The InstigatorCelebrate your Irish side at these events —
Chemeketa Community College is hosting Erin Go Bragh Winter Concert featuring Concert Choir and Chamber Singers 7 p.m. March 17 in Building 6 auditorium. Directed by Kerry Burtis, DMA. Free admission.
Willamette Valley Pipes and Drums will play for the St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl on March 17, at Half Penny Public House, 3743 Commercial St SE. The band will play twice: 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. The Willamette Valley Pipes and Drums is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve our community by providing entertainment through Scottish music, develop the musical abilities of its members and enjoy the friendship shared because of their love of pipe and drum music. Find out more at wvpnd.band.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Potatoe Famine. The local Irish punk/folk band will play an all-ages welcome show at 7 p.m. Thursday March 17, at Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance, $12 at the door. Purchase online at showpass.com/potatoe-famine. Note: Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry.
Potato Famine will be joined by special guest Whiskey Nick Gillett 7 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at The Dehn Bar in downtown Salem. 21 and older.
Sisters Irish Bistro hosts a St. Patrick’s Day event featuring live music by Brigid’s Cross, Irish dancers from Yeates Academy of Irish Dance, prize giveaways and more. Food and drink available to purchase separately. Tickets are $20 (entertainment only). Festivities begin at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 17 at 150 High St. Call 503-584-1099 to purchase.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day beginning at 12 p.m. March 17 with food specials, music, dancing and Guinness and Magners cider on draft at B2 Taphouse & Brewery, 1170 Boone Rd SE.
Dance a Jig for a free cookie at the South, West and/or Downtown Salem Great Harvest Bread Co. locations. Show the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day by doing a little jig and get yourself a free cookie. Offer is available all day, or until they run out. And if you aren’t in the mood for a jig, you can buy cookies, plus Irish Soda Bread,Rueben Roll Ups, Irish Baked Potato Bead, Caraway Rye, and Irish Coffee Tea Cake — yum!
The Gabriel Cox Band will play 6 to 10 p.m. March 17 at The Half Penny where there will be food specials, bagpipers, green beer and more. All ages welcome. No cover charge.
There’s gonna be a St. Paddy’s Day ruckus with The Doug Fury’s 9 tp 11 p.m. March 17 at Taproot Lounge & Cafe. Free show.
Fionnghal Celtic Trio will play 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 18, at Ankeny Vineyard. The trio features three women playing the fiddle, cello, guitar, and whistle for traditional and contemporary tunes inspired by the Celtic Nations and Scandinavia. Wine Club members will have priority reservations which are highly recommended and can be made by calling 503-378-1498 or emailing info@ankenyvineyard.com.
There’ll be a St Patrick’s Day Happy Hour 4 to 6 p.m. March 17 at Tsunami Taproom, featuring $1 off green beers, a raffle and more.
Ongoing — The Céili of the Valley Society’s Celtic Dance Class happens every Tuesday at the VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE. Taught by Elisa Chandler, all dances are walked, called and are for all ages and capabilities. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. No experience or partner needed. It’s great exercise for your body and brain. Class takes place 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $5, but the first one is free for new dancers. Note: Proof of full vaccination from Covid-19 required or a negative Covid test within 72 hours before class. Learn more at ceiliofthevalley.org.
A version of this story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 13 (Spring 2022)
Last Updated: March 12, 2022.
