Musicians are performing on stages across the region today, in celebration of St. Patty’s Day.
Celebrations have been cancelled for the most part over the past two years due to the pandemic.
But with restrictions lifted, crowds are expected to gather today.
Jerry O’Neil says performing at local bars and restaurants has been missed, “I think as an Entertainer there’s nothing better than someone giving a clap or an applause or tap their foot. So I would think that most people would like to get back to that in-person opportunity.”
O’Neil says many of the larger acts had to find other means to entertain during the pandemic with some of them switching to virtual and livestreamed broadcasts.
He expects some will continue for the time being, but will eventually return to performing live in person instead.
“As a musician, there’s nothing more than I like than to go on an evening and have a bite and listen to some live music. My hope is that folks who have done it in the past and are reluctant to do it today will start getting out there. Music is a wonderful thing, It’s awesome,” O’Neil says.