It took a while for winter to move on, but it did finally happen. And when the snow subsides and the thermometer climbs it can only mean one thing . . . Spring is ready to be sprung!
Everyone in Michigan loves spring. And, why shouldn’t they? Spring means good times are right around the corner. Long, lazy days; picnics and parties; rebuilding and summer vacations . . .
Wait a moment, lets not get too far ahead of ourselves, shall we.
Let’s take care of spring first.
And with the coming of spring, is the wearing’ of the green! Yes, Saint Patricks’ annual arrival banishes more than just the snakes of ancient lore; it also forbids winter from returning to this wishful land.
The year of our lord, twenty fifteen proved to be a mostly quiet, and contemplative St. Paddy’s celebration. More like a lamb than like a lion, this year. That’s ok, as many factors seemed to enter in to the people’s perception of how to go about celebrating one of the most beloved of all traditions in America.
Carl and I began the day as we have for the last decade, with our good friends at Clancy’s Irish Pub in Clinton Township. Vince and his staff always treat us well. They go above and beyond to make us feel at home in the early morning hours of the long day ahead.
This year, as in the others as well, we even played the night before. Sort of a “St. Practice day”, so to speak. (Actually that tradition began for us back in the 1980’s).
Monday night was good fun. The dinner crowd was merry and enthusiastic as Carl and I warmed them up with some favorite Irish melodies.
The best part of all was that when the doors opened up at 7:00 am the next morning; many of those same patrons strolled right through them, ready for more! It takes a special type of person to begin drinking green beer first thing in the wee hours of the morning; but are we glad they showed up!
The music began at eight bells, with accompanying hand claps, whistles and lilting voices. What a treat, to be in an Irish pub on St. Paddy’s day!
Colleen, Rick and Stewy held court at their usual table, joined for the first part of the day by Vince himself. (our great friend and proprietor of this fine establishment).
As the hours advanced, the crowd began filling the pub. And, although it was much slower, everywhere this year, everyone was truly on their best behavior to be sure.
There were bagpipers, dancers and merry-makers all standing elbow to elbow in the hold of this Irish celebration.
Clancy’s Irish Pub is always good to us. One of the best places to look forward to playing music at. It was a very pleasant year on the little stage, and God willing, we shall be back again next year. But for now, it was time for us to move on to our next stop . . .
RB
