Irish Fest starts today
What to see and listen to, and how to get discounts to the four-day festival.
This year’s Milwaukee Irish Fest salutes one of Ireland’s great places: Galway, the city and county on the Irish west coast. A slew of this year’s musical performers, including returning favorites We Banjo 3, hail from Galway.
Artisans and even a bishop from Galway will be part of the 2019 festival. Some displays will point to Galway 2020 events, when the city will be recognized as a European Capital of Culture, a European Union initiative.
Irish Fest takes place Thursday through Sunday at Maier Festival Park (the Summerfest grounds). It’s a big festival with nearly 20 stages and program areas, even a stage for harpists. Here are some suggestions for enjoying the hooley:
A big night of music for a budget price
Thursday’s preview night, a $5 bargain, features the Celtic/bluegrass crossover sounds of We Banjo 3 plus Galway stalwarts BackWest, The Kane Sisters, Leo Moran & Padraig Stevens and The Whileaways.
Go to school on Irish culture
Visit the Hedge School for talks on Irish history, literature and other topics, including “The Importance of the Irish Diaspora” by Ciarán Cannon, Ireland’s minister of state for the diaspora and international development, at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
Catch a present or future star
Irish Fest’s extensive music lineup includes Gaelic Storm, the popular group that performed in the movie “Titanic,” as well as Red Hot Chilli Pipers, the energetic Scottish crew that mixes bagpipes with rock. Both groups perform Friday through Sunday. Or listen to a less familiar rising talent, such as singer-songwriter Susan O’Neill or Aoife Scott.
Dance, dance, dance
The honor roll of local Irish dance groups performing at the fest includes Beglan, Caledonian Scottish, Cashel Dennehy, Glencastle, Gillan School, Kinsella, Lavin-Cassidy, McMenamin, Milwaukee Irish, Schauer Arts Center Irish Dancers and Trinity Academy. Learn to dance yourself with ceili lessons at the Dance Pavilion.
Nourish the soul, feed the hungry
Brendan Kelly, the Bishop of Galway, will celebrate the festival’s annual Liturgy for Peace and Justice at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Due to Summerfest construction, this year’s Mass will be at the BMO Harris Pavilion. The South Gate will open at 8 a.m. The Irish Fest Choir for Peace and Justice begins singing at 9 a.m. People who donate three nonperishable food items before 11 a.m. Sunday will receive free admission to the festival. Hunger Task Force requests canned peaches or pears in 100% juice.