Celtic Fest is being held on Mother's Day weekend at Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois. The 14th Annual Celtic Fest brings music and good times to Chicago on May 8 and 9, 2010. The festival, headlined by The Saw Doctors and La Botinne Souriante , features two days of unique music and entertainment to kick off the summer music season early with CEOL ‘S CRAIC! (Gaelic for music and good times!), Celtic Fest Chicago is FREE to the public and runs from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m on both days.
Celtic Fest brings world renowned artists to Chicago to celebrate the culture of the seven ancient Celtic nations with performers from Ireland; Brittany, France; Galicia, Spain; Scotland; the Isle of Man; Cornwall; Wales; plus the United States and Canada. Celtic music enfolds a variety of rich cultures, as various geographical areas contribute diverse backgrounds and flavors. Celtic Fest Chicago celebrates this history with music and traditions that date back to 300 B.C.
A full line-up of world-class entertainment is presented on both days of Celtic Fest, with highlights including. the Celtic Art Fair, traditional and contemporary Celtic music and dance and the popular bagpipe parade, along with a Harp and Uilleann Pipe area.
The Next Generation Stage will host local Celtic music school performers during the day and established bands in the evening. Celtic dancing will be performed during the day and taught each evening at the Dance Stage throughout the weekend.
Celtic Fest, Saturday, May 8
Irish rock band, The Saw Doctors from Tuam, County Galway headline the Jay Pritzker Pavilion Stage on Saturday, May 8 at 7:30 pm. A true "people's band, The Saw Doctors have a fervent following, especially in Ireland and among Irish-Americans in the United States, and hold the record for Ireland's biggest-selling single of all time ("I Useta Lover"). The band is named after itinerant Irish craftsmen who once traveled from sawmill to sawmill sharpening and repairing saws. The Rogues will open at 6:00 pm. Known for their musical skill, quick wit and engaging show, the Rogues quickly connect with the audience using their unique multi-instrumental sound. These are two performances that must not be missed.
Ladies get to pick their set of legs at the Men in Kilts Contest. Brave men will show off their legs in kilts for a contest unlike any other. The contest will take place Saturday, May 8 at 4:45 pm on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. All brave lads can enter the day of the contest, beginning at 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the two information booths located throughout the park. Spots are limited; arrive early to sign up! Great prizes!
Celtic Fest Sunday, May 9
On Sunday, May 9 Celtic Fest welcomes back La Bottine Souriante. Fresh from their performance at the Vancouver Olympics closing ceremonies, LaBottine Souriante will headline on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion Stage beginning at 7:00 p.m. This French Canadian band whose name means “The Smiling Boot” generates an infectious high energy show that will have you dancing in the aisle. Their distinctive sound displays the fusion of jazz, salsa, and pure folk while maintaining true Celtic tradition. This “must-see” group last performed at the festival in 2006.
Mother’s Day Limerick Contest will lbe held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 9 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The top five limericks will be read at the Festival and the three winning limericks will be announced. Prizes will be awarded to the winner based on theme, originality, sentiment, wit and use of the limerick rhyme and meter. Limericks will be accepted via email at moseinquiry@cityofchicago.org now through April 16. Visit the Celtic Fest Website for details.
FlyNovaScotia.com is the presenting sponsor of Celtic Fest Chicago Nova Scotia, which is Latin for New Scotland, is Canada’s Celtic Capital, Nova Scotia which is Latin for New Scotland. 2010 n the Jay Prizker Pavilion stage and the FlyNovaScotia.com Gathering Tent, experience Coastal Rhythms: The Music and Spirit of Nova Scotia featuring Nova Scotian artists: Chrissy Crowley; Colin Grant; Jason Roach; Patrick Gillis; Kenneth MacKenzie; Norma MacDonald; Darren McMullen; Alison MacQuarrie; Jenny Cluett; Tony Quinn and the 78th Highlanders of Halifax Citadel (Pipes and Drum).
Celtic Fest Chicago is presented by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and FlyNovaScotia.com and sponsored in part by Chicago Tribune, Pepsi, CLTV, 104.3 Jack FM, Hinckley Springs, Chicago Transit Authority, Miller Lite, Stella Atrois, Essex Inn, LaGrou Distribution System, Inc., Communications Direct, Inc. and Alf McConnell & Associates.
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