Friday, September 30, 2011
The Irish Center's New Website Is Up!
Check it out, yo. And while you're at it, why not join the Center?
Fests Continue
If you just can't get enough, festival-wise, you might want to check out Oktoberfest this weekend down at Grünauer Austrian restaurant in The Freighthouse behind Union Station. Could be fun and it's going to be a beautiful weekend to drink beer outside. Details are here. Some reasons why you, Irishperson should go to a German festival are here , here and here.
Fun fact: the Freighthouse where Grünauer is located was for many years the local Schlitz beer distributorship, whose office manager was...Bob Regan, my old dad.
Oktoberfest tip: look for a certain current Irish Fest president and First Lady at the festival tonight. They told me they'd buy you a beer.
Fun fact: the Freighthouse where Grünauer is located was for many years the local Schlitz beer distributorship, whose office manager was...Bob Regan, my old dad.
Oktoberfest tip: look for a certain current Irish Fest president and First Lady at the festival tonight. They told me they'd buy you a beer.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
We Win!
Once again the Kansas City Irish Fest has been voted Best Ethnic Festival by our visitors in the 2011 Visitors Choice Awards! Thanks to all of you out-of-towners who cast your votes for us. For those of you who voted instead for the annual Kansas City Luxembourger Luau...well, we know who you are.
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| Pictured accepting the award are Irish Fest VP Laren Mahoney and two guys. |
Where To Go, What To Do
With Irish Fest just a mistywatercolored memory now, you might be wondering where to get your Irish fix in the weeks and long months until we open up the 2012 fest under the failed Mahoney administration. Well, since as you know I'm here to help, I have the answer.
The Irish Center.
If you haven't been, stop by. If you haven't been lately, you haven't been. First of all, you may have noticed that name. Gone is the clunky former moniker "The Kansas City Irish Museum And Cultural Center." This is no museum. There's not a dusty antique in sight, except when I'm down there. It's a vibrant, active, interesting and fun place to be. Learn the Irish language. Find your roots. Do your Christmas shopping. Discover Irish culture. Learn to play or dance to traditional Irish music. Sip a pint of the black. Or rent the space and host your own event.
Find out about all the great things going on at The Irish Center at their website. And even the website is undergoing exciting changes, with a top-to-bottom new site and new web address (www.irishcenterkc.org) coming next week. The Irish Center of Kansas City is located in the lower level of historic Union Station and is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sundays noon to 4:00. Hope to see you there.
The Irish Center.
If you haven't been, stop by. If you haven't been lately, you haven't been. First of all, you may have noticed that name. Gone is the clunky former moniker "The Kansas City Irish Museum And Cultural Center." This is no museum. There's not a dusty antique in sight, except when I'm down there. It's a vibrant, active, interesting and fun place to be. Learn the Irish language. Find your roots. Do your Christmas shopping. Discover Irish culture. Learn to play or dance to traditional Irish music. Sip a pint of the black. Or rent the space and host your own event.
Find out about all the great things going on at The Irish Center at their website. And even the website is undergoing exciting changes, with a top-to-bottom new site and new web address (www.irishcenterkc.org) coming next week. The Irish Center of Kansas City is located in the lower level of historic Union Station and is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sundays noon to 4:00. Hope to see you there.
Next up at the Irish Center: The Irish Laureates. Join energetic and widely published Irish scholar and UMKC Professor Steve Dilks at the Irish Center for our Fall 2011 Irish Literary Series.
All discussions take place on the following Saturdays, 4:15-6:00 p.m. at The Irish Center:
October 8 – W.B. Yeats - Cathleen Ni Houlihan & Easter 1916
October 22 – James Joyce - The Dead
November 19 – Samuel Becket - Waiting for Godot
December 3 – Seamus Heaney - poems from North
Texts and historical materials will be provided. Cocktails and snacks will be provided free of charge. To reserve your place and order the reading materials in advance, please contace Steve Dilks at dilkss@umkc.edu or the Irish Center at renata@irishmuseum.org.
The Fall 2011 Irish Literary Series is sponsored by the UMKC Department of English, The Irish Center, and Kansas City Irish Fest.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
New From The Bog
Charlie Troy of Cnoc Suain was kind enough to share their new promotional video with me today and I'm happy to pass it along to you.
Plan that trip. You'll love it. I'm talking to you, Katilula.
Cnoc Suain Promo from CnocSuain on Vimeo.
News Item...Not Fake This Time
From Special Kansas City Irish Fest Counterfeit Curly Coiffure Correspondent Ronan Collins:
Irish Dancing Wigs Can Cause Baldness Experts Warn
Dublin doctors warn of hair loss from wearing wigs
IrishCentral.com–Irish dancing wigs can cause baldness two Dublin doctors have warned. The warning came after they dealt with a severe case of alopecia (baldness) in a young woman and eventually traced the cause to wearing a wig for Irish dancing.
The medical name for the condition is traction alopecia and happens when hair is bound too tight or from fitting wigs tightly on the head for an activity like Irish dancing.
