Milwaukee Irish Fest, notes and highlights

[Senara]

I'm sure the Scattering on Sunday night is going to be a big event this year. Afterall it was his stage. I'm thinking it will be a rather quiet walk through the grounds afterwards. Of course all the bands will have their own words for him and probably a song or two of his in their shows. It's just not going to be the same without him.

So what day are you gonna be on the grounds? I'll be there everyday....of course.

[Robert Phoenix]

Fri we head down after I get my paycheck. All day Sat and Sunday is usually a toss up between Irishfest and Bristol Ren faire

[Senara]

Hope to run into you on the grounds then. Have a safe trip down!

[Robert Phoenix]

Heading down tomorrow. Got your Pm and if I get a chance we can meet on Sat. I can't promise anything but Ill try to give you a buzz. I've got the wife, youngest son, and the daughter with baby in tow. Six hour ride filled with kicking, screaming and crying. At least the baby will behave. If by chance, on Sat, you see a rather tall gentleman wearing a McDonald Sport kilt and a black "Got Kilt" shirt with the back saying "Beware of Strong Breezes" that would be me. Have fun! Hope to see you there.

[Senara]

I'm finally dried after this weekend! Will give you all the whole rundown once I can get out of work and have a chance to collect my thoughts and photos.

Quick Highlights
Friday: great weather-Gaelic Storm, Fuchsia Band, The Elders
Saturday: pouring rain, drowned rat & shivering-Rose Laughlin, Mairtin De Cogain storytelling, Cherish the Ladies. Photos w/ Rose and Mairtin (woohoo)
Sunday: showers off and on-shopping, Leahy, Beoga, Scattering

[Robert Phoenix]

Hi Senera! I see you got caught in the downpour too. Friday was nice and I managed to pick up some of the stuff I didn't get last year. Got "Princes of Ireland" signed by Ed Rutherford and my Irishfest soccer shirt I've been waiting for all year. We watched Gaelic Storm and the Tommy Makem tribute and then wewondered around making a mental shopping list for next year. Sat, as you said, was wet, very wet. If that is what they call a soft day in Ireland I'll wait till gobal warming set in. I spent most of the day hopping from merchant stall to merchant stall. I did watch Liz Carroll and Enter the Haggis over on the Celtic Rock stage and picked up ETH's live CD before calling it quits. I planned on giving you a call but my wife and daughter chose to go mall shopping that day and they had your number in the checkbook. As it was I was completely soaked through-kilt and all by the time I left.
We skipped Bristol Ren faire for now and headed back Sunday. I now have a nice little cough and cold but it was worth it. Hopefully we can get together next year or maybe at the Waukasha Highland Games if I can get down there on Labor Day.

So how do you like Gaelic Storm's new fiddle player?

[Robert Phoenix]

The entertainment schedule is currently up for 2008. Here is who is coming so far:

Gaelic Storm
The Barra MacNeils
The Celtic Tenors
Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul
Solas
Makem & Spain Brothers
Seven Nations
Seamus Kennedy
Scythian
The Fuschia Band
Tom Sweeney
The Kilfenora Ceili Band
The Omagh Choir
Peatbog Faeries - Scottish Celtic-Rock-Fusion-Dance Band
Monto - a great new ballad band
from Ireland
Screaming Orphans - dynamic all-girl rock/pop group from Donegal

I'm already a definite yes for Solas, Peatbog Faries and Eileen Ivers. I missed Eileen last time she was there and Solos and Peatbog have been on my "to See" list for awile. Scythian too. I checked out the Screaming Orphans-being more of a traditonalist I think I will pass-bit too modern for me but I've been surprised before. Now, were is Barleyjuice and the Elders?

[Senara]

The Elders probably won't confirm until February or March I'm thinking...at least it will be after their trip to Ireland with Enter the Haggis...who will probably confirm at the same time.

Awesome the Omagh choir is returning. Definately a fantastic group! One of the Celtic Tenors was their director the last time they were here. Wonder if Dierdre will be with the Celtic Tenors this year...that would be awesome!

As usual...so many great bands...not enough time to see them all!

[Robert Phoenix]

The Elders have the St Paul Irish fest the week before and one in Colorado the weekend after Milwaukee so at least that slot is still open. ETH has only one date scheduled in August and that is at the end of the month. It looks like it may be a go for both bands being there.

I'll have to check out the Omagh choir. Sounds like they are something to see.
I still would like to see Afrocelt again but I guess they are looking for a label right now. So far it does look to be a better lineup than last years. Still hoping for Barleyjuice or Ceili Rain.

[LadyJeanetta]

As of March 20, here's the line-up for this summer's festival (per the Irish Fest website):

RETURNING IN 2008

Gaelic Storm
The Barra MacNeils
The Celtic Tenors
Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul
Solas
Makem & Spain Brothers
Seven Nations
Seamus Kennedy
Scythian
The Fuschia Band
Tom Sweeney
The Kilfenora Ceili Band
The Omagh Choir

NEW TO IRISH FEST

Trad on the Prom
Furry Village
Marc Roberts
The Maimin Cajun Band
The Kane Sisters
The Saw Doctors
Peatbog Faeries
Bodega
Lau
Jenna Reid
Anna Massie Band
Monto
Screaming Orphans
Troy McGillivray

Looks like it'll be a great weekend Though I'll be really bummed if the Elders don't come -- they've been a major highlight for me the past two years.

[Robert Phoenix]

If you can make the trip and if the Elders are not at Milwaukee this year, they will be one of the headliners this year at St. Paul's Irish fest the weekend before Milwaukee along with Flogging Molly, the Tanahill Weavers, and a few others. Best of all its free admission.
www.irishfair.com

[Robert Phoenix]

Updated lineup
Returning Favorites: Gaelic Storm
The Barra MacNeils
The Celtic Tenors
Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul
Solas
Makem & Spain Brothers
Seven Nations
The Saw Doctors
Seamus Kennedy
Scythian
The Fuschia Band
Tom Sweeney
The Kilfenora Ceili Band
The Omagh Choir
Plus many more local & regional favorites to be announced soon

Bands Making Their Irish Fest Debut
Trad on the Prom
Furry Village
Marc Roberts
The Maimin Cajun Band
The Kane Sisters
Peatbog Faeries
Bodega
Lau
Jenna Reid
Anna Massie Band
Fingal
Monto
Screaming Orphans
Troy McGillivray
Terence Winch
Ciaran O Maonaigh

[MacEwan]

Preliminary schedule + brochure (subject to change):

http://www.irishfest.com/IF%20PreBro2008_final.pdf

[Robert Phoenix]

I hope they post the guests for the cultural section soon. I want to see which authors show up. I'm hoping Frank Delany

[MacEwan]

Full schedule now up...

http://www.irishfest.com