By George Lenker | Special to The Republican
Article Credit: MassLive
While St, Patrick’s Day is, well, supposed to be one day, its celebrations often encompass the weekend — and frankly, sometimes an entire week or more.
I’ve already listed some of the early-bird St. Paddy’s Day parties in the past few columns, but there is still plenty on tap coming up this weekend. So let’s dive in:
On Friday, it’s the annual Mummers Pub Crawl beginning at The Student Prince in downtown Springfield at 5:30 p.m. with stops at nearby UNOs, MGM Springfield, Theodores’ and Plan B. Transportation is provided by Peter Pan Bus Lines.
Bo Fitzgerald and the YankCelt Band has been making the rounds on yet another one of the legs of its “farewell tour” (this is Year 4). Coming up for the last two headlining gigs this year, they will play Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England on 429 Morgan Road in West Springfield, and then Saturday at 5 p.m. at Theodore‘s in Springfield.
On Saturday, the eve of the Wearin’ o’ the Green, an annually assembled ad hoc band named The Poitín Machine will take the stage at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton. The band, which takes its name from bootleg Irish hooch, will play songs from every corner of Wild Irish tunes from such groups such as from flogging Molly to the Dubliners and a bunch of stuff in between. There will be ribald tunes, wild songs and funny lyrics.
The group consists of J Witbeck on vocals, tin whistle and “yelling,” Andrew Woodland on banjo and vocals, Dan Thomas on guitar and vocals, Chris Ball on bass, and Jimmy Robitaille on drums. Tidwell’s Treasure will also be on the bill. Bishop’s is on the third floor at 41 Strong Ave.
Banish Misfortune plays at The Yarde House Tavern at 3 Hadley St. in South Hadley on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. The traditional Irish music group will then take its usual spot at the Northampton Brewery on 1 Brewster Court (where it plays each Sunday) on March 17 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Last but not least, Ginger Libation will take on a new Celtic form with the release of Luck O’ Libation at JJ’s Tavern in the Florence section of Northampton on Saturday. The new concoction is a ginger beer brewed with vanilla and Irish moss, then conditioned on Irish whiskey infused oak.
They will tap one of the few kegs of this limited release and will be raffling off flights and a growler to take home later in the evening during the Comedy as a Weapon show upstairs at the 13th Floor Music Lounge. JJ’s is at 99 Main St.