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) 258-0109
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) 258-0109
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) 258-0109
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) 258-0109
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) 258-0109
Extended Hours!
10 am — 8 pm
Countdown to Festival 2009:
The Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ, 85004
(602) 258-0109
The McMorrows, one of Arizona’s most beloved groups, will provide Irish music at its best, performing a one-hour set on the East Stage at around 1:30pm! In one of their rare valley appearances, The McMorrows will touch the hearts of all with selections from their latest CD, “Ireland on My Mind.” Described as the "most influential Irish band in Arizona", the band puts their unmistakable stamp on a wide variety of original and traditional material - all delivered with inimitable McMorrows style and passion.
The McMorrows began playing in the Valley and all over the US around 20 years ago as a band. The McMorrows brothers (John, Jerry, and Dennis) have been playing Irish music since they were boys when Pat and Bridie wanted them to behave. Ever heard their rendition of Ring of Fire? If you have, you get the picture. If you haven't, request it the next time you go to see them. There was a time when (around 20 years or so ago) they were playing in every pub in town. It felt like you couldn't walk into a pub without hearing their voices and the crowds roaring. They were the kind of band you could sing along to, like The Clancy Brothers and The Dubliners. Now the McMorrows have evolved into a more contemporary band, yet still holding fast to the traditional music. Head to the Pubs of the Valley Stage, grab a pint and settle in for a good time for all. Slainte!!!
Led by Dubliner Liam Mackey, The Brazen Heads are a raucous, bawdy, fun-loving
band that kicks out high energy "Celtic mayhem". Featuring their
own brand of Traditional and Celtic rock styled tunes on their newest release
“Who’s Yer Paddy”, they’ve been credited with setting
the bar of excellence on the Arizona Irish music scene. Most often described
as a cross between the cheeky fun of the Bare Naked Ladies & the rogueish
impact of The Pogues, their ability to connect with audiences through humor,
politics, and high impact musical abandon puts them in very high demand.
The Brazen Heads will end this year’s Festival with a high-energy two-set concert beginning at 6:45pm on The Pubs of the Valley Stage.
Read what others are saying:
“Fans of Irish folk-rock like Flogging Molly will go Paddy-batty for
this local release”… “While many write off Irish folk-rock
and Celtic punk as a musical flash in the pan already grease-fired by bands
like Flogging Molly, The Dubliners, and anything connected to the incomparable
(and incomparably debauched) Shane MacGowan, there's a musical prowess and
cultural authenticity to the Brazen Heads' music that commands the listener's
attention.” Nikki D’Andrea. Phoenix New Times
“…And then you have the true believers, the real talents that
are able to fuse the old traditional music with a fresh take and mix it
up with more contemporary music to keep the audience on their toes. They
often use electric instruments, pay homage to the standards in the genre
but don’t rely on the chestnut for their emotional power, and exhibit
master of the form and their instruments.
Obviously for me the third kind is preferable and the band I saw there,
the Brazen Heads, fits firmly in the true believer category. Seamlessly
combining traditional elements with contemporary flair and having a good
time while doing it, they were definitely the best band in this mode I’ve
seen in some time.” JB AZniteBuzz
“A few weeks ago The Brazen Heads presented two videos to support
their new CD, “Who’s Yer Paddy”: “One Eyed Reilly”
and “Who’s Yer Paddy”. From an artistic standpoint, their
videos break new ground. … “More than just being effective
at promoting the CD, their videos offer a chance for the performers to show
their comic talents and personalities. The thought that went into the production
of these videos puts them in a class of their own. “ George O’Brien -
AZ Irish Music Society
Featuring the vocals of one of the finest performers in Irish music today, the Bríd Dower Band presents an impressive arrangement of traditional, well-loved folk and contemporary Irish songs. Singing in both the English & Irish languages, Bríd has a stunning ability to interpret each song, and breathe into each one new life & meaning.
Bríd has been a leading figure in the Phoenix Irish music scene for the last ten years, singing with local Irish rock group Ashling, since shortly after she emigrated from Ireland. Ashling’s debut CD ‘Every Waking Hour’ was very well received in the Irish community, and helped prime Bríd for her solo career. With the release of her new CD ‘Comings And Goings’, Bríd’s voice has matured into one of stunning clarity and unsurpassed beauty.
Brid Dower hails from Waterford, Ireland. Bríd left Waterford in 1992 for Phoenix, Arizona, initially for a short trip, but ended up settling here, where she was able to broaden her musical horizons even further. She soon met local fiddle master Sheila Maguire, and over the course of several permutations, the Celtic rock band Ashling was born. Ashling dominated the local Irish music scene for many years, and with the release of their debut album 'Every Waking Hour', firmly established Bríd as the premiere Irish singer in the Phoenix Valley. Brid will open the festival on the West Stage with the singing o the Irish and American National Anthems and then move to the East Stage where she and her band will perform at about 12:30pm.
