Green Scene

No, you’re not having a St. Patrick’s Day flashback. Thousands of folks really are dancing jigs, eating haggis, and drinking lots and lots of beer as part of the Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival. The annual fave, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this weekend, features traditional eats, moves, and music at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. “We love doing these festivals,” says Gregory Grene, accordion player and singer for New York City’s Celtic punks the Prodigals, who headline tonight. “They have such an amazing vibe.”

Just don’t expect drunken, Pogues-style rowdiness from the two dozen bands performing over the next three days. “We know who we are in front of,” says Grene. “We know that there are children in the crowd.” Yet kids are one of the reasons the groups (such as Brace Yourself Bridget!, Brigid’s Cross, and the Kilroys) like playing these family-oriented events: There’s a pretty good chance they’re hooking future fans. “Our songs really translate,” says Grene. “Any age -- from 6 to 90.”
Fri., July 20, 4 p.m.-midnight; Sat., July 21, 1 p.m.-midnight; Sun., July 22, 1-11 p.m.