Beware St. Paddy for 'tis the Ides of March - BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Today before we get to the business at hand, let’s talk a little bit about dates. ‘Fore today be ‘The Ides of March’. Do you have any idea what that be? Well, here’s what wacky-wachee has to say:

The Ides of March (Latin: Idus Martii or Idus Martiae) is a day on the Roman calendar that corresponds to 15 March. It was marked by several religious observances, and became notorious as the date of the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. The death of Caesar made the Ides of March a turning point in Roman history, as one of the events that marked the transition from the historical period known as the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire.^[1]

Although March (Martius) was the third month of the Julian calendar, in the oldest Roman calendar it was the first month of the year. The holidays observed by the Romans from the first through the Ides often reflect their origin as new year celebrations.

Interesting little tid bit that, no? Well if you don’t really think so, think about the importance of a regime turning from a ‘Republic’ to an ‘Empire’. That should keep ya busy for awhile.

Anyway…for today’s BATTLE OF THE BANDS I want to celebrate a different Holiday. That bein’ St. Patrick’s Day. Know what wacky-wachee has to say about it:

Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick (Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig, "the Day of the Festival of Patrick"), is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c. AD 385–461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
Saint Patrick's Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century and is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland),^[4] the Eastern Orthodox Church, and Lutheran Church. The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland,^[3] as well as celebrating the heritage and culture of the Irish in general.^[5] Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, céilithe, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks.^[6] Christians also attend church services^[5][7] and the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol are lifted for the day, which has encouraged and propagated the holiday's tradition of alcohol consumption.^[5][6][8][9]

Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland,^[10] Northern Ireland,^[11] the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora around the world, especially in Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.

Its sometimes said that on St. Patrick’s Day, we all have a wee bit of Irish in us. Truth be told, my heritage doesn’t really show any links to Ireland, but I was married to a bona fide Irishman for a time, so one could say I had a wee bit of Irish in me. (OK, that was a really bad joke. If you didn’t get it just move along ‘cause I ain’t ‘splain nutting.)

At any rate…although it may seem unseemly for a lady to talk about alcohol 

consumption I thought it only appropriate to play ya some “Irish Drinking Songs’ (hey, are there any other kind), for this BATTLE OF THE BANDS.

This one’s for you Mike. On the 17^th of March as we raise that shot of Jameson’s to ya, know for a fact that you have nay been forgotten and are close of my heart and the hearts of those who love you! 

First up, Flogging Molly with ‘If I Ever Leave this World Alive’

Next a cover that sounds kinda country, but is actually done by another Irishman, Ben Currie

OK, now you know what to do and how to do it, but just in case this I will ‘splain. Leave your vote and tell me why in the comment box. If you’re new to BOTB and posting your own BATTLE today tell me that also.

When you’ve finished up here, head on over to the home of Mr. BOTB himself (AKA TSMOTP) *****. Stephen (a fine Irishman, I’m sure) will post links to the other participants. Please join in the fun and visit/vote at everyone’s site.

I’ll be back on the 21^st with my vote and the final tally. But don’t be shy, stop 

back before that because I have something new and special to post for you on my ‘Turning Over a New Leaf’ series, Wednesday the 18th.

Happy Trails!