Joining Bríd in the line-up is Tom Bertling on guitar & vocals, Kevin Mauch on bass guitar and Ryan Bowman on percussion & drums. Whenever possible, Welsh flute & whistle virtuoso John Good adds his talents to the team.
The Brid Dower Band Music Samples
Scott Jeffers has assembled a group of truly talented and diverse musicians that make this band quite possibly the first of its kind, fusing traditional old world elements with a full blown hard rock ensemble.
Traveler is a favorite at local and regional festivals; they are quickly developing a following of world and rock music fans drawn to their unique style and powerful performances.
Traveler has performed at the Austin Texas St. Patrick's Day festival for the past 6 years , headlining the event for the last 3 years. They have also headlined the International Day festival in Rock Springs, Wyoming 2 years in a row, and have performed at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival, 2006, as a supporting act for the Black Crowes and Los Lobos.
Composer and founder of the band, Scott Jeffer's vision is to fuse elements of ancient ethnic music with rock. He has traveled extensively through foreign lands to gather inspiration for the Traveler project. Not only is he influenced by the exotic music but he composes the majority of the band's songs during his journeys, bringing a true authenticity to the fusion. Known for his fiery and passionate violin and vocal performances, Scott's commanding presence onstage adds to the trademark power of the live Traveler shows. He also brings traditional instruments from his journeys to the stage; Bouzouki,a traditional greek stringed instrument and an Arabic Oud, an ancient predecessor to the guitar.
The Biffos were formed in March of 2007. Almost immediately, they released their debut album, "Suffering Is Optional" …on St. Patrick's Day no less. The band is comprised of past members of O'Carroll's Gate and the Keltic Cowboys. Fronted by singer/songwriter Brian O'Carroll (Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Harmonica), the band features Robyn Fisher (Fiddle, Vocals), Rich Merriman (Electric & Upright Bass), and Tony Maslowicz (Drums).
If you've never seen The Biffos they are a must see! Not only are they huge in the local Irish music scene, but also the entire Arizona music scene. With covers of U2, Steve Earle and The Pogues, The Biffos really get things rockin' with audience participation.
Some of the more popular originals that you will hear at The Biffos show include "Sound of a Gun", "It’s Hallelujah Time”, and the most popular Biffos song to date, "The Ballad of John Malone." The original material is the work of Brian O’Carroll. Here’s what reviewers are saying about Brian’s songwriting skills:
O’Carroll is far more musical than most songwriters… you will find yourself returning to listen to the appealing ways O’Carroll turns his stories into songs. He chose the right teachers, and it shows. David McElfresh New Times
Yesterday’s Dreamland is top 40 stuff… mellow, hummable melodies with a lilting rhythm. Betty Webb Mesa Tribune
Brian O’Carroll, singer/songwriter, is one of Phoenix’s most talented and diverse performers. If he hasn’t earned it yet, O’Carroll should be raised to the upper echelon of local and even regional songwriters. Alex Morgan Where It’s Hot:
The Biffos most recent CD “Suffering is Optional” was released St. Patrick’s Day 2007 and has been met with popular reviews and consistent sales. For more info and samples, check out the links above.
The Biffos Music Samples
The Irish Dance Schools of Arizona
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.
The Phoenix Irish Step Dancers are a dance troupe dedicated to the promotion of Irish dancing as a living form of dance based on the traditions and standards that have evolved in Irish dancing for hundreds of years. Our teachers, choreographers, and dancers have all received many years of formal training through their association with many competitive Irish dance schools. We have experience teaching in the Irish dance schools, public and private school settings, dance studios, home school groups, and community settings; we teach long term competitive dance classes, in residencey settings, at workshops, camps, and at festival activity areas; we teach all ages (3-78), all levels (beginner through master), and in both formal and informal settings. Our company performs at many festivals, community events, private events, formal concert settings, and as guest artists. It is our mission to share our Irish heritage and dance form at every opportunity, and to educate all people (both those of Irish descent, and those without Irish backrounds) in the exciting, disciplined, and invigorating art of Irish dancing.
Led by Dubliner Liam Mackey, The Brazen Heads are a raucous, bawdy, fun-loving
band that kicks out high energy "Celtic mayhem". Featuring their
own brand of Traditional and Celtic rock styled tunes on their newest release
“Who’s Yer Paddy”, they’ve been credited with setting
the bar of excellence on the Arizona Irish music scene. Most often described
as a cross between the cheeky fun of the Bare Naked Ladies & the rogueish
impact of The Pogues, their ability to connect with audiences through humor,
politics, and high impact musical abandon puts them in very high demand.
The Biffos were formed in March of 2007. Almost immediately, they released their debut album, "Suffering Is Optional" …on St. Patrick's Day no less. The band is comprised of past members of O'Carroll's Gate and the Keltic Cowboys. Fronted by singer/songwriter Brian O'Carroll (Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Harmonica), the band features Robyn Fisher (Fiddle, Vocals), Rich Merriman (Electric & Upright Bass), and Tony Maslowicz (Drums).
