When you go to the ShamRockFest this weekend, you can likely leave the Mardi Gras beads at home. Matt Kelly says that when his band, Dropkick Murphy, played shows this past week, fans have been throwing the beads on stage.
| Onstage |
| 2011 ShamRockFest |
| » When: 12:30 p.m. gates, Saturday |
| » Where: RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol St. |
| » Info: $19.99 to $89.99; shamrockfest.com |
“I think they’re messing up the two holidays,” said Kelly with a laugh talking about St. Patrick’s Day and Mardi Gras. “It’s all a lot of fun though.”
Expect that fun to be amplified multiple times during the ShamRockFest. Not only does Dropkick Murphy join a slate of other nationally known bands, DJs and performers, but local and regional musicians and entertainers will also take the one of the many stages at the event.
“I often say I don’t like to play outdoor festivals, but this event should be great,” said Kelly of the expansive ShamRockFest. “D.C. is always a cool time. My wife is even flying in for that.”
Travel to a Dropkick Murphy show, especially during the St. Patrick’s Day celebration season, is an annual pilgrimage for many fans especially when the Boston-based band plays its hometown.
Although the Dropkick Murphy concerts near the holiday are often somewhat raucous, said Kelly, they’re all about joy.
This year, fans have even more to celebrate now that the band has released “Going Out In Style,” a concept album that sticks with the band’s rock/roots/Celtic sound but also mixes in revved up versions of old favorites including the song “Peg ‘o My Heart.” Besides the very different slant the song takes, fans should note that Bruce Springsteen makes a guest appearance on the song.
Dropkick Murphy is a favorite band of one of Springsteen’s sons who brought his dad to a show. The musicians in Dropkick have stayed friendly with Springsteen and took him up on his offer to guest on their album. They had originally thought he’d guest on a different track, but he indicated he wanted to collaborate on the Irish standard.
“He’s the Boss, so that was fine” said Kelly, referencing Springsteen’s long-time moniker. “It was a cool thing he did. Most of the guys in the band are long-time Springsteen fans so it’s really great. And he’s such a nice guy, too.”
Another favorite that’s playing the festival is Carbon Leaf. Although they’ll presumably go heavy on the Celtic sound this time out, the band also offers plenty for straightforward rock lovers to enjoy.
“It is good when you play outdoors,” said Carbon Leaf front man Barry Privett, originally from Norfolk. “You have fans that show up for your show and for other people. That way you grab new people, new fans, who maybe hadn’t come to see you.”
