If you’re wanting to sink a pint of Guinness for this famous Irish holiday, but can’t make it due to it falling on a Thursday, or you just want to celebrate it over the entire weekend, the Old Castlemaine Gaol are hosting a “slightly belated St. Patricks Day” shindig on Friday the 18th with songbird Aine Tyrrell leading the event.
No stranger to Castlemaine, Tyrrell recently debuted her stunning album Queen of Swords late last year to critical acclaim. A serial nomad, Tyrrell’s history of travelling just on the back of her guitar shines through her music, weaving both a mystical and contemporary sound.
Though growing up on the coast of Ireland, Tyrrell has played famous venues in New York and busked her way across South America before falling in love with the Australian coast here in Victoria.
Raising 15k to record Queen of Swords, this folksy singer boarded her own mini bus and took to the Australian desert to find a spiritual awakening that translates through each song.
Known for her way of transporting you to mid 19th century Ireland, you will have goosebumps for days as her voice haunts the halls of this old Castlemaine prison, which will be a very cool juxtaposition to her melodic voice.
Under the wing of mentor and Australia’s own Clare Bowditch, Tyrrell has gone from strength to strength here in Oz, attracting a fan base of like-minded people – which is reminiscent of the strong ties between Australia and Ireland.
There’s probably no better way to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day than hanging out at this belated party, where you can let your hair down and have a little jig! Songs you should look out for is ‘Where Were You’ – which a film crew documented in the accompanying music video and ‘Wanderers’.
Supporting Tyrrell is contemporary Australian bred band Tolka – who have crafted their composition in the lounge room of Belfast to reflect the fast-paced folk sound of traditional Irish music. If you want to experience the atmosphere of the Spanish Arch in Galway- without the enormous airfare that is – this is the event for you.
I’m talking about the “beer sloshing, linked arms and jumping around like you know a thing about Irish dancing” kind of experience that is so much fun and really the only way to celebrate padre.
So raise a glass at the Old Castlemaine Gaol this Friday 18. Tickets are $20. For more information visit oldcastlemainegaol.com.au.
Sláinte!
When & Where: Old Castlemaine Gaol, Castlemaine – March 18
