1st Irish Theater Festival turns to music

Mary Courtney.

The Origin Theatre Company’s annual 1st Irish Theater Festival has become a staple in Irish American culture as it runs the full month of September.  This year the festival is bringing a musical component to the performances and presents the first annual 1st Irish Music night.

Taking place on September 20 at Arlene’s Grocery (95 Stanton Street), the show will include some familiar faces as well as fresh voices on the scene who will get the recognition they deserve.

Mary Courtney is a staple of the Manhattan music scene, and she will kick things off at 8 p.m. sharp. The 26 year-old Belfast singer Gareth Dunlop might be new to some music fans, but his tune “Wrap Your Arms Around Me” has been featured on the movie soundtrack to Safe Haven.

Ashley Davis’s ethereal spirit makes for a memorable show when she blows into town and takes the Joe’s Pub stage by storm. She will play at 10:40 p.m. John Munnelly and John Gribbin round out the list of old and new faces.

You can get tickets on the 1st Irish Website and directly at Arlene’s Grocery.