Irish Fest Showcases the Culture and Music of Galway

Milwaukee Irish Fest has long been recognized for its celebration of Irish heritage. Through its ties to Ireland and Celtic cultures around the world, it continues to be the premier Irish festival that draws thousands to the shores of Lake Michigan each August. To expand the festival’s offerings and encompass Celtic influences, Irish Fest opened the Celtic Roots Stage in 2005, which each year features the top Celtic talent from all corners of the globe, including Nova Scotia, Scotland and the Isle of Skye.

Honoring this expanding tradition, the 2008 Milwaukee Irish Fest will host one of the organization’s largest collaborative efforts to date through its partnership with Milwaukee’s sister city and Ireland’s cultural heart – Galway.

Musicians and cultural exhibits from Galway will be featured at the festival for four days only. Entertainment from Ireland’s west coast will include, Furry Village, The Saw Doctors, Trad on the Prom, The Kane Sisters, the Maimin Cajun Band and Marc Roberts. This year’s Cultural Village epitomizes Irish Fest’s authenticity and its ties to Ireland with several exhibits: The 14 Tribes of Galway that led the city to a golden age of prosperity and international recognition; the story of Galway’s legendary Claddagh Village and a photographic exhibit showcasing the Galway Arts Festival (1978 – 2007), and nearly 30 years in pictures.

The Saw Doctors: http://www.sawdoctors.com/

The Saw Doctors are a folk-rock band from Tuam County Galway in the west of Ireland. Taking their name from itinerant craftsmen who once traveled from sawmill to sawmill sharpening and repairing saws, the Saw Doctors have a fervent following, especially in Ireland and among Irish-Americans in the United States. They hold the record for Ireland's biggest-selling single of all time, " I Useta Lover" which topped the Irish charts for nine weeks in 1990. Other hit songs include “N17”, “The Green and Red of Mayo”, “To Win Just Once” and “Clare Island”

The band is often compared with American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen due to their frequent invocation of local atmosphere, haunts, and characters, and their penchant for singing about ordinary people's lives in economically difficult times.

The Kane Sisters: http://www.thekanesisters.com/

Together Liz and Yvonne Kane create a highly exciting and vibrant sound. These sisters come from Dawros on the outskirts of Letterfrack, a village in Connemara along the West coast of Ireland. With a musical tradition on both sides of the family, it was only natural for the girls to play music. Their grandfather, fiddle player Jimmy Mullen, has been a leading figure on the traditional music scene in Connemara for over 50 years and it was his enthusiasm that encouraged the sisters to learn to play the fiddle. Joining the sisters in Milwaukee will be Daithi Sproule.

Trad on the prom: http://www.tradontheprom.com/

Trad on the Prom is a contemporary Irish show featuring an electrifying mix of music song and dance. Trad on the Prom showcases the amazing talents of Mairin Fahy, featured soloist with ‘Riverdance’ and ‘The Chieftains’.

Mairin is joined by Chris Kelly and her world class band which includes Gerard Fahy on uilleann pipes, Yvonne Fahy on accordion and percussion, Brendan Hayes on keyboard and other guest musicians. Dancers from ‘Lord of the Dance’ and ‘Riverdance’ include Cian Nolan (lead dancer Lord of the Dance), Mary McDonagh (Riverdance) and young rising stars of the future, world champion brothers Cathal and Fergal Keaney. Guest vocalists feature Marc Roberts (Eurovision Star), Sean Costello (Multi-award winner) and Yvonne McMahon (Vocalist The Chieftains).

Marc Roberts: http://www.marcroberts.ie/

In 1997 Marc Roberts represented Ireland on the international stage, singing in the Eurovision Song Contest before 300 million TV viewers.

He came second with Mysterious Woman, and it officially launched his career as he went on to perform on top TV shows that included the Late Late Show, Richard & Judy, Open House, and the Kelly Show. Since the glory days of Eurovision, Marc has been carving out a lifestyle as a live performer, singer/songwriter and even finds time to host a popular Saturday afternoon radio show on Galway Bay FM.

In Milwaukee Marc Roberts will be doing his popular show “A Celebration of the Music of John Denver”

Furry Village: http://www.gerardfahy.nl/

Furry village is one of the most dynamic bands in Ireland today. A very diverse act they can take you from roaring laughter to an overwhelming awe of the beauty of the pipes. They’ve got chops! Humor, dancers and an exquisite singer.

Gerard Fahy on Uilleann Pipes, Chris Kelly on Acoustic Guitar, Yvonne Fahy on Accordion and percussion, Maírin Fahy on Fiddle, Terry Fahy on Drums, John Colohand on Lead Guitar, Benny Hayes on Keyboard and John Lyons on Bass Guitar.

Maimin Cajun Band:

The Maimin Cajun Band have delighted irish audiences for almost two decades with their eclectic mix of Cajun, Zydeco and Irish tradition. From a variety of musical influences this lively six-piece creates a unique sound bringing together the infectious rhythms of southest Louisiana and the traditional songs of south Connemara. The Irish language features throughout their set paying tribute to the sean-nos style of singing alongside more contemporary compositions while their upbeat version of "Peigin Leitirmor" is a big favorite in the Gaeltacht region of Galway.

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