As The Wild Colonial Bhoys say, “Friday night you always treat me well!”
Friday evening was the end of a very rough week for me. I was feeling down and I needed to get out; I was thinking to myself that I haven’t been to a live show lately. So, I hopped online and looked up one of my favorite bands to see if by any slim grace they were playing, and sure as hell itself, The Wild Colonial Bhoys were playing at The Hook and Ladder Theater and Lounge!
The Wild Colonial Bhoys are an Irish-American band that reside here in the Twin Cities now. They can often times be found playing at The Irish Fair on Harriet Island in Saint Paul in August each year, or at a local pub or music venue. One thing I learn about the WCB (Wild Colonial Bhoys), and Irish music in general, it always helps raise the spirits up; both the emotional ones and the ones in your glass!
I bought my tickets on The Hook and Ladder’s website for $22 bucks and some change; nice and affordable for a local band and local show! Then I cleaned up and headed out the door for the night. When I arrived at The Hook and Ladder I checked in at the box office, which was nice and easy. Then the gentleman taking tickets pointed me towards the correct lounge they were playing (The Hook and Ladder has a few theaters and lounges for multiple shows to happen at the same time).
I purchased a double shot of Jameson 12 year neat, found a table to sit at, and waited for the opening band The Tim Malloys to start playing. The room was slightly dimmed with a blue light that was soft and gentle on the eyes, but still illuminated the entire room the perfect amount so you could easily see and move about. The stage was in a clear view from my seat and was well lit with stage lights.
The Tim Malloys took the stage and greeted the crowd in a very upbeat and friendly way. Until Friday night I had never heard The Tim Malloys, so I was excited to hear a new Irish themed band. Turns out they are a local band as well and some of the group members were born here in Minnesota!
About halfway through their very first song my feet were tapping along to the beat, my head and shoulders were swaying side to side ever so slightly as I was engulfed in the music. They were an outstanding band to hear and I’m excited to add them to my playlists!
Then The WCB came on stage, thanked The Tim Malloys, and then opened up with, of course, Friday Night at a Friday night show! Pretty soon my clear view of the stage was gone by all the people who stood up and started to dance along to the music. Yes, of course I stood up and danced a wee bit myself!
By the end of their set, all of my stress from this week had left my mind and the beautiful joy that comes with the Irish music filled my heart and soul. It felt great to get out and relax for an evening. If you’re ever in need of a night out, or want to check out some of the local Irish music that is always going on somewhere in Minnesota, and especially in the Twin Cities, I highly recommend checking the lineup at The Hook and Ladder’s website, or swing by The Wild Colonial Bhoys website and The Tim Malloys website to check out when they are playing next and where. Another great play for more traditional Irish music is The Center for Irish Music in Saint Paul too! They always have events going on and even teach music lessons there and several other things as well that are Irish related! Give them a look and hopefully we’ll run into each other at the next show!
