Concert celebrates Ireland

St. Patrick's Day 2004 is history, but Irish music and dance continue tonight at the Franciscan Theatre & Conference Center of Lourdes College in Sylvania.

Jiggs, a local instrumental and vocal group, will perform traditional and folk favorites, including ballads and pub songs, at 8 p.m. in the commons area. The group is made up of soprano Teresa Clark, tenor John Hopkins, Shandi Freed playing the flute and tin whistle, Michael Grupp-Verbon on guitar, and Denise Grupp-Verbon, Celtic harp.

The concert wraps up the center's Cabaret Series. The ticket price includes light fare, and a cash bar will be available starting at 7 p.m.

The Young Artist Series opens the show at 7:30 p.m. with step dancing by students from the Heinzman School of Irish Dance. Performing will be Catherine Burns, 15; Sean Burns, 13; Marybeth Burns, 11; Anna Nissen, 11; Paige Trajanowski, 10, and Gabriel Trajanowski, 12.

Jiggs performs at 8 tonight in the Franciscan Theatre & Conference Center of Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. The Young Artist Series will present step dancers at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, available from the box office, 419-824-3999, or by e-mail from tickets@franciscancenter.org.