Murphy’s unveils slate of St. Pat’s festivities for Sonoma

Some believe St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival. And Dermot Coll, a County Donegal native and current owner of Murphy’s Irish Pub, is inclined to agree.

“St. Pat’s is the day we fling open our doors the widest.”

Coll has a grand day planned for the east side of the Plaza this Sunday, March 17. Coll has the kitchen staff cooking up some “traditional Irish Fare” for the day. They have laid in a fair amount of Guinness from Dublin, not to mention Smithwicks from Kilkenney and Harp from Dundalk. The bar will be jammed and jumping, and the alleyway will be thumping with live music all day.

The music starts off at noon with the O’Hara Brothers, who will be making their live debut. Dave and Brian O’Hara were raised in a musical household, and the familial timbre is evident when they harmonize. Dave plays guitar while little brother Brian plays the bass.

There is a rumor that the Pullers from Cork may be making a short appearance next, if they can get into the country. The trio will deliver a set of their fun renditions of familiar songs and signature harmonies.

Full Circle is a trio composed of guitarist Bob Edmundson, keyboard wiz Cliff Zyskowski and Eric Joost on mandolin and guitar. Each member of the combo sings, and the band brings a nice note to the afternoon’s festivities.

Tim Eschliman and Friends is a loose confederation of seasoned musicians. Led by bassist Eschliman, who has a long and impressive North Bay musical pedigree, the band will play through roots rock and Americana-tinged tunes. Dave Aguilar will be on guitar, and the legendary Roy Blumenfeld will be on drums.

A special treat unfolds at 4 p.m. when a troupe of Irish dancers arrives to entertain the crowd gathered in the Place des Pyrenees, as the alleyway leading to Murphy’s is officially called.

Rich Little and the Scarlett Letters are also in the lineup and Tudo Bem rounds out the day’s music with its brand of fiery guitar-driven songs. Dave Aguilar leads Tudo Bem, with Springs resident Peter McCauley playing bass and Pat O’Connell riding the throne.

March 17, noon at Murphy’s Irish Pub. Slainte!