It’s almost the middle of March, and what does that mean? It means St. Patrick’s Day, of course!
Even though we are a multi-cultural country with people who come from many different backgrounds, St. Paddy’s Day seems to be near and dear to our hearts, especially here in Orillia, maybe because celebrating it involves going to the pub, drinking beer, and listening to great music.
St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland. He is the legendary figure credited with bringing Christianity to the island of Ireland, and driving the snakes off the island into the sea to boot. So, technically, we are celebrating our Irish heritage on this day, whether we have any Irish blood or not.
Here in Orillia, we are not limiting St. Paddy’s Day music and shenanigans to one day, we are celebrating the whole weekend before as well as on March 17. Here is a rundown of some of your St. Paddy’s Day music and fun, here in O-Town:
The Hog ‘n’ Penny is having three lead-ups to the big day, as well as a night of fun on March 17. Friday, Mar. 13 at 8:30 p.m., enjoy Jakob Pearce’s music as St. Paddy’s Day lead up number one. Saturday at 8:30 p.m., Alex Rabbitson brings in his Prelude to Patrick #2, with music and fun and possibly big green hats. And Sunday, at 4 p.m. enjoy the music of Cooper, Toots and Henry in a Sunday ceilidh just for Patrick.
This, of course, is all a lead-up to the big finale on Tuesday, March 17 at 5:30 p.m. when there will be a musical St. Patrick’s Day celebration with Geoff Booth and friends.
A couple of other places are using this weekend for their St. Paddy’s Day fun. Hawk Ridge is having a dinner and dance this Saturday at 6 p.m. with an Irish buffet and DJ 2 The Max. You can call 705-327-1610, extension 104 to reserve your $32.95 tickets.
The Orillia Legion is having a St. Paddy’s Day dance Saturday at 8 p.m. featuring the live music of Caribou Country with Len Murphy. Tickets are just $5 at the door.
The Moose Lodge is having a St. Patrick’s Day Brunch, Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Looks like this one is a fundraiser for The Comfie Cat Shelter, and you can pick up tickets at the shelter on Norweld Drive or at Plum Loco downtown. A yummy brunch buffet and door prizes too - sounds like a fun morning for a good cause.
Also getting their Irish on, Casino Rama presents The Irish Rovers, the quintessential Irish band, on Saturday at 8 p.m.
Tuesday March 17, there is still more Irish fun to be had. Ashley MacIsaac and his fancy fiddle are at St. Paul’s Centre, doors at 7 p.m. and show starts at 8. Tickets are right here.
Also on Tuesday, at 12:45 p.m. Bruce Stanton is sponsoring a free family skate, with free hot chocolate at Rotary Place. People skate in Ireland, right? Should be a fun time, come out with your kids and enjoy.
Fionn MacCool’s is having music most of the day on St. Paddy’s Day. From 12 to 3 p.m., Alex and Marta, and from 6 to 10 p.m., Derrick Zuber. There will be food and drink specials as well.
Studabakers is having a DJ from 6 p.m. to close with lots of giveaways, special menu and drinks as well.
Moving on from all the Irish, don’t forget about Marcia Armstrong’s art show opening at Peter Street Fine Arts this Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. The address is 23 Peter St. S., right opposite the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH). Come check out these cheerful and colourful paintings - just the thing when you are longing for spring.
Also this Saturday, you can enjoy the Metropolitan Opera’s Der Fliegende Holländer by Wagner, filmed live and starting at 12:55 p.m. These Live from the Met Shows are amazing, a chance to see incredible shows in front row seats with special backstage passes as well. Do check it out at the Galaxy Theatre in Orillia.
OMAH has a couple of interesting events coming up in March. On March 18 at 7:30 p.m. join Orillia Silver Band conductor Neil Barlow and the band's quintet as they talk about their upcoming production of SHINE! 70 Years of Orillia. This will be a fascinating look into the show and some of the stories and music they will be featuring.
On March 27 at 6 p.m., OMAH presents The Speakeasy. This is a fundraising night featuring music, food, and activities inspired by the Roaring 20’s…1920’s, that is. There will be a photo booth, too, so find your favourite jazz age costumes! Tickets are $50 and $75 for VIP; You can pick them up at the OMAH at 30 Peter St. S.
That’s all for now, have an amazing week and don’t forget to send me your arts news and announcements to [email protected], by Tuesday at noon.
