaking with the presentation of Blazing the Trail: The Story of the Kalem Film Company in Ireland. The multimedia event takes place on Monday, November 23, 2009, at the historic Coolidge Corner Theater at 290 Harvard Street in Brookline, MA, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The project was created by film scholar and director Peter Flynn, founder of the Boston Irish Film Festival , and produced by Dawn Morrissey. They will show a selection of rarely-seen films from the early 20th century, as well as several short films that put the historical film in retrospect and modern context. Live music will be interspersed between the films to create an old-time Nickelodeon atmosphere. Musicians are pianist Peter Freisinger and vocalists Victoria Hayes and Liz Hayes. There is also a chance to win free tickets to this premier event through the Boston Irish Tourism Association . Tickets to the show are $9.75 and are availa

Dan Rooney Being Honored at American Ireland Fund Gala in Boston, November 13

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Dan Rooney, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, is being honored at the American Ireland Fund's 28th annual Boston Gala, taking place Thursday, November 12, at the Westin Waterfront Hotel. Ambassador Rooney, owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers co-founded the American Ireland Fund in 1976, at the height of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Since then the Fund has raised over $300 million to promote peace, culture and education in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Rooney is a champion of many charitable causes in Pittsburgh , where the family has lived since his grandfather, Dan Rooney, emigrated from Newry, County Down, in the 1880s. President Barack Obama appointed Rooney as the Ambassador to Ireland last St. Patrick's Day, and he was officially sworn into the post on July 1 by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton . Headquartered in Boston, the American Ireland Fund raises funds to support programs of peace and reconcilliation, arts and culture, education and communi

Ken Feinberg named new Chairman of John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

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The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation has elected Kenneth R. Feinberg as its new chairman. He succeeds Paul G. Kirk, Jr., who resigned as Board Chairman in September when Governor Deval Patrick appointed him interim United States Senator from Massachusetts. (Photo: Paul Kirk Jr., Caroline Kennedy and Ken Feinberg) “We are truly honored that Ken Feinberg will be leading the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation during this important time,” said Foundation President Caroline Kennedy. “There are few people who have answered President Kennedy’s call to service more often, and with greater impact than Ken. He was a beloved friend and trusted counselor to my uncle, and I am so glad to be able to continue this relationship.” Feinberg, 64, is a native of Brockton, Massachusetts. He worked for five years as an administrative assistant and chief of staff for U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy and as an Assistant United States Attorney. Feinberg was appointed by as Special Master of the U.S. Government

Omni Parker House hosts Wine Tasting to benefit American Heart Association

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The Omni Parker House is hosting a very special wine tasting and silent auction to raise funds for the American Heart Association on Thursday, November 5, 2009. The event, appropriately named “Off The Beaten Path” will feature a very uncommon selection of red and white wines, including a Principi di Butera, Insolia, from Sicily and a Zeta Z Monastrell, Alicante 2006 from Spain. “The wines I chose for this tasting will surprise people. They are not as well known as they should be and will impress even the most educated palette”, said Frank Weber, the hotel’s Director of Wine and Spirits. The wines represent a variety of locations and are all reasonably priced on the retail market for those oenophiles looking to enhance their wine knowledge and collection. A flavorful selection of hors d’eourves has also been chosen to accompany each wine. “Off The Beaten Path” takes place in the Omni Parker House’s elegant rooftop ballroom from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. For more information and to purchas

Boston's Charitable Irish Society Presents Silver Key Awards

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The oldest Irish organization in the United States - the Charitable Irish Society in Boston - is giving its annual Silver Key Award this year to three worthy recepients: fiddler Larry Reynolds , radio host John Curran , and immigrant advocate Chris Laverty. The award ceremony takes place on Thursday, October 29, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts Historical Society, 1154 Boylston Street in Boston. The Society was formed in Boston on March 17, 1737 by a group of Irish immigrants who were concerned about the welfare of fellow countrymen who were falling upon hard times. The Society's mission, according to the early records, was to help Irish immigrants "reduced by sickness, shipwreck, old age and other infirmities and unforeseen accidents, (and) for the relief of their poor and indigent countrymen." The mission remains primarily the same today, albeit in a modern context, according to Society President Kelley Kassa. "The Society bestows the Silver Key to a few

JFK Library Celebrates 30th anniversary on October 20

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Congratulations to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this week. Built with the private donations of 36 million people from throughout the world, the nation’s official memorial to President Kennedy was dedicated on October 20, 1979 at a ceremony attended by President Jimmy Carter and members of President Kennedy’s family. In his remarks at the dedication, Senator Edward M. Kennedy described the library as “a beacon signaling the message of this nation, a lighthouse bearing witness to Jack's truth that America at its best can truly light the world.” The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum sits on a ten-acre, waterfront park on Columbia Point overlooking Boston Harbor. Since it opened, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum has hosted more than 6.5 million visitors from throughout the world, making it one of Boston’s most popular tourist attractions and a major educational center for the study of mid-20th century

