IRELAND
Coming to Milwaukee Aug. 19-22

Milwaukee Irish Fest celebrates 30th anniversary

THE SUN warms your face, a breeze comes over the nearby water and gently touches your hair. In the distance, you hear a toe-tapping melody that instantly reminds you of a welcoming pub. You must be in Ireland. Actually, it’s the next best thing – you’re at Milwaukee Irish Fest – the largest celebration of Irish music and culture in North America.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2010, this unique four-day festival, held along the shores of Lake Michigan at the Henry W. Maier Festival Park, offers an affordable and enlightening cultural experience for visitors of all ages. This year’s festival will be held August 19-22.

More than 130,000 people attend Milwaukee Irish Fest each year to take in more than 100 diverse entertainment acts on 16 stages. A special Northern Ireland Showcase will be featured this year from one end of the grounds to the other. All of the music, dance, drama, sports and culture of Northern Ireland will be well represented by government officials, musicians, tourism representatives and artists from Northern Ireland.

“We’re passionate about igniting an appreciation of Irish culture in all people,” said Jane Anderson, executive director of Milwaukee Irish Fest. “And, although our organization works year-round to promote Irish culture, our annual lakefront festival is – without question – the best opportunity for everyone to really immerse themselves in the welcoming, good-natured, proud and loyal attitude that’s so noticeable among the Irish people.”

Of course, when most folks think about Ireland, music is one of the first things that come to mind and Milwaukee Irish Fest certainly delivers in that regard. A special collection of musicians performing in a celebration called “The Legends of Irish Folk” takes center stage on the 30th anniversary program. The show will feature music of The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, artists and songs of Northern Ireland and “A Dublin Songbook.” Mick Moloney, Robbie O’Connell, Evans & Doherty, Schooner Fare, Tommy Sands, Tom Sweeney and others will highlight the festival’s Legends lineup.

Other festival favorites set to return this year include Cherish The Ladies, Gaelic Storm, Green Fields of America, Slide and The Celtic Tenors. The Celtic Rock Stage will also be hopping with the sounds of the Red Hot Chili Pipers, The Screaming Orphans and The Young Dubliners.

Visitors can stroll through the Cultural Village, which will offer exhibits, activities, shopping and education on the finer points of Irish culture and heritage. The Moore Street Market is another must-see destination featuring some of the best artists from Ireland and Northern Ireland. Donegal knitter Rosaleen Hegarty will return and retro versions of Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) jerseys and clothing will be available for purchase. Legendary Lowden Guitars will be on display, making their North American debut at Moore Street.

The Cultural Pavilion will feature the history and culture of Northern Ireland and will include exhibits on Narnia, from the C.S. Lewis series of books based in County Down; a replica of the Titanic’s hull, housing an exhibit from Belfast; Stormont, an exhibition on Northern Ireland’s parliament, and an exhibit on the story of the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick.

“Milwaukee Irish Fest really has pretty humble beginnings, having started out as just a small gathering to celebrate Irish heritage here in Milwaukee,” Anderson continued. “It’s hard to believe, in many respects, that it has become the preeminent festival of its kind in the United States. We’re very proud of Milwaukee Irish Fest and invite everyone to visit us this August to help celebrate our 30th anniversary. As always, it promises to be very informative…and a whole lot of fun.”

Hours of Milwaukee Irish Fest 2010 are 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19; 4 p.m.-midnight Friday, Aug. 20; noon-midnight Saturday, Aug. 21, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22. Admission at the gate is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors (60+). Children 12 and under are free.

Special Ticket Offers

Thursday, August 19: 5 to 10 p.m. Grand Hooley, Admission $5. Free admission with donation of school supplies (markers, notebooks, backpacks, etc.) for children served by Hope House.

Friday, August 20: Free admission from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 22: Donate nonperishable food items PRIOR to the Liturgy for Peace & Justice for admission to the festival free of charge AFTER the mass. College Day: $3 discount off admission 2 to 7 p.m. with valid college student ID (Main Gate only).