A Memorable Irish Takeover of the Keswick
One thing that you’ll definitely want to take advantage of as a student at Arcadia is the surrounding community of Glenside. With shops, restaurants, and venues you’ll be sure to find something you like. I’ve never met another student who didn’t like Humpty’s Dumplings; they’re a campus wide favorite!
Since I’m a commuter student, going home for Spring Break meant that I was still in the area. Luckily for me, that meant I was close enough to Glenside for St. Patrick’s Day and could take advantage of great music at the Keswick Theatre. I got to see two of my favorite Irish bands, Gaelic Storm and The High Kings, perform on March 15 in a crossover concert on their “Mighty Tour.” Knowing I’d be home and have no classes that week, I got tickets for my dad as a Christmas present. I was able to drive over after class to buy the tickets at the office rather than pay the online fee (it’s also walking distance).
The show was fantastic. Because of the Keswick’s layout, there isn’t a bad seat in the house so it didn’t matter that we were sitting in the second to last row. We were still center stage and had a great view of the whole room. The smaller hall also means no issues with sound. The bands probably could have even played without microphones and you’d still be able to enjoy the music. It was an especially memorable night with everyone in the place dressed in green and belting out famous Irish drinking songs right alongside the performers. In fact, the band encouraged the crowd to sing, with lights coming up for our cues. Talk about a fun community, it doesn’t get better than Philly Irish fans.
Gaelic Storm’s lead singer also took advantage of the passion of Philly sports fans when he laughed at Kansas City and a particular call at the end of the Super Bowl. Now that’s the way to get a room shouting. He could hardly get through the sentence before someone yelled “GO BIRDS!” He had to call at least twice for us to “Shut up! I’m defending you guys!” I was just waiting for a chorus of the fight song to play. Either way, it was a good laugh and I appreciate that even in another country, football fans know the Eagles earned that game.
I saw plenty of familiar faces and a couple of teachers from my high school, which if you’re Irish, you’ll know it’s no coincidence finding people you know in random places. We all banded together to create a fun cultural experience of great music. If you missed your chance while on a Spring Break trip, there’s plenty more opportunities for a night at the theater. I could hardly count the number of posters hanging around the entire building offering plays, concerts, and comedians. If you and your friends are looking for something fun, you have to check out the Keswick Theatre. Have a look at what’s coming!
