As St Patrick’s Day fast approaches, Brent O’ Caiside reports on the Irish side of Oulu . . .
 Ireland The verdict is in, "guilty, as charged". Traditional Irish and Celtic music is a regular part of live, cultural entertainment in Oulu thanks to the traditional Irish musicians and local music enthusiasts who share a deep passion for the music. Not only is the music of high quality, but the atmosphere created is a genuine escape to the Emerald Isle. The Irish Music Society of Oulu's opening party on February 25 th in Willi Sika Restaurant was a huge success and a giant step forward for the society. The buzz is still swarming around town with positive feedback from all involved. The 30-minute queue in the -10 oC temperatures  Photo by Herman Vereycken could not extinguish the fire inside and the venue was packed to capacity with international students, expatriates, and Finnish locals excited by the atmosphere of live Celtic music. Nearly 300 people attended the event throughout the night and several people made the 3 hour journey from Rovaniemi for the well-marketed event.  Photo by Herman Vereycken The local bands, (Cascade, Yläsiirtola Ramblers, and The Soap Pig), equally put on a lively show of Scottish, Bretagne, and Irish music including fast reels and jigs, traditional airs, and old Irish songs of immigration, love, happiness, and oppression passed down through the generations sung in English and Irish. There were pipers, accordionists, fiddlers, stringed instruments, whistles, and Irish drums (known as bodhrán) creating a synergy of groovy rhythms. There were people dancing, lads in their kilts, as well as bearded, green leprechauns dancing around. Unfortunately, no one found the pot of gold, but based on the smiles and feedback, it is safe to say that everyone had a wonderful evening.  Photo by Herman Vereycken Saint Patrick's Day is Friday, March 17 th and there will be plenty of live, traditional Irish music in Oulu. Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, is the most successful missionary in Christian History because of the short time it took him to spread Christianity across Ireland. St. Patrick's Day has come to be associated with everything Irish and is a traditional day for spiritual renewal. There will be numerous events celebrating Paddy's Day all over the world, including Ireland and especially amongst the Irish Diaspora in the U.S.A and other parts of the world, like Oulu. Oulu and Northern Finland will be home to 'probably' some of the most northernmost Irish music events in the world this week! We hope you all can come out and enjoy celebrating this National Irish holiday with us. There is plenty of Irish music culture in Oulu, so don't miss out.
Here are the Paddy's Day events in Oulu:
March 16th - Pre-Paddy's Day celebration in Leskinen Pub featuring The Soap Pig. Live music, free entry. Begins at 21:30
March 17th - Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig / Happy Saint Patrick's Day
◊ 18:00 in NUKKU Café: Family's Welcome! Live music by The Soap Pig. Come and enjoy fine traditional Irish Music outside of the pub. An introduction on the instruments will also be given.
◊ 19:00 in St. Michael's Irish Pub: Live traditional Irish Music by Cascade.
Get your Paddy's evening started out right with Cascade in St. Michael's.
◊ 21:30 - PADDY'S DAY PARTY in Leskinen Pub featuring The Soap Pig. Live music, free entry. If you want a seat, be there at 20:00.
March 18th - St. Paddy's Saturday Party- Irish Times Pub in Rovaniemi beginning at 21:00. The Soap Pig performing live.
March 19th - St. Patrick's Day Singing Session in St. Michael's Pub beginning at 17:00. Free entry, Fish n' Chips, live music, and everyone singing together your favourite pub songs of Ireland.
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