For those of us with even an ounce of Irish heritage, March will always be associated with the ubiquitous St. Patrick's Day festivities - namely drinking entirely too much. In appreciation of the fact that Irish culture does, indeed, include more than just drinking, let me offer an alternative - or a pre-game, if you will - to the impending "big day." Masters of the Fiddle will feature traditional Celtic songs, fiddling, and step dancing, and while it sounds suspiciously like a Michael Flatley type of affair, the talents of the two headliners should rise above that. The first, Natalie MacMaster, is a famous fiddler in the Cape Breton style, an offshoot of the Celtic fiddling style. Sharing the stage is her husband and fellow fiddler, Donnell Leahy, who is best known for being a member of the sibling folk group Leahy. And although neither of the fiddlers are Irish (both are natives of Canada), their abilities are sure to produce a rousing experience that will be perfect for psyching yourself up for the pubs in a couple weeks.

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy perform Saturday, March 6 at 8 p.m. at Nazareth College Arts Center, 4245 East Ave. $35-65. 389-2170