Who is going to risk life, limb, and moral integrity by performing
for huge financial rewards on St. Patrick's Day,
and who has other plans?
All philosophies, theories, and homilies from the past are welcomed.
I'm locking the doors and pulling the curtains tight, putting the lights down low and not answering the door or the phone ~ and ~ there's no green food colouring in this house...
I like reptiles and amphibians and have had a few for mates over time, snakes included... And I know there are still snakes in Ireland...
Paddy's Day is a holiday FROM Irish music for anyone who plays and enjoys ITM all year long. I'm going to find some other kind of music to go and listen to on that day. Maybe some Gypsy Jazz or Middle Eastern music. As long as it has nothing to do with ITM I'll be happy.
There you go, proof of lost sleep and illness ~ 'an' should have read 'it'... What kind of melody do you think should rise out of the title "Snakes in Suits"? (It has to be better than the film "Snakes on a Plane")
Snakes of Kildare
Joe Blake's Jig
Saddle the Python
Adder Up The Stairs
Merrily Kiss The Snaker's
Forty Pound Python
Snakes of Mellow
Rolling In The Snakegrass
Planxty Python
Not CRACK ceolachan, CRAIC.
But you know the difference, right?
Actually I understand wanting to stay away from the pubs on St. Paddy's Day. But some pubs are more crowded than others. I try to find the less crowded ones or have a party at home... If I can find anyone who wants to come over. But that was my point. So far, no love.
Fishmonger, do Americans really dye their beer green on St. Patrick's Day? I heard some tale about doing it to a river too? I used to go to the parade in Dublin, full of yanks, and with kelly green outfits, including the shoes... Do you know where I can get a pair of kelly green shoes?
Morgan Rattler
Wallop Away the Rattler O
A Great Big Sea Snake In Long Beach
We'll play for dancers at a local pub in the afternoon, and then do a potluck and tunes at my house that evening.
We're also doing a few gigs in the days leading up to the 17th, but nothing too wild. One's a private party, another's a fundraiser, and then we'll play one evening at a local jazz club whose owner has eclectic musical tastes.
And I stay away from Butte, though it's only 70 miles south. The whole town gets drunk for 3 days....
In the 1960's, Chicago pioneered the use of an algaecide in their river and discovered an additional benefit - it turned the water bright green for several hours. Ever since that discovery, every St Patrick's Day the municipal workers dump their festive chemicals in the river of Chicago and the hooley is officially on. There is no shortage of green beer to be found in some of the low end watering holes (I shudder to think what chemicals are added to create that effect) however, most pubs are so tied to Plastic Paddy decor and Guinness sponsored events that green beer is quickly becoming the domain of university frat-parties and other seasonal barf-fests.
As far as the Kelly green shoes; I think I saw a rather smart looking pair in Dunne's the last time I was in Cork city...
ceolachan- Not only do we dye our beer and rivers green, but I've heard rumors that in the warmer parts of the country some places dye their pools green.
About Kelly green shoes- The lead singer of a Black 47, a Celtic rock band, has a pair of green suede shoes.
Hey fishmonger,
It's a little early, but good craic to be had at the Redwood Cafe in Cotati from 4-6 on Sunday March 9th. Or the second Sunday of any month for that matter. With any luck it'll also be a little early for green beer.....
One st Patrick's night, I had to abandon a version of Sean South before I got to the second line - might have been because it was played to the tune of The Sash My Father Wore!
I'll be at a bluegrass gig 15th, playing for the tourist dollars on the 16th, and on a bloody float fopr the village parade on the 17th.
Well, as it says on the linked thread, a session on the back of a truck. A float in a procession, the float done out like an Irish pub. Pretend pub, real tunes and real beer.
As a person that plays Highland pipes and uilleann pipes, the day is an opportunity to make money, and do a bit of educating on the side.
There are at least 100 Highland pipers running around here doing gigs every St Pats, passing themselves off as people who play the "Irish pipes".
There are, I think, only two of us who also play the uilleann pipes.
I bring both to each gig, and if possible at some point put down the Highland pipes and say, "you know, the Irish have their own kind of pipes, here they are..."
The people always enjoy learning about the uilleann pipes and enjoy hearing them.
Would I pefer playing only uilleann pipes that day? Yes, and I have done.
