Get ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s season with a Celtic twist of indie rock! The Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival is thrilled to announce that renowned folk-infused indie rock band Carbon Leaf will headline the 2025 festival. The festivities will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in downtown Lexington.
With over 3,500 live shows under their belt, including previous Lexington appearances, Carbon Leaf has captivated audiences for decades with their infectious energy, heartfelt lyrics, and unique blend of acoustic and electric instrumentation. The band, known for their self-reliant spirit and commitment to their fans, continues to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots.
Just in time for the festival, Carbon Leaf will be riding the wave of their highly anticipated 15th studio album, Time is the Playground. This new album marks their first full-length release in a decade and is described as both a call to action and an embrace of the moment.
Frontman Barry Privett describes the album as a cohesive listening experience. “The challenge for us was to make something that felt good to get through from beginning to end –– to listen to like a story,” Privett said.
The album gathers songs written over 15 years, alongside brand new compositions. The band, including guitarist Terry Clark, multi-instrumentalist Carter Gravatt, bassist Jon Markel, and drummer Jesse Humphrey, spent a year and a half recording and mixing the tracks at their own Two-Car Studio.
From their early days as a college cover band in 1992, Carbon Leaf has carved a unique path in the music industry. They achieved national recognition with “The Boxer,” which won the American Music Awards 2002 New Music Award, making them the first unsigned band to perform on the AMAs. Their dedicated fan base has grown steadily, drawn to their relatable lyrics and the band’s commitment to empathy and communion.
“The Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival is excited to welcome Carbon Leaf to downtown Lexington for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration and a great kickoff to Lexington’s festival season as the city celebrates its 250 anniversary,” said Megan Moloney, Bluegrass Irish Society president and parade chair.
The free festival at Henry A. Tandy Centennial Plaza, running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m, promises a mix of live music, Irish dance performances, food vendors, artisans and local community groups. The traditional “Blessing of the Keg” kicks off the festivities at 10:45 a.m. and the annual St. Patrick’s parade from 1-2 p.m. Carbon Leaf will play after the parade and a full schedule and performance lineup will be published by February.
For more information about Carbon Leaf and Time is the Playground, please visit https://www.carbonleaf.com/.
For more information about the Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival, please visit https://lexingtonstpatsparade.org/.