Murphy’s celebrates Mardi Gras in May

Memorial Day weekend in Sonoma takes on new dimensions as Murphy’s Irish Pub on the Plaza hosts the first-ever “Mardi Gras in May” on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25. This two-day festival, sponsored by Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Lost Coast Brewery, Moylan’s Brewery and Kenwood Vineyards will be filled with 17 hours of Sonoma’s best musical talent. With a special festival menu, over 1,500 fresh barbecued oysters, beer, Maker’s Mark cocktails and a marathon lineup of entertainers, including EZ Kewl, Shades of Green, Tudo Bem, The Pulsators, The Whiskey Thieves, The Dick Conti Trio, Ollie Kent & Friends and the Delta Sliders. Festivities will go from 1 until 10 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
The pub is dedicated to providing a family-friendly venue for local musicians; explains general manager Hunt Bailie. “Murphy’s has a long tradition of supporting live music, and with our new owners come new opportunities to grow that tradition. We’ve made a significant investment in our state-of-the-art sound system to make it much easier for musicians to come by and ’plug in’, and we’re creating several festivals throughout the year to showcase the world-class musical talent we have living right here in Sonoma Valley.”
Murphy’s “Mardi Gras in May” joins “The All-American Music Festival” on the Fourth of July as another high-energy musical event with something for everyone. “The Sonoma Jazz Plus festival has rarely included local musicians, so we thought that we could use our excellent location and rich local talent pool to offer an alternative for many people who are here in town wanting to hear great live music.” Bailie, a long-time Sonoma resident and small business operator, has come up through the hospitality ranks as a creative and energetic manager who provides an example of the growth that can be accomplished through providing consistently excellent customer service. “We’re offering portions of this weekend’s proceeds to the Sonoma Community Center for all of the good work that they do there to encourage local music.” Bailie said.
“The Pub is different from every other kind of venue, bar or restaurant. Every day, we welcome families of every age and description to enjoy our food and drink and beautiful patio, located on the Plaza, but tucked away just enough to be relaxing. We have great neighbors and we try to be a great neighbor too!” Bailie continues, “Murphy’s has become Sonoma’s number one spot for live music because we know how to deliver the best customer service, and, as special event manager Michael Kelley would say, the best ‘partyology’!”
Murphy’s will be barbecuing oysters from Drake’s Bay Oyster Company, along with a special festival menu and all kinds of drink specials, combined with non-stop live music, all with no cover charge, but with former owner Larry Murphy’s motto ringing clear: “Welcome to the California wine country! Have a Guinness!”