Slante, my pals and welcome to the Celtic Nations version of Now Taking part in. As some are wont to say, everyone seems to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day (or close to to it anyway) so most of our venues are partying it up in a technique or one other, some with Irish-based music and most with regular-styled, native performers. Let’s reduce the malarkey and get to the chase, dashing headlong towards that fake pot o’ gold on the finish of the proverbial rainbow.
First, now we have some disappointing information that The Emerald Underground, our long-running, Celtic-fusion band won’t be performing this weekend as a consequence of unavoidable circumstances. Total, all is nicely they usually plan to return by September for some midway to St. Pat’s Day make-up gigs, but it surely’s so very odd to not see them doing 15 gigs in 5 days this yr (that is some blarney, however not a lot). Greatest needs and get again on the craic quickly, my pals, Nat is watching.
Skibbereen, the opposite such band on the town, shaped and fronted by Hank Helton and doing Celtic rock with world music influences, takes the soda bread for many gigs round with a fierce quantity of reveals together with Boone’s on Friday night time, Sunday afternoon at Danenberger’s Household Vineyards and Kenny’s Westside Pub in Peoria on Monday, plus George Rank’s subsequent Friday night time for a season finale.
Rick Dunham and myself as our counterparts of McKinney & Hennessey (named in tribute to our great-grandparents) do our duo of Irish folks all on Saturday, concentrating on Clancy Brothers and Irish requirements with visits to George Rank’s proper after the parade, then on to Harvest Market Farmhouse Brews for our Celtic contribution.
Additionally on Saturday, Damaged Stone delivers their annual St. Patty’s occasion of shenanigans and such to Weebles.
After all, the day wouldn’t be full with out ubiquitous appearances by the St. Andrew’s Society of Central Illinois Pipes and Drums accompanied by these pleasant dancers in numerous venues on Saturday, post-parade. That features a solo present by pipe grasp Tommy Ogilvy at Fortunate’s on the Sq. in Petersburg at 7 p.m., together with tons extra band performances on St. Patrick’s Day correct, for the really inexperienced at coronary heart, Irish-oriented amongst us.
For Saturday music not essentially Celtic-related, however immediately associated to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade (2025’s theme is Increase a Glass to an Irish Lass and options Kylee Kazenski as grand marshal, a Virden native who final yr was Notre Dame’s first feminine leprechaun sports activities mascot), be careful for Micah Stroll and Dave Littrell on the Gin Mill. Additionally, throughout the road at Whiskey Jack’s catch Dr. Noodles and the Leprachauns, whereas Mike Burnett and the “Inexperienced” (you are welcome) Suns together with Frank Parker and pals take over the Brewhaus Pub. That is all occurring downtown beginning round 1 p.m. and going till the cows come residence or the beer runs out, or probably each.
In non-Irish music objects, Motorheads hosts one other Thursday Evening Dwell, this month showcasing the abilities of Ricarda Rosalina, Eric Tinsley, Pete Matthews, Max Harris and Simply 4 Kicks (Molly Bryan, Jake McNamara, Kurt Benckendorf and Stan Rapp).
Hope MacGregor, together with WisenHeart and Jobe Shores, tackle Pizza Information in Jacksonville on Friday night time for an distinctive singer-songwriter showcase.
On Saturday, Thomas J Beverly does the primary gig at a brand new bar and restaurant when The Yard in Taylorville opens this weekend, with many extra dwell music happenings deliberate on the transformed previous Beau’s auto physique store. Sunday has 20 acts a-playing so have a look and go see one thing, wouldja, please?
Take pleasure in your St. Pat’s events whereas staying inexperienced, grand and greasy.
