Bagpipes and poetry

The Readings by Writers Series in St. Paul takes place every month (with the possible exception of August), but it's worth highlighting from time to time. This month, in particular--St. Paul poet laureate Carol Connolly, who curates the series, has compiled a group of Irish, American-Irish, or Irish-loving poets, as well as musicians, for the March event.

This month's readings include music by Mary Scallen on the violin and Jim Miller on the flute, and, following the readings, bagpipe music from Mike Faricy.

The readers--and their Irish chops--will be:

Poet Patricia Barone, whose ancestors come from County Clare and County Limerick. She is the author of "Handmade Paper," published by New Rivers Press, and a recipient of a Loft-McKnight Award of Distinction. Barone has studied with the Irish poet Eavan Boland.

Mike Faricy, writer and musician, who lives both in St. Paul and in Dublin. (JEALOUS.) His Dev Haskell crime novels are set in St. Paul.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, poet and former editor of Lake Street Review. I'm not sure of his exact Irish roots, but with a name like Kevin Fitzpatrick, there's no denying them.

Ted King, jazz poet.

Patricia Kirkpatrick, poet, recipient of Milkweed Edtion's first Lindquist & Vennum Poetry Prize, author of "Odessa," which is up for a Minnesota Book Award this year.

Ethna McKiernan, author of "Sky Thick With Fireflies." Her Irish roots go way, way back.

James Silas Rogers, director of the Center for Irish Studies at the University of St. Thomas, and editor of New Hibernia Review.

Bill Stieger, columnist, fiction writer, jazz musician. Despite the non-Irish last name, Steiger claims Lennons, McCarthys, Eagans, Kanes, Runyons and Flynns in his background.

The event begins at 7:30 p.m. on March 19 (so as not to interfere with your St. Patrick's Day plans). As always the Carol Connolly Reading Series is held at the historic University Club, 420 Summit Ave. Cash bar, beautiful setting, free and open to all.