(Photo courtesy of Flogging Molly)For those looking to end spring break in a memorable way, Tempe Beach Park will be hosting the annual St. Patrick’s Day concert, Green 17. Energetic Celtic punk band Flogging Molly will return to usher in the joyous holiday. Tempe will welcome back the popular Los Angeles band after a grueling tour that has recently stopped in places such as Australia, regions of the Pacific Northwest and Las Vegas.
Tom Lapenna, creator of the event, is truly passionate about it.
“I love music, and being able to produce an event on St. Patrick’s Day is always a thrill," Lapenna said in an email. "Having a long-time relationship with Flogging Molly has allowed my company to provide first-class entertainment year after year, and we hope to be able to lock in Flogging Molly to perform in Tempe on St. Patrick’s Day for years to come.”
Flogging Molly has a soft spot for the Valley. Former radio station The Edge at 103.9 FM plays the popular Celtic punk band’s tunes on a regular basis. The constant exposure yields a decent following.
Attendees of previous events should note that there are time differences, as well as a new lineup for this year’s Green 17 concert. In addition, tickets may be purchased at luckymanonline.com for $35.
The overall event will take place later in the day and end earlier in the evening. Gates open at 1 p.m. as opposed to 11 a.m. last year, and Pepper will open the show at 2 p.m. The event is scheduled to end at 10 p.m.
Five bands varying in genres will accompany Flogging Molly. The bands cover an impressive amount of geographic distance, from California to Germany. In the past, the Japanese band Cherry Cokes has played traditional Irish music.
Local folk musicians Jared & The Mill and local alternative rockers The Wiley Ones will grace the stage, as well as Pittsburgh punk rock quartet Anti-Flag, San Diego reggae trio Pepper and German alternative rock quintet The Donots.
Guitarist and vocalist Dennis Casey of Flogging Molly exclusively revealed a sneak peek of songs fans can expect at this year’s Green 17 concert. Casey explained that Flogging Molly’s show plans to provide a broader base of its music.
The show will be a mix of songs that have not been played in a while, new songs from Flogging Molly’s latest album, “Speed of Darkness,” and a brief sampling from its best-selling album, “Drunken Lullabies.”
The vibrant atmosphere of Green 17 has drawn Flogging Molly for almost 10 years.
“It is so much fun to have a party with about 10,000 people, followed by an afterparty at a pub like Casey Moore’s," Casey said. "It’s quite a rush to play for that many people, and it’s a wonderful celebration.”
Reach the reporter at lrogoff@asu.edu.
