The 9th Annual Arizona
Irish Festival Sat. October 31st at Margaret Hance Park and the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix.
1106 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ, 85004
(602) 308-4601
The 9th Annual Arizona
Irish Festival Sat. October 31st at Margaret Hance Park and the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix.
1106 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ, 85004
(602) 308-4601
In their first appearance at the Arizona Irish Festival, Molly's Revenge is a dynamic, acoustic Celtic band known for its unique and infectious on-stage enthusiasm born of the timeless tradition of the all-night music session. The classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, fiddle, and song — set against a backdrop of guitar, bouzouki, and mandola accompaniment — guarantees an enjoyable experience for all fans of Irish music. They will be featured in two sets on the Festival’s Harp Stage.
From their home base in California, Molly's Revenge has performed at many
of the top folk festivals and performing arts events throughout the USA,
and at prestigious events in Australia and China. Their arrangements of
traditional Celtic jigs and reels bring these dance tunes up to date with
a driving, hard-edged accent that always leaves audiences shouting for more.
Joining the band for their AIF performance is award-winning vocalist and accordionist Moira Smiley, known nationally for her groundbreaking work with contemporary vocal group VOCO. Moira has proven her traditional skills by winning the Western USA Division of the All-Ireland Singing Championship. Listen to their infectious music at the links above.
Musical performances are the sum of the experiences— on and off the stage— that performers carry with them into the hall. Festival favorites John Good and Steve Colby, performing as Oceans Apart, illustrate this fact beautifully.
Raised in Columbus, Ohio, Steve Colby's musical style evolved from the great American folk revival of the 1950's and 60's, later embracing the British Isles and beyond. Steve's first love is the banjo (tenor and five string), followed closely by guitar, mandolin and Irish bouzouki.
John Good, brought up with the singing of South Wales coal miners ringing in his ears, has carried his music -- whistles, flutes and Welsh bagpipes -- to the transatlantic stage. Never far from his Celtic culture and language, John's songs and tunes have broadened with time and geography.
Wales? Ohio? Oceans Apart! But oh, how they come together. Gorgeous musicianship, and an electric vocal blend meet in the full gamut of Celtic traditional music in Oceans Apart. See them in action and hear their marvelous blend at at the links above. Be sure to check out “Wee Castenets!” !
The Academy Set will feature musicians from The Irish Cultural Center’s Academy of Irish and Celtic Studies. The Academy Fiddlers, under the direction of Jane Hilton, will be featured, along with other groups and individual students. The full gamut of traditional instruments including whistle, flute, accordion, bodhran, guitar, banjo and mandolin will join the Fiddlers for an eclectic set of both traditional and contemporary Irish and Scottish tunes. The Academy welcomes students of all ages and abilities from throughout the metro area who share a passion for the music of the Celtic tradition.
The Black Velvet Band
The Black Velvet Band is a 5 piece female ensemble that celebrates Celtic music with guitar, mandolin, penny whistle, fiddle , cello and bodhran. They bring life to jigs and reels, traditional ballads and a few humorous ditties. They have performed at may in the Meadows in Prescott, Renaissance in the Pines in Flagstaff, Fiddler's Dream and the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix. They are professional women from many areas who enjoy a good tune.
We are all linked in song.
The Irish Dance Schools of Arizona
Arizona’s premier Irish Dance Schools will be featured on The Harp Stage throughout the day:
(Times are approximate and subject to change)
10:45am Tir Conaill School
11:50am Celtic Dance Academy
1:55pm McTeggart Dance School
3:00pm The Bracken School
And to cap off your day of Irish Dance with a few steps of your own, be sure to stay for the Closing Ceili in the Irish Cultural Center at 4:30pm.
The Bracken School of Irish Dance is under the direction of Thomas Bracken, ADCRG. The School has achieved great success in competition throughout the years. The school boasts a World Champion and 1st runner up as well as numerous medals. In 2005, the school’s senior mixed ceili team placed second in the North American Championships and took seventh place at the World Championships in Ennis, Ireland, with two of its’ students placing 5th & 7th in solo competitions. They have also performed with such world famous acts as the Chieftains and Cherish the Ladies and most recently the dance school performed with both the Phoenix and San Diego Symphonies for their sell out winter pop concerts. A number of Mr. Bracken’s former students now grace the stage in both Riverdance and Lord of the Dance and have toured the world extensively.
The Tir Conaill Academy of Irish Dance first opened its doors in Tucson in January of 2005, under the direction of Christopher McGrory, TCRG and Rosemary Browne, TCRG. And, since that time, dancers have been streaming in at a steady pace! In the summer of 2007, the Tir Conaill Academy had the opportunity to merge with the McElligott-Gallagher School of Irish Dance in Phoenix, directed by Irish dance standout and Riverdance lead, Michael Patrick Gallagher, TCRG. As both male teachers are native to County Donegal in Ireland, it was natural to call the entire school Tir Conaill, which is the ancient name for that part of Ireland.
Celtic Dance Academy Tradition, Excellence, Friendship, and Family are the core values that drive the Celtic Dance Academy (Arizona). Through its emphasis on performance and team competition, the Celtic Dance Academy promotes Irish Dance as both a cultural and competitive activity. Dancers from the Celtic Dance Academy have participated in competitions throughout the United States and have the opportunity to take part in many performances throughout the year including the only annual production of The Irish Nutcracker. Well-known local dancer Sarah Houghtelin, TCRG, is the Celtic Dance Academy’s owner and instructor. She has been an Irish Dancer for twenty one years and has competed regionally and nationally.
The McTeggart School (Arizona), under the direction of Sharon Judd, TMRF, and overseen by Maureen Hall, ADCRG, has classes in Phoenix and Flagstaff. McTeggart is one of the largest and most renowned Irish dance schools in the United States with schools in Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kentucky, California, Arizona, and New Mexico. McTeggart Irish Dance was brought to the U.S. from County Cork, Ireland in 1957 by Maureen McTeggart-Hall.
In their first appearance at the Arizona Irish Festival, Molly's Revenge is a dynamic, acoustic Celtic band known for its unique and infectious on-stage enthusiasm born of the timeless tradition of the all-night music session. The classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, fiddle, and song — set against a backdrop of guitar, bouzouki, and mandola accompaniment — guarantees an enjoyable experience for all fans of Irish music. They will be featured in two sets on the Festival’s Harp Stage.
Musical performances are the sum of the experiences— on and off the stage— that performers carry with them into the hall. Festival favorites John Good and Steve Colby, performing as Oceans Apart, illustrate this fact beautifully.
The Academy Set will feature musicians from The Irish Cultural Center’s Academy of Irish and Celtic Studies. The Academy Fiddlers, under the direction of Jane Hilton, will be featured, along with other groups and individual students. The full gamut of traditional instruments including whistle, flute, accordion, bodhran, guitar, banjo and mandolin will join the Fiddlers for an eclectic set of both traditional and contemporary Irish and Scottish tunes. The Academy welcomes students of all ages and abilities from throughout the metro area who share a passion for the music of the Celtic tradition.
The Black Velvet Band is a 5 piece female ensemble that celebrates Celtic music with guitar, mandolin, penny whistle, fiddle , cello and bodhran. They bring life to jigs and reels, traditional ballads and a few humorous ditties. They have performed at may in the Meadows in Prescott, Renaissance in the Pines in Flagstaff, Fiddler's Dream and the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix. They are professional women from many areas who enjoy a good tune. 
Arizona’s premier Irish Dance Schools will be featured on The Harp Stage throughout the day:
