Irish Musician to Give St. Patrick's Day Concert at Buckhead Theatre

Irish musician Liam O’Connor, called the “Jimi Hendrix of the squeezebox,” is known for his high-energy performances.

The master of the accordion, who plays 20 instruments, will bring his blend of traditional and innovative styles to the Saturday night for a special St. Patrick’s Day concert. The doors open at 7 p.m. O’Connor will also appear at the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday.

 “I play different genres of music and different styles,”he said Thursday afternoon upon arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. “It’s a very passionate performance that I do. It’s not the traditional type of playing, but of course traditional as well.”

O’Connor said the show will include singing by his wife, Lisa Aherne, and dance performances. “It will be a great night,” he said. Tickets are available at http://stpatsparadeatlanta.com.

The “ambassador of Killarney” said he’s looking forward to the 130th Atlanta  St. Patrick’s Day Parade, of which Mayor Kasim Reed will be the grand marshal.

O’Connor said the parade will include the “largest Irish flag in the world,” with more than 50 people walking it through the downtown streets. The parade will alo have a five-story St. Patrick’s Day balloon.

The parade, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, will have more than 4,000 dancers, musicians and “Irish enthusiasts,” 16 community bands and six floats, according to an announcement. Along with Reed, U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson and Rep. John Lewis will appear.

The parade starts at intersection of Ralph McGill Boulevard and Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta, continues south on Peachtree Street toward Woodruff Park and concludes at Five Points, according to the announcement.

After the parade, a St. Patrick’s Day festival will be held from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday at 200 Peachtree St., adjacent to the Westin Peachtree Plaza.

Along with O’Connor’s appearance at the Buckhead Threatre, Buckhead will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with daylong celebrations at several bars. Vote until 9 a.m. Friday for your .