GET A HEAD START ON ST PADDY'S DAY AT THE LUBEZNIK CENTER'S FIRST FRIDAYS @ FIVE-LUCK OF THE IRISH

Michigan City IN -- The Lubeznik Center for the Arts hosts a First Fridays @ Five event, "Luck of the Irish," on Friday, March 2 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Chicago time) at 101 W. 2^nd Street in Michigan City. Award-winning Irish singer David James of South Bend, Indiana who describes himself as a "crazed Irish music lunatic" will perform beginning at 5:30.

James was the only American to ever win the solo All-Ireland Championship on the hammered dulcimer at the Irish Traditional Music Festival held each year in County Kerry, Ireland – three times! He has won top awards at many other Irish and US Fleadh (Festivals) in the dulcimer, fiddle, and traditional singing categories.

James performs songs with extraordinary range and mind-boggling use of the hammered dulcimer, fiddle, guitar, Irish bouzouki, concertina, bodhran (Irish drum), or harmonica. He sings and plays traditional Irish tunes and songs laced with his own compositions.

James has been featured at places like Milwaukee Irish Fest, Chicago's Gaelic Park, and the Irish-American Heritage

Center in Chicago. He teaches at the World Folk Music School on Chicago's South side, and has performed and conducted workshops and master classes in the U.S. from California to Maine.

Join in the fun at the Lubeznik Center for 'lite' bites, libations and a rollicking Irish good time with David James in the beautiful Hyndman Gallery where the “Regional Juried Art Exhibit” is on display through March 25.

First Fridays @ Five take place from 5 - 8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month - a perfect way to unwind after a hard week. Everyone is welcome. Admission to the event is $5 and includes entertainment and light appetizers. Food generously donated by McGinnis Pub and Rodini Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge. There will be a cash bar for soft-drinks, water, beer and wine. Continue a Friday tradition with First Fridays @ Five! Mark your calendar for “Bluegrass Bash” featuring bluegrass music on May 4.

For more information about these and other special events at the Lubeznik Center, please visit www.lubeznikcenter.org or call 219-874-4900.

Photo: Singer David James entertains at the Lubeznik Center on May 2, 2007

The Jack and Shirley Lubeznik Center for the Arts

Locate don the Avenue of the Arts

101 W. 2^nd St.

Michigan City, IN 46360

219.874.4900

artinfo@lubeznikcenter.org