St. Patrick’s Day in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada is the next best thing to being in Ireland for the big day. Many Newfoundlander’s are of Irish descent and rush to George Street and Water Street for traditional Irish breakfast at a favourite pub to fill the belly before a large day of traditional live music, green beer and loads of shenanigans! Don’t forget to wear your green costume - the more ridiculous the better!

Popular pubs and bars for St. Paddy’s day in downtown St. John’s include O’Rielly’s Irish Pub, Broderick’s Pub, Shamrock City and Greensleeves. Please note you will likely be waiting on the street to get into popular pubs on St. Patrick’s Day so dress accordingly!

This week I also had the opportunity to attend a Songwriter’s Circle at Gower United Church in downtown St. John’s. The event was to support local charity Bridges to Hope Food Aid Centre and was hosted by Music NL and Alan Doyle - best known as frontman for the band Great Big Sea. Other performers included Nick Earle, Rachel Cousins and Kelly McMichael. There was so much musical talent in one room!
A Songwriters Circle is a concept which began in Canada and quickly spread across the globe. The circle usually features three or four singer songwriters, who not only perform their songs to a live audience, but also dissect them discussing how their songs were written telling the stories behind them.

Nick Earle is Music NL Rock Artist of the Year, Rachel Cousins Solo Artist of The Year and Kelly McMichael Songwriter of the Year. It was An incredible show at a beautiful historic venue for a great community cause.