Old Rites Die Hard

... or not at all. A big Louisville event, the First World War killed it. Harvey Sloane revived it in the `70s and it has been going on in various degrees of strength ever since: the St. Patrick's Day Parade, that is. It has moved around, certainly: Limerick, Main Street, J-town and, in the last few years, the Highlands. Always an accessible family affair, open to all who want to celebrate, the Marching this year is on Saturday, March 16, stepping off at 3 p.m., on Baxter Avenue in front of the Church dedicated to Ireland's female patron, St. Brigid. It proceeds south to Grinstead, doubles back north up Bardstown Road past the reviewing stand at Molly Malone's, the throng at O'Shea's Traditional Irish Pub and Flanagan's Ale House, ending up outside the Phoenix Hill Tavern. Approximately 65 units will parade, including Rock's personal favorite, The Blarney Boys (some of whom are coming from as far as Phoenix, Arizona and Chicago, Illinois), as well as the Bonnycastle Club special honor to our Police, Fire and EMS services; Irish families The Ryans', The Hennesseys', The Egans', etc.; The McClannahan School of Irish Dance; The Louisville Pipe Band; various Kosair Shrine units; The Fire Department Pipe Band; The British Sports Car Club; The Ring Tribe in their Braveheart-esque ferocity; The Ancient Order of Hibernians; The Sons & Daughters of Erin; The Scottish Society of Louisville and even the Greater Louisville Building and Construction Trades Council, with their heavy equipment and 100 plus marchers, fire trucks, hot rods, the Riverbats' Buddy Bat, you name it. Everything from deadly serious to ridiculous, which makes for a grand time. The admission fee is reasonable even by Louisville standards: nothing, zip, nada.

Molly in Motion

A mighty weekend in March for herself now: welcome to Tom and Pat from Cork City, who will perform all weekend. On Saturday, starting at 4 p.m. after the parade, catch Anois Ganoithe, a traditional Irish band from Lexington, followed by Indy Celtic rockers, Mother Grove. On Sunday, the Feast Day, it starts with Galloglas at 1 p.m., followed by Mother Grove, Liam's Fancy, The Cooligans and late into the night with Cloigheann and Hog Operation.

Kitty O'Kirwan's

The fun starts on Saturday afternoon with a new Celtic band (mystery act comprised of former Drowsy Maggiean and friends), followed by Galloglas at 8 p.m. Various musical configurations will "move through the fair " on Sunday, so it will be a rousing venue for your green blood. The Celtic Centre, which is joined thereto at the hip, has "shiny objects" direct from Ireland, which you will not be able to resist.

O'Shea's Traditional Irish Pub

O'Shea's joins in the merry-making with a slate of fine acts on Saturday and Sunday, including the Roger Drowdy Band, Louisville Pipe Band and Hog Operation. You'll have to contact them for the exact times, though.

Rollicking at the Rover

The St. Patrick's Weekend has a full slate of music at the Irish Rover. Starting on Friday night (15th), Galloglas will play from 9 to midnight. On Saturday night(16th) The Rashers will entertain from 9 to midnight. On Sunday, St. Patrick's Day, the fun starts at 1 p.m. with Ten Penny Bit until 4 p.m. then the McClannahan School of Irish Dance will perform until 5 pm. The Rashers come back at 5 until 8 and from 8 until 11 Galloglas will finish the night. Face painters will be on hand for the kiddies and, of course, the fine food and bevys are on hand.

Louisville Pipe Band Concert

This year's concert will be held on Friday and Saturday, April 5 & 6 again at the Clifton Center on Payne Street in Crescent Hill. This enormously popular show has sold out every year and every year, crestfallen celtoids weep and wail as they are turned away at the door. Do not let this fate befall you! Get thee to a ticketmonger! Log on at www.louisvillepipeband.com or call 523-9310 and be saved!

Ten Penny Bit Has New CD!

Paddy on the Railway is their newest release and it includes sixty-five minutes of Celtic instrumentals and vocals. More information is available at www.tenpennybit.com or call 448-0700. You can catch the band live March 1-3 at the Humor Festival on Rough Day; March 17 at the Irish Rover (1 to 4) and The Air Devil's Inn (8-midnight).

Galloglas Sightings

More recently rare, the pan-Celtic foursome will entertain at the Spalding University Annual Irish Coffee at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 2. Galloglas will also perform at the Kentucky Theater on Fourth Avenue on Saturday, March 9 for a Homefront Radio Show.

Slan, Decimus Rock