Two Irish shows at the Mauch Chunk Opera House Located at 14 W. Broadway in Jim Thorpe PA, kick off the weekend leading up to the 15th annual Carbon County Saint Patrick's Day Parade, which will be held in Jim Thorpe on Sunday, March 11, starting at 1 p.m.

The Opera House festivities get started when The Barley Boys take the stage on Friday, March 9, at 8 p.m.Appearing Saturday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m. will be Irish standup comic Noel V. Ginnity and Taylor's Irish Cabaret.The individual talents of The Barley Boys powerful drums, melodic bass, high energy fiddle and innovative guitars all join together to form a new full and rousing sound.The Barley Boys have taken their live performances from the local pub scene to festival stages across the nation.The band has reached a new presence in the Celtic music scene of today. The Barley Boys have played such venues as The Bethlehem Celtic Classic, The Long Island Irish Festival, Irish 2000 Festival in Altamont, N.Y., and The Newport Irish Festival in Rhode Island.Doors open at 7 p.m. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets $20.Ginnity continues the high jinks featuring a spectacular showcase of Irish entertainment at its very best, captivating audiences with a unique blend of laughter, music, song, and dance.He is considered by many to be Ireland's greatest comedian. He has toured extensively in Ireland and England, Australia and the

U.S.A.Career highlights include many memorable appearances at London's world-renowned Royal Albert Hall.Taylor's Cabaret is produced by Stuart O'Connor, who is well-established as a dynamic and highly successful producer of Irish musical theatre and cabaret.Inventively choreographed by national dance star Ciarén Keating, the show will feature dazzling dance routines performed by Ireland's most talented dancers.Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets $27.Tickets can be purchased by calling the Opera House box office (570) 325-0249 and can be purchased on-line at: mauchchunkoperahouse.com.Tickets are also available at Sound Check Records, 23 Broadway, Jim Thorpe.