Dermatologist Doctor Sally Jane O'Shea and senior consultant Doctor Aoife Lally who practise in St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin have now highlighted the issue after treating a patient with the condition.
They first reported the case in the medical journal Hospital Doctor of Ireland. At first they were baffled that bald patches on the 16-year-old’s head kept reappearing after hair grew back but eventually traced it to her passion for Irish dancing. They believe many other young women diagnosed with the condition also suffer it because of Irish dancing.
They were able to trace the bald patches to the exact spot where the young woman pinned the wig to her hair.The doctors stated that permanent scarring or badness could develop over time. They said the "unusual case" should be noted by young girls everywhere on the dancing circuit if any of them suffer from temporary baldness.
...I knew I should have quit wearing mine earlier, dammit.
Irish Dancing Wigs Can Cause Baldness Experts Warn
Dublin doctors warn of hair loss from wearing wigs
IrishCentral.com–Irish dancing wigs can cause baldness two Dublin doctors have warned. The warning came after they dealt with a severe case of alopecia (baldness) in a young woman and eventually traced the cause to wearing a wig for Irish dancing.
The medical name for the condition is traction alopecia and happens when hair is bound too tight or from fitting wigs tightly on the head for an activity like Irish dancing.
Dermatologist Doctor Sally Jane O'Shea and senior consultant Doctor Aoife Lally who practise in St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin have now highlighted the issue after treating a patient with the condition.
They first reported the case in the medical journal Hospital Doctor of Ireland. At first they were baffled that bald patches on the 16-year-old’s head kept reappearing after hair grew back but eventually traced it to her passion for Irish dancing. They believe many other young women diagnosed with the condition also suffer it because of Irish dancing.
They were able to trace the bald patches to the exact spot where the young woman pinned the wig to her hair.The doctors stated that permanent scarring or badness could develop over time. They said the "unusual case" should be noted by young girls everywhere on the dancing circuit if any of them suffer from temporary baldness.
...I knew I should have quit wearing mine earlier, dammit.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
News Item
General Mills Releases New Lucky Charms With 15 Percent Less Leprechaun Meat
The Onion–Saying that Lucky Charms is "as magically delicious as ever but now lower in magically saturated fats," General Mills announced Friday it would begin making the cereal with 15 percent less leprechaun meat.
"Lucky Charms will still have the same great taste and marshmallowy goodness, but now only the tastiest, leanest parts of the leprechaun will be used," a press release read in part, noting that the Lucky Charms recipe had not changed since 1964, when leprechaun meat was first added as an emulsifier. "As always, we use only natural colorings and flavorings in our cereals, which is why you may still sometimes find a wee hat in your bowl." The announcement comes only weeks after General Mills discontinued the use of ground rhinoceros in Wheaties.
The Onion–Saying that Lucky Charms is "as magically delicious as ever but now lower in magically saturated fats," General Mills announced Friday it would begin making the cereal with 15 percent less leprechaun meat.
"Lucky Charms will still have the same great taste and marshmallowy goodness, but now only the tastiest, leanest parts of the leprechaun will be used," a press release read in part, noting that the Lucky Charms recipe had not changed since 1964, when leprechaun meat was first added as an emulsifier. "As always, we use only natural colorings and flavorings in our cereals, which is why you may still sometimes find a wee hat in your bowl." The announcement comes only weeks after General Mills discontinued the use of ground rhinoceros in Wheaties.
Your Irish Wish...Granted. For A Limited Time Only!
Star Makers
If you saw Eleanor Tiernan on the Irish Fest Comedy Stage you know she's funny. Very, extremely funny. Not surprisingly, you're not the only one who thinks so. Tim Reilly, the Irish Vice Counsel, based in Chicago had seen Eleanor's gig at KCIF* and thought she was very, extremely funny too. He set up her with Chicago stand up gig at which Rosie O'Donnell did a set, unannounced. Rosie saw Eleanor's show and liked it, as did a producer with OWN (Oprah's network). Now there's a chance that Eleanor will get asked to do a spot on Rosie's upcoming show on OWN.
Big things happen to talented people at KCIF. Way to go Eleanor! Here's Elanor's account of the weekend and the events following. Click to enlarge.
*Tim was scheduled to do a band intro with me Saturday night at 8:00 but blew it off to catch Eleanor's show. So really, this is all thanks to me. You're welcome.
Big things happen to talented people at KCIF. Way to go Eleanor! Here's Elanor's account of the weekend and the events following. Click to enlarge.
*Tim was scheduled to do a band intro with me Saturday night at 8:00 but blew it off to catch Eleanor's show. So really, this is all thanks to me. You're welcome.
Friday, September 23, 2011
News Item
Court Finds Pensioner's Death in Fire Caused by Spontaneous Combustion
The Irish Times-A Coroner's court has heard how a man who died in a fire in his house three days before Christmas had spontaneously combusted. The case was outlined in Galway yesterday, where an inquest into the death of a pensioner heard how investigators were baffled as to how Michael Faherty had died.
A verdict was returned that the man died of a phenomenon called spontaneous human combustion.
