St. Patrick's Day Parade, Pub Session, Street Dance

Downtown Vancouver
See http://www.celticfestvancouver.com/parade.php for map

Once again, we took to the streets for the ever-growing annual St Paddy's parade. Of course since Vancouver is such a multi-ethnic city, the parade reflects that, so we only played "Tell Me Ma" 37 times. Our parade was led by Kris, Lisa, Barbara, and someone who's name I've forgotten, and Jaque the Gator. We were joined by stalwart Bryan Siver on snare to help us compete with the pipe bands.

After the parade, we retreated to the Atlantic Trap and Gill for a full-on Pub jam over lunch. Many unusual tunes worked their way out with the help of copious amounts of beer, like Rippy the Gator (Arrogant Worms), several sea shanties, and some naughty cabaret tunes. And of course the "complete" version of the Pirate Song. We were joined by the Black Sheep Morris dancers from Bowen Island, with Bob Doucet doing his rendition or "Ukelele Lady" on button accordion. We were about to start dancing in the pub, but the manager came running out with a panicked look saying that if we so much as swayed our hips, the Licencing Gestapo would appear and haul him off to the torture chamber. Really, Vancouver. And BC, and Canada. Our lawmakers need to go to Europe or South America or Africa and see how much better life can be when you don't have all these silly rules about drinking and pubs and music and dancing. Geez. (End Of Rant).

Then, we staggered out to the street for a final dance set on Granville, where we were joined by Brian Jones of Black Sheep and Steve Edge of Rogue Folk on percussion. And right on cue, as we were packing up to go, our chops completely gone, that the rain began to fall.

Thanks to all who came out and supported us!

Then, we'll hit the streets again for some guerilla dance sets, wherever we find space away from the countless pipe bands!

Oh yeah, and it's all free... though we would never say no to a pitcher of beer in the pub...

Check out http://www.celticfestvancouver.com/

(This is a very well organized event, with many, many activities aside from the parade!)