Grand Sierra Resort Brings In Stellar Reno Concerts: Flogging Molly
Photo by Sam Ray-Johnson.
Saint Patrick’s Day isn’t my first pick for a favorite holiday by any means, but I will admit it’s the perfect break from a long, depressing winter, filled with green food coloring, beers flowing and laughter with friends. It’s an excuse to come out of hibernation to “cheers” the oncoming spring and look forward to brighter days. It’s also a time to reflect on history and heritage, and honor those who came before us.
But if I’m going to be honest, what I look forward to every St. Patty’s Day is definitely the attention given to Irish folk music. Ceol Irish Pub was my introduction to authentic Irish songs, and as someone who’s becoming more and more interested in world travel, Ireland has been on my bucket list for a long time. Irish tunes are rich with folklore, lighthearted in sound but profound in storytelling, and are timeless – far beyond just St. Patrick’s day music.
So when I got the opportunity through a lovely coworker to snag tickets to attend the Flogging Molly tour at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino this past weekend, you bet I jumped at the chance. With St. Patrick’s Day falling on the Friday before, I knew I was in for a long couple of days but that it would be worth it in the end.
The GSR is known for its Grand Theatre. It’s home to the globe’s largest indoor stage, and I performed on it multiple times as a child with a theater group called Tahoe Players. I had the pleasure of working under Monica Folio while she was alive, and her granddaughter Lily Baran, in plays like Snow White, Seussical The Musical and Beauty And The Beast. I’ve been to a few shows there as an adult, but returning always brings back so many fond memories of rehearsals, getting makeup and costumes ready in the dressing rooms and exploring the extensive backstage historical artifacts. It’s a world-renowned venue and brings in a lot of cash flow to Reno, whether it’s a small local kids’ play or Grammy-award winning musicians. They also hold KTVN 2 News’ Share Your Christmas event in the parking lot every year, helping to raise money and food donations for families in need during our harsh winters.
The night of the Flogging Molly concert came upon the eve of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and as one of the opening bands mentioned, there was a residual hangover in the air. Energy was low starting out, but it was good to see the familiar sights of battle vests, crazy hairstyles and punks in the mosh pit. I was thankful I was seated though, and my coworker gave me literally front and center views. While I accidentally sat in the wrong section for the first group, Skinny Lister, the ushers were more than friendly and escorted me to my proper spot. Be warned if you go to the GSR – read your ticket carefully! Their seating arrangement can be confusing at first, but once you find your place it’s easy enough to make your way back. You also will be waiting in line forever for drinks, so order them early.
Skinny Lister opened up the evening with some old fashioned shanty punk. Their music transported me to a pub in the UK, raising a glass with friends in the smoky glow of streetlights. The sound was merry enough, but it was definitely an indie folk flavor to start the festivities. I would say these guys would be perfect background music for a DND night, or going on a road trip to the countryside.
The next band, Anti-Flag, was much more “in your face,” with a screamo, pop-punk flair. While the group is known for left-wing political activism, they made a few statements here and there but it wasn’t overshadowing the show. They were fun, loud and rowdy, which stirred the front row into a circle pit right on cue. You wouldn’t think it would be the best transition from Skinny Lister, but it got the crowd’s blood pumping for the main act, which is exactly what we needed. I enjoyed their vibe so much, I grabbed a vinyl on my way out to add to my collection.
No concert would be complete without the headliner – and I gotta say, Flogging Molly was beyond incredible. After reviewing so many shows and so many artists, I can tell when a band is top-notch, and anyone can see the years and years of performing have turned them into some of the most talented names in the game. Not a single beat was missed (and they were going pretty fast at times too), vocals were on-point and their stage presence was so inviting and engaging. There’s a difference between a musician and an entertainer, and there’s a reason why the GSR was the best spot to host them.
They played older hits like ‘Drunken Lullabies,’ and ‘Devil’s Dance Floor,’ but they mixed it up with newer ones like ‘A Song Of Liberty’ as well, which was very popular amongst the punks. Regardless of track, Flogging Molly’s distinct traditional sound at a hyper speed tempo made for a lively, wild whirlwind of fiddle, tin whistle and thousands of feet vigorously tapping along. What makes them special is realizing the song is ancient, but the interpretation is modern, and it’s a profound expression of our human experience. Music can be anything you want it to – whether you’re singing about getting drunk at the bar, flipping off the government, or serenading someone you love – and Flogging Molly is all that, plus some.
I think what I liked the most of all, was the blend of people who could enjoy Flogging Molly. There was a man with a liberty spiked style, blue mohawk, a row of about six or seven dude-bros wearing the same button-up shirt, and then a woman who looked like a soccer mom sitting next to me. Old heads and young-ins were in attendance, from all walks of life. When you create music that is able to capture the attention of so many from within such a niche genre, that’s the mark of an exceptional band.
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t a holiday I usually distinguish as a memorable one, but these past few days were some of the happiest I’ve had in a while, and Flogging Molly absolutely blew it out of the ballpark. Nothing could have ended this weekend better, and I’m really grateful I had the chance to enjoy it. I hope the group comes back to our area soon, to furiously strum us into the night again as we give toasts from our beer mugs and gather with good company.
To listen to Flogging Molly, visit their Spotify profile here.