Mr Faherty (76), originally from Connemara, died at his house at Clareview Park, Ballybane, Galway, on December 22nd.
West Galway corner Dr Ciarán McLoughlin said he had never encountered such a case in the 25 years that he had been investigating deaths in the region. Forensic experts found that a fire in the fireplace of the sittingroom where the badly burnt body was found was not the cause of the blaze that killed Mr Faherty. The court was told that no trace of an accelerant had been found and there was nothing to suggest foul play.
Garda Gerard O’Callaghan said he had gone to the house after the fire had been put out and found Mr Faherty lying on his back in a small sittingroom, with his head closest to an open fireplace. He said the fire had been confined to the sittingroom and the rest of the house sustained only smoke damage. The only damage was to the body, which had been totally burnt, the ceiling above him and the floor underneath.
Dr McLoughlin said he had consulted medical textbooks and carried out other research in an attempt to find an explanation.
He said Prof Bernard Knight, in his book on forensic pathology, had written about spontaneous combustion and noted that such reported cases were almost always near an open fireplace or chimney.
“This fire was thoroughly investigated and I’m left with the conclusion that this fits into the category of spontaneous human combustion, for which there is no adequate explanation,” he said.
The Irish Times-A Coroner's court has heard how a man who died in a fire in his house three days before Christmas had spontaneously combusted. The case was outlined in Galway yesterday, where an inquest into the death of a pensioner heard how investigators were baffled as to how Michael Faherty had died.
A verdict was returned that the man died of a phenomenon called spontaneous human combustion.
Mr Faherty (76), originally from Connemara, died at his house at Clareview Park, Ballybane, Galway, on December 22nd.
West Galway corner Dr Ciarán McLoughlin said he had never encountered such a case in the 25 years that he had been investigating deaths in the region. Forensic experts found that a fire in the fireplace of the sittingroom where the badly burnt body was found was not the cause of the blaze that killed Mr Faherty. The court was told that no trace of an accelerant had been found and there was nothing to suggest foul play.
Garda Gerard O’Callaghan said he had gone to the house after the fire had been put out and found Mr Faherty lying on his back in a small sittingroom, with his head closest to an open fireplace. He said the fire had been confined to the sittingroom and the rest of the house sustained only smoke damage. The only damage was to the body, which had been totally burnt, the ceiling above him and the floor underneath.
Dr McLoughlin said he had consulted medical textbooks and carried out other research in an attempt to find an explanation.
He said Prof Bernard Knight, in his book on forensic pathology, had written about spontaneous combustion and noted that such reported cases were almost always near an open fireplace or chimney.
“This fire was thoroughly investigated and I’m left with the conclusion that this fits into the category of spontaneous human combustion, for which there is no adequate explanation,” he said.
Eddieless Friday
If you were planning, as any sane person would be, on going to Mike Kelly's Westider bar this evening to see Eddie Delahunt play, don't. I mean, go if you want to, it's a fine pub. But don't go to see Eddie, 'cause he won't be there. He'll return to his usual Friday night gig at the Westsider next week.
The Numbers
97,000 happy (if occasionally soggy) patrons through the gates.
2,400 hotel rooms filled.
500 kegs of beer tapped. Only 7 less than last year, even with the rain! Well done, beer drinkers!
840 bottles of wine uncorked.
3,664 pounds of plastic, 792 glass bottles and 800 cubic feet of cardboard recycled.
78 bakers, knitters, photographers, artists and brewers who entered contests.
205 happy Snug members.
60,000 views of Irish Fest YouTube videos.
25,000 people watching our live streaming video.
4,500 mass attendees who gave $5500 to Catholic Charities through the Mass collection.
$8,831.37 given to each local parish who manned the beverage tents.
1 of the best festivals ever.
2,400 hotel rooms filled.
500 kegs of beer tapped. Only 7 less than last year, even with the rain! Well done, beer drinkers!
840 bottles of wine uncorked.
3,664 pounds of plastic, 792 glass bottles and 800 cubic feet of cardboard recycled.
78 bakers, knitters, photographers, artists and brewers who entered contests.
205 happy Snug members.
60,000 views of Irish Fest YouTube videos.
25,000 people watching our live streaming video.
4,500 mass attendees who gave $5500 to Catholic Charities through the Mass collection.
$8,831.37 given to each local parish who manned the beverage tents.
1 of the best festivals ever.
A Wrap
We put the old fest to bed in style last night, with pizza, beer, stories and awards. First of all, let's talk about those awards.
Our 2011 MVPs on the men's side were the dynamic duo of Tim Driscoll and Mike Armstrong. These two never stopped, from Thursday and Friday set up to Sunday night tear down they were everywhere doing everything all at once. And still always having a good time doing it whether hanging banners or pouring beer backstage. For the women Kim Schumann was the deserving honoree. Just running the endless contests all weekend wasn't enough for Kim, who also took the controls of a forklift to speed up the tear down. Kim is what they call in baseball a 5 tool player and we're so lucky to have her.
