More Tweaking

Dave "Shocko" Shaughnessy continues to fine tune our schedule. Lots of little nudges here and there, but one significant one. Another chance to see the great John Spillane on the Terrace Stage, Sunday at 1:30.

When you help run Irish Fest, you try hard not to play favorites. You don't want to give the impression that you favor one of your babies over the others. But I confess that I am a big John Spillane fan. I've mentioned him here before, and I'm sure I will again because it's important that you see him at Irish Fest this year. It's important because when he's huge, you'll want to be able to say, "yeah, I was there in Kansas City that first year". People will be saying that even if they weren't here, but they'll be lying and you won't be.

Here's what a fan I am. I got married last year to a beautiful girl and when we had our first dance it was to John's song Will We Be Brilliant Or What. We had the title to that song on the front of the programs for the wedding. That song, like so much of Spillane's writing, has the great power to say what you wish you knew how to say, to take you back to places and times gone by, and even to places and times you've never seen. To make you feel like John must have been there, that time, where you were, because how else could he know what it felt like? And he must know, because he writes so perfectly about it. In Ireland, they know how great John Spillane is. He's performed with the giants of Irish music. He's won the Meteor Award twice for best trad/folk performer. The people he beat this last time? A bunch of nobodies like Altan, Kila, Christy Moore and Sharon Shannon.

Plus on his website, he has pictures of himself with Packie Bonner and Paul McGrath. How can you not love a guy like that?

And will we be brilliant or what?
Will we be all dressed in sunlight?
Brilliant or what
Will we be smiling under starlight?
Brilliant or what
Will we be graceful and free
Will we be? graceful and free?
Will we be kind, why not?
What have you got?
And will we be brilliant, brilliant or what?

Brilliant, at the Kansas City Irish Fest. Boulevard Pub Stage at 5:30 on Saturday, and the Terrace Stage at 1:30 on Sunday.

The Pipes, The Pipes Are Coming

Did you happen to see (or hear) this fella around Irish Fest last year? You couldn't possibly have missed him. He was everywhere, all at once it seemed. He was strolling the grounds, he was on stage with The Elders during their song Men of Erin, he was in the hotel lobby. He didn't sleep. And if you were in the vicinity, he made sure you didn't either, not as long as there was music to be played and fun to be had. He's the Energizer Bunny with bagpipes.

Well, we're very happy to announce that this particular Man Of Erin, our old friend Dennis New will once again be flying in from Ireland to join us at Irish Fest this year, pipes and all. Be sure and say hello when you see him. And I promise, you'll see him everywhere.

News Item

Michael Jackson is still hiding out in Cork and locals in the village where he is staying say the pop star is looking for an Irish home.

Yesterday, the Irish Independent visited Castletownroche and the castle where Jackson is staying with his three children - Prince Michael I, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II. The exclusive Blackwater Castle was sealed off from the public.According to one local, Jackson's black limousine has been seen in the area.

"I saw it a few days ago - it's been coming and going."

Jackson arrived in Cork last Friday. He has been touring the county for several days. There are plenty of properties around Co Cork that the pop supreme could buy to replace his Neverland ranch.

Ballylickey Manor House in Bantry Bay is for sale at a cost of €2.2m. It is presently a hotel, but was once a family home. The Grain Store, near secluded Baltimore, is a stunning building on the market for €3m.

The most likely of all purchases is Bar na Don or 'Top of The Wave' in Glandore Harbour, Cork, owned by TV presenter Carol Voderman, which is on the market for €2.6m.

Michael Jackson is considering buying a place called Ballylickey.

Sometimes it's just too easy.

We've Got The Runs

I mean The Run. Just the one. The Kansas City Irish Fest Luck of The Irish Trot, Run For Education.

Okay, yes that's a really long name. But it's not a terribly long run. It's a 5K, which in miles is only...uh...not very much. And you can walk it if you want! As a matter of fact, if you want to walk, you only have to go 3K, which of course is 2 whole Ks less, making it, in miles...not very far at all.

You need the run. You'll wake up on Irish Fest Sunday morning a little bleary-eyed from the fun of the night before, another day of music, dance, fun and general Irish silliness ahead of you. You'll need something to clear the cobwebs out, something to get the blood flowing, maybe you'll need to sweat out a toxin or two, who knows. I'm not one to judge. Anyway, the run is what you need. You might even win a prize. For sure you'll get a free Irish Fest ticket and a cool t-shirt. And best of all, you'll help kids who need help to go to school. That's big deposit in the ol' karma bank right there, even without the health benefits, prizes, tickets and t-shirts. All for $23, if you register in advance through Active.com. A bargain.

I know I'm always bugging you to do stuff now, do stuff today, sign up now, book that. So you don't have to sign up for the run today. Sign up tomorrow. But sign up. Don't forget.

Because you're gonna need the run.

Further Fuchsia

And as long as I'm being lazy and letting other people do my blogging for me, here's the latest from Máirtín himself and the rest of the Fuchsia forces.

Máirtín just played a gig with John Spillane last night in the Speigeltent in Cork as part of the Cork Mid Summer Festival. For all ye Kansas City fans John was saying how excited he was getting to play there at the KC Irish Fest at the start of September and thanking Dan Regan (and all the people at Kansas City Irish Fest) for putting their necks out and booking him!

And last but not least we have sold out in Kansas City for our first concert of the tour on the 18th of July, in The Mountain Music Shoppe! Thank you all for buying early! If anyone is up for a spin our next gig is on the 22nd July in Little Rock, Arkansas. We know a few down there who might lead ye to the right hotel or campsite, get onto us for info! This will be the last gig in the area for until Milwaukee or around the KC Irish Fest! Also we have secured alot of workshops and concerts in Nebraska in the middle of September thanks to a great team working for us up there; Lori, Brad, LuAnne and Ashleigh! All the info on that will come in the mail next week!

It is always great to hear from you! A few good names have come in for the new Album title but not the right one yet! Send as many as you can to info@thefuchsiaband.com.

Hope this finds you well and that you keep in by the wall and mind the buses!

Bhur gcairde

Máirtín and The Fuchsia Band.

Radio Free Cork

The multi-talented and all around good guy Kevin Kiley of Something for the House sent this timely reminder from Arkansas:

This is just a a heads up about the special Nationwide Celtic Connections Radio Show that is an entire hour dedicated to the FUCHSIA BAND.

It goes into general release to all 120 affiliated radio stations TODAY and will begin airing all over the country TONIGHT.

This is the show that was recorded in Carbondale, Illinois, by Celtic Connections host Bryan Kelso Crow just shortly after last year's Kansas City Irish Fest when Mairtin and Eoin took a road trip to Kentucky and stopped in to visit with Bryan.

The show features extensive interviews with the lads and cuts from their CD(s).

I don't know if Kansas City actually gets the "Celtic Connections" radio show or not? (note from Dan: we don't) No problem... there are a number of ONLINE BROADCASTS and they will start airing Saturday morning.

There is also a "Quick list" of exactly WHEN/WHERE you can here this weeks Celtic Connections show online via your browser.

The list is up on the FUCHSIA FORUM and just thought the folks in KC area might want to know that it's there. Bryan Kelso Crow's own list of affiliates on his website is a bit confusing and the times he lists are actually not accurate anymore ( nor is there any real indication on his site which of the 120 affiliates actually have online internet "Listen Live" capability ).

The list on the FUCHSIA FORUM is much more accurate.

Thanks Kevin. Listen in everybody!

