Thousands are expected to paint the Gaslamp Quarter green for a shamROCK shindig on St. Patrick’s Day at Sixth Avenue and G Street. Live bands, DJs, traditional Irish folk music and, of course, local pub specials on green beer promise enough emerald entertainment for the entire night on Wednesday, March 17. Proceeds from ticket sales will help keep local history alive by benefiting the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation. “It’s our special event as a fundraiser,” said Melissa Trew, Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation executive director. “Very few know that their night of fun turns into weeks and weeks of learning opportunities for many,” Daniel Drayne, owner of The Field, Irish Pub and Restaurant, 544 Fifth Ave., partners with the foundation to sell tickets for $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event. While the event doesn’t always raise a pot of gold because of recent economic woes, it’s enough to help the foundation fund educational programs, including running the William Heath Davis House historical museum and, programs for kids, guided tours through the quarter and the foundation’s yearly signature “Fallback” street fair in which history buffs dress in period costumes from the 1800s, Trew said. This year’s shamROCK will include Irish step dancers and performances by bands like the Young Dubliners, The Fooks, The Downs Family and No Doubt cover band No Duh, all spread across three stages around several blocks. The main events take place in the Gaslamp on F Street between Fifth and Seventh avenues; Sixth Avenue between E and G streets; and on G Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, according to event planners. Planners emphasize driving home safely by providing designated-driving shuttles for those who may have had too much Irish whiskey or green beer. Organizers will also be handing out free nonalcoholic energy drinks for designated drivers, said Natalie Gomez, an event coordinator with McFarlane Promotions. “We want everyone to come down and have fun,” Gomez said. “But we also want them to leave and be safe.” For details and an entertainment lineup, visit www.sandiegoshamrock.com. shamROCK 2010 St. Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, March 17, Sixth Avenue and G Street. 4 p.m.-midnight. Tickets $20 in advance at The Field, Irish Pub and Restaurant, 544 Fifth Ave.; $25 on the day of the event. www.sandiegoshamrock.com