MBAs and March events

Brixx (multiple locations) began its 2010 Master’s of Beer Appreciation program this week. Participants (tuition is free) get a card to track their work through the “curriculum” of 32 beers and “one extracurricular beer activity.” Prizes, etc., are involved as well. Details: http://brixxpizza.com/MBA.html.

Gallery at the Ballantyne Hotel will offer an Irish lineup for St. Patrick’s Day March 17, including house-cured corned beef and braised cabbage with housemade soda bread at lunch, and seared sea scallops with English pea green risotto in truffle sauce and herb-crusted veal ribeye at dinner. And yes, there’ll be green draft beer, for $2.10 all day. 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway; 704-248-4042.

Red Rocks Café at 4223 Providence Road hosts a fundraiser March 25 for Providence Home (Southport), a short-term shelter for youth who, because of an emergency, high-risk or crisis situation, cannot remain with their families. Info: 704-364-0402.