As it stands the average American’s knowledge of Irish culture extends about as far as Bono, Lucky Charms and Leprechaun 5: In the Hood. Domestically, St. Patrick’s day, a holiday intended to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint and culture in general, is little more than an excuse to get hammered on dyed beer and dance awkwardly in the streets of Lower Greenville. This cartoonish popular perception does a disservice to the country’s rich heritage, a slight Richardson’s Eisemann Center (2351 Performance Drive) may begin to rectify at 8 p.m. Friday when it presents Celtic Nights — The Immigrant’s Bridge, the new singing and dancing tribute to the people of the Emerald Isle from the team behind Gaelforce Dance. Like a PBS pledge drive special made flesh, Celtic Nights promises a trip through Hibernian history conducted by a top cast of Irish vocalists, dancers and musicians, so at the very least audiences will leave with a few more moves to break out this St. Paddy’s before passing out on someone’s lawn. Tickets run from $35 to $52. Visit eisemanncenter.com.
Fri., Feb. 28, 8 p.m., 2014