For more St. Patty’s events, visit Clubland and Calendar.
Saturday, March 16
• Local fiddler Jamie Laval is “an innovative performer of Irish, Scottish, and Bretagne traditional music.” He studied classical violin at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and has worked as a professional symphony musician, recording studio artist, improvising violinist and contra dance fiddler. “But his passion for the haunting sounds of rural Irish and Scottish folk music eventually usurped all other preoccupations, and he has devoted himself exclusively to Celtic music ever since,” says his bio. It’s the perfect sound track to St. Patrick’s Day in WNC, and Laval will perform A Celtic Celebration at The Altamont Theatre at 8 p.m. $18/$10. (He returns on Sunday, March 17, to play A Musical Tour of Scotland. 7 p.m., $18/$10.)
• Tuatha Dea (whose name is taken from Celtic Mythology) plays a free show at Emerald Lounge on Saturday, March 16. “We’re rolling in with our African drums, kilts and eclectic Celtic Tribal mix,” writes the Gatlinburg, Tenn.-based Celtic-rock-meets-tribal-rhythms collective. 9 p.m. (Free admission is for members and guests; $1 for non-members.)
Sunday, March 17
• Asheville on Bikes’ annual Bike of the Irish ride gets rolling at 1 p.m. Riders meet at City Hall. According to the local bicycle advocacy group, “St. Patrick’s Day will be chock-full of bicycle goodness! Get your wheels spinning for the Happy St Paddy’s Day Criterium race in the morning, then join us for the always-fantastic Bike of the Irish after lunch.” This year’s trip follows a route along the Reed Creek Greenway, through Montford and along the French Broad Greenway. It culminates at Wedge Brewery at 3:30 p.m. More info here.
• The Western Carolina University Wind Ensemble (under the direction of Dr. John T. West, and comprised of 55 student musicians) performs a St. Patrick’s Day Concert at Diana Wortham Theatre. 3 p.m., $10.
• Jack of the Wood hosts a St. Patty’s day Celebration beginning at 4 p.m. with music from traditional Celtic Sessions players, The Pipefitters (traditional Celtic jig and reel rock), Stillwater Hobos (local Irish-American folk; pictured above) and more. Free; donations encouraged. The Legendary JC’s play at 9 p.m., $10.
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