But I have to keep in mind that most American react very differently to the two instruments.
You come in playing the Highland pipes, they shout "here's the piper!"
You sit in the corner playing the uilleann pipes, they say "what is that THING?"
What I detest is playing in crowded noisy bars full of drunks.
My little group for a few years had a nice gig: we played in a nice Irish-style pub in the early afternoon. Every year we got a crowd which appreciated the more traditional stuff. Then, as the day wore on and people started coming in after work and the place started getting noisier, we left and a Clancy Brothers style band came in. Then, at night, they in turn were replaced by an Irish rock band. That worked out well for everybody.
But stay home on St Pat's day? I can't afford to.
I've done as many as seven gigs that day. Three booked already this year.
I can't remember the last time I actually saw a bar serve green beer. I'm sure it still happens around these parts, but certainly not in a Irish pub - even the plastic Paddy style ones.
I always try to avoid the rowdy gigs around St. Pats. Several years ago, we were playing an amplified session, and we still couldn't hear ourselves, let alone the crowd being able to hear us. And to make it worse, in marches a pipe band. Whoever thought it was a good idea to play highland pipes indoors ought to be shot.
I do usually have 3 or 4 gigs that week, and we charge a lot more than usual, so it makes it worth it. And occasionally, they're actually fun gigs - so why fight it?
This year, we're going to have a session in a local bar (not an Irish pub) on the 17th, and we're doing it without getting paid (other than in food and drink), because we have a regular session in this place and they take good care of us year-round, so this is our way of taking care of them.
I haven't been asked yet, but we have one of our regular sessions tonight, in a relatively new venue. We'll see if we're asked.
Do remember some previous years - don't play a big public event if you don't have an authentic frontman, is my motto. The real people come out of the woodwork and complain because you're not how they think they remember it used to be, if you don't have your man up front saying "Anyone here from Kerry, yabba yabba yabba...." All this whether or not you're doing your best to play the pure drop.
Wow...One gig on the Friday, one on the Saturdy and of course St Patricks Eve, then on the 17th itself...3 gigs 1 till 3.30 one 5 til 6.30 and one from 10 till 01...busy time and loadsa tourist dosh...try keepin 5 of us soberish is the problem...lol
I'd love to play even if it was only for the free mineral water, honest. My band hasn't the slightest interest in plain ordinary pub gigs, be it on St. Pat's or any other day.
On St. Patrick's Day this year, I was planning to play my bass fiddle at a Hootenanny at a local Southern Baptist church but my van was still at the shop being repaired that day so I had to stay home. It isn't actually a "Hootenanny"--that's what the host of the event calls it. All of the musicians except for yours truly (the bass player) sit in a circle and take turns singing and/or playing various tunes.The host is the Minister of Education at this church. He plays guitar, banjo, and fiddle as well as thinking he can sing. The church hosts this Hootenanny on the third Monday of every month.
March 17th: The Annual Question
March 17th: The Annual Question
Who is going to risk life, limb, and moral integrity by performing
for huge financial rewards on St. Patrick's Day,
and who has other plans?
All philosophies, theories, and homilies from the past are welcomed.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by oldstrings
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
I'm locking the doors and pulling the curtains tight, putting the lights down low and not answering the door or the phone ~ and ~ there's no green food colouring in this house...
I like reptiles and amphibians and have had a few for mates over time, snakes included... And I know there are still snakes in Ireland...
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Def still snakes in Ireland, stormont is full of them.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by strayaway
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
I'm still searching for some good craic addicts in Sonoma County. So far, just lots of crickets.
At least crickets are kinda green. -sigh-
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by Fishmonger
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Yes strayaway, 'snakes in suits' ~ in deserves a tune don't you think?
No crack addicts in Sonoma County, you must be kidding?
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Paddy's Day is a holiday FROM Irish music for anyone who plays and enjoys ITM all year long. I'm going to find some other kind of music to go and listen to on that day. Maybe some Gypsy Jazz or Middle Eastern music. As long as it has nothing to do with ITM I'll be happy.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by Phantom Button
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
There you go, proof of lost sleep and illness ~ 'an' should have read 'it'... What kind of melody do you think should rise out of the title "Snakes in Suits"? (It has to be better than the film "Snakes on a Plane")
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Snakes of Kildare
Joe Blake's Jig
Saddle the Python
Adder Up The Stairs
Merrily Kiss The Snaker's
Forty Pound Python
Snakes of Mellow
Rolling In The Snakegrass
Planxty Python
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by jamascc
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Buzzworm Buddies, perhaps?
