If furniture stores can celebrate Christmas in July, then why can't Present Music go all green for St. Patrick's Day in September?

Milwaukee's new music ensemble kicks off its 26th season with "Irish Stew," a Celtic-themed concert at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave., in Friday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

The show is preceded at 6 p.m. by a pre-concert party.

This is a one night only concert that will combine a variety of Irish/Celtic music in way never experienced before in Milwaukee -- moving back and forth between traditional, pop, dance, storytelling and daring new Irish concert music," says Artistic Director Kevin Stalheim.

"To experience this variety with great acoustics in one room over two hours will be unique and exciting for Irish/Celtic music fans and new music fans in general."

The concert -- which takes place in the lovely and acoustically fine former church that houses the ICHC -- features Nova Scotian singer Mary Jane Lamond and violinist Wendy MacIsaac and finds Present Music performing "Piano Quartet #2" and "Triorchic Blues" by Gerald Barry, Linda Buckley's "Do You Remember the Planets" and Andrew Hamilton's "Frank O'Hara on the Phone Piece."

Also collaborating in the concert are, among others, Trinity Irish Dancers, Shamrock Club Color Guard Pipes and Drums, storyteller Eamonn O'Neill.

The Celtic band Cè performs at the pre-concert party. After the show, the party re-ignites.

Tickets are $16, $27 and $37 and may be ordered by calling (414) 271-0711. They will also be available at the door.