When hearing the name James Joyce, many people may cringe at the thought of a difficult English class and vaguely remember something about modernist literature. But for those who attended the gathering at Flip and Bailey’s (900 Conestoga Road, Rosemont) last Tuesday, Feb 2. night, Joyce is an important inspirational figure in their lives.

Upon opening the door, the sound of bagpipes blasted down the stairs. Though people calmly lounged, watching sports downstairs, upstairs was a different story. Students and Joyce enthusiasts crowded the second story as part of the James Joyce birthday celebration sponsored by Villanova’s Irish Studies Program.

The celebration occurs every year to commemorate the life of an author who brought us wonderful literary works including the Dubliners series and Ulysses. While the celebration was to commemorate James Joyce, it was also a larger celebration of Irish culture and writing. Thus, while most people were dressed in normal street clothes, a select few were seen dressed in traditional Irish attire.

Although the program was sponsored by Villanova, the spectators included more than just students. People from the Philadelphia area attended to celebrate Joyce’s works and participate in the fun. Shortly after entering, the music paused and people were invited to read or recite a passage from Joyce’s works or the works of other Irish writers.

Everyone grew silent and listened attentively as one man astounded the audience by reciting the poem “Digging” by Seamus Heaney. Two Villanova students who took Professor James Murphy’s Joyce class last year, treated audiences to a dramatic reading of chapter thirteen in Ulysses. After the readings, the Irish trio, Setting Out started up with the music again, allowing participants to converse and enjoy the great Flip and Bailey’s food.

Flip and Bailey’s offered the perfect location to host this celebration of everything Irish. With the low lighting and Irish music it almost felt as if you were in an Irish pub.

While Joyce’s birthday is over for the year, be sure to check out Flip and Bailey’s. Open for both lunch and dinner, the quaint eatery has traditional American food such as burgers and nachos, offering a great atmosphere to hang out with friends and watch a sports game.