Clonoe Band
This year's St. Patrick's Parade, "The Hooley in the Highlands," will no doubt be the greatest in Louisville history. The march begins at The Mid City Mall at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 11 and will proceed north to Phoenix Hill. An unprecedented number of units will participate, according to AOH President, Dan Fitzgerald. Most notable is the presence of the Clonoe Independent Pipe Band, coming to Louisville direct from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Thirty-two uniformed members comprise this All-Ireland champion pipe band. They wear the same tartan kilts as our own Louisville Pipe Band (who will also be in the parade). What are the odds of that? The Fire Department Pipers will also be in the line of march. The reviewing stand will again this year be on the porch of Molly Malone's Pub. Don't miss this historic occasion.
Make plans now to attend their only local concert on Tuesday, March 14 at 8 p.m. at Spalding University. They have two of their step dancers as well and will be putting on a mighty show. Tickets are only available at the door and you just cannot beat the price - $10. Children twelve and under are free. This band competes in the World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland every year and performs regularly at the L'Orient Celtic Festival in France. If you would like a preview, the band will be in concert at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 12 at Thomas More College in Covington. They will also perform at the St. Patrick's Day Mass on Friday, March 17 at noon at St. Louis Bertrand Church, 1104 S. Sixth Street.
What better way to start the season than with a concert by this legendary band on Friday, March 3 in Whitney Hall at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. Over the moon is our own Bill Ray (of the local band Scatter the Mud), who will be performing a number with the Chieftains on his button accordion. You can also hear STM at Locust Grove on St. Patrick's Day, March 17 at 1 p.m.
If you like a little Bushmills in your java, check out the annual Irish Coffee at Spalding University on Saturday, March 4 at 10 am in the mansion of Spalding University. Galloglas will perform while the imbibers sample the tables which will be groaning from the weight of the assorted pastries.
The Irish Rover is donating all of its receipts to the worthy cause of battling the "Celtic disease" of spina bifida. This dreaded condition afflicts the Celtic nations and Kentucky in an extremely disproportionate fashion. Come out and hear Ten Penny Bit (10 am-2 p.m.) and the Rashers. For more information call the Rover.
Drowsy Maggie: 3/10 - Opening reception (and after) for the Irish play "The Eclipse" at the Mex Theater, Kentucky Center for the Arts; 3/17 - Irish Rover, 3 -6 p.m.; Molly Malone's, 10 p.m.- 1 a.m.; 3/18 - Irish Rover. 9 p.m. -12 a.m.
Galloglas: 3/11 - Molly Malone's; 10 p.m.-1am. 3/17 - Molly Malone's, noon - 3 p.m.; Irish Rover, 6 -9 p.m..
The Rashers: 3/17 - Molly Malones , 3-6 p.m.; Irish Rover, 9 p.m.-12 a.m.; 3/18 - Irish Rover, 3 - 6p.m.
Ten Penny Bit: 3/11 - Thomas Family Winery, 8 p.m.; 3/12 - Irish Rover, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 3/15 - Speed Museum, 6-9 p.m.; 3/18 - Irish Rover, 6 - 9 p.m.
The LPB presents a special concert as a fundraiser for its trip to the World Pipe Band Championship in Glasgow, Scotland in August. This special musical event takes place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 1 at the Clifton Center. The show will include appearances by Galloglas, Drowsy Maggie, the Bluegrass Cloggers and the McClanahan School of Irish Dance. Support the premier pipe band of Kentucky: the Kentucky General Assembly recently named the LPB "The Official Pipe Band of Kentucky." For additional information call 894-8856.
Have a grand St. Patrick's season. Slan, Decimus Rock (decimusrock@aol.com)