New Orleans has always held an appeal to the Irish due to its Catholic traditions and safe harbor for anti-British sentiments. An early wave of Irish immigrants, fleeing British persecution at the end of the 1700s, landed in New Orleans and became well woven into the economic and social fabric of the city. Irish pubs dot the Crescent City's French Quarter from the beatiful courtyards of Pat O'Brien's Bar or the divey feel of Fahy's or the Erin Rose. Ireland's influence is felt in neighborhoods such as the Irish Channel, St. Patrick's Church and the tradition of Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras. With Fat Tuesday upon us, Windy City Irish Radio celebrates the decadent season with music from Professor Longhair, Judy Collins, Beth Patterson, Harry Connick Jr, Na Fianna, Tom McDermott & lucia micarelli, The Lash, Anthony Thistlethwaite, Scythian, Kevin Burke in Chicago, Joe McShane and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for the Irish Mardi Gras! Join Tim and Mike each Wednesday night at 8pm on 1240AM WSBC or right at www.windycityirishradio.com. Laissez le bon temps rouler! Hey, it's Mardi Gras, ya'll!!