Happy Birthday Eugene O’Neill

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Eugene O’Neill, one of the great American playwrights, was born on October 16, 1888 in New York City to parents Ella Quinlan and James O’Neill. Winner of numerous Pulitzer prizes and the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1936, O’Neill spent much of his early life at Monte Cristo Cottage, the family’s summer home on Pequot Avenue in New London , CT . O’Neill also spent considerable time in Massachusetts , taking a playwriting course at Harvard in 1914, then forming a troupe on Cape Cod called the Provincetown Players, which produced his play Bound East for Cardiff , in 1916. In 1928, according to author Susan Wilson, O’Neill’s play, Strange Interlude , was banned in Boston , but played to a sell-out audience in Quincy . O’Neill lived in California for many years, but moved back to Marblehead , MA in 1948, by which time he was suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. He moved to Boston to be close to his physician, staying at the Hotel Shelton on Bay State Road , which is today a Boston

Irish Heritage Festival in Adams Village, Dorchester, Celebrates Boston's Irish Heritage

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Boston – The first annual Irish Heritage Festival (IHF) in Adams Corner, Dorchester takes place on Sunday, October 11, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The festival is being organized by local Irish and Irish-Americans along with local businesses, as a way of celebrating the history and culture of Boston’s large Irish community. Irish step dancing, set dancing, and Gaelic sports are being showcased at the festival, alongside activities for children and families, along with some of the area’s finest traditional Irish musicians. “The entertainment line-up includes: Robbie O’Connell, Aoife Clancy, Larry Reynolds, The Harney Set Dancers, Erin’s Melody, Celtic Cougars and growing by the day,” says committee member Mairin Keady, who is herself a noted Gaelic singer. Joshua Tree, a U2 cover band, also performs, as well as singer Pauline Wells of Milton. This festival is dedicated to the memory of Michael Joyce, a native of Connemara, County Galway, Ireland who lived in Dorchester and worked

MAUREEN McGOVERN’S MUSICAL MEMOIR, “A LONG AND WINDING ROAD,” OPENS AT HUNTINGTON THEATRE

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Grammy Award winner, Broadway star, and pop icon Maureen McGovern presents her musical memoir, A Long and Winding Road , at the Huntington Theatre in Boston from October 9 through November 15, 2009. Conceived and written by Philip Himberg and Maureen McGovern and presented in cooperation with Arena Stage, A Long and Winding Road c hronicles the moments that define the Baby Boomer Generation. Ms. McGovern returns to her roots as a folk singer as she performs the classic songs The New York Times has dubbed “the second half of the Great American Songbook.” Sundance Institute Producing Artistic Director Philip Himberg directs; Jeffrey Harris provides musical direction and accompaniment. McGovern’s almost 40-year career includes Grammy Award nominations for “Best New Artist” and “Best Traditional Pop Vocal,” a Grammy Award for “Best Musical Recording for Children” for her participation in “Songs from the Neighborhood: The Music of Mister Rogers,” and the Academy Award-winning Gold Rec

Boston College Welcomes Legendary Irish Harpist Mary O’Hara on Sunday, October 11

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Renowned singer and harpist Mary O’Hara gives a multimedia presentation on her life and her musical career at Boston College entitled, Travels with my Harp: an Afternoon with Mary O’Hara. The event takes place at Devlin Hall on BC’s campus in Chestnut Hill, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2009. After the lecture, Ms. O’Hara will officially help open an exhibit of her works at BC’s John J. Burns Library , entitled, "Mary O'Hara, Singer and Harpist: A Retrospective." The exhibit features posters, recordings, correspondence, and books from the Mary O'Hara Papers at the Burns Library. O’Hara has recorded 20 albums, starting with her debut recording, Songs of Erin, released in 1956. Her autobiography, Scent of the Roses, sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide since it was published in 1980. Mary O’Hara’s lecture is part of the Gaelic Roots series at Boston College directed by Séamus Connolly, Sullivan Artist-in-Residence. All events are free and open to

Irish Cultural Center at Elms College Celebrates 10th Anniversary

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The Irish Cultural Center at Elms College in Chicopee, Massachusetts is celebrating its ten year anniversary on October 9-10-11, 2009 with a variety of events that accentuate the Center’s cultural and literary mission. The activities kick off Friday evening, October 9, with an art exhibit by Irish painter Vincent Crotty, entitled Recent Paintings: Images of the Blasket Island, Ireland and Beyond. The exhibit takes place from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Borgia Gallery at the Dooley Campus Center. The exhibit runs through October 26. Following the opening a group of local musicians are leading a traditional music session in the Dooley Center Dining Hall Annex. Dancers from the McDermott School of Irish Dance are performing. On Saturday, October 10, the Center hosts all-day workshops at Berchman’s Hall. They include dance workshops with Maureen McDermott of the McDermott Academy of Irish Dance; genealogy with Judy Lucey of the New England Historic Genealogical Society; bodhrain and bones pla

Statement by Caroline Kennedy on the appointment of Paul G. Kirk, Jr. as U.S. Senator from Massachusetts

