For the two weeks leading up to St. Pat's I've got some pub gigs, banquets, and some small concerts -- I play fiddle, and the bands I'll be playing with range from three people to seven or eight. Years ago I played at my daughter's school -- before that, in some bloody (I mean really bloody) pubs around Boston.
How about you? What's your St. Pat's experience like?
In London!!! I'll arrive at Heathrow at 1640 on 12th March. Apparently the parade will be over then, but I hope I can join in a session somewhere in the centre. Then, I'll be in Birmingham, Leeds, Belfast, and Portrush for next days. Not very sure but I'll probably stay in Enniskillen on 17th to play some local Fermanagh tunes in a session. Then, head for Edinburgh! I might see you Michael on the sunday night.
It seems I'll be too late for the Porterhouse, Conan. I'll stay in Camden that night, so probably head for Tommy Flynn's just across the street. I'll be back to London two weeks later, so we'll surely have some tunes together!
In the old days we would take any gig that came along and rake it in on Paddy's Day, but there seemed to always be a couple of confusing disappointments along with a few nightmare scenarios. In pubs you have all the ‘Paddy for a day’ types in green plastic hats with 'kiss me I'm Irish' shamrock ties dangling from their neck area who think they're experts on Irish music and everything else (hic-up) Irish. Not only that, but you place yourself and your instruments in danger.
These days I turn down or discourage more gigs than I take. I have to explain to people who contact me about the sort of music we play as opposed to what they think we should play. I have to be very specific because in the past I would mention that we aren't a sing-along band, but when we would show up at the gig, some lady with a bright green Aran sweater would run up to us and announce that she has mimeographed all the lyrics to the songs. Then later, as we're playing a set they start singing 'When Irish Eyes Are Smiling' along with our tune.
If I'm home before 10 pm on Paddy's Day I concider it a success.
I'm spreading out my St. Patrick's Day celebration.
The night before, my wife and I are going to a CD release concert for Matt and Shannon Heaton at Club Passim in Cambridge (Mass., in case you had to ask). Of course, unless a post-concert session breaks out somewhere, I'll be more the semi-passive audience member than musician.
Then, on the day itself, I'll likely be over at a wonderfully quirky and enjoyable event: The Boston College Athletic Association's "Zamboni Room St. Patrick's Day Party." The party takes place in the loading dock and storage area for BC's hockey rink, which houses the famed Zamboni [http://www.zamboni.com]. The staff sets up tables and chairs, caters the requisite corned beef, cabbage, Harp and Guinness (plus non-alcoholic drinks), and invites some local musicians to sit and play for a couple of hours. It's loads of fun.
My wife's birthday is March 18, so that usually means the festivities continue.
Not playing:
March 17 2003: New Plymouth NZ
March 17 2004: Atyrau Kazakhstan
March 17 2005: Bologna Italy
Playing:
March 18 2005: Kirkwall, Orkney
March 17 2006: Torrevieja Spain
This year in a new Pub/Restaurant called Falite in Dingman's Ferry, PA. With the member on this site brigidfeld and another person who I have never seen around here.
Playing at least one nursing home gig, and we always enjoy these, some of the old-timers really get into the spirit of things, and among the tunes, we always sing a few of the old "gather around the piano" favorites like Molly Malone and When Irish Eyes are Smiling, and give them a chance to sing along.
On the night itself, we will be playing at a banquet for the "Friendly Son's of St. Patrick," a very politically-connected group of folks of Irish ancestry, from their demeanor, I would judge that most are in politics, law or executive positions.
Note that neither type of event involves excessive drunkeness, Green Beer, plastic hats, "Kiss Me" buttons, or people with stupid ideas of what it means to be Irish--I have done a few of those, and have learned how to avoid them.
Al, as per the recent thread about songs, I aim to crash both of your events and call loudly for the Unicorn all night - and then when you play it (which I know you won't) I'll immediately strike up a loud conversation and completely ignore it. Deal?
All the best
Unseen--I am from Rhode Island.
And hurleystick, if you do show up at my gigs, we will make the same offer we do to other folks that request songs we don't know--offer the stage to them to lead the singing, which up till now has always shut them up. (Although that is a bit of a gamble, as there are people lurking out there that THINK they can sing, and are willing to take the stage with disasterous results).
For anyone interested, particularly those backpacking up towards Hervey Bay - Qld. - Australia. The local Irish band "Slainte" will be playing in Hoolihan's Irish Bar and Restaurant on St. Patrick's night from 7.30. It's a real relaxed and join in affair. The more, the merrier.
Where do you play on St. Pat's?
Where do you play on St. Pat's?
Where are you going to play this year?
For the two weeks leading up to St. Pat's I've got some pub gigs, banquets, and some small concerts -- I play fiddle, and the bands I'll be playing with range from three people to seven or eight. Years ago I played at my daughter's school -- before that, in some bloody (I mean really bloody) pubs around Boston.
How about you? What's your St. Pat's experience like?
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by Jmbu
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
I avoid it like the bodhran mould of the previous thread
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by ...
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
In London!!! I'll arrive at Heathrow at 1640 on 12th March. Apparently the parade will be over then, but I hope I can join in a session somewhere in the centre. Then, I'll be in Birmingham, Leeds, Belfast, and Portrush for next days. Not very sure but I'll probably stay in Enniskillen on 17th to play some local Fermanagh tunes in a session. Then, head for Edinburgh! I might see you Michael on the sunday night.
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by slainte
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
I thought St Patricks day was last year.
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by showaddydadito
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
Hey Slainte! We'll be playing in the Porterhouse from 3.30 until 6.30 or so and then there are at least 4 more sessions to choose from in the evening.
