St. Patrick’s Day Parade Festivities; Bruins vs. Pens (CPs Sat., 3/14/15)

1) If you’re neighborhood seems a little quiet this morning it may be because over 200,000 Pittsburghers and visitors are downtown today for The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Billed as the second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the Country, over 23,000 people will march in the parade including bands, Irish organizations, “Miss Smiling Irish Eyes” and every politician on the planet. The parade will proceed from the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 11th Street to Grant Street, then onto the Boulevard of the Allies, where it will turn right; then marches down the Boulevard of the Allies to the parade reviewing stand at Stanwix Street, ending at Commonwealth Place. Remember, anyone who wants to be Irish–is Irish–on St. Paddy’s Day! Parade starts at 10 a.m. Downtown.

2) One of the most happening spots to celebrate Parade Day (March 14) and St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) is Mullaney’s Harp and Fiddle. With a tent connected to the Pub the celebration space is doubled. Irish bands and performers hold court all day and night in both spaces beginning at noon and going until about midnight. Headliners are Red Hand Paddy and Guaranteed Irish. Donnie Irish will also be playing. St. Patrick’s Day features the same hours and headliners along with other acts including Whiskey Limerick and Weekend at Blarney’s. 2329 Penn Ave., Strip District.

3) Think traditional Celtic music but with some extra beats per minute—that’s Bastard Bearded Irishmen. The local group is helping Pittsburgh usher in St. Patrick’s Day a little early with their St. Patrick’s Parade Day Party at the Rex Theater. Their newest album, 2014’s Rise of the Bastard, features 12 originals, like the throttling “Tomorrow,” as well as three traditionals, like “Three Drunken Maidens.” In addition to their devoted, local following, the band is establishing a national presence. Rolling Stone mentioned them online as a “band to watch from Pittsburgh,” and they also have opened for heroes The Dropkick Murphys. The Commonheart and Black Masala open. 7 p.m. 602 E. Carson St., South Side.

4) If you’re not Irish and don’t care to be Irish for the day, or if you are Irish and like hockey we have just the pick—our Penguins take on the Boston Bruins in a 1 p.m. game. And yes they do sell beer there so those who so choose can continue to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (responsibly please). 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

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