Eugene Weekly : Music : 3.11.10

Have Green, Will Drink
St. Patrick’s Day events around town
by Shaun O’Dell

Kiss me! I’m drunkish! St. Patrick’s Day shows and events in Eugene are coming up soon; some even happen well before St. Paddy’s Day, allowing for a hungover weekend instead of a hungover week. And don’t forget to wear green! You wouldn’t want to get pinched … or would you?

Mic Crenshaw
Wetsock

The luck of the Irish might be at Luckey’s this year with the Eugene Fire Pipes and Drums. If you’ve heard these pipers play, you know it’ll stir the Irish pride in just about anybody. Made up entirely of Eugene Fire Department employees, the group has been playing since St. Paddy’s Day in 2007, kilts and all. Local band Starboard Morning will be playing Luckey’s that same evening with their mix of indie rock and, of course, a taste of Irish. Sometimes haunting and consistently entertaining, this band makes great drinking music (10 pm, 3/17, 21+).

The Downtown Blues Band will be having their blues jam at Diablo’s Downtown Lounge on St. Paddy’s Day, so come on down if you want to partake in some groovy blues (8 pm 3/17, free, 21+).

Sam Bond’s Garage hosts Celtic goodness from the likes of The Fiannacats, who are regular visitors to Eugene’s Saturday Market, and Ghillie Dhu and the Dhonts. Those who attended this last year’s Faerieworlds event might know Ghillie Dhu from the Good Faeries Day Village Stage. They will also be playing Celtic music, so be on the lookout for any leprechauns sneaking hits off your beer (9 pm 3/17, $5, 21+).

A triple shot from Alder Street All Stars, Manoverboard and the Harmed Brothers comes to the Oak St. Speakeasy. The Alder Street All Stars and the Harmed Brothers, known more for their folk and Americana sounds, will play an acoustic compliment to Manoverboard’s traditional Irish drinking songs and upbeat jigs. Look out for the Celtic band’s rendition of “Drink a Pint” and try to keep up with the song’s instructions (9 pm 3/17, free, 21+).

Axe & Fiddle of Cottage Grove is celebrating early with Tricky Pixie (8:30 pm 3/12, $10, 21+), a Celtic folk and rock trio who conjure images of pirates and wood nymphs and are sure to surprise you. On Wednesday, Axe & Fiddle has their traditional St. Patrick’s Day Party with live Irish music (7 pm 3/17, free, 21+).

Looking to escape to a traditional club setting as a break from the shamrocks and green beer? Expect hip hop at John Henry’s with Animal Farm, The Garden, Mic Crenshaw and DJ Wicked (9 pm 3/17, $4, 21+).

The District hosts St. Paddy’s Day Dance Party Madness with DJ Phoenix and DJ scooT. Again, we strongly advise you to wear green. Being pinched in the middle of busting a move is not only painful, but it can ruin your rhythm (10 pm 3/17, free, 21+).

A Pre St. Paddy’s Party with Rum Rebellion, Alley Brewed, Wetsock and Pirate Radio will commence at the Black Forest. Rum Rebellion describe themselves as a combination of folk, punk and sea shanties from hell, and are appropriate for the lad or lassie looking for a raucous time on the high seas. Or a dance floor that feels like the ocean after enough booze (9:30 pm 3/11, free, 21+).

And finally, Doc’s Pad has returned to Eugene in the old Jogger’s building, and they are having their grand opening on St. Patrick’s Day! Bring your thirst for a good Irish stout and a friend fun enough to jig with. 

As always, there are more events going on for St. Patrick’s Day than we have room to include here. Check the Calendar and Nightlife sections for even more places at which to sip green beer and wave shamrocks.