Guide to St. Pat’s in Kingston in 2011
It’s that magical time of year again! St. Patrick’s Day! I have compiled a list of things going on in K-Town this Thursday but I have to say, it seems to be getting harder and harder each year to find places that are hosting Irish music. I know I’ll be sticking to places like the Nog, Brandees and The RCHA so I can hear the authentic stuff. Have a look below to make plans of your own. Hope to see you out and about!
Tir nan Og: Probably Kingston’s most popular destination for St. Pat’s due to its large size, ample amount of Irish food and beverage and its relationship with the Irish Folk Club. The Nog will have its signature heated tent outside, allowing for the maximum amount of partiers possible. There will be live entertainment all day and night provided by The MacNificents, interspersed with performances by The Irish Disorders and the Kingston Irish Dancers. The only downside is that you will have to stand in line so get there early to try to beat the crowds!
The RCHA: The Standeasy (198 Ontario, above what used to be Stoney’s) will be hosting live music all evening starting with John Somerville and Richard Burgman from 5:30-9pm. I’ll be joining them with my fiddle from 5:30-6:30. At 10pm Mary Kennedy and Andrew Vanhorn of The Irish Roots will take the stage until midnight. Both of these bands welcome others to join in with instruments and/or voices. The atmosphere here is a little more mellow but this is where you’ll find the best bar prices in town.
Brandees: Kingston’s own Dublin Down will perform from 7pm-11pm.
The Merchant: Trevor Walsh will likely perform some Irish tunes at 9:30 followed by Rebel Emergency (who play ska and reggae???) at 11pm. No promises of Irish music here.
The Mansion: Gentlemen Husbands and Alert the Medic will play a special St. Patrick’s Day show. $10 cover.
The Brass: Brett MacDonald will play live acoustic music from noon-midnight.
Clark Hall Pub: If you’re a student or are looking to hang on Queen’s campus, Clark Hall will open their patio and serve green beer from noon-6pm.
The Loyal Oarsman: Irish Roots will be playing all day from 2pm-9pm.
The Rose and Crown: One of Kingston’s most knowledgeable and talented Irish folk singers, Tracie Morgan, will perform from 7pm-11:30pm. If you’re in the township, this is the place to be.
If you’re not overly concerned with catching live Irish music and are really just looking for a reason to get loaded on a Thursday, there are plenty of places having St. Pat’s parties sans live music:
The Toucan, The Iron Duke, MyBar, Ben’s Pub and The Brew Pub are all great venues for a true pub experience. Sadly, none of these places are offering up any live music or specials that we can find, but tried and true, you’ll likely still find lots of fun at any of these popular Kingston bars.
So get your green on and get out there for a fun and safe day. If we missed any events, please send ‘em our way.
Thanks to Paul Moran for today’s photo.
Vacation booked on Thursday, as well as Friday for recovery purposes. Aside from Halloween, St. Pat’s is my second most favourite unofficial holiday. That said, it would be nice to have a bit more authentic music available in Kingston establishments for this day/event. Nothing against the folks who will be playing at the various venues, but this is the one day of the year I expect to hear fiddle, bodhran drum and all the traditional ditties that are best interpreted with a pint in hand.
The Brooklyn , always a good time, is also pouring some good Irish libation on March 17th. They open at 5:00 so you can get a leg up on the evening. Behave responsibly. Take a cab.