Hello all. I’m new to trad and am exctied about going to Irish Fest in Milwaukee. I have one day to be there and I’ve heard there is so much to hear/see/do. I’m going to see Solas and have researched the festival site but would appreciate advice from those who have been there before like cool things to see/stuff to bring(the site is specific about what NOT to bring)/cool merchants, etc. I realize what is “cool” is subjective, but so is advice 
and I appreciate the help.
Thanks in advance!
The Fuchsia Band.
The Fuchsia Band.
The Fuchsia Band.
The Fuchsia Band.
Did I mention The Fuchsia Band?
It’s expensive, but a ride on the chair lift is quite fun.
There’s sometimes a session going in the pub-ish thing by the lakeside, so you may want to have an instrument handy.
Looking at the list of performers, (John) Skelton, (Kieran) O’Hare, and (Liz) Knowles should be fantastic! I’d also consider the Kilfenora Ceili Band a must-see. And Lau is quite remarkable–certainly one of the finest “neo-trad” bands out there. Some other names
Check out Athas, too–C&F’s own Dr. Funkenstein’s band. Ce and Atlantic Wave, and Brett Lipschultz and Randy Gosa are also good Milwaukee bands.
the ‘Scottish sampler’ or whatever they’re calling it this year is pretty good and includes younger musicians that haven’t yet made it over to the states much. Lau are quite good if you like that style (I suppose it’s not far from Solas - they’re both ‘contemporary’ or ‘neo-trad’, whatever you want to call it, but definitely not rock). Jenna Reid and Anna Massie are both fantastic young musicians.
if you’re looking for cds, don’t get them from the festival people. go to the store called ‘Rampant Lion Celtic Traders’ which is usually in the sales area at the rock stage end of the festival grounds. they have good prices and usually an even better selection.
definitely go hang around for a couple days and hear as much as you can!
cheers,
Sara
I’ll second Fuchsia Band, O’Hare/Skelton/Knowles, and Lau as must sees. I think Irish Fest marks Lau’s US debut, and I suspect they’re going to go over very well.
I’d also highly recommend:
Ciaran O’Maonaigh, a fine young Donegal fiddler
Fingal (James Keane, Daithi Sproule, and Randal Bays)
Kane Sisters (Liz & Ivonne)
Another cool spot is the Gaeltacht/Cultural village area. There’s usually lots of music happening down there, many of it under the radar of the main festival. They had melodeon legend Johnny Connolly last year and it was superb!
Thanks for the shout-out, Tintin! You sure you’re not coming to the fest this year??? Come on, ya know you wanna! 
The good Doctor is right…I do so want to, but alas…
Wow – it sounds like a GREAT lineup this year. Wish I was going!
I saw John, Kieran and Liz in a loose trio at the Cincy Irish Fest a few years ago, and they were WONDERFUL. And John is, of course, one the best (and funniest) “emcees” you’ll ever hope to come across. (Mairtin de Cogain of the Fuchsia Band probably comes in second)
Have fun!
P.S. I think (I hope, anyway!) it’s OK to say this as they’ll probably announce it at the festival, but John mentioned that he and Kieran are working on a new recording; I think they’re shooting to get it out this fall.
He’s also putting together a new tunebook of what he calls “cruel and unusual tunes.” John’s a real student of such things, so that should be fun.
P.P.S. Is Ciaran O’Maonaigh one of those O’Maonaighs (i.e., Francie, Mairead, etc.)?
P.P.P.S. Is Ce Asher Grey’s latest incarnation? He’s darned good. Definitely worth a listen.
Yup. . . Mairead’s nephew. If it’s the same one who instructed at Swampy a few years ago.
Today Kieran O’hare preforms with Liz Carroll, I wanna gooo!!! (I’m too far from there though) ..
I helped set up the cultural village last year, and If they have pictures on the site of the celtic cross and all the flowers, yup, that was me and a few friends. We all busted our butts for a week straight. My mom was a driver for the musicians. Its a load of fun.
Don’t forget to watch the parade, as I am going to be marching with the shamrock club. (the band wearing solid green kilts).
Have fun!
Sean Cavanaugh
P.S. you know, sometimes I wish I could only be there one day. My Irish fest lasts two weeks instead of one.