Events Montana's Irish community has always been very active and imaginative in promoting and celebrating their heritage and culture. Along with St. Patrick's Day Parades, they have organized festivals and concerts, produced dramas and film festivals, and invited a host of musicians, comedians, singers and lecturers to share their talents and experience with the greater community. This page features the highlights of the cultural year in Montana - the main events - as well as providing information (event, time, location and contact) of local activities in your area. For information on what's happening in the Irish World in your area, see the calendar below. Get Your Gael on with these Classes! In Helena, learn the language of your ancestors or impress and baffle your friends with a vast knowledge of Ireland’s history ( just in time for St. Pat’s)! Give Michael Flatley and his Riverdance crew something to fear as you learn Irish Dance in Missoula. *some classes have started already but places will always be made available. Helena Irish language classes for Beginner and Advanced Location: UM-Helena College of Technology Beginning Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 6:30 Cost: $155 Contact Mary Lannert at 406.444.7378 mailto:lannertm@umhelena.umt.edu Irish History and Culture Location: UM-Helena College of technology Beginning Thursday, January 28 at 6:30 Cost: $175 Contact Mary Lannert at 444-7378 mailto:lannertm@umhelena.umt.edu All classes sponsored by The Friends of Irish Studies in the West and UM-Helena College of Technology Missoula Irish Dance Missoula Beginning Class When: Monday, 5:45 - 6:45 Where: Missoula Children's Theatre Cost: $40 a month First Class free Contact: Cameo Flood at mailto:cflood@bresnan.net or at 546-2323 Intermediate/Advanced Class When: Monday, 4:30 - 5:45 Where: Missoula Children's Theatre Cost: $40 a month Contact: Cameo Flood at mailto:cflood@bresnan.net or at 546-2323 Irish Dance Benefit Where: Celtic Connections: 114 Main St. 406.721.6725 When: Wednesday, February 10, 6-8:30 Music in Missoula Tommy Sands and Family Location: UM Music Recital Hall, The University of Montana When: Tuesday, March 23 Beginning: 7pm Cost: $15 general admission; $10 student and senior *Sponsored by the Friends of Irish Studies in the West Irish Film Festival Where: Roxy Theatre, Higgins Ave. When: Fri March 5; Sat. March 6 Sponsored by The Ancient Order of Hibernians Information: http://www.missoula-aoh.org Missoula St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Saturday, March 13 Sponsored by The Friends of Irish Studies and the Ancient Order of Hibernians Parade begins at Noon Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner; Irish music, dance and activities in St. Anthony’s Parish Hall Beginning at 1pm From more information return to irishmontana.com or visit http://www.missoula-aoh.org For information on Butte festivities: http://www.mtgaelic.org We will update statewide events as they become available. Into the West Trip to Ireland When: May 23 to June 1 Tour Highlights: The Burren; Dingle; The Ring of Kerry; The Beara Peninsula; Walking tour of Dursey Island; Cobh, Blarney and Bunratty. Interested: Contact Erin at mailto:erin@irishmontana.com *Sponsored by The Friends of Irish Studies Irish language Immersion Week Where: Montana Tech. Butte, Montana When: July 17 – 24 2010 Classes: beginning, intermediate and advanced Cost: Non- credit $280; Credit $425 [two credits] Accommodation: $25 a night single occupancy; $20 a night double occupancy Information and registration at http://www.irishmontana.com/immersionweek.htm or contact Erin mailto:erin@irishmontana.com 406-544-0311. *Sponsored by The University of Montana, Montana Tech. and The Friends of Irish Studies