By Janette Turner

Pardon me for daydreaming about St. Patty’s week, but the promise of live music at Jack Murphy’s Bar is irresistible, so it’s noted in this column, along with the bar’s promise to do penance for bringing in Pipers on a day of the Lord. Until then here’s this week’s finest offerings in chronological order.

Saturday: Otherworlds hosts Clockwork Fairy Tea

Otherworlds sent along this notice for its Clockwork Fairy Tea from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday: “Calling all Clockpunks and Steamfae! Come for a tea catered by Friday Afternoon Teas, and get your finery photographed by Fiddler’s Green Photography in front of a painted backdrop! It should be noted that while this is not specifically adult-themed, it is neither crafted nor intended for children.” More information can be found on the website.

Saturday: ECA hosts Blind Boys of Alabama

Formed at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in 1939, the Blind Boys of Alabama played in obscurity for 40 years on the black gospel circuit until their breakout appearance in 1980’s “The Gospel at Colonus.” Racking up five Grammys over the years, the group’s latest album, “Take the High Road,” features collaborations with county music legends. Here is a performance from their live DVD, and ticket information for their show on Saturday, 7:30 p.m., at Edmonds Center for the Arts is on the website.

Jimmy Carter, the band’s original founding member, recently answered questions about the band.

My Edmonds News: Please tell us about how you keep putting on amazing shows on these tours.

J.C.: We love what we do and by the grace of God we can keep doing it.

My Edmonds News: What is one of your favorite collaborations?

J.C.: We really enjoyed working with Jamey Johnson. He and the other musicians just felt like family.

My Edmonds News: What song are you looking forward to performing in Edmonds?

J.C.: We’re looking forward to performing “Amazing Grace” and “Look Where He Brought Me From.”

My Edmonds News: What else would you like folks to know?

J.C.: We’re looking forward to seeing them soon!

Sunday: EdCC Black Box hosts Music Faculty Recital featuring Torrey Kaminski

Edmonds Community College Music Department faculty hosts a recital featuring Torrey Kaminski on flute on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre. More details are here.

Sunday: Ki-ho’alu Foundation presents Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival

Grammy Award Artists LT Smooth, Stephen Inglis, Bobby Moderow, Paul Togioka, and Walter Keale present some of the finest slack key guitar music in the world at Edmonds Center for the Arts on Sunday, 3:00 pm. The tag line on the ECA website reads: “Come and experience life in the islands, Edmonds style.”

Ends Sunday: Driftwood’s “The Importance of Being Earnest”

The wittiest play in the English language ends its run by the Driftwood Players after the Sunday matinee. Ticket information for Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” can be found on the Driftwood website.

Wednesday:  ECA presents Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s music was incorporated into Paul Simon’s “Graceland” album in the mid-1980s, and won a place in many American homes. The group, which received a Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album, 1988, and eight more nominations, plays Edmonds Center for the Arts on Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Show information is on the website and you can view the group performing with Paul Simon on Saturday Night Live here.

Recently Mambazo member Albert Mazibuka answered questions about the band and upcoming show.

My Edmonds News: How do you keep the party going at every show?

A.M.: We love singing for our audiences. They have taken time out of their busy lives to join us, to see us and to hear us. We never lose sight of this fact.  For us, that is reason enough to celebrate every night. Plus we love sharing our culture from South Africa. Yes, it is a party!!

My Edmonds News:  What are you looking forward to at the show in Edmonds?

A.M.: Seeing old friends, fans who have come to prior shows. Meeting people for the first time, people who have never experienced us before.

My Edmonds News: What should audiences look for during the show?

A.M.: Our traditional singing and dancing.  We really try to bring South Africa to Edmonds, Washington. We know it is expensive and takes many days to visit the real South Africa, so we do all we can to bring that experience to the concert hall.

My Edmonds News: Anything else you would like folks to know?

A.M.: They will experience a beautiful culture, many beautiful songs, some fun dancing and an evening they can’t experience anywhere else.

Wednesday: EdCC Black Box holds St. Patty’s Day dance with MoodSwings

Take a swing lesson at 6 p.m. in the EdCC Black Box and hit the dance floor from 7-9 p.m. to the big band music of the MoodSwings at the St. Patty’s Day Swing Dance. Plans for the evening also include a dance demonstration with snacks and desserts available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Edmonds Community College Foundation. For more information, see the EdCC website.

Wednesday-Sunday: Jack Murphy’s Bar celebrates St. Patty’s Day

As promised, here is the musical lineup for Jack Murphy’s Bar for the party days of March 13-17: Ravens Warble String Band plays Wednesday at 7 p.m. ; Emerald Bards on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. ; One Eyed Dog on Friday at 7 p.m.; Acoustic Cadence on Saturday at 7 p.m.; Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day and doors open at noon, no cover, with Snohomish County Firefighters Pipes & Drums at 5 p.m. Check the Facebook page to stay up-to-date on all the soggy details.

Ongoing: Gallery North’s Annual Miniature and Small Paintings Show

Wee works of art are on display during March at Gallery North’s Annual Miniature and Small Paintings Show. Be prepared to take home one or a dozen. More information on the show is here.

Advance notice: Drfitwood’s “Hen Night” plays March 21-24

The Driftwood Players’ Theatre of Intriguing Possibilities, in conjunction with Arouet, is preparing the N. American premiere of “The Hen Night Epiphany,” by award-winning Irish playwright Jimmy Murphy. The show’s short run is March 21-24, so expect a sell-out because –after St. Patty’s Day – folks are primed for another toast with the Irish. Details and show times are here.

Arts and entertainment reporter Janette Turner is your guide to local culture. In addition to covering visual, performing and literary events for My Edmonds News, Janette is President of EPIC Group Writers, a writing instructor, and a member of the Swedish Hospital Art Committee. (Photo by Jennifer McKinney).