It’s hot, it’s sweaty, and it’s full of cheese. Time again for the Italian Heritage Festival that runs along Hertel Ave. from July 12-15, from now on officially known as “Buffalo’s Little Italy” after the opening ceremonies tonight (Thursday July 12) at 6pm. The food is by far the biggest draw to this event, with Italian staples and delicacies to be found up and down the street between Virgil and Crestwood. And because most people tend to overlook the other cultural aspects of this festival, there is a heavier focus on Italian pride this year. Heritage Hall will be home to an exhibit of photos, videos and memorabilia. Representatives from Torremaggiore, Buffalo’s sister city in Southern Italy, will demonstrate the skills of traditional flag throwing. Sunday morning at the Main Stage will feature the Festival’s annual bi-lingual mass in Italian and English and the Italian Idol contest, which anyone in the area can enter, will hold its finals on Sunday. Just like last year, there will be a bocce ball court built right on Hertel near Virgil, and there will also be national and local entertainment

The Kissers are from Madison, Wisconsin, but you’d probably never know it just from listening to them. Initially formed as a Pogues cover band, they soon integrated their own originals based on the gin soaked Celtic rock that inspired them. Between revved up interpretations of traditional Irish songs and their own material, the Kissers, like Buffalo’s own beloved Jackdaw, fuse rock with their roots to create incredibly unique music. Like the rebel songs of their forefathers, the Kissers’ songs often balance between love and war. Many of the tracks on their most recent album, The Good Fight, address the Iraq war as well as the misery and confusion that surrounds it. But don’t expect to be preached to. The Kissers always perform a hell raising set with the beer and whiskey constantly flowing. The show takes place at at Mohawk Place on Friday (July 13) at 9pm.

Sunday (July 15) at 7pm at the Buffalo Irish Center promises an energetic performance by Chicago based quintet Gan Bua. The group is made up entirely of award-winning musicians, and is produced by Irish fiddle virtuoso Dennis Cahill. Jackie Moran, percussionist and bodhrán player (a traditional Celtic hand held drum), is a Fleadh Cheoil champion, along with fiddler Chris Bain. Both are former members of Celtic rock band the Drovers. Gan Bua has performed at Boston’s Irish Connections Festival, the Milwaukee Irish Festival, Cleveland’s Irish Cultural Festival, Celtic Fest Chicago, Erin Feis and others. The newly released CD Gan Bua-Live at Martyr’s is free of gimmicks, showcasing only the band’s raw talent. This is a great opportunity to see one of the most talented American bands in the Celtic tradition

One of the earliest and most influential, bands to come out of the Detroit garage rock scene, the Detroit Cobras are an exceptional tribute to raw R&B and primitive rock and roll. Formed in 1995, the band was spawned by the same scene as the White Stripes and the Gories. However, what always separated them from the pack was a passion for obscure soul music of the 1960s, a passion that continues to this day. Although the band has gone through countless lineup changes it continues to thrive on Rachel Nagy’s raw yet soulful lead vocals and Maribel Restrepo’s lean guitar tones. Signing to Bloodshot last year, the Cobras released Tried And True, an album very much influenced by the wall of sound production of classic Phil Spector. The Detroit Cobras perform at Mohawk Place on Sunday (July 15) at 8pm