Worth noting: In the Ireland the holiday is a solemn occasion while in other countries with large Irish and Irish-decended populations, it’s a time of revelry and excess. Here’s where you can tip back a pint o’ Guinness, sing a round of “Danny Boy” and dance your best jig:
• Really looking to get into the Irish spirit? Jack Of The Wood Pub (95 Patton Ave., Asheville, 252-5445) has been counting down not just the days, but the hours, minutes and seconds until it’s celebration gets underway. “Starting at noon, live Celtic music all day & followed by traditional Irish group The Red Wellies (pictured) at 8 p.m. for a $7 cover. Terrific Irish food and drink specials,” reveals the Web site. Also look for the launch of Greenman brewing’s new stout.
• O’Malley’s On Main (172 North Main St., Waynesville, 246-0898) also goes all out for the occasion with The New Celtic Knot Band performing Scottish, Celtic and folk tunes from 4-8 p.m., followed by Irish karaoke.
• Craggie Brewing Company (197 Hilliard Ave., Asheville, 254-0360) hosts a St. Patty’s Day celebration with Lew Gelfond and Roger Gold (a.k.a. The Jig Is Up) on Irish fiddle and guitar, and the unveiling of Meet Your Maker barleywine. 4 p.m.-midnight.
• Westville Pub (777 Haywood Rd., West Asheville, 225-9782) promises an all day St. Paddy’s party.
• Flat Rock Wine Shop (2702 Greenville Hwy., Suite C, Singleton Ctr., Flat Rock, 697-6828) offers a special St. Patrick’s Day Menu (Beer and Chedder Soup, Guiness Stew and Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse Pie among other options). Festivities start at 5 p.m., Irish music by Heath Patrick during dinner followed by an open mic jam at 9:30 p.m.
• The New French Bar Courtyard Cafe bucks tradition with a St. Patrick’s Day DJ dance night, kicking off at 5 p.m.
• Fairview Tavern (831 Fairview Rd., Asheville, 277-7117) welcomes Florida-based blues act Damon Fowler Group who open for George Thorogood at The Orange Peel the following night.
• Tallgary’s College Street Pub (4 College St., Asheville, ) holds its own St. Patrick’s Day party with Celtic rockers Pipapelli. 8 p.m.
• Stella Blue (31 Patton Ave., Asheville, 236-2424) throws a party with roots, acoustic acts Baby Cowboy and Lyndsay Wojcik. 9 p.m.
• The Emerald Lounge (112 North Lexington Ave., Asheville, 232-4372) celebration features The Trainwreks playing rock, country and blues. 10 p.m.
—Alli Marshall
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