Milwaukee Irish Fest is the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture, showcasing more than 100 entertainment acts annually at the four-day, 16-stage event at the Henry W. Maier Festival Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront. Passionately committed to igniting a love of Irish culture in all people, Irish Fest teaches Ireland’s music, dance, drama, sports, culture, children’s activities, and genealogy at the festival and through year-long programming.

Northern Ireland will be featured at this year’s Milwaukee Irish Fest through a special ‘Northern Ireland Showcase.’ Milwaukee Irish Fest runs from August 19-22. The showcase, spread throughout the festival grounds, will highlight the culture, heritage, and music that have helped shape this country steeped in history. Northern Ireland will be represented at several of the must-see venues at Irish Fest 2010, including the Moore Street Market, The Cultural Exhibit Pavilion, Hedge School and numerous musical stages.
“The Northern Ireland Showcase will immerse people in the sights, sounds and culture of the country,” said Jane Anderson, executive director of Milwaukee Irish Fest. “Guests of Irish Fest 2010 can discover lots of great things about the country, ranging from theatre and literature to an informative exhibit on their government, while listening to some top talent musicians from Northern Ireland.”
The Moore Street Market will house many of the finest artisans and craftspeople from Northern Ireland. Visitors will find student artists from Southeastern Regional College in Downpatrick, GAA retro jerseys, jewelers and fabric artists. The legendary Lowden Guitars will be making their North American debut at the Moore Street Market. Not only do Northern Ireland Showcase musicians Kieran Goss and Tommy Sands use Lowden Guitars, but so do nationally recognized stars David Gray, Eric Clapton and Damien Rice.
Of course, the Showcase will feature many additional musicians as well. Tommy Sands, Tom Sweeney and Seamus Kennedy, all natives of Northern Ireland, will be playing at the Celtic Roots Stage which will be the main showcase stage for Northern Ireland artists. McPeake will launch their new album ‘These Days’ at Irish Fest, bringing their blend of traditional, acoustic and folk music to Milwaukee. The exciting sound of Different Drums of Ireland returns with their rich symbolism of the Lambeg and bodhran drums representing the traditions of Northern Ireland. Len Graham and Brian Hart are both accomplished singers and will combine their talents at the festival. Another festival newcomer, Kieran Goss, is well-known for his folk, pop and alternative music and will be making his U.S. debut at the festival. Kintra’s masterful blend of Irish and Scottish sounds is a must see while Bracken promises to put on a great live show as well.
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.
Located in the Gaeltacht Tent will be Aisling Ghéar from Belfast, Ireland’s only professional theatre company working full-time to deliver great performances through the medium of Irish language. The group will be performing the two-hander, ‘Stones in his Pockets.’
The Hedge School will offer a series of lectures by leading authorities in Irish history, literature, language, and culture. Among them will be Sandy Smith, from the C. S. Lewis Foundation in Belfast, Dr. Tim Campbell, from the St. Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, County Down, and singer-songwriter Tom Sweeney, from Omagh. Singer-songwriter Tommy Sands, from Newry, will host a discussion on the role of the artist in the peace process.
Returning to the Hurling Area is the very popular hurley maker, Phillip Doyle. Be sure to stop by the hurley hitting cage, where you can try your skills in the ancient Irish sport. The Bangor Drama Club will return to the Theatre Pavilion, along with several other theatre companies from Northern Ireland. No trip to Irish Fest is complete without a stop at the Waltons’ Tent. It’s the best place on the grounds to learn how to play the bodhran and purchase one to take home as well. For more information, visit IrishFest.com.