As St. Patrick’s Day approaches in The City, the Crossroads Irish-American Festival sponsors events that explore modern Irish culture as well as its history. On today’s roster is a free reading and musical performance called “Irish Slang’s Got Snazz (Snas)” by Dan Cassidy, author of “How the Irish Inverted Slang.” It’s at 7 p.m. at Bookshop West Portal, 80 West Portal Ave.

Then, at 9 p.m., renowned guitarist and mandolinist Peter Rowan, whose progressive bluegrass stems from Irish roots, plays at The Plough and Stars at 116 Clement St. Tickets are $10. Visit www.irishamericancrossroads.org/calendar.html for details.