Note: All events take place on St. Patrick’s Day, Monday March 17, 2008, unless otherwise noted.
ENTERTAINMENT
- March 13 -- Magic of Ireland
The show features some of the world's finest dancers accompanied by superb traditional musicians. Experience a spectacular evening of traditional Irish dance, music, and vocals enhanced by stunning costumes, lighting, and sound. 8 p.m.; $10, $15; Wells Fargo Center 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa (707) 546-3600
- March 16 -- St. Patrick's Day Celtic Celebration
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Mithril, one of the most sought after Celtic groups in the U.S Joined by dancers from the Healy Irish Dance School, Mithril combines the best Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland, and beyond.
3 p.m.; $30 - $70, $10 standing room only; Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa (707) 546-3600
IRISH PUBS
- Toad in the Hole
Chris Stokeld of Old Vic fame will be at his nephew’s bar to sing Danny Boy sometime in the early evening. As if that’s not enough to bring out his legion of fans, the pub will also be featuring a bagpipe player. They’re also planning on a live band later in the night.
116 5th St., Santa Rosa (in Railroad Square); (707) 544-8623
- Stout Brothers
Call closer to St. Patrick’s Day. They had no set plans when I called but said they’d be coming up with a big celebration.
527 4th St., Santa Rosa (707) 636-0240
- Black Rose Irish Pub
Owner Will Roll said the Black Rose is going to be having the “best damn party in Santa Rosa.” Plus, the party takes place on not one but two days: Saturday, March 15 and Monday, March 17. The festivities begin at 8 a.m. with a full Irish breakfast and continues on throughout the day as the pub serves up a huge feast including corned beef and cabbage, potatoes and Guinness.
2074 Armory Dr, Santa Rosa, (707) 546-ROSE
- The Nutty Irishman
This locals gathering spot serves up a corned beef and cabbage lunch and dinner each year and the place gets packed. There’s no live music or other entertainment planned—but the regulars who frequent this pub are entertainment enough. 995 Piner Rd., Santa Rosa, (707) 544-1447
- Murphy’s Irish Pub
Deirdre & Arias begin the festivities at 3 p.m. with an hour of Celtic music on harp, guitar and fiddle. The Cotters & Duffs with Jack Walsh will play Irish songs followed by step dancing at 4 p.m., and at 6:30 the Spiral Mystics offer up far-ranging styles, from bluegrass, Celtic and folk to Appalachian, blues and rock 'n' roll.
464 First St., Sonoma, (707) 935-0660
- Jasper O’Farrells Irish Pub
When I called for details, the girl I spoke with seemed pretty sure that there would be a reggae band on St. Pat’s Day because “Monday is reggae night.” That might be the case, but I’m not convinced. Call closer to the date to double check on what’s going on.
6957 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, (707) 829-2062
- Maguire's Pub
They’re planning something big—just not sure what quite yet.This is the old Finbar Devine's Irish Pub & Restaurant--new name, new owners, new staff, new menu, same location.)
Opening at 11 a.m.; 145 Kentucky St., Petaluma; (707) 762-9800
TRADITIONAL MEALS
- Thursday March 13 : Kiwanis 49TH Annual St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef & Cabbage Fundraiser
Irish entertainment and raffle for prizes at the evening seating. Proceeds benefit Sonoma County youth programs.
Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dinner 4:30 to 8 p.m.; $15 each, children’s tickets sold at the door $6 each. Veteran’s Memorial Building, 1351 Maple Avenue, Santa Rosa. (707) 524-3159 or (707) 887-7888
- Knights of Columbus St. Patty's Day Dinner Fundraiser
The annual event has been cancelled for 2008. It is expected to resume next year.
- Monday March 17 : Washoe House
Eating a St. Patty’s Day corned beef and cabbage dinner at the infamous roadhouse restaurant is a Sonoma County tradition.
4544 Stony Point Rd. at Roblar Rd., Petaluma, (707) 795-4544
- March 15 --Contemporary Irish Supper
It’s not just about corned beef and cabbage and fried pub foods. Ireland is home to a wide variety of culinary riches. There’s a coastline full of seafood and acres of rich farmland. There’s hand-crafted cheeses, wonderful breads, hand-cured meats, and, of course, ales and spirits. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Relish Culinary presents Chef Kevin McKenzie who worked alongside Jeremiah Tower and Jonathan Waxman and then later opened the acclaimed Rover’s Restaurant in Seattle. McKenzie (who also happens to be Fred Astair’s grandson), will lead a demonstration of a contemporary Irish cooking that combines local and Irish ingredients in recipes inspired by Irish chefs. The complete meal will be served with local wines and Irish ales. Advanced registration required. 5:30 p.m.; $80; Healdsburg; (707) 431-9999
THE BIG EVENT
- Saturday March 15 : 156th Annual San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festivities
Not only is this the big St. Patrick’s Day event in this area, its billed as the oldest and largest such event west of the Mississippi. Irish dancers, marching bands, floats and drill teams and much more. The parade is followed by a celebration at the Civic Center Plaza. San Francisco. (415) 675-9885.