St. Patrick's Day comes a little early to Massachusetts with the ICONS Irish Music and Arts Festival, Sept. 12 to 14 at the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton. The festival features some of the finest in Irish music and dance, plus sports, cultural and children's activities. Recent additions to the music lineup include: Alison Brown, the trio of Joe Derrane, Seamus Connolly and John McGann, Boston Kiltics, and a BCMFest Showcase. They join artists like Beoga, Lunasa, Crooked Still and more. Single-day tickets are $25. Kids under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. For more information, check out Iconsfestival.com
Hot ticket at the beach
Los Lonely Boys, the band that made "How Far is Heaven?" famous, play the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Friday, Sept. 12. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the 18-plus show starts at 8 p.m. General admission costs $30. The casino is located at 169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, N.H. Call 603-929-4100, or visit www.casinoballroom.com for more information.
banish the bad hair day
Spent a little too much time in salt water and chlorine this summer? Fear not, help is here. Every Thursday from now through Sept. 25, the Kiehl's store at the Burlington Mall will host a "Natural Recipes for Healthy Hair" event during normal store hours, where Kiehl's experts will offer free advice about shampoo, conditioner or other treatments best suited for your particular hair dilemmas. Each consultation will also include a recipe for the perfect hair style, and a chance to try out the new products. At the end of the consultation, each participant will walk away with a recipe card, a description of their look, as well as product samples to test, and to help recreate the look at home. For more information, go to kiehls.com.
Renowned author comes to lawrence
Dr. William Mahon will discuss his most recent publication, "Thomas Griffin and the Irish Speaking People of Lawrence," and the Irish manuscripts at Villanova University by way of Lawrence on Sunday, Sept. 14, 1:30 p.m. at Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitors Center, 1 Jackson St., Lawrence. This lecture and book signing is free and open to the public, and handicapped-accessible. Call 978-794-1655 or visit www.div8aoh.homestead.com.