Vroom Go The Rooms

One of the thousands of things we at the Kansas City Irish Fest love about our home at Crown Center is that we have two, not one but two, great hotels right here, towering over us. You could hit the Westin with a potato from almost anywhere on the Irish Fest site (Note: Westin management requests that you refrain from pelting their hotel with tubers) and the Hyatt is just around the covered-walkway-linked corner.

I've been to Irish Festivals, and I bet you have too, where you have to take a shuttle bus or drive from your hotel to the event. Not here, baby. You just stroll, mosey, saunter or sashay on over from your deluxe accommodations on your schedule, not Fred, the shuttle bus driver's.

But here's the thing about hotels. I think this might be one of Newton's Laws or Hawking's Theorems or something like that. Hotels are finite. They fill up. And when they do, where do you stay? Not at my house, pal, not the way you snore.

Now, I don't want to scare you. But I need to throw some numbers at you, okay? This is for your own good. Tough love. As of last week, the Hyatt has booked 249 rooms for Irish Fest. The Westin, they of the non-potato-splattered walls, have booked 295. That's 544 rooms. And that was last week. Who knows what they're up to now. Not me, or I'd give you those numbers.

You see where I'm going with this. Book. Your. Room. Do it today. Don't get shut out. Even if you live in Kansas City. I live here, and I have my room booked. Irish Fest fun goes on long after we close the gates for the night, so make a vacation of it.

Get all the info on booking either hotel here. And then maybe we can mosey over to the Fest together. Just watch out for the flying potatoes.

Volunteer Update

The Sunshine Twins have informed me that some volunteer spots are now completely full, bless your little community minded hearts. But lots, lots, lots more remain open. If you haven't yet, sign up today , right now, to get the job you want. Special Assistant to the President is, I believe, unclaimed.

Please don't ask for these jobs any more, because somebody beat you to them:

CD Tent
Friday 4:30 - 8:00
Saturday 10:30 - 3:00
Sunday 10:30 - 3:00

Volunteer Liaison
Friday 4:30 - 8:00
Saturday 10:30 - 3:00
Saturday 2:30 - 7:00
Sunday 10:30 - 3:00
Sunday 2:30 - 7:00

For Your Listening & Dancing Pleasure

More new music on the ol' website juke box today.

Go N'eiri an Bothar Leat by Gráda. These young nua-traddies are really making a big splash in Ireland and it's easy to hear why. This is one of your must-see shows at the Kansas City Irish Fest this year.

The Mistrel Boy by Enter The Haggis. This is one of the things that got me interested in Celtic Rock (which is a term I really dislike, but use for lack of a better one): A traditional song, reinterpreted and updated. A couple favorite examples are the Young Dubliners Follow Me Up To Carlow and Rocky Road To Dublin. And this one by ETH.

Four Eared Cat by The Kelihans. Our favorite local bar band with a good old fashioned foot stomping tune where Dana attempts to saw that thing in half.

Danny Boy by Seamus Kennedy. This is a deeply silly and possibly slightly disturbed man. This song goes on for a full 7 and a half minutes in it's complete form. Here's a taste.

Let me know what you think. Who are you most looking forward to seeing and hearing at KCIF this year? And believe it or not, we've started our wish list for 2007. Dave's listening. Who would you like to see listed on our Entertainment schedule for next year? Operators are standing by.

Riverdance in KC

The wildly popular juggernaut that is Riverdance jigs into Kansas City tonight. The show runs through July 22 at Starlight Theater in Swope Park.

I remember when Riverdance was a new thing in America, just taking off. This was back in the days when I served as vice president of The Celtic Fringe in the failed and corrupt McGonagle administration. Brendan McGonagle was president, and had come to KC from Limavady, near Derry in Northern Ireland. If there is a night to every day, an up to every down, a north to every south, then there was Brendan to Michael Flatley, the Riverdance lead male dancer and future self proclaimed Lord of The Dance. They could not have been less alike. Anyway, Brendan had the idea that he should put a competing show with a supporting cast of fellow pub rats, Brendan front and center, resplendent in his skinny headband, pasty white belly drooping over his leather trousers, all of us shuffling away with pints in hand. There were a couple late nights when we were lucky enough to see Brendan rehearse a few steps. But alas, the Kansas City company of Liverdance was never to grace the stage.

Brendan eventually went back to Ireland, married the beautiful artist Fiona O'Hara and became a lawyer. Liverdance exists only in our dim memories. Riverdance is an industry unto itself. Michael Flatley is hanging out in Cork with Michael Jackson.

And the world spins crazily on.

And Speaking Of The Music...

If you hear something you love while browsing the new music samples, you can join your new favorite band...for the weekend anyway...by becoming a band sponsor. Your name or company name right there on stage, forever linked in front of thousands with the top talent in Irish music. You name, side by side your band's on our program. Your name mentioned in the same breath as your band's on our recorded sponsor thank yous, broadcast throughout the fest. You yourself, on stage introducing your new buddies, if you like. You can even yell "Hello Kansas City!", if want. I won't stop you. Sound too good to be true? C'mon, would I bring it up if it was? You know me better than that.

Get in touch with Keli today about remaining band sponsorships. keli@kcirishfest.com

New Music

There's some new music from some of or 2006 Kansas City Irish Fest performers to listen to on the Entertainment Page (and the same new stuff is also on the Media Page, if you like that page better for some reason). In the next few days, I'll try to have something new from everybody else, but for now check out these great samples:

Johnny Tarr by Gaelic Storm. A signature song with a cool swinging rhythm from this great party band.

Magic Nights in The Lobby Bar by John Spillane. A rare live recording of this wonderful song that will remind you of every great night you ever spend in a pub listening to live music. It takes me back to Harlings, 11 or 12 years ago.

Cathair Mhór Chicago by Luka Bloom. A beautiful version of his classic City of Chicago, as Gaeilge, from the double CD Ceol '06.

Christchurch Bells by Hothouse Flowers. Not new by any stretch, dating back to 1990. But a beautiful song, one of my favorites from a favorite band.

Five Points by Black 47. Another of Black 47's great Irish in America anthems, this one on the lighthearted side.

A Chailin Alainn by The Fuchsia Band. Who remembers hearing Mairtin sing this in the Hyatt lobby at 5:00 AM after Irish Fest closed last year? What a gorgeous song.

Up To Me by 7 Nations. Couldn't be anybody else. This is classic 7 Nations and should be played loud.

Caherconree by Eddie Delahunt. Eddie's at his very best when he's singing his own compositions, as he is here. I love this song.

Story Of A Fish by The Elders. Hot off the presses from the just released CD Racing The Tide. According to singer Ian Byrne, a true story and who are we to argue?

So there you go. Enjoy. And guess what? We only have 66 days to wait unti we can hear all this and more live at KCIF. We are going to have such a good time.

Feis Sure

The website of the Kansas City Feis has been updated, and there you can find out all you need to know about this great, fun event. Registration for competitors opens on July 5th, but remember you don't have to be a curly-wigged dancer with a number on your fancy embroidered dress to enjoy this showcase...although personally, I always enjoy it more when I'm decked out like that. All you have to do is buy a ticket and come watch. Do keep in mind that this is a seperately run and ticketed event: your Irish Fest ticket will not get you into the Feis. Feis tickets will be available at the door.

The second annual Kansas City Feis will take place on Saturday, September 2nd in the Westin Crown Center. It's sponsored and presented by the O'Riada Academy of Irish Dance. Check it out.

For Those Floating Around Cork

And should Michael Jackson or Ronan be reading this, they should make plans to be at the Classic Bar on North Main street right next to Captain America's, in Cork City tonight. There the mighty Fuchsia Band will have the final gig on their home turf before beginning their summer American tour, which will kick off right here in Kansas City. The show tonight is at 9:30, and Michael Jackson will be happy to know that there's no cover charge, as I hear his finances are a little low currently. I was going to make a joke about his also being happy that it's an all ages show, but I won't.

