People will gather from all over the world for the 33rd annual Milwaukee Irish Fest taking place August 15 to 18 along Milwaukee’s lakefront.
This year’s featured showcase is Nova Scotia, the Canadian province whose name means “New Scotland.” Nova Scotia is home to a unique brand of Celtic music rooted in the traditions of the 18th century Scottish immigrants who arrived there after the Highland Clearances.
Of course, the heart of Milwaukee Irish Fest is music. And this year, to tie in with the Nova Scotia showcase, the fest will feature several bands from that area including Buddy MacDonald, Modern Grass, and Sprag Session. Festival goers will also have a chance to see traditional favorites like Tom Sweeney, The Makem & Spain Brothers and Kevin Burke; Celtic rockers like Gaelic Storm and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers; and contemporary groups like We Banjo 3, The Screaming Orphans and Goitse.
Goitse (pronounced gwi-cha and meaning "come here") is a five piece traditional band consisting of music students from the University of Limerick. “At the University of Limerick they have the Irish World Academy of Irish Music, and it’s the only place in the world that you can study and get a degree in Irish music,” explained Áine McGeeney, the fiddle player and vocalist of the group. “We were all very fortunate to meet each other there, and end up in the same class as well.”
This is the band’s second appearance at Irish Fest, the first was in 2011. “We are so excited to be back this year,” McGeeney said. “I remember when we first came to the states for two months two years ago, and the highlight of the whole tour was playing in Milwaukee.”
More information about the festival can be found here: www.irishfest.com
