Key Milwaukee

August 2013

An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Key COVER FEATURE New features join annual favorites at the world's largest Irish festival PEOPLE WILL GATHER from all over the world for the 32nd annual Milwaukee Irish Fest taking place Aug. 15-18 along Milwaukee's lakefront. Whether it's your first time at the festival or you're an Irish Fest veteran, you'll be sure to find something you love. "We travel the world in search of the finest in Celtic entertainment," said Patrick Boyle, executive director of Milwaukee Irish Fest, who visited Ireland and Nova Scotia this year. "After seeing many phenomenal bands perform in their home towns, we cannot wait to share their talent with our guests." Here are the highlights you won't want to miss: Biggest names in Celtic music At the heart of Milwaukee Irish Fest is music. The festival will once again bring in the biggest names and most popular acts to perform on 16 stages. Guests will be treated to traditional favorites, Celtic rockers and contemporary groups. Not-to-miss acts appearing for the first time include The Willis Clan, an award-winning band of seven family members age 21 and under; Creel, the house band at Raglan Road Irish Pub in downtown Walt Disney World, and JPTrio and Niamh Farrell, a young, traditional band from Ireland. Nova Scotia in spotlight Each year, Milwaukee Irish Fest highlights an aspect of Celtic music and culture. This year's showcase is Nova Scotia, the Canadian province whose name means "New Scotland." "Given our history and unique cultural experiences, Nova Scotia has become one of the major international centers for traditional Celtic music," commented Brian Doherty, president of Music Nova Scotia, which is 8 partnering with Milwaukee Irish Fest on the Showcase. Nova Scotia is home to a very unique brand of Celtic music rooted in the traditions of the 18th century Scottish immigrants who arrived there after the Highland Clearances. Guests can expect a wide variety of the Irish and Celtic song and instrumental traditions of Nova Scotia in the Showcase. Arts, sports & dance Milwaukee Irish Fest offers much more than music. Guests can immerse themselves in Celtic culture, including language, arts, sports and Irish dance. The Cultural Village on the south end of the grounds is the hub for all cultural activities. Highlights this year include an exhibit on the Irish in Rock, a Hobbit Exhibit that explains how Ireland's topography influenced the dwellings of J.R.R. Tolkien's characters, and a Brian Boru Feilie 2014 exhibit celebrating the high king who united Ireland a millennium ago. Need help exploring the cultural area? Tour guides are provided at the Info Cottage. If you love sports, Irish Fest delivers. Guest can enjoy tug-of-war and hurling areas as well as a sports pub on the grounds. Catch teams competing in currach races (traditional Irish boats) on the Summerfest lagoon. Visitors interested in learning about traditional Irish dance should be sure to stop by the Dance Pavilion where instructors will teach you the basics of traditional céilí and set dancing. Or sit back and enjoy amazing performances by six Milwaukee-area dance schools.

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