The Fuchsia Band American summer tour begins July 18th at Rocky Mountain Music Shoppe, Kansas City, Kansas.
www.mountainmusicshoppe.com 913-962-9711. Call now, very tickets remain.

News Item

Jacko Jets in to Cork For Stay With Lord of the Dance

The controversial pop star Michael Jackson jetted into Cork this afternoon on a scheduled Aer Lingus flight from Paris
There's intense speculation that the 47 year old who was accompanied by at least two other adults and three children will be staying with Lord of the Dance and Celtic Tiger performer, Michael Flatley.

Michael Jackson's flight touched down shortly after four o'clock, and he, along with his three children, Prince Michael, Prince Michael II and Paris were taken into the airport's VIP area after and brought through immigration.

The children had their faces covered with hats and masks. And Jackson, who was dressed in black, shielded his face with a mask.

A Garda escort and airport security rushed the superstar and his entourage to a waiting silver Volkswagen mini-van with tinted windows.

Jackson made sure he was well equipped for his trip to Cork, as he jetted in with 27 pieces of designer luggage.

It's not known what his plans were for the duration of his stay in the city, but it's believed he will be here for at least a week.

Speculation is high that he could be staying with Michael Flatley at his Castlehide home.

Hmmmm...Irish Fest director Ronan Collins is in Cork. You know, no one has ever seen Ronan Collins and Michael Jackson together in the same place. Ronan has lots of luggage. And they look remarkably alike. You don't suppose...

Nah.

Meet The Staff

The Kansas City Irish Fest is a big deal. The people want to know...nay, the people MUST know, the latest news about Irish Fest. I do my small part here, but when you need serious info, when you need the whos, whats, wheres and whys, don't ask me. I make up half the stuff I put up here anyway.

When you really need to know, ask Libby Nolan:

Okay, I'll ask Libby. Libby, tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in St. Louis but call Kansas City home now. My family and I moved to Overland Park, Kansas from St. Louis 4 years ago. In St. Louis, I was the owner/president of Image Matters, Inc. a marketing communications firm that represented Dixie Stampede in Branson, MO, Laclede's Landing, Raging Rivers Waterpark, Big Muddy Blues Festival, Delta Dental, Arthritis Foundation of Greater St. Louis among others. My real claim to fame was that I was Bugs Bunny at Six Flags-St. Louis.

And we tried hard to find you a job as a big, furry mascot for Irish Fest, believe me. But your job with the Fest is what?

Media Relations coordinator/helper/liason between Pat O'Neill and the Kansas City media.

Well, that's important, too. So how do you get from Bugs Bunny to Irish Fest?

First, I married into a large Irish-Catholic family and we have always been big advocates of our Irish heritage. But it was a St. Louis-turned-Kansas City friend of 20 years, Joe Donnelly, who introduced me to irish Fest executive director Keli O'Neill Wenzel and the rest is history.

I know you're relatively new to our Irish Fest family, but what do like best about the Fest?

The best thing about KCIF is that it is a fun-filled weekend activity that the entire family can enjoy together. Something for everyone. Of course, the Irish food can't be beat! I just can't get my fill of that on a daily basis.

Thanks, Bugs.

If you have questions about Irish Fest, you can ask Libby, too. Just drop her a line at lnolan2@mindspring.com or call her at 913-226-9682. She's also put up lots of good stuff on our media page.

Song Sung

It's a beautiful day, and it's Friday. I think I'll sing a song. Join me, won't you? Sing this to the tune of Home on The Range:

If you like to sing
Then I've got just the thing.
There are people out there just like you.

You can come sing along
With an old Irish song
And here's all that you have to do:

Call Mason today!
He knows where to find this soiree.
Just give in to that urge
Sing a ballad or dirge
And your cares will all be sung away.

Irish group sing along, Monday, June 26, 2006
7:00 pm, 37th & Roanoke area, Kansas City, MO
Call Mason at 913-515-1179 for exact directions.
All ages, everybody welcome.

Amanda Robbed

Remember when I encouraged you to go vote for 2006 Irish Fest performer Amanda Kapousouz, aka the Tin Cup Prophette, as she competed for the Album of The Year prize in the (Athens, GA) Flagpole Music Awards?

Well, she didn't win. Some band called "Modern Skirts" won. I suspect corruption at the highest levels of the Flagpole and I'm calling for a congressional inquiry to investigate obvious fraud, hanging chads, and the possible involvement of Katherine Harris in his travesty of justice.

And I vow that "Modern Skirts", whoever they are, will never play The Kansas City Irish Fest on my watch.

Amanda will, and you'll love her. Buy the record that should have won at her website.

Schedule Change

Dave Shaughnessy, the guy who books all our bands for the Kansas City Irish Fest is kind of a mad scientist. Actually booking the bands is pretty straight forward. But deciding on who he wants (with input from you, and the staff), contacting agents, and getting contracts signed is just the beginning. Then the mad scientist tinkering starts.

If we have Paddy Punk and The Shamrockers on the Terrace Stage at 4:00, would it be better to balance them with The Carlow Crooners or Maureen O'Houlihan and Her Happy Harp on the Pub Stage? Or maybe just move 'em to 6:00 and put Laois Law in their spot at 4:00?

Stuff like that. In the end, he somehow always gets it exactly right.

I mention this because you'll notice a small change Dave's made on the schedule for Sunday night. Gaelic Storm and The Elders have swapped places on the Terrace Stage. I won't bore you with the reasons...I think it had to do with the phases of the moon and the fluctuation of poiteen prices in Puckawn. I have no doubt it's the smart move, because Dave, as I mentioned, always gets it right.

Anyway, don't argue with him. Just keep an idea on the schedule. Mad scientists do not like to be bothered while they work.

Finally 21

Happy Birthday, Shannon!

Stormin'

Sorry I'm late. Had to wait until half time of USA v. Ghana. Ghana is up 2-1, unfortunately, on a questionable penalty kick goal. On the positive side, the USA goal was scored by Irish-American Clint Dempsey. On the negative side, aside from the score, Ghana has players named Pantsil, Boateng and Pimpong, clearly winning the cool name portion of the match.

Anyway, back to Irish Fest business: you should, after the match, go check out the cool new Gaelic Storm website and get information on pre-ordering their new CD, Bring Yer Wellies . It won't be available in stores until July 25th, but you can get yours early by ordering ahead of time, sometime in the next few days, promises the band.

The endlessly entertaining Gaelic Storm is on the Kansas City Irish Fest Terrace Stage Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3.

Another Story

Okay, okay kids...one more story and then it’s off to bed with you.

Not too long ago, there was a happy cow. Happy happy happy. It was an Irish cow, as anybody could see because it had a big shamrock shaped spot on it’s side. It was a very happy cow, in case I hadn’t mentioned that before. Then one day his little bird friend landed on his back.

“Hey, cow” the little bird said. “Why are you so happy?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” said the cow.”It’s a beautiful day, I’m Irish, and I’ve got this big shamrock shaped spot to prove it. Plus, I’m the official mascot of the 2006 Kansas City Irish Fest, the bestest Irish Fest in the whole wide world!”

“Because, you moron” said the bird “you don’t have a name. Haven’t you ever wondered why everybody just calls you ‘Cow’ and not Gary or Susan or Fred or Roxanne or some proper name like that? And by the way, ‘bestest’ isn’t a word, you dope”.

