St. Patrick's Day Seisiún at the NY Irish Center in LIC

If you're looking to escape the hectic midtown scene after the big parade, head to Queens! The NYC branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is hosting a House Party and Seisiún at the New York Irish Center in Long Island City.

Go for traditional Irish music, singing, and dancing -- bring your instruments, as musicians of "all experience levels" are welcome. Or just listen and enjoy. There will be homemade goodies, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. And "BYOB, if you so desire." The party starts at 6:30 p.m., in the Tea Room. Donations welcome. For info, call 845-499-3703 or e-mail ullmor@comhaltas.net.

The New York Irish Center is a nonprofit that was opened in Long Island City on March 15, 2006, by a small group of Irish-born American businessmen as a gathering place for the local Irish and Irish-American community. The cultural and social center offers classes to all in Irish language, dance, and music, as well as gatherings like the senior citizens lunch club. It features rooms with stages and dance floors, an Internet cafe, and meeting rooms. The center also runs a helpline for seniors and a helpline for the general Irish community.

The center is dubbed "an Irish place with a céad míle fáilte for the whole community." Once a month, there's a ceili dance -- the square dance's Irish ancestor (no caller) -- that starts with a lesson before the live music. The family-friendly gathering has a beginner-friendly crowd that's very welcoming to new dancers.

Slán!

New York Irish Center
10-40 Jackson Ave
Long Island City, NY 11101
718-482-0909