Irish American News

There's a great paper from Chicago called the Irish American News, and my friend and proud South Sider Brian McCarthy was kind enough to bring me the recent issue after a visit home. And there we are, right there on page 16.

Kansas City Fest Features World Class Music

The Kansas City Irish Fest will carry on its tradition of bringing a lively and diverse range of Celtic Sounds to Crown Center September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. More than 20 national and local music acts are scheduled to perform on three outdoor stages, and the O'Riada Academy of Irish Dance will feature it's annual feis, which will put more than 600 dancers in the spotlight.

Now in its fourth year, the KC Irish Fest continues to be one of the fastest-growing Irish Festivals in the nation. Held on the grounds of Crown Center, the world headquarters of Hallmark Cards, the Irish Fest is set among green terraces, trees, and cool fountains.For those who like the non-traditional side of Irish music, the Fest will feature Celtic rock performers who infuse old-world themes with new-world sounds. Making its first-ever appearance at the Fest, Ireland based Hothouse Flowers is touring on the tail of its fifth studio album, "Into Your Heart".

Named for the multiple nations of the Celtic world, the hard-rocking New York City-based Seven Nations has reached an even wider audience in the world of Celtic music, instilling bagpipes and tin whistles into its sets ever since it began in 1993.

Gaelic Storm rose to fame in 1997 as the "steerage band" in the blockbuster film Titanic, but that was only the tip of the iceberg. On the heels of its just-released album, "Bring Yer Wellies", this diverse group of entertainers will bring their high energy sound to the heartland.

Also debuting a new album, "Soapbox Heroes", Irish Fest wonder Enter The Haggis will dazzle listeners with Celtic and rock mixed with elements of bluegrass, funk, blues and Latin.

For those with a more traditional ear for Celtic music, the Fest features an array of choices. The Bridies, whose members have played in both "The Lord of The Dance" and "Riverdance", bring blazing fiddles and vocals to match as a staple on the Irish Fest circuit. Gráda has been together for only five years, but it's unique time-honored sound and visionary albums have already won critics over. Ireland natives Luka Bloom, Seamus Kennedy and John Spillane are also traditional acts that the Fest audience can enjoy.

An Irish Fest in Kansas City wouldn't be complete without hometown favorites The Elders. Their raucous live shows and roots-rock beat have made them one of the most sensational and popular bands at the Fest, and on the American Celtic Fest curcuit.

Single day passes to the Kansas City Irish Fest are at www.kcirishfest.com for $8. Senior tickets are $5, and weekend passes are available for $20. Tickets at the gate are $10, and children 12 and under are free. For those who want to stay close to the action, the Hyatt Regency (800-633-7313) and the Westin Crown Center (800-937-8461) are offering discounted rates to festival goers for $89 and $99 per night, respectively. Each reservation includes two tickets to the Fest. Early hotel reservations are recommended. Callers must ask for the Irish Fest rate.

You can see Irish American News online (though not this article, which is why I typed it out for you) at www.irishamericannews.com