Review: IRISH CULTURAL FESTIVAL Comes to the Jersey Shore

KCKB Productions, Keith Cooper & Kelly Briggs bring a touch of Ireland to Somers Point, NJ. The newly renovated 250 seat Gateway Playhouse (with an incredible sound system I will add), on the bay is simply a delight and the occasion could not have been more enjoyable and honorable.

Board member Kelly Briggs hosted the fundraising event in honor of his brother Billy and has this to say about his brother. "Billy was a young man when he left this country with his bicycle, backpack and music and headed to Ireland, entertaining several villages and communities on the Southern Shore, staying at the inns and making lifelong friends." It was Billy's love of Ireland, the people, the cultural and the music that he wanted to share with everyone especially young people.

It was in this spirit that the Gateway Playhouse was transformed into a bit of Ireland, with gleaming green spotlights dancing light on the heads of the wonderful young Emerald Isle Academy of Irish Dance troupe. This Award winning group performs and competes locally, nationally and internationally winning the 2016, 2017 "Outstanding Children's Irish Dance Group Exemplifying the Spirit of the Irish Cultural through Traditional Dance". www.emeraldisleacademy.com.

An evening of entertainment was provided by two of Ireland's best; the wonderful soloist Mary Courtney who captivated the crowd with her beautiful, haunting and moving 1900's Irish melodies that warm the heart and creates emotions with every musical phrasing. As one review stated Mary "has a voice that is difficult to ignore". www.marycourtneymusic.com and storytelling champion Marianne McShane who performs at festivals on both sides of the Atlantic. As her bio reads"her talent for transporting listeners to another world in enchanting". www.mariannemcshane.com

This beautiful fundraiser event is a tribute to The Billy Briggs Memorial Scholarship program which provides a once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity for students, ages 15-17 who are interested in exploring, enhancing, and celebrating their Irish culture. It is designed to educate students in the Irish Language and Culture through a three-week program that is held each summer at the Colaiste Gael Linn Irish Cultural College in County Donegal.

"Irish Billy" Briggs was the owner of Tir na nOg, Hamilton Avenue's resident Irish pub, and a founding member of the Trenton St. Patrick's Day Parade committee and of the Ancient Order of Hibernians - Joe Cahill Division 10. Billy had a great passion for Ireland and its people. Billy passed away in 2008 and the scholarship was developed to continue spreading the Irish culture to local students in his memory.

The Gateway Playhouse is located at 738 Bay Ave., Somers Point NJ has a full line-up of shows and events for everyone. Do NOT miss an opportunity to visit, stroll down the bay and enjoy the view and the many great restaurants blocks from the Playhouse this summer! For more information visit www.gatewaybythebay.org or call 609.653.0553

Photos and videos: Courtesy Kelly Briggs and Gateway Playhouse