All things Irish and all things Ukrainian will be meeting on Saint Patrick's Day when the 15th annual Sober Saint Patrick's Day celebration takes place at a landmark Fifth Avenue Gilded Age Mansion.
That would be the Ukrainian Institute of America building at Fifth Avenue and 2 East 79th Street.
The gathering is being headlined as the "15th annual family-friendly, alcohol-free showcase of Irish music, dance, storytelling, and heritage," and one that "adds a Ukrainian accent this year."
“It’s our biggest talent lineup, our best location, and best venue in 15 years, so we’re expecting another sellout in advance,” Sober St. Patrick’s Day founder William Spencer Reilly said.
"The Ukrainian Institute of America is not only welcoming us to use all four floors and nine state rooms of its magnificent mansion, but they are also partnering with us for an interactive, immersive Irish celebration with cross-cultural Ukrainian flourishes."
Ukrainian Institute of America Executive Director Lydia Zaininger said: “We are excited to greet the New York Irish community on its biggest day, as Ireland and Ukraine, nations shaped by struggle yet defined by their unbreakable spirit, stand together in friendship, bound by shared histories and a profound respect for each other’s courage and culture.”
Continued the event release: "Underscoring Ukraine's current struggle and the two countries’ shared history of famine, foreign occupation, and resolute spirit, Irish community leaders and Ukrainian dignitaries will join hands in solidarity at the 'Bilateral Meet & Greet at the venue on March 17th between Noon and 1 p.m. (by invitation only)."
Headlining this year’s Sober St. Patrick’s Day Grand Celebration are famed Irish and Irish American performers, including: Rory Makem, Legendary Irish Folk Singer; John Whelan, Seven-time All-Ireland Champion Button Accordionist; Brian Conway, Five-time All-Ireland Champion Fiddler; Mary Courtney, Celebrated Irish Singer; Donny Golden School of Irish Dance, Award-Winning Irish Step Dancers; Jerry O’Sullivan, America’s Premier Uilleann Piper; Brendan Dolan, Award-winning Pianist and Keyboard Player; Flynn Cohen, Guitarist & Singer; Dan Hunt & Irish Arts Center Set Dancers; Cast Members of Parcel for America; John Duddy and Doireann Mac Mahon perform an excerpt from the play Hunger; Susan Davey, St. Brigid’s Storyteller; Lisa McLeary, Visual Artist; Ukrainian Folk Dancers; Loretto Leary of Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield; Seamus O’Farrell, Storyteller; Mark Mitton, Master Magician, "and more actors, musicians, dancers, and surprise guests."
Added the release: "A television and theater producer, Reilly founded Sober St. Patrick’s Day to elevate Irish arts and entertainment over the holiday’s tragic association with binge drinking particularly among the young."
The organization’s executive director, Christine Harrington, said, “At its heart, Sober St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural celebration honoring Irish tradition, music, story, history, and hospitality, where everyone can enjoy the day in a safe, healthy, family-friendly, alcohol-free environment. We create a shared, joyful experience that is vibrant and intentional, demonstrating that culture, connection, and meaning thrive when they are placed at the center.”
Bagpiper Donal Morrissey will again lead the Sober St. Patrick’s Day contingent up Fifth Avenue in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Grand Marshal is Sally Corbett-Turco, Executive Director of Stepping Stones - Historic home of Bill and Lois Wilson, the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon.
The main program runs on the 17th from 4.30 to 7.30 p.m. Tickets are $45 for adults, $40 for seniors, students, and UIA members, $25 for children.
The organizers are advising that the event sells out each year so guests should get tickets in advance at www.soberstpatricksday.org. To march in the Parade with Sober St. Patrick’s Day register at www.soberstpatricksday.org.
According to its description of self Sober St. Patrick’s Day’s mission "is to reclaim the true spirit of St. Patrick's Day by changing the perception and experience from an occasion for binge drinking and misuse of alcohol and other drugs to a celebration of the richness of Irish culture and the legacy of St. Patrick. It is a 501(c)(3) organization."