“Oh my” said the cow. “This is terrible news! How can I get a proper name?"

“Simple” answered the helpful, if a little rude, bird. “Ask all the kids who are coming to Irish Fest to think of a good name for you. They bring the names they made up to Irish Fest. Then you pick your favorite, and give the kid that thought of it a prize.

”Great idea!” exclaimed the cow. “And by the way...what’s your name, bird?”

“Mind your own business, cow” said the bird.

The End

Story Time

Okay, gather the kids around here by the old turf fire, and I’ll tell a story.

Once upon a time there was a brave little Irish Fest. And that little Irish Fest loved kids. It loved kids so much that it wanted to give them stuff, like prizes. So it had the idea (okay, it didn't "have the idea" so much as "stole the idea") to have a story contest, and the best storytellers would win professionally done illustrations based on their stories, suitable for framing. And so the brave little Irish Fest told all the kids that they had to get their stories submitted by July 14th, or they don’t win anything. Unless it’s the Name The Cow Contest, because those aren't due until Irish Fest in September. They can still win that, the brave little Irish Fest supposed. But a professionally done illustration, by a genuine professional illustrator? Forget it. “You don’t get something that cool just for naming a cow” scoffed the brave little Irish Fest. “I mean, seriously.”

So all the kids in the land wrote these great stories and got them done by July 14th. Some were funny, some were scary, some were happy, some were sad. All of them were about Ireland and Irish magic. And all of them were much better than this one, which is stupid.

The End

Have You, Yet?

You really should. Everybody's doing it. You can do it at home in your pajamas. If you've got the right equipment, you can do it in bed. If you're sneaky, you might be able to do it at work. I bet you can do it right now.

Volunteer for the Kansas City Irish Fest 2006.

As a public service a couple months back, I provided you with some descriptions of the various volunteer opportunties we have for you. If you missed those, or just need a reminder, links are below.

We need you. We want you. We got ta got ta have you. Because Irish Fest doesn't work without you. Sign up now. Pretty please.

Reunion Area
Raffle
Kids Area
Irish Fest Merchandise Tents
Volunteer Services
Site Hosts
Comedy
Site Crew

Winners!

The winning team of intellectual powerhouses in Pub Quiz number 4 are the mighty Answer Dudes, who absolutely demolished the competition at Blayney's last night. Powered by a pair of pulchritudinous Petries, they will be a force to be reckoned with at the $500 Finals on Friday night at Irish Fest.

You still have 2 chances to get your team together and qualify. The next Kansas City Irish Fest pub quiz is July 17th.

Pub Quiz Haiku

hey, come to blayney's
because the quiz is tonight
and i think you'll win.

The 4th of our 6 monthly Kansas City Irish Fest Pub Quizzes is TONIGHT at Blayney's Irish Tavern at 415 Westport Road. Team registration is at 6:30 PM, quiz starts at 7:00.

I want to see you there. I mean, c'mon. I wrote you a haiku. Doesn't that count for anything?

Fuchsia Band Summer

It's a Fuchsia summer in America, as Máirtín as the boys announce their summer schedule. These lads will own this country before they're through. Make sure you catch as many shows near you as you can.

July 18th Rocky Mountain Music Shoppe, Kansas City, Kansas
www.mountainmusicshoppe.com 913-962-9711 (only 20 tickets left)

July 22nd Sticky Fingerz, Little Rock, Arkansas
www.stickyfingerz.com
Support by Something for the House www.sfth.net

July 29th Hesperia Hall, Hesperia, California

August 10th Workshops at the Irish Fair Summer School, Minnesota
www.irishfair.com/summer_school

August 11th – 13th Headliners at the Irish Fair, Minnesota
www.irishfair.com

August 18th – 20th Milwaukee Irish Festival, Wisconsin
www.irishfest.com

September 1st – 3rd Kansas City Irish Fest, Missouri
www.kcirishfest.com

September 8th – 10th Headliners at the Celticfest Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi
www.celticfestms.org

September 14th – 19th Tour of Nebraska with Half way to St. Patrick’s day Mini Festival over the weekend of 15th – 17th and a monster Céilí on the Sunday night. Watch this space for more info. www.irishdance.inetnebr.com

For more details keep an eye to the concerts page on the www.thefuchsiaband.com

Father's Day, PS

And you know, if you're stuck for a gift idea for dear ol' Dad, a weekend pass to Irish Fest would be perfect. And you can buy one on-line, right now on our home page.

Father's Day

When I was a kid, my Dad was guaranteed to get three things for Father's Day, every year. Cuticura medicated soap, Muriel Coronella cigars and cashew nuts. He'd get the same things for his birthday, and for Christmas. With three times as many kids as there were gift ideas, there was always a lot of scrambling to get first dibs on giving him one of his holy trinity of presents. And a lot of group giving of small items ("Dad, the soap is from Peggy, Pat, Terry AND me!"). I don't know how these three things became "what you gave Dad". I don't honestly know that he even liked them all that much. Except that they came from his kids, and that's really all that matters to any of us Dads.

So for all the Dads out there, especially Kansas City Irish Fest Site Host co-chair Barney Walsh who's celebrating his first Father's Day on the receiving end, a very Happy Father's Day. I hope you get all the soap, cigars and cashews your heart desires...and all the love that comes with them.

Elders CD Released

The Elders have released their new long awaited CD Racing The Tide. Look for it in stores soon, or at live shows now...if you happen to be on the road, because your next chance to see the boys in Kansas City is at Irish Fest. I had a chance to listen to the CD a couple weeks ago and it's fantastic. The band's sound continues to deepen and mature, and Racing The Tide is their most ambitious and best effort yet.

Friday Funnies

I saw this little gem some time ago. Not sure why it popped into my head today, but here's a little day brightener for you. When you get to the link, just click on the green "Watch" button.

Give Up Yer Aul Sins

Elders Tonight

As if there wasn't already an embarassment of riches for the Irish and Irish-minded this weekend, you can also see The Elders at my old alma mater, Bishop Miege High School. I'd go, but I was asked never to come back when I left. Doors open at 7:00 PM and the Elders take the stage at 7:30. Presumably they'll start playing right around that time as well. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 for students and free for kids under 10. Bishop Miege is located right where I left it, 501 Reinhardt (right behind St. Ages Church at 50th at Mission) in Shawnee Mission, KS.

Say hello to Sister Martina for me.

Pub Quiz Time!

The 4th in our series of Kansas City Irish Fest Pub Quizzes is Monday, and you know what that means by now. Questions, Boulevard beer, answers, Boulevard beer, prizes, Boulevard beer, money and Boulevard beer. Only 3 quizzes remain to get your team qualified for the $500 prize at the finals during Irish Fest. For those of you inclined to study, rumor has it that possible categories might include World Cup, Military, and Local Celebrities.

This month our Tour de Pub Quiz takes us to Blayney's Irish Tavern, 415 Westport Road. Team registration is at 6:30 PM, quiz commences at 7:00. As always, there'll be Boulevard on special. As always, your quizmaster will be George Vial, the Pride of Donegal, ably assisted by the Lovely Linh Trieu. And as always, the quiz is presented by the Kansas City Irish Fest, Boulevard Brewing Company, and Drink: Your Guide To the Kansas City Bar Scene.

If there's World Cup round, as I expect there will be, here's an answer for you: Kaka. I'll let you figure out if there's a question that seems to fit it.

Irish National Baseball Jerseys

If you want to perk up your wardrobe, and help out the Irish National team as they continue to storm European baseball, I have good news for you. Those beautiful green team jerseys seen in John Fitzgerald's wonderful documentary The Emerald Diamond are now available for purchase, and all proceeds go to support the team. Talk about your great Father's Day gifts.

