Sham On : 2011 ShamrockFest Preview

Sham On: Urban Dictionary defines the term as “to rock on.” Indeed, we will.

The annual ShamrockFest is well-known in the DC area, and is appropriately named for providing music fans with a ridiculously full day of music, food and all things Irish.

ShamrockFest takes place around St. Patrick’s Day, bringing some of the best Irish music to DC for the one-day festival. Thousands gather in the parking lot of RFK Stadium for multiple stages of music and to sample the food and beer vendors’ goodies. It’s organized chaos, but remains popular – and for good reason.

“Our roots are Irish, so we always start there,” explains Executive Director Toni Fisher. “We start with the big national Irish bands and work from there.”

Sometimes that means adjusting the festival date so that fans have an opportunity to hear acts like Dropkick Murphys or Carbon Leaf, both of whom are playing this year. And although these Irish acts are high in demand, ShamrockFest constantly delivers some of the best in the biz.

“We always have Carbon Leaf. They’re loyal to us, we’re loyal to them and they’re great guys,” Fisher says. “They’re literally one opportunity away from hitting it huge.”

This year’s ShamrockFest lineup, in addition to Dropkick Murphys and Carbon Leaf, will feature other headliners such as Scythian, Lost in Paris and Love Seed Mama Jump. There are also a few deejays whose names you may recognize – DJ Pauly D (check out his cover story in this issue), Playboy Model DJ KayJay, DJ Chris Styles and DJ Flounder, just to name a few.

“We picked up DJ Pauly D late in the game, but it’s a great opportunity for us and for him,” Fisher says. “He wants to be recognized as a deejay and not get caught up in the celebrity. He’s actually very talented.”

Aside from the national acts and Jersey Shore star power, ShamrockFest is an ideal opportunity for festival goers to experience local music. Every year several DC area bands grace the stage to play in front of thousands of fans — most of whom have never heard them before.

Of the nearly 50 bands playing ShamrockFest, the local DC community is well represented by bands like Hotspur, Dr. FU, Niki Barr Band, Along Those Lines, Fight the Lion, Once Okay Twice, Crowded Streets, Silent Critics, White Ford Bronco, Practically Einstein and many more.

A mix of original and cover bands, Fisher says that every group she booked has their own personality and passion and—of course—will rock your socks off.

Now, what exactly does ShamrockFest look for in bands that play there? Artistic ability, personality, raw talent, a solid fan base and marketing strategy are key. Hey, you have to sell tickets to have a festival.

And ShamrockFest has focused on showcasing new bands. Festival organizers understand that you have to give local bands an opportunity to showcase their talents, while offering fans the chance to see something new and fresh to go along with the headliners.

“The fact that we’re playing in front of more people we don’t know than we do is amazing,” says Jared Dumale, drummer for local rock band Along Those Lines. “This kind of exposure is unmatched.”

Along Those Lines isn’t new to the ShamrockFest family, having made their debut last year, but several other local bands are making a first-time appearance.

Silent Critics, which is rapidly becoming a well-known name in the DC music scene, will debut their pop/rock sound. Be on the lookout for their song “Dissonance,” the band’s potential ticket to the big leagues.

“We’re really excited about picking up Silent Critics,” Fisher says. “They’re so talented and have such an appeal about them. Bands like this get so many new fans by playing; they’re going to wow everyone.”

On the cover band side of things, White Ford Bronco and Dr. FU are two bands not to miss. White Ford Bronco is fairly new but doing well playing all over the DC area; and there’s nothing not to love about Dr. FU. Both acts put on dynamic performances—they radiate fun on the stage.

Sold on ShamrockFest yet? Maybe the increased number of available beer steins for VIPs will entice you to get your ticket early. Or perhaps the sale of both Guinness and Miller Lite will drag you in. It’s the first year ShamrockFest will sell both products.

Fisher also says that Mother Nature owes her one—so hopefully those high expectations will pay off in some ideal spring weather. If not, bring your rain gear – this show goes on—rain or shine.

No matter what, there’s something for every music fan at ShamrockFest. From national to local, original to cover music, the entire day will be unforgettable.

“I just get so excited about ShamrockFest,” says Fisher. “I don’t ever get tired of it.”

ShamrockFest will be on Saturday, March 12 from 1-9 p.m., rain or shine, at RFK Stadium. Tickets are priced from $19.99. For details and to purchase tickets, visit www.shamrockfest.com.