St. Patrick’s Day weekend in West Hartford Center will be filled with the sounds of musical joy, elaborate costumes and an unforgettable performance.

Submitted

On March 16, 2019, the owners of Union Kitchen and McLadden’s Restaurant will host the world famous ”Philadelphia Aqua String Band Mummers” in a free, special performance beginning at 8:30 p.m.

Known for creating innovative and breathtaking costumes and music, the band provides an experience long remembered, for guests of all ages.

Since its inception in 1920, the Aqua String Band has entertained millions of viewers, parade goers, and concert attendees. The group is an all volunteer string band, best known for their participation in Philadelphia’s annual Mummers Parade, the nation’s longest-running traditional folk parade occurring each year on New Year’s Day. Up north, their performance in the annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been a fan favorite for years.  

Andy Yee, of Bean Restaurant Group, the parent company to Union Kitchen and McLadden’s Restaurant, wanted to bring the spirited production to West Hartford, after his friend and the band’s “Maestro Extraordinaire,” Brian Elliott, suggested they introduce The Mummers to the restaurant group’s new Connecticut community.

“For years our Springfield properties have been lucky to “sham-rock” and roll with the “Aqua String Band” whose performances consistently bring down the house! We’re stoked to share their sound with our incredible West Hartford neighbors via Union Kitchen and McLadden’s,” said Yee.

Performances by the Aqua String Band can be seen on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/L7U3XwiQZ7E and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9EWMoKh3K0.

The Aqua String Band will begin their performance at Union Kitchen by 8:30 p.m. Guests should plan to arrive early at Union kitchen and/or McLadden’s restaurant should they want a seat for the performances – and to enjoy some of the food and drink specials in celebration of the holiday. The band will play at Union Kitchen, then “march” to McLadden’s West Hartford. This event is free and open to the public.

Union Kitchen is located at 43 LaSalle Rd. in West Hartford Center and is open for lunch and dinner. The kitchen is open Monday-Wednesday from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. The bar is open Monday-Wednesday from 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-midnight, and Sunday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. For reservations please contact 860-519-1767 or go to www.unionkitchenct.com.

McLadden’s Restaurant is located at 37 LaSalle Rd. in West Hartford, CT. McLadden’s is a traditional Irish pub with many craft beers on tap, pub grub, and live music throughout the week. Hours are Monday-Thursday 3 pm.-1 a.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., and Sun 11:30 a.m.-midnight.

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