Festivities St. Patrick bring first flashes of green to Bozeman
Shamrock shakes and green brews. Leprechauns and golden horseshoes. Pots of treasure at rainbow’s end. These symbols betoken the Feast of Saint Patrick, a springtime distraction for restless Montanans awaiting the oft-snowy conditions to clear. Here’s a look at where to partake in the annual celebration of Irish culture, with a few advance festivities.
Get in the spirit early with a one-night-only appearance by legendary Irish musician Seamus Egan. The multi-instrumentalist and Solas frontman visits Downtown Bozeman’s Ellen Theatre with his trio project at 7:30pm on March 7th. Find additional details and an interview with Egan in the March 1st BoZone.
Register for this year’s Run to the Pub and earn the right to imbibe on St. Paddy’s. The popular race will see costumed participants huffing and puffing toward the downtown finish line on March 14th. Registration details in the March 1st BoZone. Spectators encouraged to congregate at the finish.
The Montana Old Time Fiddlers return to Whitehall’s Mint Bar for an Irish-inspired Old Time Fiddle Jam on from 2–6pm on March 15th. Musicians encouraged to join and dancers welcome. Open to the public with lunch available.
On to St. Patrick’s Day proper, with many area taverns playing host to live music for local revelers.
Virtuosic guitarist Rich Mayo performs at Kountry Korner Café, Edis & Blake Simpson front an evening of folksy blues at Santa Fe Reds, and Americana country artist Bo DePeña is at MAP Brewing. All begin at 6pm.
Montana Manouche & Friends present a special night of Celtic and swing at Devil’s Toboggan. Dancers encouraged to join in for the 6:30pm celebrations.
At 7pm, alt-country singer/songwriter Norman Baker showcases his talents at the Murray in Livingston, while genre-bending Boy Named Banjo bring a show to Bozeman’s Filling Station.
Later in the evening, Sunrise Karaoke sets up at Bar IX for an always entertaining set and El Wencho sponsors a night of carousal at Chico Hot Springs Saloon. Both start at 9pm.
Happy St. Paddy’s, Bozeman – remember to don your emerald attire or risk a pinch! •