Our female Rookie of The Year was lovely Liz O'Boyle who captained the new whiskey tents. She took on the unenviable task of created something out of nothing and turned the whiskey area into one of the most popular spots at the fest. If you didn't get up there to see Liz this year, start planning now for 2012. Our male Rookie of the Year was Anthony Canning. Anthony worked mostly out of the public eye in out office with the financial team and kept the numbers–and by extension the festival–flowing smoothly all weekend.
Special awards of recognition went to our volunteer coordinators Sarah Walsh, Liz O'Flaherty and Brandi Canning who wrangled more than a 1000 volunteers all year long through sign ups and assignments and at the fest got everybody t-shirted, delivered and working. It may be the toughest job at the fest and nobody could have done it better.
Congratulations to all. Well done.
Our 2011 MVPs on the men's side were the dynamic duo of Tim Driscoll and Mike Armstrong. These two never stopped, from Thursday and Friday set up to Sunday night tear down they were everywhere doing everything all at once. And still always having a good time doing it whether hanging banners or pouring beer backstage. For the women Kim Schumann was the deserving honoree. Just running the endless contests all weekend wasn't enough for Kim, who also took the controls of a forklift to speed up the tear down. Kim is what they call in baseball a 5 tool player and we're so lucky to have her.
Our female Rookie of The Year was lovely Liz O'Boyle who captained the new whiskey tents. She took on the unenviable task of created something out of nothing and turned the whiskey area into one of the most popular spots at the fest. If you didn't get up there to see Liz this year, start planning now for 2012. Our male Rookie of the Year was Anthony Canning. Anthony worked mostly out of the public eye in out office with the financial team and kept the numbers–and by extension the festival–flowing smoothly all weekend.
Special awards of recognition went to our volunteer coordinators Sarah Walsh, Liz O'Flaherty and Brandi Canning who wrangled more than a 1000 volunteers all year long through sign ups and assignments and at the fest got everybody t-shirted, delivered and working. It may be the toughest job at the fest and nobody could have done it better.
Congratulations to all. Well done.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Swan Song
Tonight is the annual Irish Fest wrap-up meeting for our board and staff down at the brewery. It's an important event where we run through all the important numbers for the just-completed festival, numbers we'll be sharing with you here tomorrow...how many people came, how much beer they drank, how many kids go their faces painted, how many festival staffers posted how much bail, etc. It's also the night when we honor our own with the annual MVP and Rookie of the Year awards. Most importantly it's the night when we put Irish Fest 2011 and The Failed Walsh Administration® in the the history books and start focusing like a green laser beam on 2012.
2012 will be a huge year down here at Crown Center. We'll be 10 years old and we're planning big things as we hit double digits. First and foremost of course is the music and 2012 will be our biggest and best year ever. If you have your dream bands that need to come to our birthday party, let us know who they are. Booking will be fast and furious in the next couple months. Let us know what you think, will ya?
2012 will be a huge year down here at Crown Center. We'll be 10 years old and we're planning big things as we hit double digits. First and foremost of course is the music and 2012 will be our biggest and best year ever. If you have your dream bands that need to come to our birthday party, let us know who they are. Booking will be fast and furious in the next couple months. Let us know what you think, will ya?
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Better Days
While we wait for a 300 pound chunk of burned up satellite to fall on our heads, let's think back to a happier, less dangerous time. A time when it was a holiday weekend and Scythian and The Colin Grant Band were rocking the Irish Fest Boulevard Stage.
Monday, September 19, 2011
News Item
Sperm Bank Turns Down Redheads
The Telegraph- The world's largest sperm bank has started turning down redheaded donors because there is too little demand for their sperm. Ole Schou, Cryos's director, said that there had been a surge in donations in recent years, allowing the facility to become much more picky about its donors.
"There are too many redheads in relation to demand," he told told Danish newspaper Ekstrabladet. "I do not think you chose a redhead, unless the partner - for example, the sterile male - has red hair, or because the lone woman has a preference for redheads. And that's perhaps not so many, especially in the latter case."
Mr Schou said the only reliable demand for sperm from redheaded donors from Ireland, where he said it sold “like hot cakes”.
He said sperm from donors with brown hair and brown eyes was particularly in demand, because of the bank’s large customer base in Spain, Italy and Greece.
Cryos pays donors up to $500 (£316), and sends its semen to over 65 countries worldwide.
The Telegraph- The world's largest sperm bank has started turning down redheaded donors because there is too little demand for their sperm. Ole Schou, Cryos's director, said that there had been a surge in donations in recent years, allowing the facility to become much more picky about its donors.
"There are too many redheads in relation to demand," he told told Danish newspaper Ekstrabladet. "I do not think you chose a redhead, unless the partner - for example, the sterile male - has red hair, or because the lone woman has a preference for redheads. And that's perhaps not so many, especially in the latter case."
Mr Schou said the only reliable demand for sperm from redheaded donors from Ireland, where he said it sold “like hot cakes”.
He said sperm from donors with brown hair and brown eyes was particularly in demand, because of the bank’s large customer base in Spain, Italy and Greece.
