By Cahir O’Doherty

Sundays at Seven is the ever growing monthly comedy and music show hosted at the Irish Arts Center on West 51st Street in New York hosted by Fiona Walsh, the well-known Irish-born actress and comedienne who has just completed her successful one woman show at the Irish Repertory Theatre.

“The show has been running for six years in its current format at the Arts Center,” says Walsh. “I’d describe it as a comedy and music show that’s interspersed with spoken word or various kinds of performance pieces – from sketches to theater pieces, or improvisation. What makes us unique is that we often feature really brilliant Irish and Irish and American performers each month.”

The singers perform between stand up and comedy sketches, and that’s what gives the evening a wide-ranging feel that delights the audiences.

“I’m particularly excited about this week’s show,” says Walsh, “We always have really good people but this week’s is going to be a standout showcase.“

Although the show’s vibe and setting are completely informal, the performers themselves are in fact top of their game professionals. This Sunday’s lineup includes talents featured on TV’s The Last Comic Standing, the Laugh Lounge and Comedy Central. And at only $8 per ticket it’s also one of the best values for a show of its kind.

“Since we start at seven and we’re under $10, we can promise you that you’ll have a great time and you’ll be home at a reasonable hour. Unless you choose to join us at the after party at Druids,” says Walsh, laughing.

For each monthly show Walsh and her producing partner Ann Design handpick every performer personally. “We make a point of selecting each performer because we want to make sure everyone who performs is a good fit. It’s not like a standard comedy club where you never know what you’re going to get, or if it will work in concert with the other performers,” she said.

“We also want to make sure the people we choose reflect well on the Arts Center – which means its family orientated – so if you wind up bringing your teenage son or daughter you’re not going to be mortified. Part of my job is to see shows and make choices about who’s best for us. We get inundated with requests, but we really do make an effort to ensure we choose the best people.”

Ann Design will host this Sunday’s lineup, and performers include Moody McCarthy, Becky Donohue, Joe Devito, the Stone Twins, Debbie Shea, and Fiona Walsh with music by Enda Keegan.

The Irish Arts Center is 553 West 51st Street. The show starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $8.