One of the most successful ads in New York history was “You don’t have to be Jewish to love Levy’s Rye.” In Montreal, you don’t have to be Irish to love Irish coffee.

There are many Irish events leading up to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sunday, March 17. Here are four to put on your calendar:

Saturday, March 9, Oscar Peterson Hall: Toast to Ireland concert features singers Kathleen McAuliffe, Carol McCormick and Beverly McGuire. 7 pm, doors open 6:15, cash bar. $20. 514-848-2424, cdnirish.fas@concordia.ca.

Saturday, March 9, Sheraton Centreville: Annual Erin Sports Association Irishman of the Year breakfast. This year’s honoree and target of a friendly roast is John Meany. 9 am, 1201 René Lévesque. 514-944-5256, ken.doran@sympatico.ca.

Friday, March 15, Atwater Library: Dana Hearn reads prose and poetry, accompanied by Belfast Andi. Free. 12:30 pm, 1200 Atwater. 514-935-7344.

Friday, March 15, Hilton Bonaventure Hotel: St. Patrick’s Society annual luncheon honours filmmaker Kevin Tierney. Noon, doors open 11:15, cash bar. $80. 514-481-1346, spsmtl.com/purchase_tickets.

At this event last year, novelist Kathy Reichs promised a new murder mystery set in Montreal where some luminaries of the St. Patrick’s Society may be among the suspects. Will she follow up this year?