Wikipedia says: Saint Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated annually on 17 March, the death date of the most commonly-recognized patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick (c. AD 385–461).

It may not be a public holiday here in New Brunswick however I have no doubt people will be feeling celebratory regardless.

Fredericton has a few Irish pubs to allow us all a place to gather and tap into our leprechaun spirits! Here is what I know about the live music happening tomorrow:

DOLAN’S PUB –  Opening at 11:00 am. Music starts at 1:00 pm with Barry’s Privateers, featuring the one & only Barry Hughes, will perform a couple sets to entertain the afternoon crowd. The Fourth Well takes the stage at 5:30 pm for an acoustic set and then kicks into their electric set at 8:30 pm.

THE LUNAR ROGUE – Opening at 10:00 am. Different Folk, featuring award winning fiddler Katherine Moller, will be providing the soundtrack for the day starting at 4:30 pm.

James Joyce Irish Pub – River Rhythm will be playing starting at 8:00 pm sure to deliver ‘lots of fiddling & step dancing‘

So that is what I know …. have I missed anything? Let me know where you will be celebrating.

and MAY THE LUCK OF THE IRISH BE WITH YOU!

Have you heard of this? Apparently Live Band Karaoke is a breaking trend across North America and it has now arrived at The Capital Complex!

Frederictonians have the opportunity to choose their favourite 80′s tune and perform it with Pretty in Pink (That 80’s Band) as the backing band. This started last week and will take place every Wednesday until April 2. There are 4 contestants/hopefuls performing each week, and the top 4 will showcase on the last Wednesday. All this fun is happening at Wilser’s Room (top floor of The Capital Complex).

The members of the band will be judging the competition, and a percentage will come from audience voting. The winner receives $500 cash and an opportunity to perform at the next Pretty In Pink Show in front of a sold out crowd.

Sign up now if you haven’t already! Click here for the application form.

Check out Courtney’s performance from last week….

The Pretty in Pink band are fun on their own and this sounds like a great time whether you get up and sing or get out to lend your support and cast your votes!

See you at Wilser’s!!

As this year comes to an end I have been thinking about what has happened over the last 12 months. There were big events like my sister getting married, getting settled into a new home, rediscovering hiking, getting a new tattoo AND lots of music! 2013 was abundant in great musical events – festivals, road trips to concerts and local performances.

I will not be able to mention them all (I was out to A LOT of good music!) however here are some of my highlights :

The Playhouse had more than a few fantastic shows – Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Serena Ryder, Steve Earle, The Mavericks (amazingly energized show!), Roseanne Cash, Sarah Slean,Matt Anderson with Symphony New Brunswick, and probably more which I am forgetting right now.

Steve Earle and Me!

Music festivals have always held a special place in my heart and I was fortunate to attend a few in 2013 and a goal for the new year is to search out at least one new festival.

Festival season started with Shivering Songs in the dead of winter with Sarah Harmer at the Wilmot Church and the Sadies at the Market to name but two! I loved the community feel of the Nashwaak Music Festival  and I saw the Sherman Downey Band for the 1st time, Paddlefest in St. Andrews (fondly known as the bubble) was fun with Ross Neilsen Band and The Belle Comedians. I made my way to Perth Andover for the Larlee Creek Hullabaloo and especially blown away by Christine Campbell and fell in love with Olympic Symphonium at the little chuch on Sunday. FredRock kicked butt despite the weather – Hollerado & City & Color were new to me and Matt Mays just seems to get better with time. I enjoyed a revisit with the Avett Brothers at the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival and was really impressed by The 24th Street Wailers.

Matt Mays at FredRock

The Steve Poltz show at the Cedar Tree was unreal! (click here for previous post) That man knows how to entertain. He is a great writer, a great story teller and even a good actor at points. I left that show feeling so jazzed up and inspired. I am absolutely thrilled to know he will be back in Fredericton at the 2014 Shivering Songs Festival. Don`t miss your chance to see him!

yes, I was more than a little bit happy! Thanks Steve

I enjoyed shows at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre like Amelia Curran and David Francey. I was able to catch great local bands around town like Sissy & the Hobos, Keith Hallett & the Worlds Fair, Josh Bravener, Sugarbomb, Dapper Dan & the Drive In Classics and Mountain Chicken.

I made a few trips to Portland`s Port City Music Hall to see Todd Snider, Jason Isbell and Lucero. The sound is great in that room and the audiences were attentive and responsive at all 3 shows!

I sang along, I cried, I laughed, I was inspired, I was humbled and I danced! That is the power of the live music experience and the reason I feel so passionately about it. I will continue to support, promote and encourage the music in 2014!!

What are some of your musical highlights from 2013? Who is on your wish list for 2014? I would love to hear from you.

Maritime Countryfest announced their initial line-up for the June 13-14, 2014 event and tickets went on sale yesterday. Check out my post on the Fredericton Tourism blog for more details by clicking here.