"Two parts Irish music, one part whiskey," declare Claddagh Irish Pub and the Club Tavern for St. Patrick's Day. The Daily Page queried the group about its plans for the holiday and all things Kelly green. Here's what the band had to say.
What are your St. Patrick's Day plans?
St. Patrick's Day is going to be crazy and fun. We've got three shows lined up. First we're playing at UW-Fond du Lac from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are going to have the dean and some professors there as "celebrity bartenders" serving green beverages. Then we are playing at the big party at Claddagh Irish Pub at Greenway Station in Middleton at 6:00 p.m. Then at 10 p.m. we will be playing at the Club Tavern in Middleton.
How is the St. Patrick's Day crowd different from those at other shows?
Usually there are larger crowds on St. Pat's, so we get to meet a lot of new people we've never seen before, and everyone is just there to have fun. We love to see people get all dressed up and show their Irish pride by dancing.
What is your favorite St. Patrick's Day memory?
Every year we make such great memories, so it's hard to choose. Most of our favorite memories include when we play "call and response" songs. It's such an incredible feeling to have our fans so involved in our music. Together we blow off the roof. The Pints are so grateful to our fans and appreciate all their love and support. Every gig we play allows us to meet new fans and adds to our enormous list of fond memories.
Do you have any St. Patrick's Day traditions?
Playing at The Club Tavern with the Stone Ring has become a tradition. I believe this will be our third year playing there together.
How did you get started in Irish music?
"Captain" Ray Murphy's love for Irish music really started in the kitchen at Pasqual's restaurant in Madison. About eight years ago, Ray and Joe Wyatt found a Stone Ring CD while they were working. They proceeded to sing and dance jigs while they were folding burritos and grilling quesadillas. When he was younger, Ray was mostly in the punk scene. He was surprised how Irish music really touched his soul. Together Ray and Joe decided to start their own Irish band, The Pints. And the rest is history.
What, do you think, is the allure of bagpipers? Why are we so fascinated by kilts and plaid?
Bagpipes are loud, proud, uplifting, and melancholy. The pipes can pull the heartstrings of most people in many directions. The bagpipes were played during battles, on battlefields, for centuries. In World War I, the brave Scots in their kilts were dubbed "The Ladies from Hell." The plaid on the kilts, often known as tartan, signifies the wearer's family origins. Kilts are always worn with pride. No matter how curious you may be or how sexy he may look, you should never pull up a man's kilt.
