Aurora Public Library joins First Friday with an early St. Patrick's Day celebration
The Aurora Public Library joins the First Fridays festivities on Friday, March 1, in downtown Aurora with a pre-Saint Patrick's Day celebration.
What should you expect? Irish music, dance, and crafts for children!
The party starts at 6 p.m. with 3-D shamrocks, DIY hats, and mini kissable Blarney Stones.
Phil Passen provides the music with traditional tunes followed by performances by the McNulty Irish Dancers.
Passen will awe you by the beautiful music on his hammered dulcimer, a stringed instrument in the percussion family often used to play global folk music. You will witness his musical expertise including his experience playing in the World Symphony Orchestra's performance of "Lord of the Rings" symphony at the Chicago Auditorium Theater. Passen continues to be the best of the best among libraries of northern Illinois.
Want to make sure he's the best and listen to him prior to the event? Make sure to check out several of his released recordings, including his most recent, "Some Come to Tarry." His CDs are available for checkout at any of our locations.
Following Passen's performance, the McNulty Irish Dancers take the stage with traditional Irish dance. From subtle, soft-shoe beginnings to the heart-pounding rhythms of a whole team dancing in unison. Students from the McNulty School of Irish Dance have performed throughout the world in sanctioned Irish dance competitions and continue to entertain their viewers. Hopefully, they will get you inspired by their dancing and want to become a dancer yourself! A short instructional session will follow their performance.
Krista Danis, events and program coordinator at the Aurora Public Library, says, "The library is excited to feature these performers whose passion and commitment to the traditions of Ireland promise to transport us to another time and place, which is the fun part of the work we do as an organization dedicated to feeding the collective imagination. Alongside fun and simple crafts for the kids, this is the perfect family event for First Fridays!"
This family friendly event will have everyone looking forward to ringing in St. Patrick's Day season with familiar Irish songs alongside vibrant traditional dance. Learn about the culture of Ireland through their traditional art forms. While many of the First Friday venues feature visual art this evening, the Aurora Public Library offers a complimentary alternative with performance and DIY crafts.
For a complete list of venues participating in First Fridays, visit auroradowntown.org.