LEWISTON – The Franco-American Heritage Center is preparing for a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with music, food, spirits and good fun. Patrons will get to feast on a traditional Irish meal of corn beef, cabbage, turnips, carrots and potatoes. Irish music will be provided by The Napper Tandies, a traditional pub band that rose to the premier ranks of the genre in its first year.

The group’s energy is derived from the craic, a term the Irish use for a foot-stomping good time. Concentrating on the both the rabble-rousing and sing-along pub numbers, The Napper Tandies have a potent arsenal of traditional and nontraditional Irish tunes, injecting into them a healthy modern dose of energy.

Originally formed in 2003, the group has carried the banner of “Songs of Ale and Rebellion” in an unwavering fashion. Matt Smith (banjo) and Randy Billings (upright bass) share the singing duties, each bringing a hint of their many influences, including Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Paddy Riley and Shane MacGowan. Together, these two founding members showcase the raw, poetic synergy of the Irish people.

Scott Stitham (percussion/washboard/drums) brings a kilt-full of Scottish drumming experience to The Napper Tandies and is the heartbeat of the band. Laim Andrews (fiddle), a Southern boy nonetheless steeped in the Scottish tradition, can jig and reel with the best of them.

Tickets are $18/$16 for students and seniors. Admission includes meal and music. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the meal and music at 6 p.m. For tickets, call 689-2000. For more information, visit www.francoamericanheritage.org.