It's a big St. Patrick's themed weekend ahead in Peekskill, Westchester County.
Former New York governor George Pataki will lead the 2024 Peekskill St. Patrick's Day Parade as its grand marshal.
The parade steps off Saturday, March 9 at 3 p.m. with "America's Piper" Joe Brady in the vanguard.
Pataki, a three-term Republican governor of New York, will be joined by aides Richard Jackson, Pete Peterson, Pam Sgroi and Fr. Vernon Wickrematunge.
This will be the 35th year of the parade, though the 33rd actual march, two parades having been cancelled due to Covid.
and inn what is being billed as a curtain raiser for St. Patrick's Day in Westchester County, the Hudson Valley Irish Fest is holding a fundraiser show featuring the Daisy Jopling Band and The Narrowbacks.
The event is set for Sunday, March 10, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Paramount Theater in Peekskill.
Said a release: "Violinist Daisy Jopling has toured the world performing solo in iconic venues, including the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Lincoln Center, and Royal Albert Hall in London at the age of 14.
"Wielding a nearly 250-year-old Italian-crafted violin, London-born virtuoso Daisy has nine albums, two with BMG RCA Victor. Daisy's deep love of Irish music springs from tunes and artists who influenced her skills from childhood during her family's many visits to their oceanside home in Kerry, Ireland. On March 10, Daisy and her band will feature local young talent, including the Peekskill City Singers, directed by Larry Del Casale, and Ovation Strings, directed by Susan Feldman."
The release added that the "breathtaking and historic Paramount Hudson Valley stage" will also light up with Irish bagpipes, talented young Clan na hÉireann Irish Dancers, directed by Katie Roper Izzo, and other special guests. An after-party will be hosted by sponsors Slainte Bar & Restaurant, with live music.
Continued the release: Fellow headliners and festival favorites The Narrowbacks proudly declare being Bronx-born, Irish Always.
Relix Magazine says: "The Narrowbacks nod to the collective Irish heritage of their members, crafting tunes that are well-informed by traditional Irish music, but with a punk edge—like Dropkick Murphys songs with less aggression, better vocals and more of a singer-songwriter air about them; maintain that driving shuffle, allowing the band's lyrics to shine through a bit more—telling stories of New York City, love, loss and, of course, whiskey.”
The concert brings two Peekskill community-based, not-for-profit cultural organizations, the Hudson Valley Irish Fest Inc. and The Daisy Jopling Music Mentorship Foundation, to celebrate the rich Irish-American heritage in the Hudson Valley:
The Daisy Jopling Music Mentorship Foundation, stated the release, "brings the power of world-class music-making into community performances, transforming thousands of children's lives. The Foundation is a living, breathing force in the lives of young artists throughout the year to bring inspiration, education, and monetary support to youth of every age and skill level. This year, the foundation will serve more than 3,000 students with free music lessons, music mentorships, and free music performances. For more information or to become a sponsor: office@daisyjoplingfoundation.org.
And as for the Hudson Valley Irish Fest.
"As we celebrate our 15th Anniversary, the Hudson Valley Irish Fest and Center continue to provide high quality, affordable entertainment, educational, and musical events, thanks to community support and the men, women, and families of Peekskill Division 18 Westchester County Hibernians.
"Westchester County Board of Legislators provide support as do the Consulate General of Ireland New York, who assists with an annual grant from the Emigrant Support Program of the Foreign Affairs Department," said Dan Dennehy, founding chair.
The Irish Fest website for general information is www.hudsonvalleyirishfest.com. Tickets for March 10, if still available, can be purchased at https://paramounthudsonvalley.com/events/irish-fest-fundraiser-with-the-daisy-jopling-band-and-the-narrowbacks/