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by nicholas
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
One Hundred Vipers
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by jamascc
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Mamba Mia!
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by nicholas
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
La Mamba!
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by nicholas
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Not CRACK ceolachan, CRAIC.
But you know the difference, right?
Actually I understand wanting to stay away from the pubs on St. Paddy's Day. But some pubs are more crowded than others. I try to find the less crowded ones or have a party at home... If I can find anyone who wants to come over. But that was my point. So far, no love.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by Fishmonger
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Invite a select few over to your house for tunes, BYOB maybe. That has to be better than what happens in pubs on the day.
I love the snake tunes...
~ but then I'm easily amused when I'm ill..
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Fishmonger, do Americans really dye their beer green on St. Patrick's Day? I heard some tale about doing it to a river too? I used to go to the parade in Dublin, full of yanks, and with kelly green outfits, including the shoes... Do you know where I can get a pair of kelly green shoes?
Morgan Rattler
Wallop Away the Rattler O
A Great Big Sea Snake In Long Beach
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
We'll play for dancers at a local pub in the afternoon, and then do a potluck and tunes at my house that evening.
We're also doing a few gigs in the days leading up to the 17th, but nothing too wild. One's a private party, another's a fundraiser, and then we'll play one evening at a local jazz club whose owner has eclectic musical tastes.
And I stay away from Butte, though it's only 70 miles south. The whole town gets drunk for 3 days....
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by Will CPT
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
In the 1960's, Chicago pioneered the use of an algaecide in their river and discovered an additional benefit - it turned the water bright green for several hours. Ever since that discovery, every St Patrick's Day the municipal workers dump their festive chemicals in the river of Chicago and the hooley is officially on. There is no shortage of green beer to be found in some of the low end watering holes (I shudder to think what chemicals are added to create that effect) however, most pubs are so tied to Plastic Paddy decor and Guinness sponsored events that green beer is quickly becoming the domain of university frat-parties and other seasonal barf-fests.
As far as the Kelly green shoes; I think I saw a rather smart looking pair in Dunne's the last time I was in Cork city...
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
I would play for money if anybody would pay me. Alas I fear I'm more tomato target material.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by sbhikes
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
I have a Plastic Paddy Pub gig, I'm ashamed to admit. I have kids and could use the money. Back off in advance!
Luckily the ceili band is also playing and I got a private party to do too. Sweet...
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
sb ->
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
ceolachan- Not only do we dye our beer and rivers green, but I've heard rumors that in the warmer parts of the country some places dye their pools green.
About Kelly green shoes- The lead singer of a Black 47, a Celtic rock band, has a pair of green suede shoes.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by rob_handel
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Hey fishmonger,
It's a little early, but good craic to be had at the Redwood Cafe in Cotati from 4-6 on Sunday March 9th. Or the second Sunday of any month for that matter. With any luck it'll also be a little early for green beer.....
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by aikifiddler
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Hey friends,
YES my middle name is CHARLES and my father's name was CHARLES who has a brother named HARRY.
I'm a poster child for plastic paddies. So fecking what? I'm a Californian who loves Irish music.
I don't drink green beer. I don't wear green suede shoes. I just love the music. And want to make friends with others who do as well.
Gimme a break.
How many of you were born in Ireland?
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by Fishmonger
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Forgive me for inadvertantly high-jacking this thread. And for my language.
Good night.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by Fishmonger
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Does anyone have a horror story from St. Paddy's past years?
A gig that turned nasty? Confused expectations? Mistaken identities?
Or perhaps a pleasant surprise- adoring audiences throwing money and buying rounds?
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by oldstrings
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Taking the day off from work and plan to watch Daniel Day Lewis movies.
Gangs of New York
In the Name of the Father
The Crucible
And have a cup of green tea of course. ;)
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by Frunobulax
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
One st Patrick's night, I had to abandon a version of Sean South before I got to the second line - might have been because it was played to the tune of The Sash My Father Wore!