Cryos pays donors up to $500 (£316), and sends its semen to over 65 countries worldwide.
Eamonn The Guitar Hero
Slide's Eamonn de Barra takes his first crack at Shamrocker. 15 minutes later, the gambling begins....
Regan In Muskegon
What a great weekend in the land of wolverines, badgers, Tasmanian devils, whatever. They may be short on carnivorous critters up there but I'll tell you what they do have. A hell of an Irish Festival.
Helped along by chamber-of-commerce weather (and of course The Shamrocker) on their gorgeous grounds by the lake, the Michiganders saw record crowds this weekend and those record crowds saw some great music. A highlight was their first ever Tionól (the Irish for 'gathering'). Directed by Eamonn de Barra of the great band Slide, the Saturday afternoon event brought together mixes and matches of most of the weekend's acts in sort of a showcase/sampler and it provided some astounding sets. Beoga and Goitse together. Old Blind Dogs and Slide. Scythian with members of Beoga, Goitse and Slide. You get the idea. And then capped with an all-hands-on-deck finale, as we do here to close the fest on Sunday night.
And speaking of de Barra, he provided the best moment of the weekend in Tommy's Shamrocker tent too. He came by the tent to play the game and before long had a crowd of about 30 cheering and betting on what Tommy's score would be playing the toughest song in the game on the 'expert' level. Hysterical.
The weekend was flawless, save for my genius son losing one shoe–yes, just one–on Saturday night. And he was sober. HUGE thanks to all the staff and volunteers at Michigan who treated us like kings and made us feel like part of the family. We can't wait to come back. I have a phone and a head full of ideas that we'll be stealing shamelessly was we plan the 2012 KC festival. And as you plan your Irish summer for next year, trust me on this: put The Michigan Irish Music Festival at the top of your must-see list. Okay, second from the top under Kansas City.
We love you Muskegon. Thanks again and congratulations. Hope you enjoyed that good Kansas City barbeque!
Helped along by chamber-of-commerce weather (and of course The Shamrocker) on their gorgeous grounds by the lake, the Michiganders saw record crowds this weekend and those record crowds saw some great music. A highlight was their first ever Tionól (the Irish for 'gathering'). Directed by Eamonn de Barra of the great band Slide, the Saturday afternoon event brought together mixes and matches of most of the weekend's acts in sort of a showcase/sampler and it provided some astounding sets. Beoga and Goitse together. Old Blind Dogs and Slide. Scythian with members of Beoga, Goitse and Slide. You get the idea. And then capped with an all-hands-on-deck finale, as we do here to close the fest on Sunday night.
And speaking of de Barra, he provided the best moment of the weekend in Tommy's Shamrocker tent too. He came by the tent to play the game and before long had a crowd of about 30 cheering and betting on what Tommy's score would be playing the toughest song in the game on the 'expert' level. Hysterical.
The weekend was flawless, save for my genius son losing one shoe–yes, just one–on Saturday night. And he was sober. HUGE thanks to all the staff and volunteers at Michigan who treated us like kings and made us feel like part of the family. We can't wait to come back. I have a phone and a head full of ideas that we'll be stealing shamelessly was we plan the 2012 KC festival. And as you plan your Irish summer for next year, trust me on this: put The Michigan Irish Music Festival at the top of your must-see list. Okay, second from the top under Kansas City.
We love you Muskegon. Thanks again and congratulations. Hope you enjoyed that good Kansas City barbeque!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Friday Muskegon
If first impressions count for anything, our Friday night in Michigan leaves us mightily impressed. The event up here feels like the KC Fest in so many ways. The enthusiasm and passion of the volunteers, the imagination and sense of humor, the camaraderie evident in the staff...all feels very familiar up here. Plus–and for me, the KC Irish Fest design guy this is huge–this festival looks great. From banners to t-shirts to programs, not an aesthetic misstep yet that I've seen.
Tommy is knocking them dead up here, with huge crowds tonight on what is typically the quietest night of a fest weekend at his tent. Tomorrow, he'll be swamped. Which is why we're calling it a night early. Plenty of time for frivolity tomorrow.
Stay tuned for more from Michigan. Good night.
Tommy is knocking them dead up here, with huge crowds tonight on what is typically the quietest night of a fest weekend at his tent. Tomorrow, he'll be swamped. Which is why we're calling it a night early. Plenty of time for frivolity tomorrow.
Stay tuned for more from Michigan. Good night.
Great Lakes And Funnel Cakes
Tommy and I are in Muskegon, Michigan for the annual Michigan Irish Music Festival which opens in an hour and a half and frankly, I'm a little disappointed. We've been in Michigan for a good 3 hours now and I have seen exactly zero wolverines. Wolverineless. I have been badly misled. Wolverine State my ass.
That aside, Muskegon is a lovely town on a beautiful lake. We were met at the airport in Grand Rapids by the friendly and informative Sean and driven here, 45 minutes down the road. Tommy and I are just about to walk down to the fest grounds to set up for the night. A good line up of music including Slide, one of my all time favorites and Goitse and Scythian, fresh from KC. And the always entertaining Seamus Kennedy. So if you're in the neighborhood, com eon down and play Shamrocker. Just don't be expecting to see any wolverines. Lying state motto.
