HIGH-SPIRITED ST. PATRICK'S WITH

BRIAN DOYLE, TONY CURTIS, AND THE FIRE INSIDE

Expect high spirits, laughter, and lilting music of both the literary and instrumental kind when award-winning Oregon author Brian Doyle joins Ireland's beloved Tony Curtis and the Seattle-area Celtic band The Fire Inside for a St. Patrick's celebration at the Lincoln Theatre on March 17th at 7:30pm.

Sponsoring the evening is The Skagit River Poetry Foundation, dedicated to enhancing literacy and the appreciation of writing throughout our Northwest communities. The foundation will host a pre-concert fund-raising reception and book signing, 5:30-7 p.m., at The Trumpeter Public House, 416 Myrtle Street in Mount Vernon. Brian Doyle, who describes himself as a "hirsute shambling shuffling mumbling grumbling muttering muddled maundering meandering male being," will headline the evening celebration.

Doyle, editor of Portland Magazine, is well-known as a colorful, insightful essayist, poet, and short story writer, author of such gems as the collection "Bin Laden's Bald Spot." His novels, including "The Plover" and "Mink River," have earned him a devoted following and comparisons to Dylan Thomas and Sherwood Anderson.

Dublin's beloved Tony Curtis is a mesmerizing showman and poet. The lyrical writer and musical performer is the author of six warmly received collections of poetry, including "The Well in the Rain: New and Selected Poems." His work as a Skagit River Poetry Foundation poet-in-residence has charmed young students throughout the Northwest. Curtis, awarded Ireland's National Poetry Prize, is one of the most popular poets in his country.

Adding Celtic kick to the evening will be the popular band The Fire Inside, from Seattle's Eastside. The group performs smoldering Celtic music with heel-clicking intensity, drawing from traditional and trend-setting influences. Instruments in play include fiddle, uilleann pipes, bodhran, whistles, guitar, concertina, mandolin, and vocals.

Reserved tickets for the main event are $30 general admission, $17 for students. Tickets for the fundraising reception, which includes appetizers and drinks, are $50, or $75 for both reception and main event. All tickets are available through the Lincoln Theatre: lincolntheatre.org. or call 360-336-8955.. Tickets will also be sold at the door, if available. But be warned: This lively St. Patrick's event is likely to sell out early. For more information contact Skagit River Poetry Foundation Communications Director M.L. Lyke, lyke.ink@gmail.com, 360-770-7184.