| Irish Festivals of Summer By
Julie Gates
As the summer came to an end, once again, Irish-Americans took advantage
of the muggy days and sultry nights to hold festivals celebrating their
Irish culture. This summer saw festivals throughout the United States. Hundreds
of Irish-Americans travelled from near and far for a chance to witness traditional
music and dance.
The Sioux Falls Irish Club of South Dakota celebrated their Irish culture
by hosting the Sioux Falls Irish Festival for the 6th year in a row. In
late July, Irish enthusiasts were treated to a festival that included traditional
music, song and dance. Despite the extremely hot temperature soaring near
100, everyone was treated to the sounds of five bands, including Gaelic
Storm and Ellis Island, traditional Irish dancing and food and drink for
the entire family. The festival also offered eight small workshop classes
to anyone who wanted to learn tin-whistle bodhran or set dancing.
Also, in July, Lincoln Centre of New York City hosted the 17th annual
Midsummer Night Swing. The Irish “supergroup” Bohola was the main act for
the evening, entertaining guests with traditional Irish sets and ceilis.
In between the sets there was an old-fashioned Irish balladeer competition.
If anyone needed a break from all the dancing, the festival featured a beer
tasting festival on the plaza.
Finally, to say goodbye to the summer and ring in autumn, the Newport
Waterfront Irish Festival was held during Labor Day weekend. The festival
was a very popular three-day affair. For eight years, Newport has held the
festival at the historic Newport Yachting Centre. The festival celebrated
not only Irish arts, music, culture and food, but also the beautiful, historic
town of Newport, as well as the famous waterfront. There were five stages
with continuous entertainment by over 100 entertainers and exhibitors. The
line-up included Tommy Makem, Screaming Orphans, The Barley Boys, step dancing
by the Nevin Academy Dancers and many more.
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