That aside, Muskegon is a lovely town on a beautiful lake. We were met at the airport in Grand Rapids by the friendly and informative Sean and driven here, 45 minutes down the road. Tommy and I are just about to walk down to the fest grounds to set up for the night. A good line up of music including Slide, one of my all time favorites and Goitse and Scythian, fresh from KC. And the always entertaining Seamus Kennedy. So if you're in the neighborhood, com eon down and play Shamrocker. Just don't be expecting to see any wolverines. Lying state motto.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Take Me Out
"...green draft beer and a sample of some of KC's best local Irish vendors. There will be entertainment for all ages, including face paintings, Irish dancers and much more!
Also, it's Fan Appreciation Night! Fans will be rewarded for their tremendous support throughout the season with prize giveaways throughout the game! All fans have a chance to win autographed memorabilia, tickets for the 2012 season and gifts from Royals sponsors."
Or if you want to see some baseball but can't stand the thought of the green beer, head out Sunday afternoon and hear Irish Fest's own Ashley Davis sing the Star Spangled Banner. Either way, it's going to be a beautiful weekend to catch a game.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Road Trip
Young Tom Regan of our Tech Committee is once again taking his home made Shamrocker video game on the road this weekend. Tommy and his roadie* will be at the Michigan Irish Music Festival in Muskegon Friday through Sunday. If you happen to find yourself on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, stop by and rock out with Tommy.
*Me.
*Me.
Monday, September 12, 2011
More Winners
This is so weird.
No kidding, I had a dream last night that we drew the Irish Fest raffle winners but the winner was somebody named Joe Burke and even though I'd never heard of him he was apparently a member of our festival staff and therefore ineligible to win the raffle. When we told him he couldn't have it and we'd have to redraw to get a new winner, he threw a big fit. I never did like that guy.
In eerily fortuitous timing, Maureen and Sue, those empresses of the raffle, today announce the lucky three raffle winners for 2011. I'd like to say congratulations to all our winners and I'd like to tell Katie Lula that my new favorite name of all time is "Katie Lula." I think she should make it one word. Katilula. I also think she should take me to Ireland with her. Let's talk, Katilula.
Grand Prize–Airfare to Ireland: Katie Lula
Great Prize–Boulevard Tasting Party: Marie Winter
Awesome Prize–Snug passes for 2012: Andrea Mostyn
No kidding, I had a dream last night that we drew the Irish Fest raffle winners but the winner was somebody named Joe Burke and even though I'd never heard of him he was apparently a member of our festival staff and therefore ineligible to win the raffle. When we told him he couldn't have it and we'd have to redraw to get a new winner, he threw a big fit. I never did like that guy.
In eerily fortuitous timing, Maureen and Sue, those empresses of the raffle, today announce the lucky three raffle winners for 2011. I'd like to say congratulations to all our winners and I'd like to tell Katie Lula that my new favorite name of all time is "Katie Lula." I think she should make it one word. Katilula. I also think she should take me to Ireland with her. Let's talk, Katilula.
Grand Prize–Airfare to Ireland: Katie Lula
Great Prize–Boulevard Tasting Party: Marie Winter
Awesome Prize–Snug passes for 2012: Andrea Mostyn
Winners!
Cami And Kim, the Contest Queens have all your 2011 Irish Fest winners. I hope you're among them:
Thanks to everyone who entered and judged (especially those who braved the weather Saturday). We had good turnout for all the contests, but were a little light on Sunday. (HINT: that's the day to enter!) Send your suggestions for next year's themes to contests@kcirishfest.com.
Cow Art Contest
Ryan Wenneker - first place
Nika Mumaw - second place
Soda Bread Baking Contest Winners
Thanks to Pryde's Old Westport for donating prizes!
Amateurs-Only
Mary Jo Fisk took first and second place with two different recipes
Colleen King took third place
Masters-Only
Charles d'Ablaing from Chaz Restaurant in the Hotel Raphael took first and second place with two different recipes
Keith Buchanan from The Teahouse & Coffeepot took third place
Knitting Contest Winners
Thanks to Yarn Shop & More for donating prizes!
Amateurs-Only
Carma Cervetti - first place
Shannon Bower - second place
Heather Wilke - third place
Masters-Only
Teri Plemel - first and third place
Gina Hills - first place
Photography Contest Winners
Thank you to Nancy Hendrickson for donating prizes!
Ginny Zane - first place (Sat)
Laura Morford - second place (Sat)
Darla Pittman - third place (Sat)
Martin Ufford - first place (Sun) and grand prize
Stephen Edwards - second place (Sun)
Cinty Easton - third place (Sun)
Brewing Contest Winners
Thank you to Bacchus & Barleycorn for donating prizes!
Michael Straily - first place
Richard Cartwright - second place
Michael Downs - third place
Friday, September 09, 2011
Musical Memories 2
G'wan yerself Eddie. Follow the bouncing baby head at 0:19 if you'd like to sing along.
