Nollaig Shona Duit !

Happy Christmas to you - in Irish. This holiday season offers the full Monty of musical venues to enjoy Celtic music. We now have a gob of good Irish pubs in town, anyway. The most active recently has been Kitty O'Kirwan's at Bauer and Frankfort Avenues. Thursday nights is session night and a variety of folks show up, from Drowsy Maggie stalwarts, the odd Rasher, Cloigheann and a rare dash of Galloglas, Hog Operation and others. Saturday nights features Drowsy Maggie and various musical allies to make the craic and good food all the sweeter. For more information and/or reservations, call 897-9050. According to proprietor Sean Ford, a New Year's Eve Party will raise the roof, so check for details at that number while the roof lasts.

Out With the Old in, With the New Or How About the Tried, Tested and True!...

The Irish Rover is throwing a New Year's Eve party as well featuring its de facto excellent house band The Rashers. Siobhan and Michael know how to throw a party with Erin dancing naked on the bar (not really but its almost that much fun). Call 899-3544 .

Mother Groove at Molly's

December 29 will have the Indianapolis-based Celtic band, Mother Groove. Rock has never heard of this band but if they will drive this far to play, we should listen. Call 473-1222 and ask for Donal Ryan and demand further information.

Boxing Day at the Rover December 26

Now a tradition in Crescent Hill, thanks to the Reidys, this day after Christmas celebration in Britain is when all the alms boxes are collected and distributed to the poor. America celebrates with discounts at Wal-Mart. At the Rover, the Immigrants' Breakfast starts at 10 a.m. with musical entertainment by the wonderful Ten Penny Bit until 2 p.m.. At 8 p.m., The Rashers, with their good tunes and copious amounts of stouts and ales, take over for evening services.

Sixth Annual Celtic Christmas December 15

For the last six years, Galloglas has presented a special Christmas show at The Rudyard Kipling that has sold out every year. The last two years' shows were recorded live and broadcast on WFPL Radio on Christmas Day. This year's show continues the tradition. The music starts at 8 p.m. and Sheila Pyle will have her usual special menu. Reservations are strongly recommended. Call 636-1311. Admission is $8 per person.

Silverwood Sightings

Catch these excellent musicians as they, like Santa's elves, assist in the giving season. They will perform at The Summit, the new shopping center at Hwy 22 and the Gene Snyder, on December 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. and at the National City Tower at Fifth and Main Streets around the noon hour on December 4.

Pipers Piping Drummers Drumming

You can catch up with contingents of the Louisville Pipe Band as they minstrel their way during "Bardstown Road Aglow" on Saturday, December 1, from 6 to 9 p.m.. They will show up at points of congestion along Bardstown Road. If you prefer a more formal setting, you can hear the band perform for two shows on December 29, 30 and 31st, as part of the locally legendary Boars Head Festival at St. Paul United Methodist Church on Bardstown Road and Douglas Boulevard. A holiday dinner is available but there is no charge, although you must make reservations by calling 459-1595.

Paul: just one Galloglas gig- The Celtic Christmas at the Rud 12/15 8pm $8.00