Festival Season has Started

Saturday and Sunday East Durham held it's 34th annual Irish Festival. I can remember going to the Festival in the early 80's and each year seeing changes made and better accommodations. Now in 2011 they have it down. With music from bands like, Andy Cooney, The Prodigals, The Kitty Kelly Band and others, the festival was full of happy people. I saw Shileagh Law, Celtic Cross, The Whole Shabang and Black 47. Fantastic music for singing along with (with Maura, Eileen, Erin ) and dancing to (with Sheila ). The real fun was the time spent with friends. I went on Saturday afternoon which led into Saturday night. It was a day of laughter and hugs, carnival food, and beer. These festivals are fun for the whole family, kids of all ages were running around eating cotten candy, going on the rides and dancing to the music.

Don't be upset if you missed the Festival because this is only the beginning. Without driving too far from the Saratoga area you can go to

The Great American Irish Festival in Herkimer County on July 29 - 31. They will be featuring, Enter the Haggis, The Prodigals, Seven Nations and our own Hair of the Dog and the Fighting 86's.

The Bennington Irish Music Festival is on August 20 & 21. They pack the stage with, The Makem and Spain Brothers, Rakish Paddy, The McKrells, Hair of the Dog and...........Donnybrook Fair.

The summer ends with Irish 2000 Music and Arts Festival at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds. The September 16 & 17 lineup includes, Shileagh Law, Celtic Cross, The Screaming Orphans (one of my favorites), Gaelic Storm and Enter the Haggis, The Flynn Brothers and Kevin McKrell.

All three festivals have websites with all the information you will need for a great time.

If you can't wait for the festivals the bands all have sites with their schedules and play dates.

So go out and enjoy a summer of great Irish music.