Irishman Paddy Keenan is quite possibly the world’s finest piper, and tonight (05.11.07) at 8 o’clock he’ll be showing off his chops in a special concert at the Creative Alliance’s Patterson Theatre. This internationally touring musician has been called “The Jimi Hendrix of Pipes,” and he’s joined this evening by guitarist John Walsh and O’Malley’s March fiddler Jim Eagan for what’s sure to be a virtuosic performance of Celtic music. More information is on-line at www.creativealliance.org.

And tomorrow (05.12.07), there are a few grass-roots cultural benefit events that you might want to consider dropping by. If you fancy yourself a proficient hula hooper, you’ll have an opportunity to show and prove at tomorrow’s ‘Hula-Hoop-a-Thon.’ This contest’s proceeds will go toward funding Fluid Movement’s 6th annual community water ballet. And the hooping gets underway at 6 o’clock p.m. at Load of Fun Studios – 120 W. North Avenue, and details are on the web at www.loadoffun.net.

Also tomorrow evening, an opportunity to support the Skatepark of Baltimore, a non-profit organization committed to building a destination-caliber outdoor skatepark in Baltimore city. From 7 to 10 p.m. at Hampden’s Antreasian gallery, an exhibition of local artwork and photography culminates in a silent auction, with all proceeds going to the Skatepark of Baltimore. The Antreasian Gallery is at 1111 W. 36th Street, and on the web at www.antreasiangallery.com.