This past Tuesday evening the IRISH AMERICAN WRITERS & ARTISTS first “Salon” was held at Symphony Space’s Thalia Café in Manhattan. The purpose of the ‘Salon’ is to allow IAW&A members an opportunity to present in the medium of their choice: reading, poetry, comedy, music, etc. The event is meant to be low keyed and social and that was exactly what it was. Participants presented their work while listeners sipped wine and cocktails and enjoyed the overall good spirit of the evening. ”Enjoyed the craic,” the Irish might say.
The event was a great success. Malachy McCourt opened with a few words and closed with a song. Kathleen Frazier emceed the event, skillfully weaving the mix of presenters. The evening was fast paced and filled with interesting presentations: John Kearns and Honor Molloy read from their novels; Sarah Fearon performed a comedy routine; Barbara Horn sang; Mary Gannon read from her play; Kathleen Frazier and I read personal essays, and Malachy gave a hilarious reading from his memoir A Monk Swimming. The presenters were wonderful, the audience supportive, and the venue perfect.
The Salon format is a great opportunity for IAW&A members to “be heard.” In fact, only members are invited to perform, although friends are urged to attend. This was the first of a series of seven scheduled IAW&A Symphony Space salons. Here are the dates for the upcoming events, which will be held on the first Tuesday of the month:
July 5th
August 2nd
September 6th
October 4th
November 1st
December 6th
If there are any questions or if you are interested in becoming involved with the IAW&A or creating events in your part of the world, you can address your questions and comments to Charles R. Hale, Chair of the Events Committee at chashale1@yahoo.com or Co-Chair, Kathleen Frazier at kmfrazier@mindspring.com
Hope to see you at the next Salon.