This Just In: Cow Has Name
The waiting is over. The annual name-the-cow contest in the Irish Fest kids area has a winner. The 2011 cow's name is...to be found here.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
From The Sponsor Area
Thanks to all of my amazing volunteers in the Sponsor/VIP area this weekend at the Kansas City Irish Fest. You all rocked! Also thanks to all of our Sponsors. We couldn't have this festival without you. It was a great party. It was fun turning the Blvd Sponsor area in to a dance floor on Sunday night! Hope you all had a great time.
Kathy Magwire
Kathy Magwire
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
From The Snug
You meet the nicest people in the Snug! Thanks to everyone who came to party with us - we had a blast, and hope you did, too!!
A special high-five to our good-natured and valiant Saturday folks, who stuck with us and helped weather the storms (and flying furniture!)
We hope you all had as great a time at the Snug as we did having you join us. We look forward to seeing you next year!
Love, The Snug Sisters.....Carol and Jenny
A special high-five to our good-natured and valiant Saturday folks, who stuck with us and helped weather the storms (and flying furniture!)
We hope you all had as great a time at the Snug as we did having you join us. We look forward to seeing you next year!
Love, The Snug Sisters.....Carol and Jenny
Congratulations
At Irish Fest this past weekend we bestowed annual honors on some very deserving folks.
The PJ Cullinan Volunteer Of The Year Award went to Tommy Wyrsch. Want to know what kind of volunteer Tommy is? He has an entire gate named after him. The fest entrance off the gold level parking garage is known far and wide as The Tommy Gate, with a big banner declaring it so. Tommy has been with us since the beginning and is with us from start to finish every year, working tirelessly and cheerfully making sure that everybody who comes to us through The Tommy Gate starts their festival experience on a good note. Hearty congrats to Tommy on a well deserved honor.
The 2011 Mr. and Mrs. Irish Fest Award went to Pete and Cece McCluskey. Two more long time volunteers, Pete and Cece are also St. Patrick's Day Parade planners and involved in every Irish event in town except pouring your bowl of Lucky Charms this morning. Their hard work, good humor and dedication to their Irish heritage made them easy and unanimous choices for the title. Congratulations to both.
The PJ Cullinan Volunteer Of The Year Award went to Tommy Wyrsch. Want to know what kind of volunteer Tommy is? He has an entire gate named after him. The fest entrance off the gold level parking garage is known far and wide as The Tommy Gate, with a big banner declaring it so. Tommy has been with us since the beginning and is with us from start to finish every year, working tirelessly and cheerfully making sure that everybody who comes to us through The Tommy Gate starts their festival experience on a good note. Hearty congrats to Tommy on a well deserved honor.
The 2011 Mr. and Mrs. Irish Fest Award went to Pete and Cece McCluskey. Two more long time volunteers, Pete and Cece are also St. Patrick's Day Parade planners and involved in every Irish event in town except pouring your bowl of Lucky Charms this morning. Their hard work, good humor and dedication to their Irish heritage made them easy and unanimous choices for the title. Congratulations to both.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
In The Books
There's a special kind of tired that all of us get around here the days immediately after Irish Fest ends. I call it "Tirish." And that's where I am today. What a weekend. The weather, always a big concern as we plan? I think all we missed was snow. Hot as hell on Friday. A series of (mericifully) quick rain and wind storms on Saturday. Perfect fall day on Sunday and a closing night that had us all in fleece by the end. The music? Wonderful. For me, too many highlights to list. If you twist my arm for one, the Colin Grant Band blew me away. The crowds were big (even the rain didn't chase too many away) but well behaved and having fun.
Of course we were not without issues. Sound bleed continues to be a problem at the Park Stage. I saw lines at some food vendors that were overly long, though I'm sure the vendors aren't complaining. I stopped a couple people trying to walk away with a couple of our signs....seriously. Final numbers won't be in for awhile yet–I'll share those with you here when they are–but all in all, from our perspective anyway, another successful Fest.
But since I'm too tired to write, let alone be funny or clever, let's hear from you. Hits? Misses? Compliments? Complaints? The floor is yours.
Of course we were not without issues. Sound bleed continues to be a problem at the Park Stage. I saw lines at some food vendors that were overly long, though I'm sure the vendors aren't complaining. I stopped a couple people trying to walk away with a couple of our signs....seriously. Final numbers won't be in for awhile yet–I'll share those with you here when they are–but all in all, from our perspective anyway, another successful Fest.
But since I'm too tired to write, let alone be funny or clever, let's hear from you. Hits? Misses? Compliments? Complaints? The floor is yours.
Friday, September 02, 2011
From The Desk Of The President
Opening day of the 2011 KC Irish Fest is finally here! Let me be one of the first to welcome all of you to what’s going to be the best fest yet! The weather is going to be beautiful, with a range of KC seasons – a warm summer night tonight and a cool early fall day on Sunday!
The craic will be mighty! Please join us.
