2008 Milwaukee Irish Fest
New additions to the 2008 Milwaukee Irish Fest included the Jameson Lounge and an Auld Belleek Road Show. The Carrolls held their clan reunion, and a Meet Mr. Potato Head is presented in the Children’s area.
Cultural interests included an exhibit by Joseph Keane, woodcarver Grant Taylor demonstrated his craft, a history of the Ulster-Scots, and scenes of Northern Ireland. Ancestry.com appeared at the genealogy pavilion. The Ward Irish Music Archives presented the History of Traditional Irish Music and included talks from Harry Bradshaw, co-founder of the Irish Traditional Music Archive.
The Celtic Roots Showcase focused on the Splendor of Galway. Entertainers included Trad on the Prom, Furry Village, Marc Roberts, Celtic Passage, The Saw Doctors, The Kane Sisters, and the Maimin Cajun Band.
Galway exhibits included The History of the 14 Tribes of Galway, Claddagh, Aran Islands, Eyre Square, and the Galway Arts Festival 1978-2007.
A Scottish Sampler showcose was also held. Artists included Jenna Reid, Anna Massie, Lau, Bodega, and Peatbog Faeries.
Entertainers at the 2008 festival included Monto, Kilfenora Ceili Band, Solas, Scythian, Gaelic Storm, Barra MacNeils, Celtic Tenors, Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul, The Screaming Orphans, Seven Nations, Fuchsia Band, Seamus Kennedy, Tom Sweeney, and Troy MacGillivray. Dancers included the Glencastle Irish Dancers, Cashel Dennehy School of Irish Dance, Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, Kinsella Academy of Irish Dance, Gillan School of Highland Dance, Caledonian Scottish Dancers, and McMenamin Irish Dance Academy.