BUZZ: Shillelaghs, Shamrocks and Spring Fever!

“Long, deep-rooted in Bay Ridge” Martin McQuade will be welcoming spring and the St. Patrick’s Parade with a show of his own called “Shillelaghs, Shamrocks and Spring Fever,” to take place on Thursday, March 21, just three days before the anticipated March 24 parade on Third Avenue.

“I am proud to have been asked to start the countdown,” said McQuade, a 30-year Bay Ridge resident who was born in Sunset Park, who has dedicated much of his life to the study and singing of American popular music from the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.

“Just a week away from Easter, I’ll be singing songs pertaining to Ireland such as ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘I’ll Take You Home Kathleen,’” he explained, adding that it’s an honorable request.

McQuade graduated from New York University with a degree in Cinema Studies; it was his father, a projectionist, who educated him about “old music and old movies,” said the film buff. In 1985, McQuade started performing in Bay Ridge, becoming a regular at The Greenhouse Café and the Schnitzel Haus.

His next performance will take place at the Hunter Steak and Ale House, 9404 Fourth Avenue, from 7 p.m. through 10 p.m.—a solo performance that will incorporate a program of songs suitable for these occasions, accompanied by pianist Pete Sokolow.

“I’ll be working with a wonderful pianist; it’s amazing that he knows so many of these songs,” noted McQuade.

“He’s an expert on jazz musicians from the past,” McQuade went on, describing Sokolow as a musical “encyclopedia,” whose repertoire matches his own.

“We’re a perfect blend!” the singer added enthusiastically.

McQuade is a Bing Crosby fan; it’s no surprise, then, that his Shillelaghs, Shamrocks and Spring Fever show is based on one of Crosby’s most famous albums called “Shillelaghs and Shamrocks.”

He’s currently a consultant for Bing Crosby Enterprises and has written liner notes and served as production assistant for many of the company’s recent CD and DVD releases. He is also an American correspondent for “Bing Magazine,” published by the International Club Crosby.

For dinner reservations for the event, please call 718-238-8899.