Paint the town green
St. Patrick’s Day fun – as only Boston can do
No offense to Dublin or Cork or Chicago, but Boston kind of owns St. Patrick’s Day. Doubt me? Check out this handy listing of St. Pat’s shindigs featuring my patented shamrock grading system, which lets you know exactly how Irish, Boston and booze focused each event is.
A St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn
March 11-15, various locations WGBH mainstay Brian O’Donovan returns for his lucky 13th season of sojourning with six performances at five venues across Rockport, Worcester, Northampton, Cambridge and Beverly. O’Donovan and music director Keith Murphy have pulled together aces from around the Celtic world including old-style Gaelic singers, twin fiddlers, uilleann pipers and plenty of dancers. For details on specific performances go to wgbh.org/celtic. Traditional vibe: Four shamrocks Party vibe: Two shamrocks Boston style: Three shamrocks
Too-Rye-Ay
Thursday, City Winery Punk/power pop/indie rock hero (and former Boston resident) Ted Leo fronts a Dexys Midnight Runners tribute act. Yes, there will be overalls and bandanas tied around necks. Yes, there will be an unhinged singalong to “Come On Eileen.” Yes, this is both a strange and wonderful way to celebrate the holiday.
Traditional vibe: Two shamrocks Party vibe: Three shamrocks Boston style: One shamrock
Dropkick Murphys
March 13-17, various locations Contrary to popular belief, this is not the most Boston thing you can do. The most Boston thing is sitting between Donnie Wahlberg and Maria Menounos at a Sox game while talking about the Gardner heist, eating a lobster roll, drinking a Sam Adams and Dunks coffee while “Dirty Water” plays over the PA. But seeing a Dropkicks’ March show is a strong silver medalist. Boston’s greatest band? Maybe. Boston band who cares most about being a Boston band? For sure. (dropkickmurphys.com/tour for details)
Traditional vibe: Three shamrocks Party vibe: Four shamrocks Boston style: Four shamrocks
Brave the Sea
March 16 at the Harp, March 17 at Hurricane’s
Points awarded for being a Celtic rock band. Points deducted for being from Newark, Ohio. Points re-awarded for coming all the way from Ohio to support the Columbus Blue Jackets taking on the Bruins on March 16. Points re-deducted for rooting against the Bruins. Man, this is a tough one. Guess all that matters is Brave the Sea plays rip-roaring Celtic rock (see the band’s hit “Jig of Death”). Traditional vibe: Two shamrocks Party vibe: Four shamrocks Boston style: One shamrock
“Riverdance”
March 31-April 5, Wang Theatre Lords and ladies of the dance, rejoice! “Riverdance” returns with a new 25th anniversary production set to composer Bill Whelan’s beloved music. Naturally, the lights and costumes and staging will be fresh, but c’mon, you don’t care about that. You just wanna see the cast dance like Leprechauns after a pot of Irish coffee.
Traditional vibe: Four shamrocks Party vibe: Two shamrocks Boston style: Two shamrocks