However, you need to hurry. Baseball Ireland is hoping to receive all orders via e-mail by June 19th so they are available for shipment by the end of July. If you'd like to get either the official game jersey or the practice jersey, here's what to do:

E-mail your order to chris@baseballireland.com and then send a personal check, postal or money (US dollars or Euros accepted) order made out to Baseball Ireland to:

Baseball Ireland
c/o Chris Foy
4036 Old Post Road
Seaford
NY 11783
USA

Or, to:

Baseball Ireland
c/o Chris Foy
9 The Boulevard
Bishops Orchard
Tyrrelstown
Dublin 15
Ireland

Prices are as follows:

National Team Official Game Green Jerseys
Without Name/Number
S-XL $85.00
XXL $90.00

With Name/Number
S-XL $95.00
XXL $100.00

Green Button-down Practice Jerseys
S-XL $75.00
XXL $79.00

NOTE: PLEASE E-MAIL CHRIS BEFORE SENDING A CHECK SINCE THE ABOVE PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE SHIPPING CHARGES, WHICH WILL VARY BY LOCATION.

For questions, contact Chris at chris@baseballireland.com

Cafe & Grand Opening

Be sure to stop by Eddie Delahunt's new Cafe & today as he celebrates his official grand opening. He'll have on the England-Trinidad & Tobago game in which it pains me to say I'll be rooting for England to beat the Soca Warriors in honor of my lovely British sister-in-law. The things we do for family.

Cafe & is just East of the corner of 45th and State Line.

The Coming Weekend

Don't forget, this Saturday night is the fundraiser for Children's TLC, a private Kansas City pre-school for children with disabilities. Eddie Delahunt, food and drink, a dessert bar, door prizes, and an auction full of great stuff.

Saturday, June 17th at St. Peter's McKay Hall, 64th & Holmes Kansas City Missouri (65th & Holmes, east to Charlotte, north to McKay Hall). Silent & Live Auction 7:00-10:00 PM, Eddie from 8:00-11:00 PM.

Tickets are $15 (Includes food, 2 drink tickets and a door prize ticket). Buy online: brownes@yahoo.com, or call: 816 309-3242, or at the door.

Don't forget Bloomsday at Bloomsday, beginning at noon on Friday until 11:00 PM. The party resumes at 10:00 AM Saturday, and goes until 1:00 PM. Music by the omnipresent Eddie Delahunt, stout by Boulevard. Bloomsday books is at 313 East 55th, in Crestwood.

Don't forget to be nice to all the dads, fathers, pops and papas in your life on Sunday. That's means YOU, Tommy and Joe!

News Item

From Special Irish Fest Linguistics Correspondent Sarah Walsh

Irish Tongues Are Wagging in U.S. Classrooms

DUBLIN — For generations, Irish schoolchildren have grown up despising Gaelic, this country's native language and a mandatory subject from kindergarten through high school. But these days the language, which most people here simply call "Irish," is experiencing something of a renaissance.

Irish-language schools and an Irish-language television station are booming in popularity, despite Gaelic's seemingly unpronounceable strings of consonants. And now the language's supporters, who have long bemoaned the impending death of the ancient tongue, have set their sights overseas.

The government department responsible for promoting the language began a fund last year that will dole out grants, of up to $36,000, to help international colleges establish programs teach Gaelic. This fall, the local branch of the Fulbright program will, for the first time, send native-speaking teaching assistants to American universities.

"Their immediate response was: 'Yes, yes, yes! We can't get enough teachers!' " said Carmel Coyle, director of the Irish Fulbright Commission.

Four assistants are going to colleges with Irish studies programs — New York University, Boston College, Notre Dame and the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

In some ways, Ireland is catching up. Of the 51 universities outside Ireland that teach Irish, 29 are in the United States. The Fulbright program has sponsored foreign language teaching assistants to work and study at American universities since 1968. Those modest one-year fellowships have generally gone to teachers of perennially popular languages, like Spanish and French, and more recently are going to languages like Arabic, Hindi, Turkish and Urdu.

Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam. Slán go fóill.

News Item

'Dead' Woman's World Cup Wake-Up

A 94-year-old declared dead suddenly sprang up and asked when Germany were next playing in the World Cup.

When told she had been declared dead by doctors, Maria Mueller replied: "Not likely, not until I see if Germany wins the World Cup.

"There's still life in these old bones yet, and I certainly couldn't miss the football."

Mrs Mueller had been found slumped over in her chair by son Bernhard Mueller, 66, at their home in Luegde. Neither Bernhard nor a local doctor could find a pulse.

Remember, you'll find the pulse of the 2006 Kansas City Irish Fest right here, every day!

Discount Tickets Available Now

Irish Fest opens in just 79 days. That might seem like a long time to you, but what do you know? You didn't even start your Christmas shopping until the 23rd of December. 79 days'll go by in a flash, believe me. There are things to do, preparations to be made. Have you planned your schedule so you can see all your favorite bands? Have you booked your hotel room? Started your fiddle lessons? Have you laid out your clothes for each day?

Okay, maybe that last one is jumping the gun a wee bit. But here's something you can do: buy your tickets. Best of all, buy 'em early and save some money. Back on the Irish Fest homepage you'll see a big tri-colored arrow pointing to a little button. Click that and you're on your way. This a new system for us at Irish Fest and we're really excited about it. You'll purchase the tickets on line, then print them at home. The tickets will have a bar code that we'll scan when you get to the gate and in you go. Tickets can be transferred by email and lost or stolen tickets can be reissued. Go try it!

Isn't technology cool? I mean, not always. Robots kind of freak me out, especially the get-smarter-than-we-are, take-over-the-world kind. And Plasma TV sounds pretty creepy, whatever that is. But this technology is pretty cool.

Buy your tickets today. You can lay out your clothes tomorrow.

Up The Cup

If you're stuck at work during World Cup matches and would still like to follow the action live, my brother Patrick sent me this link you might want to check out. It's not quite the same as watching, but it's live and still pretty fun. Plus, it's a great way to stick it to the man at work, if you're inclined to that sort of thing.

Not me. I shall wait until I get home to see the results, after the business of the day is complete.

Hothouse Flowers

This is kinda cool. If you go to the Hothouse Flowers website, you can add your name and location to their Fan Map. You can also see the worldwide reach of the fanbase for these great Kansas City Irish Fest headliners.

And if you're not a fan yet, you will be. Hothouse Flowers are on the Terrace Stage at KCIF, Friday September 1st at 7:30 PM

Bloomsday

As you're planning your upcoming weekend, don't forget to include one of Kansas City's greatest Irish traditions, back for the 12th straight year. It's Bloomsday Books Bloomsday Celebration, and it's back home in Crestwood.

On June 16 and 17 you can celebrate the day Irish literary giant James Joyce sent his protagonist, Leopold Bloom, on a 24 hour odyssey through Dublin's pubs, libraries, museums, newspaper, hospitals and bawdy houses. The party will include the annual marathon reading of Joyce's Ulysses, beginning at noon on Friday and continuing through 9:00 PM, when the infamous Brookside Players will perform Ulysses in Nighttown until 11:00 PM or so. Believe it or not, I've had teeny tiny parts in this epic in the past, and it's a lot of fun. If you'd like to try your hand at a little thespianism, or take a half hour shift in the reading, call Tom at the bookstore and see if there's a spot open.

