French fiddle player who are spending St. Patrick's Day in Bermuda.

Irish folk music fans should head to Flanagan's tonight when Celtic Beat play the St. Patrick's Day Bash.

The New York based three-piece group are on their fifth visit and Bermuda might seem an odd choice for them to spend the biggest night in an Irish person's calender.

But accordion player Patty Furlong explained: "In New York everyone is in green trousers, drinking green beer while in Ireland it's a religious holiday.

Here it's a nice blend.'' But she is no stranger to getting off the beaten track.

"We played in Alaska recently and it was totally wild. It was just like Northern Exposure. We played in a hotel -- the only other building was a post office.

"The place was swamped with moose -- people had to stay in until they moved on.

"I thought they would be about the size of a horse but they are about one storey high.'' Bronx-born Ms Furlong has been the mainstay of the group after honing her skills during summers spent in Ireland.

She was three times All Ireland Title champion and has won numerous American championships -- skills which eventually led to her touring the North Eastern States with Irish folk legends The Chieftains.

Jam sessions in the Big Apple put her in contact with guitarist and mandolin player Eamonn O'Leary who had just arrived from Dublin.

The group also boasts that rare phenomenon -- a French fiddle player with a love of Irish folk music.

Ms Furlong said of Patrick Orceau: "There's a lot of Irish music in Paris -- he learned it in Paris and played festivals in Ireland.

"When I met him he could only speak French. He basically learned English through learning the songs.'' Mr. Orceau's talents have won him gigs at festivals all over the States and Europe and a guest spots on a number of CDs.

He also performed for President Clinton in the White House -- mind you so did Monica Lewinsky so that may not be something you would want on your CV.

The group did a warm-up gig on Wednesday and their wistful instrumentals mixed with traditional jigs proved impossible not to tap your foot to.

The band were joined by various audience members keen to jam. A girl introduced only as Marissa song a mournful version of Caledonia.

Mr. O'Leary sang Dirty Old Town - a favourite of mine. Indeed it was all I could do to stop myself from singing along.

While Wednesday's performance was low-key you can be assured they will kick it up a notch tonight.

Ms Furlong says: "There will be pipers and step dancers.'' There will be musicians and singers will be stepping in for a few numbers. And there may even be another sampling of the vocal "talents'' of ex-Flanagan's manager Tommy Gallagher.

Assistant Manager Duncan Adams said: "He's all right but he just gets carried away. There are certain songs he can't sing but he sings them anyway.'' "It's going to be a fantastic night.'' "Tickets are $27.50 which includes a buffet but it will be $10 after 10 p.m.'' Celtic Beat play Flanagan's from 8 to 11 p.m. tonight.

The beat goes on: Celtic Beat perform at Flanagan's tonight