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I congratulate Governor Deval Patrick on his selection of Paul G. Kirk, Jr. to represent the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States Senate. Paul Kirk is the epitome of a citizen-patriot. He is a wonderful friend, and I am thrilled that the citizens of Massachusetts will benefit from the same extraordinary leadership that he has brought to the Kennedy Library and Foundation. Paul’s life long commitment to democracy and civic engagement has given life to my father’s belief that one person can make a difference, and earned him the friendship and respect of politicians on both sides of the aisle. Paul’s wisdom, kindness and integrity mean the world to the entire Kennedy family. For further information: Rachel Day (617) 514-1662, rachel.day@jfklfoundation.org .jfklibrary.org/Paul+G.+Kirk+Jr+Chairman.htm irishmassachusetts.com/Kennedys.php

A Moveable Feast

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On Sunday, September 20, The Kennedy Library Forum Series presents a discussion on the restored edition A Moveable Feast , Ernest Hemingway's fascinating memoirs of his life in Paris during the 1920s. Participants include Sean Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway's grandson and editor of the restored edition, which was published in July 2009. He is being joined in the forum by Adam Gopnik, New Yorker writer and author of Paris to the Moon; and Diane Johnson, author of Le Mariage and Le Divorce. Scott Simon, host of NPR's Saturday Weekend Edition, will moderate. This forum runs from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in Stephen Smith Hall at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston. All forums are free and open to the public. To make reservations and for further information, visit the Kennedy Presidential Library web page at jfklibrary.org or call (617) 514-1643.

Annual Dinner Dance at Worcester Hibernian Cultural Center, September 25

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(Worcester) - Enjoy traditional dancing - waltz, fox trot, two-step and ceili- at the annual Dinner Dance at the Hibernian Cultural Center, 19 Temple Street in Worcester. Music is by the Andy Healy Band, one of the region's most popular Irish groups. Cost of dinner and dance is $30.00, starting at 6:00 p.m., or $10.00 for just dancing, arrive after 8:00 p.m. The Worcester Hibernian Cultural Centre opened in November 2005, and is located in downtown Worcester, within walking distance to City Hall, and with easy access to Union Station and nearby Interstate 290. For more information about the Centre, including information on holding functions there, call 508 795-0400. FiddlersGreen

Gaelic Storm Performs at Lowell Summer Music Series, Friday, September 18

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Gaelic Storm, the popular Irish band from California , is capping off this year’s Lowell Summer Music Series with a concert at Boarding House Park on Friday, September 18, at 7:30. Combining original and fresh arrangements of Irish traditional melody with a unique blend of world rhythms, Gaelic Storm is renowned for its live performances and for audience participation. The band has been together for over ten years, and has recorded seven albums and logged in hundreds of concerts around the world. It last played in Lowell in summer 2005. The Lowell Summer Music Series just completed its 20 th season of booking outstanding musical talent that ranges from Irish and world music to rock n roll and blues. Gaelic Storm in Concert September 18, 2009 7:30 p.m. / $16 advance, $20 day of concert Boarding House Park 40 French Street Lowell , MA 01852 lowellsummermusic.org

Irish Singer Sean Tyrrell Performs at Boston College, September 16

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Galway singer and multi-instrumentalist Sean Tyrrell performs a special concert on Wednesday, September 16, as part of the Gaelic Roots Music, Song and Dance series at Boston College. Tyrrell's concert is entitled "Message of Peace: Songs and Poetry of John Boyle O'Reilly," and takes place at the Connolly House (photo above) , 300 Hammond Street in Chestnut Hill, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public. O'Reilly (1844-1890) was an extraordinary Irish leader in the 19th century who escaped from a British penal colony in Austrailia and made his way to Boston. Starting as a journalist, he became publisher of The Pilot newspaper and was a well-regarded poet, essayist, public speaker and advocate for the downtrodden. Using elements of O'Reilly's life story as well as his lyrics and verse, Tyrrell has put together an inspiring show that resurrects one of the great Irish leaders of the 19th century for modern audiences to appreciate. The Gaelic R

SENATE PASSES TRAVEL PROMOTION ACT, LONGTIME PRIORITY OF CONGRESSMAN WILLIAM DELAHUNT

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Legislation Will Create Jobs, Enhance US Image Abroad WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate passed legislation this week championed by U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt to promote global travel to the United States. Since introducing the bipartisan bill two years ago with Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO), Delahunt has pressed for its enactment as both economic stimulus and public diplomacy. “In one bold step, we can create jobs in the tourism sector and enhance America’s image abroad,” Delahunt said. “We all know the best ambassadors for our nation are ordinary Americans, so every additional visitor to the US will return home to report on the warmth and vitality of our hospitality.” The bill, which seeks to address a chronic decline in overseas visitors to our shores, will now be considered by the House of Representatives. The Senate 79-19 vote to approve the Travel Promotion Act (TPA) came after months of bi-partisan efforts to bring the legislation to the Senate floor for a vote. Last year, Delahunt and Blunt