Though the reading no longer goes all night (ah sure, none of us are as young as we used to be), the Ulysses marathon resumes at 10:00 AM Saturday, June 17, and continues until 1:00 PM. Eddie Delahunt, who himself has spent a fair amount of time wandering Dublin's pubs, libraries, museums, newspaper, hospitals and bawdy houses, will then entertain for a couple hours.

Boulevard Stout will be served while it lasts, and of course you'll be able to shop the city's best book store during the festivities.

Join two of my favorite people in the world, Bloomsday owners Tom and Nancy Shawver and all your friends for this really wonderful tradition. Bloomsday Books, back in the Crestwood Shops at 313 East 55th.

And in Other Soccer News

Roy Keane Retires From Football On Medical Advice

Former Irish international Roy Keane has announced his retirement from football due to the hip injury that has plagued the latter stages of his career. Media reports in recent days claimed the 34-year-old Corkman had decided to see out the remaining year on his contract with Celtic after being told that it would not make the injury any worse.

However, in a shock announcement today, he said he had decided that his only option was to retire after receiving medical advice from his surgeon and the Celtic club doctor.

Keane is regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation and was a central player in the dominance of Manchester United in recent years.

However, he parted company with the Old Trafford club in acrimonious circumstances last November after criticising his fellow players in a television interview.

He subsequently joined Celtic, helping them win the Scottish League title last month.

Keane retired from the Irish set-up last October after returning under Brian Kerr in an effort to help the side secure World Cup qualification. He had been sent home from the World Cup in 2002 by Kerr's predecessor, Mick McCarthy, following a much-publicised bust-up in the Saipan training camp.

Of course the upside for Roy is that now he's free to come to The Kansas City Irish Fest...in just 81 days.

Eddie's Ready

I just came from the brand new Eddie Delahunt's Cafe &, where I had a lovely toasted bagel and delicious mango smoothie. My brother Patrick and his wife Sarah had a wild berry smoothie and a latte, respectively and by all accounts they were lovely and/or delicious as well. Not so lovely or delicious, we also watched the USA get their USArses handed to them by Tomas Rosicky and the Czech Republic. But we're not going to blame Eddie for that.

Soccer loss aside, the place is great. Warm, friendly and comfortable, it's like sitting and having a chat in a friend's kitchen. Which, I guess, is exactly what it is. Stop by soon for a smoothie or a cup of coffee and some World Cup. USA tries again against Italy on Saturday.

Meet The Staff

Imagine this: you're at Irish Fest. The music is fantastic, the weather beautiful. You've a plate of fish and chips in front of you, and a brand new Kansas City Irish Fest t-shirt on your back. Now all you need to make this the best day of your life is a cold Boulevard beer. But wait: there's no beer. No Pepsi. No Sierra Mist. No ice. Nothing, but a long wait in line for the water fountain on the square.

A nightmare? Tell me about it. Luckily for you and me, a powerful, redheaded Irishwoman stands between us and that horrible scenario. She's the champion of the thirsty, the baroness of beverages, the queen of the quaff. She's Sarah.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm engaged to a wonderful, incredibly handsome man, Neil. I'm a full-time Mummy to 4 boisterous girls- Tyler (9), Haley (7), Heidi (5) and Chloe (3). The Brady Bunch ain't got nothin' on us!!! I just wish we had an Alice...... I REALLY wish we had an Alice.

2. Describe your job at the Kansas City Irish Fest for us.

Beverage Committee Co-Chair. In charge of making certain that all Fest-goers are well hydrated at all times! People think it's a glamorous job, tooling around on a state-of-the-art Gator all weekend and hanging out behind the beer trucks. There's much heavy lifting and logistical planning involved however. And corkscrews! I'm also in-trusted with the profoundly important job of procuring corkscrew for the bar tents.

3. You're clearly the straw that stirs the drink at Irish Fest, if you'll pardon the pun. How did you get involved with KCIF?

Well! Way back in 2001, I was working as a banquet server at St. Andrew's golf course. I was working a wedding, just going about my duties (I was serving wedding cake if I remember) and the DJ starts playing The Waterboys "Fisherman's Blues". I stopped in my tracks because unless you're an Irish music junkie, like myself, you don't just hear that song anywhere. Then this adorable couple gets out on the dance floor and starts cuttin' one helluva rug! So a little later I felt compelled to approach said couple. I told them that I love the Waterboys! Then we started talking about Irish music and of course, the Elders.....Then the man asked if I was familiar with the Westport Irish Fest. I had attended every year! So I say yes and he asks if I had ever considered volunteering. I started attending planning meeting shortly thereafter. I've been on the Fest Committee ever since! I couldn't imagine not being a part of this wonderful group of people. By the way, that couple was non-other than than Dan Regan and his now-wife, Jennifer!

4. And they say I don't contribute anything to Irish Fest! What do you like best about the Fest?

Most definitely the people I get to work with. And also being part of something so huge that provides a great time for so many people. Fest weekend is better than Christmas to me. I look forward to it all year. When we take our little break from planning in the fall, I swear I go through Committee meeting withdrawals. Maybe it's the lack of fresh Boulevard Beer though.

Sarah also swears there will be no lack of Boulevard, Coor Light, Pepsi, Mountain Valley Water or any of our cold beveages on Irish Fest weekend. And if Sarah says it, count on it. If you'd like to join Sarah's team and think you can keep up with her, she's looking for a dozen or so special volunteers. You MUST be able to do some heavy lifting and you must be over 18. Most help is needed on Sunday night. Contact Sarah directly for these volunteer opportunities, at onesplitpea@yahoo.com

Eddie Delahunt's Cafe Open....15 minutes ago

Local Irish music legend Eddie Delahunt's Cafe & is open as of this morning, Monday at 7:00 AM. Eddie and crew are at this moment serving Espressos and brewed coffees & teas, bagels, pastries & muffins. You'll also be able to see all World Cup matches every day, including the USA v Czech Republic this morning at 10:00.

There will be an official Grand Opening on Thursday, June 15th when the Cafe will be open late, with Cafe &...Music, Craic, and Fun. Come by and become a regular at Kansas City's newest hot spot.

Eddie Delahunt's Cafe & is at 45th St. and Stateline Road.

Festa Continues Today

The Festa Italiana continues today at Crown Center, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It's a beautiful cool day in town. Go check it out.

And go hungry. The food is incredible. Plus, this afternoon you'll have a chance to see a performance billed as "Jerry Viviano, Direct from the Bar". That alone sounds like it's worth the trip.

Tick Tick TIck...

It's just 82 days now until the opening bell, or more accurately, the opening pipes of the 2006 Kansas City Irish Fest. Have you booked your hotel room yet?

Happy Birthday Molly!

Last year's official Irish Fest baby, Molly Grace McCarthy turned one yesterday. All of us at Irish Fest wish her a very, very happy birthday.

Highland Games Today

The Kansas City Scottish Highland games continue today in nearby Riverside, MO. There, in addition to beefy men in skirts chucking telephone poles around, you can hear music from the esteemed likes of Bob Reeder,Ellis Island, Rowan, Hazel Whyte (which, as it happens is the color I painted my living room), Tullamore and the oddly named Weel Gaun Wheelie which I understand means "Well Oiled Machine". There tons of other fun stuff too. Read all about it here. www.kcscottishgames.org

Tullamore follows that appearance with a show tonight at Governor Stumpy's in beautiful Waldo. That performance starts at 9:00 PM.

And A Special Thank You

I'm good at some things. I can draw cartoons. I make the best cherry pie in the world (I'm not kidding). Babies like me.

