As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, next Saturday, March 17, we can all rejoice that spring is not far behind (or so we hope). Meanwhile, step into some of the lively St. Patrick’s Day celebrations nearby, enjoy an upcoming parade and salute the Old Country.
This weekend, join in a celebration of the “luck of the Irish” at Hofstra University’s annual Irish Festival on Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The popular local tradition — at Hofstra’s Mack Physical Education Center on the North Campus, Hempstead — is a lively family event with music and entertainment and plenty of activities for the kids, along with Irish products for sale.
The Hibernian Festival Singers, an acclaimed ensemble of local performers get things started, at 11:15 a.m., with joyful arrangements of traditional Irish tunes. The Black Velvet Band, a festival favorite, follows at 12:15 p.m. with their take on beloved Irish music performed by Jimmy Walsh, Jimmy Lavin and Mickey Peare.
JigJam, an award winning quartet from the heart of the Midlands in Ireland, makes their Irish Festival debut, performing traditional Celtic music mixed with bluegrass and Americana, resulting in a new genre that has been branded as ‘I-Grass’ or “CeltGrass.” Their Hofstra performance is their only appearance in the area this year.
All four band members — Jamie McKeogh, Cathal Guinan and Daithi Melia and Gavin Strappe — grew up immersed in Irish traditional music and culture. They have now developed their own unique style influenced by American folk music while staying true to their Irish roots. Acclaimed as “the best Irish group so far in bluegrass,” this sharply dressed outfit delivers a high energy, foot-stomping live performance. All multi-instrumentalists, the guys interchange between banjos, guitars, fiddles, mandolins and double bass onstage.
Savory Irish Cheese Soda Bread
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons caraway seed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper, ground
1/2 cup shredded Irish Cheddar cheese
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
Preheat oven to 350° F. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and seasonings in large bowl. Stir in cheese. Set aside. Mix eggs and buttermilk in medium bowl. Add to dry ingredients; stir until well blended. Spread in lightly grease 9-inch round cake pan.
Bake 30-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.
Tip: Make muffins instead of bread. Prepare dough as directed and divide among 12 greased muffin cups. Bake 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.