The Process

So now that our entertainment line up has been at long last announced, you're probably thinking some combination of these three things as you look the list over:

1. Yes! I love that band! I'm so glad they're coming to Irish Fest!
2. What? They're not bringing in my favorite band??? What the hell....?
3. How do they decide who is and isn't playing at Irish Fest?

I hope it's numbers 1 and 3. But either way, in case you were wondering, here's how it works. Our bands are predominantly booked by Dave "Shocko" Shaughnessy, a fine traditional musician himself who's been with Irish Fest since before there was an Irish Fest and know this music backwards and forwards. Input and band suggestions come to Dave from the members of our board of directors, our committee chairs, our friends at other festivals and you. Dave works closely with his entertainment committee, Marcia Johnson, Mindy Johnson, Ronan Collins and Tenley Hansen. That whole group is overseen by a festival director, in this case me. We spend a lot of money on this part of the festival - you won't be surprised to know it's our biggest single line item. This year's entertainment budget is a whopping $100,000. We try to provide a balance between traditional music, rock and some that fall in between and try to build a schedule that will allow you to always be able to find the kind of Irish music you like best.

We don't make everybody happy and we hear about it when we don't. Sometimes the bands you want to hear and that we'd like to bring to you aren't available on Labor Day weekend. Sometimes the price tag is too high. Sometimes a band or musician that might be great in a concert hall just isn't right for a festival setting. Sometimes, especially with Irish or European bands other considerations get in the way, The value or lack thereof of the US dollar. Visa issues. Travel expenses. Homeland Security. Sometimes it's just time for a band to take a break. We like to shake things up with a "two years on, one off" guideline. Obviously there are and should be exceptions, but ultimately what we want to avoid is getting stale. After all if we put the same bands on stage every year, how are you going to find your new favorite? And why would you keep showing up?

We love to provide a venue for out great local and regional bands. We ask that they have a good year of steady gigging under their belts before we consider them. This rule came about when Dave was approached by a thrown-together band who thought just because they called themselves a local Irish band that he should book them. Well, he just said no sir. We've got higher standards than that. So you won't be seeing "Dan Regan and The Dancing Danettes" any time soon.

If you've got other questions about the process I can answer, please ask and I'll do my best. If we booked your favorite band this year, you're welcome. If we didn't book your favorite band this year we're sorry, truly, but trust me, there's probably a good reason. If you have a suggestion for a band for 2010 let us know. Bookings typically begin in October. And if you're looking for quality, affordable Irish entertainment for your next event, I hope you'll consider "Dan Regan and The Dancing Danettes". They work cheap.