But computers and all this website stuff that I've recently taken on for the Fest...not so much. I believe the term used in high-tech computer circles for somebody like me is "idiot". So when faced with a task like figuring out how to create music samples and get them up on the Irish Fest website, I need help. I need an expert. I need someone with the knowledge, expertise, and technical savvy to lead me and my 20th century brain through the dizzying world of 21st century technology.

I need an 11 year old.

And luckily, I just happen to have one laying around. The music samples recently posted on the Kansas City Irish Fest website are brought to you by Tommy Regan, my technical advisor, who very patiently and slowly explained to the doddering old man how to make it work.

He's available to solve all your computer problems, too. With any luck he'll charge you less than he charged me.

That Something New I Promised You

Happy Friday! Remember when I told you that there'd be a new something on the Kansas City Irish Fest website and asked if you could guess what it was? Did you guess? Did you think maybe it was a video game where you see how much virtual black pudding you can eat? Or a funny cartoon, or a picture of a fluffy kitten? Then you were wrong.

Guess no more. Starting today, you can go the Entertainment page and if you'll scroll down to the bottom of the page there, you can now hear samples from most of the great acts who will grace our stages at Irish Fest this year. More will be added soon, and the selections will be updated regularly, so be sure and check back often. And if you hear something you like, chances are you can click on the link to that band or musician's website above in the schedule section and buy yourself a CD. You deserve it, as hard as you work!

Those same samples can also be found on the Media page. Happy listening.

Venuto Domani al Partito!

Our sister festival at Crown Center, The Festa Italiana opens tomorrow at 5:00 and you should be there. Need some reasons, other than me just telling you that should go? Here you go:

Why the Irish should go to an Italian Festival:

1. Italian food makes Irish food taste like it's all been boiled, fried, made from potatoes, or all three. Which of course, it has.

2. There just aren't that many countries that start with "I", and I don't think the Iraqi Fest will be a lot of fun this year.

3. Sinatra, baby.

4. The Godfather, 1 and 2: Best. Movies. Ever.

5. Many Irish names, spelled backward, become Italian names. O'Connor, Ronnoco. O'Sullivan, Navilluso. That's gotta mean something.

6. A map of Italy looks like a boot. A map of Co. Cavan turned upside down looks kind of like a sock that's all stretched out at the top. Uncanny!

7. The Italian word for “drink” is “bere” which is almost “beer”.

8. Italian women are the second most beautiful in the world. (Hey, I’m married to an O’Hara. I’m not stupid.)

9. Even though we all know St. Brendan got to America first, Christopher Columbus did okay, too.

10. Festa Italiana is headed by the very Italian Keli O’Neill Wenzel.

I can’t see how you could possibly stay away now. I'll see you there.

News Item

From Special Irish Fest Deep Fat Fryer Correspondent Ed Scanlon:

"Despite having a charming ballpark just outside St. Louis, the Gateway Grizzlies will likely never be renowned for their brand of baseball - one step below Single-A ball.

But they're already famous at the concession stand. Or should that be infamous?

It's sweet like a doughnut, and then you've got the hamburger. You'’ve read that right. It's a burger with cheese and bacon, sandwiched between a Krispy Kreme doughnut -— a heart attack waiting to happen. A burger so perfect, they say, tampering is discouraged.

'You're ruining it! You're not supposed to put ketchup on it!' Bowers says to a diner. '“Well, I don't know. It's my first time,' he replies. For a mere $4.50 it's breakfast, dinner, and a little dessert all in one. That it packs up to 1,000 calories -— the donut alone has 10 grams of sugar -— doesn't seem to faze diabetic diner Floyd Schuetz. 'Oh, I'll have another one of these,'” he says. Nor does it faze three fans -— two in their 80s -— who passed up the peanuts and crackerjacks for this. Asked if she was worried about the health ramifications, Betty Osborne says 'No, not tonight. Tonight I'm living it up.'

After trying a bite,— Bowers says she would normally never eat a burger like this, but she would make the sacrifice in the interest of journalistic integrity. She says it is better than she expected. '“I don'’t know that I would do this again, but it'’s pretty good,' says Bowers.

The Grizzlies say "cheesy" gimmicks like this are crucial to the team's bottom line. '“With minor league baseball we have to work extremely hard to get fans to come out here,' says the Grizzlies'’ Jeff O'Neill.

Which begs the question -— what's next? '“We were in the concession stand the other day trying to come up with 'Baseball's Best Pizza.' "

Let'’s just hope it's not going to be be on a Krispy Kreme crust."

Is anybody surprised to see that an O'Neill is behind this little bit of culinary showmanship?

You may not find delicacies like that at The Kansas City Irish Fest, but you won't go hungry, we promise. There'll be lots of great food available, Irish and American, for kids and grown ups. A complete list of Irish Fest food vendors will be posted on our website soon.

Meet The Staff

There are those great inventions that change the world. Cars. Light bulbs. Aerosol cheese. At Irish Fest too, we have these innovations sometimes that make our world a happier, better place to be. In my opinion, the greatest of these is the formation last year of our now indispensable Site Host Committee. And like Thomas Edison is forever bound to his great invention, aerosol cheese, so too is The Site Host Committee linked with it's first couple, Barney and Sarah.
First of all, you should know this about Barney and Sarah, or Sarah and Barney, as they're sometimes known: they are seriously fun people. If you're one of those people who can't throw a fun party no matter what you do, do this: invite Sarah and Barney. Instant fun. They are also seriously organized, seriously dedicated, and seriously hard workers. All of which certainly help them in the very difficult job they do at Irish Fest. Their presence is felt as soon as you arrive, even before you see them. You were directed to the parking area (Site Hosts) and were able to locate handicapped parking, if you need it (Site Hosts). You knew where to get off the elevator to find the gate (Site Hosts). You were greeted at the gate by a smiling face (Site Hosts) who welcomed you and asked to be of any assistance. You had a nice person (Site Host) help carry your stroller up the stairs. You found out where that great comedy show was, which stage your favorite band was on and when, and were able to get Junior a band aid for his skinned knee so he could get back onto those big bouncing things and where are those again? Ask a Site Host. And amazingly, whether it's at 5:00 PM on opening day or quarter to 11:00 on closing day, they and their crew do this job, which requires them to be on their feet and moving all the time by the way, with unfailing smiles, grace and a sense of humor.

I forgot to mention that Barney and Sarah are also seriously smart. Try to stump them about Irish Fest, I dare you. You can't. When I need to know where something is or what time something starts or ends, I ask them.

So when you see these two, or another of their ilk, in their bright gold shirts at Irish Fest, remember to ask them whatever questions pop into your head, or for help in anything you need while you're our guest. They made the Site Host committee to help make your Irish Fest weekend pleasant, easy, and instant fun.

Exactly like aerosol cheese.

Kids ONLY!

If you're a grown up, please leave now and tell a nearby kid to come to the computer. Go get a cup of coffee or buy some stock or something grown up like that.

Go on. Get out of here.

Are they gone? Good. Dumb grown ups. Okay kids, check this out. School's out and it's time to have some fun. We've got some cool stuff for you do. A name the cow contest! An Irish story contest! A quilt making project! And best of all: no grown ups allowed! And you can win stuff! Just click here to find out all the details.

When you're done, tell your adults they can have the computer back. Tell them you were doing something educational. They love hearing stuff like that.

Media Page

If you're a member of the media hungry for all the Irish Fest info you can get, this is your lucky day, my friend. The Irish Fest Media page is up and running. In short days to come, we'll be adding more stuff, like hi-res artist photos, updated press releases and Irish Fest board member Glamour Shots, so check back often.

