Forget St. Patrick’s Day — Tomorrow is Hall & Oates Day!

While the music world is chiefly focused on SXSW in Austin right now, there’s a bit of just-as-big music news hitting Philadelphia: Tomorrow is Hall & Oates Day.

Yes, with a gig at the Tower tomorrow night, Mayor Street felt it was time to officially proclaim March 18 Daryl Hall and John Oates Day in our fine city.

“Many local artists have brought a great deal of recognition to our City and we are proud to honor those who have blazed the lyrical trails and have inspired others to follow in their footsteps,” Street said in a statement “Local Philadelphia natives and former Temple University students, Daryl Hall & John Oates are truly one of our city’s most celebrated musical success stories.”

I’m totally imagining Street penning this while listening to Private Eyes. But it is good to hear that Hall & Oates are not only Philadelphia natives, they’re local Philadelphia natives.

But Hall & Oates aren’t just being honored for their music. The duo has also been fighting international justice:

The city is also recognizing their charitable contributions, such as their involvement in stopping starvation in Africa, as well as bringing awareness to Lyme Disease — a malady that Hall currently suffers from.

Wow! Who knew that starvation in Africa had been stopped. I also didn’t know Hall had Lyme disease. I hope he’s doing okay, I hear that disease is a real Maneater. Watch out boy, she’ll chew you up!

Full, pun-free release after the jump.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia Mayor, John F. Street, Officially Declares March 18th, Daryl Hall and John Oates Day

Number-one selling duo in music history receive a proclamation from their hometown

Philadelphia, PA–March 15, 2006–Right before Daryl Hall and John Oates hit the stage for their gig at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby, PA, they will be awarded an official proclamation from the City of Brotherly Love in recognition for their incredible accomplishments in music. The city is also recognizing their charitable contributions, such as their involvement in stopping starvation in Africa, as well as bringing awareness to Lyme Disease — a malady that Hall currently suffers from.

Says Mayor John F. Street: “Philadelphia has a rich musical past. Many local artists have brought a great deal of recognition to our City and we are proud to honor those who have blazed the lyrical trails and have inspired others to follow in their footsteps. Local Philadelphia natives and former Temple University students, Daryl Hall & John Oates are truly one of our city’s most celebrated musical success stories. We are proud to call Daryl Hall & John Oates Philadelphians.”

Says John Oates: “To be recognized by your hometown is truly an honor. Daryl and I will always be Philly guys, no matter where we live. The only way that the mayor could top this honor is to give us a lifetime supply of cheese steaks.”

Daryl and John are currently out on tour promoting their latest album, OUR KIND OF SOUL, on their own U-Watch/DKE Records (distributed through RED). The album has been receiving raves from several influential national media publications. USA Today said: “Seldom has adult-contemporary pop juggled sleekness and substance this winningly.” People Magazine raved: “Daryl Hall & John Oates find new inspiration in old gems that are a perfect fit for their patented harmonies and Philly soul-inspired stylings.”