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LIVEMAGS.NET MARCH>>10 19 THE MARCH TODO LIST WRITER>>DALIA VAN DEN BOOGAARD N o matter where their ancestors hail from, most funsters want to get in on a little Irish action on St. Patrick's Day. Fly to Dublin if you must, but the best place to be on March 14 is at St. Patty's Fest 2010 at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood. Held the Sunday before St. Patrick's Day, this annual event promises to heighten the spirits not only of those partaking in the merriment, but also those benefitting from this fundraiser: the Children's Tumor Foundation and the Irish Center of Los Angeles. A celebration of Irish tradition with contemporary California flair, St. Patty's Fest takes place from 2 to 7 P.M. and provides an all-day pass to eat, drink, and dance until you drop. Entertainment abounds, from live music to sing-a-longs to folk dancing. If bagpipes and beer pong aren't enough to reel you in, you may want to come just to stir up some mischief with Drevon the Leprechaun or to check out all the cute leprechaunettes. Although St. Patrick's Day honors a patron saint of Ireland who drove away the serpents from his country, St. Patty's Fest is all about driving away the winter blues and joyously ushering in spring- -Irish-style. Much of the entertainment has Irish roots and is not commonly found at other events. Among the performers will be the world-renowned Claddagh Dance Company, which has appeared in motion pictures, on "The Tonight Show," and at Lakers games and Disneyland. Also performing will be the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society, an organization that celebrates its American-Irish culture and history by playing bagpipes and drums. Beyond Irish-themed music and dancing, St. Patty's Fest will feature 80s bands as well as Steel Rod, a live band karaoke act that boasts a longer song list than any other band of its kind. Take your pick of over 400 hits, grab the mike, and be an idol for a day, backed by these talented musicians. Whether you're into Marvin Gaye or Metallica, Steel Rod has got you covered. The band spans plenty of genres, ranging from pop to rap to country to hard rock, classic rock, and even Spanish rock. Although Irish rock is not specifically listed, U2 is definitely in their repertoire! It would be hard to imagine not having a good time at this convivial festival, which brings us to the biggest draw for most revelers--the libations. Make no mistake about the fact that this party is for ages 21 and over. St. Patty's Fest will be showered with beer, wine, and spirits from around the world, from the requisite Irish whiskeys to French wines to California craft brews (this event prides itself on the largest number of breweries to participate in a beer festival ever in the Golden State). The sense of frivolity goes way beyond green beer: even the champagne will be green, courtesy of Barefoot Bubbly. Since the imbibing is an all-day affair, you definitely want to soak up your ale with some hearty pub fare. As with the drinks, all the food that your stomach can hold is included in the price of admission. A variety of food from local restaurants, catering services, and merchants will be available, ranging from barbecued pork and tri tip to plump sausages to gourmet deli meats and cheeses to Irish staples like soda bread and, of course, potatoes. For dessert, try some novelties like green chocolate mint cupcakes or fruit salad cups composed of honeydew melons, kiwi fruit, watermelon, and pineapple… all soaked in vodka. Finish off the night with a Don Longo cigar and some Irish coffee, and consider it the feast of a lifetime. An additional treat is that Mr. and Mrs. Donald T. Sterling, owners of the Los Angeles Clippers, have generously arranged for the first150 guests to receive a complimentary ticket to a Clippers game at Staples Center. Tickets to St. Patty's Fest are available through the website, http://www.stpattysfest.com/buy.html. The presale price is $100 per person ($155 at the door), which will be donated to support some worthwhile causes in LA. Don't miss the wearing of the green at this jolly event that brings a touch of authentic Irish culture to Southern California (appropriately, St. Patty's Fest has been certified as a Green Event by the Los Angeles Green Business Program). Inspiring the Irish in all of us, St. Patty's Fest is the perfect opportunity to raise a glass and wish one another "Sláinte!" ST. PATTY'S FEST 2010 Taglyan Cultural Center 1201 N. Vine Street Hollywood March 14 2 – 7 p.m. www.stpattysfest.com 213-915-8003 St. Patty's Fest 2010 MARCH 14