See you then.
Conán
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
i'm going back 'up north' on the 11th. kinda wish i was staying in london a bit longer. no st pats day session for me : (
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by flisstle
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
Hi Fliss
I booked St Paddy's Day off. May as well make a long weekend out of it. I for a penny...
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
It seems I'll be too late for the Porterhouse, Conan. I'll stay in Camden that night, so probably head for Tommy Flynn's just across the street. I'll be back to London two weeks later, so we'll surely have some tunes together!
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by slainte
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
Good man.
Tommy's should be a nice session; definitely see you the following week then.
C
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
I'm playing a gig where almost none of the sessioners have ever been to.(drumrole)Scout pub in Samobor.And now somebody's gonna ask me...
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by HS
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
Normally i play with Bodhran Bliss on St Paddy's day but this year he granted me a special dispensation to bugger off to Portugal for this
http://www.festivalwildgeese.com/
Happy days!
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by jfiddlerh
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
In the old days we would take any gig that came along and rake it in on Paddy's Day, but there seemed to always be a couple of confusing disappointments along with a few nightmare scenarios. In pubs you have all the ‘Paddy for a day’ types in green plastic hats with 'kiss me I'm Irish' shamrock ties dangling from their neck area who think they're experts on Irish music and everything else (hic-up) Irish. Not only that, but you place yourself and your instruments in danger.
These days I turn down or discourage more gigs than I take. I have to explain to people who contact me about the sort of music we play as opposed to what they think we should play. I have to be very specific because in the past I would mention that we aren't a sing-along band, but when we would show up at the gig, some lady with a bright green Aran sweater would run up to us and announce that she has mimeographed all the lyrics to the songs. Then later, as we're playing a set they start singing 'When Irish Eyes Are Smiling' along with our tune.
If I'm home before 10 pm on Paddy's Day I concider it a success.
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
I'm spreading out my St. Patrick's Day celebration.
The night before, my wife and I are going to a CD release concert for Matt and Shannon Heaton at Club Passim in Cambridge (Mass., in case you had to ask). Of course, unless a post-concert session breaks out somewhere, I'll be more the semi-passive audience member than musician.
Then, on the day itself, I'll likely be over at a wonderfully quirky and enjoyable event: The Boston College Athletic Association's "Zamboni Room St. Patrick's Day Party." The party takes place in the loading dock and storage area for BC's hockey rink, which houses the famed Zamboni [http://www.zamboni.com]. The staff sets up tables and chairs, caters the requisite corned beef, cabbage, Harp and Guinness (plus non-alcoholic drinks), and invites some local musicians to sit and play for a couple of hours. It's loads of fun.
My wife's birthday is March 18, so that usually means the festivities continue.
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by sts
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
Not playing:
March 17 2003: New Plymouth NZ
March 17 2004: Atyrau Kazakhstan
March 17 2005: Bologna Italy
Playing:
March 18 2005: Kirkwall, Orkney
March 17 2006: Torrevieja Spain
ain't life grand!
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by Bren
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
This year in a new Pub/Restaurant called Falite in Dingman's Ferry, PA. With the member on this site brigidfeld and another person who I have never seen around here.
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by Why Bother?
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
Playing at least one nursing home gig, and we always enjoy these, some of the old-timers really get into the spirit of things, and among the tunes, we always sing a few of the old "gather around the piano" favorites like Molly Malone and When Irish Eyes are Smiling, and give them a chance to sing along.
On the night itself, we will be playing at a banquet for the "Friendly Son's of St. Patrick," a very politically-connected group of folks of Irish ancestry, from their demeanor, I would judge that most are in politics, law or executive positions.
Note that neither type of event involves excessive drunkeness, Green Beer, plastic hats, "Kiss Me" buttons, or people with stupid ideas of what it means to be Irish--I have done a few of those, and have learned how to avoid them.
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by AlBrown
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
Al, as per the recent thread about songs, I aim to crash both of your events and call loudly for the Unicorn all night - and then when you play it (which I know you won't) I'll immediately strike up a loud conversation and completely ignore it. Deal?
All the best
# Posted on February 15th 2006 by hurleystick
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
That's a difficult question as I am double booked. My diplomatic skills should solve the problem.
# Posted on February 16th 2006 by bodhran bliss
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
Hey Al, the Pipe Band that I was formerly with used to be associated with The Friendly Sons. Where are you from?
# Posted on February 16th 2006 by Why Bother?
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
Unseen--I am from Rhode Island.
And hurleystick, if you do show up at my gigs, we will make the same offer we do to other folks that request songs we don't know--offer the stage to them to lead the singing, which up till now has always shut them up. (Although that is a bit of a gamble, as there are people lurking out there that THINK they can sing, and are willing to take the stage with disasterous results).
# Posted on February 16th 2006 by AlBrown
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
Al, that's seems about as risky as jumping out of a plane without a parachute - has karaoke taught you nothing?!?!?!
Enjoy the gigs!
# Posted on February 16th 2006 by hurleystick
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
Maybe that's reason eough for a new discussion on "How many of you have sung The Unicorn at least once in your life?"
And of those, how many enjoyed it and would do it again?
# Posted on February 16th 2006 by Jmbu
Re: Where do you play on St. Pat's?
For anyone interested, particularly those backpacking up towards Hervey Bay - Qld. - Australia. The local Irish band "Slainte" will be playing in Hoolihan's Irish Bar and Restaurant on St. Patrick's night from 7.30. It's a real relaxed and join in affair. The more, the merrier.
Is mise
Tony Friel
# Posted on February 21st 2006 by friel