2004 Milwaukee Irish Fest
At the 2004 Milwaukee Irish Fest, Celtic Tours sponsored the “I’ll Tell Me Ma About Irish Fest” song contest, and Seamus Kennedy performed the title song. Minister Éamon Ó Cuív, Minister of Ireland’s Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs visited the festival. The special show of Ragus, a showcase of Irish dance, music and song from the Aran Islands, was brought in direct from Ireland. The Murphy’s celebrated a clan reunion.
Cultural offerings included the Saint Barbara, a Glaway hooker (boat) docked in the lagoon. The Ward Irish Music Archives presented “Irish American Song Stories, an exhibition of American sheet music, 1850-1950.” Walton’s presented their Celtic Groove School, and the Cultural Pavilion focused on the islands of Ireland: the Aran Islands, maritime history, famed pirate Grace O’Malley, and paintings and crafts were included.
Entertainers at the 2002 festival included Tommy Fleming, Teada, Bad Haggis, Ragus, Pipeline, Tommy Makem, Gaelic Storm, Furey Brothers, Eileen Ivers, The Makem Brothers with Mickey and Liam Spain, All Set Ceili Band, Flook, Kips Bay, Natalie MacMaster, Prodigals, Seven Nations, and Slainte Mhath. Dancers included Cashel Dennehy Irish Dancers, Glencastle Irish Dancers, Trinity Irish Dancers, Caledonian Scottish Dancers, and Gillan School of Highland Dance.