I'll be at a bluegrass gig 15th, playing for the tourist dollars on the 16th, and on a bloody float fopr the village parade on the 17th.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by RockyRoader
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
May I remind members of my recent request:
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/16858
This old one refers to a "gig" myself Conan and David did a few years ago
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/1462/comments
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
You, David and Conan did a public performance?
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by Phantom Button
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Well, as it says on the linked thread, a session on the back of a truck. A float in a procession, the float done out like an Irish pub. Pretend pub, real tunes and real beer.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
As a person that plays Highland pipes and uilleann pipes, the day is an opportunity to make money, and do a bit of educating on the side.
There are at least 100 Highland pipers running around here doing gigs every St Pats, passing themselves off as people who play the "Irish pipes".
There are, I think, only two of us who also play the uilleann pipes.
I bring both to each gig, and if possible at some point put down the Highland pipes and say, "you know, the Irish have their own kind of pipes, here they are..."
The people always enjoy learning about the uilleann pipes and enjoy hearing them.
Would I pefer playing only uilleann pipes that day? Yes, and I have done.
But I have to keep in mind that most American react very differently to the two instruments.
You come in playing the Highland pipes, they shout "here's the piper!"
You sit in the corner playing the uilleann pipes, they say "what is that THING?"
What I detest is playing in crowded noisy bars full of drunks.
My little group for a few years had a nice gig: we played in a nice Irish-style pub in the early afternoon. Every year we got a crowd which appreciated the more traditional stuff. Then, as the day wore on and people started coming in after work and the place started getting noisier, we left and a Clancy Brothers style band came in. Then, at night, they in turn were replaced by an Irish rock band. That worked out well for everybody.
But stay home on St Pat's day? I can't afford to.
I've done as many as seven gigs that day. Three booked already this year.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by Richard D Cook
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
we are down for £90 a piece for dancing.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by geoffwright
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Ponsonby, don't forget "My Left Foot". Great movie.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by grego
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
I can't remember the last time I actually saw a bar serve green beer. I'm sure it still happens around these parts, but certainly not in a Irish pub - even the plastic Paddy style ones.
I always try to avoid the rowdy gigs around St. Pats. Several years ago, we were playing an amplified session, and we still couldn't hear ourselves, let alone the crowd being able to hear us. And to make it worse, in marches a pipe band. Whoever thought it was a good idea to play highland pipes indoors ought to be shot.
I do usually have 3 or 4 gigs that week, and we charge a lot more than usual, so it makes it worth it. And occasionally, they're actually fun gigs - so why fight it?
This year, we're going to have a session in a local bar (not an Irish pub) on the 17th, and we're doing it without getting paid (other than in food and drink), because we have a regular session in this place and they take good care of us year-round, so this is our way of taking care of them.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by Reverend
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
I haven't been asked yet, but we have one of our regular sessions tonight, in a relatively new venue. We'll see if we're asked.
Do remember some previous years - don't play a big public event if you don't have an authentic frontman, is my motto. The real people come out of the woodwork and complain because you're not how they think they remember it used to be, if you don't have your man up front saying "Anyone here from Kerry, yabba yabba yabba...." All this whether or not you're doing your best to play the pure drop.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by Guernsey Pete
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
Wow...One gig on the Friday, one on the Saturdy and of course St Patricks Eve, then on the 17th itself...3 gigs 1 till 3.30 one 5 til 6.30 and one from 10 till 01...busy time and loadsa tourist dosh...try keepin 5 of us soberish is the problem...lol
# Posted on February 29th 2008 by Dave_
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
I'd love to play even if it was only for the free mineral water, honest. My band hasn't the slightest interest in plain ordinary pub gigs, be it on St. Pat's or any other day.
# Posted on February 29th 2008 by kuec
Re: March 17th: The Annual Question
On St. Patrick's Day this year, I was planning to play my bass fiddle at a Hootenanny at a local Southern Baptist church but my van was still at the shop being repaired that day so I had to stay home. It isn't actually a "Hootenanny"--that's what the host of the event calls it. All of the musicians except for yours truly (the bass player) sit in a circle and take turns singing and/or playing various tunes.The host is the Minister of Education at this church. He plays guitar, banjo, and fiddle as well as thinking he can sing. The church hosts this Hootenanny on the third Monday of every month.
# Posted on April 7th 2008 by fauxcelt