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Assorted Declarations By Staff Writer Tom Graham

Irish I could see it all
Another St. Patrick’s Parade Day is here in Scranton and all is right in the world. Spreading yourself thin on a day like this is more of an art form than it is an exercise in time management. There are just so many great sights to see and even more great music to enjoy — it’s hard to catch them all.
From the many Irish acts participating in the parade, to the musicians set up on the sidewalks, to the established party bands belting out crowd favorites in larger clubs, to solo and duo acts performing at your favorite new watering hole, you’re bound to hear music no matter where you turn.
This will be my first official year participating in the parade (riding in Rude Rube’s repossessed limousine with the rest of the electric city staff), so I will be getting an early start on Parade Day. That doesn’t mean I won’t be bouncing around from place to place, partaking in some good ol’ debauchery. It means I will have to make each stop count.
I’ll start off my day along with the rest of the Times Shamrock crew listening to the classic rock sounds of Mr. Echo while they perform on the Rock 107 float during the parade, kicking off at 11:45 a.m. I will also try to get my picture taken with ESPN Radio’s new B.F.F., the Philly Phanatic. Look for the guy with the red beard, wearing the Irish cap. That’s me.

Here are some great acts not to be missed this Parade Day:
The boys at The Bog will kick off their all-star lineup of music bright and early as The Tom Petty Appreciation Band takes the stage at 9:30 followed by Mullen: A Salute to U2 (featuring former members of The Underground Saints), magic Mike Quinn, Kock 107 and bluegrass stompers The Coal Town Rounders.
The Backyard Ale House will also welcome the morning with music when Merkley and Morgan (of Digger Jones from Ithaca, N.Y.) plug in their gear at 9 a.m. Mike Mizwinski and Freeman White will play a set at noon and will be joined by Mace In Dickson members Mace and Finco at 3 p.m. Then there’s another act at 5 p.m., but I’m staying away from the self-promoting stuff.
The Banshee will open its Irish doors at 9 a.m. as well, featuring sets by John Phillips and Eric Rudy, and an appearance by UUU. They have the most taps in town and I’m sure they’ll be getting quite a workout.
Nowhere Slow, Drop Dead Sexy, Graces Downfall, Maybe Someday and parade busy bodies UUU will dodge flying beads and hard hats while performing at The Hardware Bar. Do yourself a favor and ask them to play some of their original music.
Ever wonder what the parade was like decades ago? M80 and Bad Hair Day will both deliver their hits of yesteryear as they perform in the fresh air outside The Hilton starting at noon.
Some other best bets for 2012 are The Wanabees at Cooper’s, Kilrush at The Scranton Cultural Center and Pink Slip at The V-Spot.
And please remember: how long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you’re on.

Here’s what’s in my headphones this week: Van Morrison Astral Weeks (Warner Bros.) 1968

A complete listing of St. Patrick’s Parade Day events can be found on page 6.

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