Johnny B. Connolly from Ireland

There's a Gaelic storm headed to town. Some 600 musicians, dancers and storytellers will converge at the annual CINCINNATI CELTIC MUSIC AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL, which promises soothing sounds, traditional crafts, food fare and artistic wares -- not just from the old sod of Ireland, but from Wales, Scotland and other Celtic lands as well.

The music lineup is stunning: Old Blind Dogs, The Cottars, Niamh Parsons, Johnny B. Connolly and Casey O'Neill, William Jackson, Todd Denman & Anair, Talitha MacKenzie & Dessi Stefanova, Toraigh, Nancy & Frank Clark, Creehan & Larsen, Ceol Mhor, Dark Moll, Jeff Foley, Ceol Criuhe, Begley's Braes, Silver Arm, Navan and Murphy's Law are just some of the performers at the Celtic confab.

There's also Scottish heavy athletics, live theater courtesy of the New Gate Celtic Theatre Co., a bid-and-buy auction, an antique lace exhibit, children's improv workshop, Ceili dance on Saturday evening and more. Storytellers include the fantastic Sandy Messerly, who every year manages to captivate even the uncontrollable 3-year-olds in the audience.

And yes, the Guinness taps will be flowing, as organizers pay tribute to the best of the Emerald Isle. Look for nibbles such as Irish stew, Scottish meat pies, Irish sausages, fish 'n' chips and Deep Fried Mars Bars. Shop from a wide variety of items, from CDs and thick wool sweaters to musical instruments, homemade soaps, and folk and Celtic art and jewelry.

The Celtic Music and Cultural Festival takes place at Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., in Anderson Twp. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27 and 28 (a Catholic mass is celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, and a Scottish service begins at 11:15 a.m.). Admission is $8, $2 for children 5 to 12. For more information call 513-533-4822 or go to www.CincinnatiCelticFestival.com. -- FELIX WINTERNITZ

THURSDAY 25
In her exhibit at the YWCA Women's Art Gallery, artist Mayumi Oda reminds us to embrace our roots while still progressing. THE GODDESSES OF MAYUMI ODA, on view through Jan. 9, showcases the internationally recognized artist who depicts feminine principals manifested into a playful goddess. Her primary themes are rooted in Buddhist and Japanese mythology. "I made my goddesses to explore Japanese traditional design ... free, extravagant and sometimes even wild," says Oda. The exhibition reflects her transformation of more masculine depictions of folk traditions into images that reflect upon a more positive, feminine view of the self. 898 Walnut St., Downtown. 513-241-7090. (See Art.) -- JACQUELYN VAUGHN

FRIDAY 26
Didn't know CLUB CLAU's a "haven of art?" Not among the glitterati? Well, Friday you're sure to make it past the velvet ropes for ART $UCK$, an auction of all art Clau, including Paul Lewis' (dead) Rap star portraits, the Weeping SuperGirls of Andrew Van Sickle, "Think Tank Decoy" (by Van Sickle, Lewis, Mike Hurst and Tony Frizell) and much more. And this is the last chance you'll have to bid on these works -- "bargains," no doubt (cash, credit cards and checks accepted). As the Clau flier says, "Join the Rock and Porn stars who made Clau part of their collection." Geez, some people will try anything. (See you there!). 10:30 p.m., with an auction preview at 9 p.m. 513-352-0352. (See Art.) -- JESSICA TURNER

SATURDAY 27
Lace up your walking shoes and head to Over-the-Rhine on Saturday morning for the once-a-month ARCHITREKS GUIDED WALKING TOUR of the historic neighborhood. In two hours you'll wander the streets, learn about buildings and architectural styles and gain insights into why this neighborhood is so important to our city. Tour guides from the Cincinnati Preservation Association are top-notch: They answer questions, share facts and give you tidbits that will make your friends admire how much you know about your hometown. The crowd gathers at the Coffee Emporium Cyber Café at the Emery Center (110 E. Central Pkwy., Over-the-Rhine). Show up a few minutes before 10 a.m. to pay for the tour ($8 for adults; $4 for kids). 513-721-4506. (See Events.) -- RICK PENDER

TUESDAY 30
The Miami University Lecture Series gets underway this week with a familiar face -- Miami alum, humorist du jour P. J. O'ROURKE. The Rolling Stone and Atlantic Monthly contributor returns to his old stomping grounds to deliver his timely, sure to be snide lecture, "All the Trouble in the World: If Things Have Been Going to Hell Forever, Why Haven't They Gotten There Yet?" Uh, some say we have, P. J. The 8 p.m. lecture is free, but tickets are required because seating is limited. For ticket info: 513-529-3200. (See Literary.) -- JASON GARGANO

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