Crown Center Fountain

Yesterday at lunch I took a book out to the Irish Fest site here at Crown Center and read for awhile. The new fountain is on now, the one that shoots water up in various patterns. And there were about a half dozen kids sitting out there, on the bleachers still in place after the Hospital Hill run over the weekend, and they were cheering the fountain, like you hear kids cheering at fireworks shows: "Higher, higher! Do it again!" It was great.

If you haven't been down to Crown Center to see the remodeling and the cool new fountain, come down this weekend for Festa Italiana and check it out.

And give a cheer for the fountain.

Shamrocked, Apparently

Speaking of the St. Pat's Parade committee, they have posted photos of the recent Shamrockin' In Westport show featuring 2006 Kansas City Irish Fest performers 7 Nations and The Elders. You can see them here.

Ride to Weston With The Parade Committee

When I saw the headline Ride To Weston I thought that our friends over at the St. Patrick's Day Parade committee were organizing a bicycle trip North, like the annual American Diabetes Association's fund raiser. I thought, wow...those Paraders are really showing us Festies up with all their pedaling and health and sweating and fitness and whatnot. Now we're going to have organize Irish Fest Weight Lifting Wednesday or Scanlon's Synchronized Swimming Sunday or some such nonsense.

Then I read the fine print and felt better. It's a bus they're riding, a big comfy, air conditioned bus. Better to save energy for pint lifting is my educated guess. And they cordially invite you to join them in this interesting twist on their monthly Lucky 17 celebrations.

The date, you guessed it, is June 17th. That's a Saturday. Busses will depart KC at 10:00 AM, give or take. There'll be a returning bus in the late afternoon and one more later in the evening. I have a guess as to which one will be more full, and louder, but I'll keep it to myself.

The cost to ride is $35.00 and goes to support the greatest St. Patrick's Day parade in the Nation. That admission fee entitles you to a shot at door prizes, a wine tasting at Pirtle Winery, a beer tasting and brewery tours at O'Malley's Irish Pub, as well as a special Weston Merchants discount card offering discounts and specials for the day.

Busses, like parades, can only hold so many people, so I'd advise you to reserve your spot today. Details on how to do that are on the parade website. You must be 21 or older to participate

Maybe I'll race the bus up there on the oul' bike. That's the kind of stuff we Festies are made of.

Kansas City Irish Organizations

Kansas City is blessed with a plethora of Irish organizations...truly something for everybody. Much of our staff and volunteers at the Kansas City Irish Fest come from these great groups, and we're grateful for their continued support. A list of these various groups, along with website or contact links where available is to be found on our Friends Of The Fest page. Check them out. And while you're there, check out some of the other good people who go above and beyond to make Irish Fest happen. If you're not a member of one or more now, you might find an organization here that you'd like to get to know. If you belong to a group that we should include here, please let me know.

And While We're On The Subject Of News...

There's something exciting coming to www.kcirishfest.com in about 2 weeks. Can you guess what it is?

Our Reporter in The Field

Because we care, the Kansas City Irish Fest, at great expense (his), has today dispatched Special Correspondent Ronan Collins to Ireland for the sole purpose of putting his able finger on the pulse of the Irish Nation and reporting that pulse back to you. Also to visit his mother. (Hi Joan!)

In days to come, watch this space for exciting, important and informative missives from Eire. And if I can't find any of that, I'll post whatever crap Ronan sends me.

Reunion Tents Sold Out

There's an old Irish saying that goes "If ye snooze, ye lose".

Okay, that's probably not Irish or especially old, but true nonetheless. The reunion area tents are completely booked for 2006. So unless you're one of the lucky few, your best bet now to gain access to the fancy pants Third Level is to:

A. Make quick friends with and/or marry into one of the families who bought space up there.

B. Become an Irish Fest sponsor so you can get into the ultra-swanky Sponsor Hospitality Area (formerly known as the VIP area).

I think you'd be better off going with B.

To do that, send a note to Keli and she'll give you all the details. Because as that old Irish proverb goes, "If you got the money, honey, we got the time".

Technical Difficulties

We're apparently having some problems with the Kansas City Irish Fest site. I won't bore you with the technical details, mainly because I don't know what they are. In a nutshell, here are the key points, as I, an idiot, understand them:

1. The website is broken.
2. I didn't break it.
3. The people who know about these things are working on it.
4. You can still get to the blog directly.

It's supposed to back soon. Don't go running off with another Irish Fest until then.

First Friday

Today is the first Friday of the month, and if you live in Kansas City, you know that means. Artapalooza in the Crossroads district, when thousands of aesthetes and hipsters mill around and nod knowingly at the artwork they're pretending to study, while actually checking out the other hipsters to see if anybody is checking them out.

But I digress.

Today being First Friday reminds me that Irish Fest happens to open on a First Friday this year, as it did last year. Last year a lot of you went to First Friday to groove and be grooved, which is all well and good. But not all of you then walked up the road and joined us at Irish Fest. Which is not all well and good, or even okay. We put this festival on for you. Would it kill you to show up?

So this year, go to First Friday if you must. But after you're all arted out, come to Irish Fest. We're open long after the galleries have run out of brie and Pinot Noir. To remind you to do that, on that Friday evening, reuBen, one of our Irish Fest comedians, will be doing a preview show on the loading dock/stage at the Dolphin gallery at 1901 Baltimore. Not the whole show. You need to come to Irish Fest for that, where you'll also see a bunch of great music and culture and stuff. See what we're up to here?

This little preview show is brought to you by the Dolphin and its owner John O'Brien, who is a really good guy.

News Item

Shoppers Stung By 'Irish' Honey Trap

Customers are being stung by misleading labels on jars of so-called ‘Irish’ honey, food safety bosses revealed today.

A survey of 20 Irish honeys has shown five did not originate in Ireland but four were still labelled and passed off as Irish to customers.

Jeffrey Moon, chief specialist in environmental health with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), said the survey found some of the Irish honeys came from the Mediterranean/Spanish region and South America.

Mr Moon warned food businesses to ensure they keep adequate traceability information and only purchase honey labelled as Irish from reputable sources.

“Consumers’ interests are being undermined by operators who are too willing to exploit those who are seeking genuine Irish products.

"This is not acceptable. The onus is firmly on the food industry to be able to trace their products back to source and clearly state the correct country of origin,” Mr Moon said.

You and your honey, Irish or not, will have a great time at the Kansas City Irish Fest. Why not make a romantic weekend of it and book a room now at one of our two official hotels?

La birra Italiana si è versata dai baristi Irlandesi

The Festa Italiana, the second of the four ethnic festivals with whom we share our great Crown Center site is coming up next weekend. If you come, and you certainly should, be sure to stop by the beer tent that will be staffed with Irish Festers on Friday night. I don't know exactly which tent we'll be manning, but you'll find us. We'll be the only ones there with sunburns.

Festa Italiana
Friday, June 9, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, June 10, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, June 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

www.unico-kc.org

Irish Fest Radio

In these remaining 92 days before the start of the 4th Annual Kansas City Irish Fest at Crown Center, you're going to want to hear some Irish music, right? More specifically, you're going to want to hear the great bands that we have booked to play the Fest. But sadly, we live in a world where you can't just flip on the radio and hear Luka Bloom, Hothouse Flowers and Gráda any time you want.

Thanks to our friend Colm Delahunt, now you can do exactly that. Right this minute I'm listening to Grada's Go N'eiri an Bothar Leat on Colm's internet radio show dedicated to the music of the Kansas City Irish Fest, as well as lots of other great Irish music. A Kansas City Irish Fest radio show. How cool is that?

Check it out at www.irishworldradio.com. Listen all day. It'll help those 92 days go a little bit faster.

The Elders are on now. Thanks Colm!