Barney Walsh
President
2011 KCIF
Down From The North
We have a small army of VIPs from the mighty Milwaukee Irish Fest gracing us this weekend and we're thrilled to be able to return some of the hospitality they've show us in the past. My dairyland doppelganger Joe King, author of the great Peat Blog is making his first trip to KCIF and I'll be reading his reports with great interest, as should you. I may also be bailing him out jail before the weekend's over.
In addition we'll be welcoming VIP guests from Irish festivals in Texas, Michigan and other Irish Festivals across the country. So try to behave yourselves for once, would ya?
In addition we'll be welcoming VIP guests from Irish festivals in Texas, Michigan and other Irish Festivals across the country. So try to behave yourselves for once, would ya?
Start Your Engines
We're up early here at Irish Fest HQ as we put the finishing touches on our prep work for opening this evening...just a little over 10 hours from now. I hope you're planning on joining us tonight after work. If you're waffling*, thinking maybe you'll just wait until tomorrow or even Sunday let me tell you why you should join us tonight too.
1. Gaelic Storm's first Irish Fest show in KC for 3 three years. I've been in this business a long time and I say with no hesitation at all that there isn't a more entertaining festival act on the planet than Patrick, Steve, Jessie, Ryan and Peter. And I can tell you that having just seen them in Milwaukee, they're better than ever. And have a couple surprises planned for tonight. And I happen to know that the lovely Mrs. Patrick Murphy will be making the trip to Cowtown, so Patrick will want to do any especially good show so she doesn't make him sleep on the couch.
2. $5 Friday! Just a fiver gets you through the gate tonight, all night. Half a sawbuck for all that music, all that fun? No brainer. You've got $5 in change in the couch cushions.
3. The beer will be fresher tonight than it will be on Sunday. Simple math.
4. The staff will smell better tonight than we will on Sunday. Simple bath.
5. There's something special about opening night. I can't explain it. But the energy, the excitement, the anticipation. Plus you know that great, hysterical story you'll be telling everybody at the office Tuesday about that thing that happened at Irish Fest over the weekend? That thing might happen tonight. Do you want to take the chance of missing it?
So I think that pretty much settles it. I'll see you tonight at Irish Fest.
*Mmmm...waffles. Sorry, haven't had breakfast yet.
1. Gaelic Storm's first Irish Fest show in KC for 3 three years. I've been in this business a long time and I say with no hesitation at all that there isn't a more entertaining festival act on the planet than Patrick, Steve, Jessie, Ryan and Peter. And I can tell you that having just seen them in Milwaukee, they're better than ever. And have a couple surprises planned for tonight. And I happen to know that the lovely Mrs. Patrick Murphy will be making the trip to Cowtown, so Patrick will want to do any especially good show so she doesn't make him sleep on the couch.
2. $5 Friday! Just a fiver gets you through the gate tonight, all night. Half a sawbuck for all that music, all that fun? No brainer. You've got $5 in change in the couch cushions.
3. The beer will be fresher tonight than it will be on Sunday. Simple math.
4. The staff will smell better tonight than we will on Sunday. Simple bath.
5. There's something special about opening night. I can't explain it. But the energy, the excitement, the anticipation. Plus you know that great, hysterical story you'll be telling everybody at the office Tuesday about that thing that happened at Irish Fest over the weekend? That thing might happen tonight. Do you want to take the chance of missing it?
So I think that pretty much settles it. I'll see you tonight at Irish Fest.
*Mmmm...waffles. Sorry, haven't had breakfast yet.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
In The Paper
Tim Finn has the run down on Irish Fests past, present and future in the Star today. You know I still can't think about that 2003 deluge on the riverfront without getting just a little sick to my stomach....
Getting Here
As you make you final plans today for your weekend at Irish Fest in Crown Center, why not consider leaving the minivan in the driveway this year?
Yes, we pride ourselves on the thousands of free covered parking spaces that our beautiful Crown Center home provides. But this year with the construction going at the Fest's southern edge at the new aquarium and Legoland, some of those spaces are otherwise occupied having enormous fish tanks put on them and some of your usual routes through the garage may be compromised by huge pallets of tiny plastic bricks. Don't get me wrong, we still have lots and lots of parking. And Saturday and Sunday, there will thousands of surface lot spaces a block further south in the Hallmark lots. But if circumstances allow, think about the Max bus this year. It's easy, it's cheap, will drop you off right at our front door and runs until late.
Complete schedules are here.
Yes, we pride ourselves on the thousands of free covered parking spaces that our beautiful Crown Center home provides. But this year with the construction going at the Fest's southern edge at the new aquarium and Legoland, some of those spaces are otherwise occupied having enormous fish tanks put on them and some of your usual routes through the garage may be compromised by huge pallets of tiny plastic bricks. Don't get me wrong, we still have lots and lots of parking. And Saturday and Sunday, there will thousands of surface lot spaces a block further south in the Hallmark lots. But if circumstances allow, think about the Max bus this year. It's easy, it's cheap, will drop you off right at our front door and runs until late.
Complete schedules are here.
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