PREMIER EVENT
Irish Hooley Music Festival
Friday-Saturday , August 26-27 4 PM ( Fri .) & 3 PM ( Sat .) @ Dubuque Star Brewery The mission of the Irish Hooley is to promote Irish / Celtic music and culture in Dubuque throughout the year . For generations , the highlight of Irish social life was the Hooley . Music , dance , song , good conversation , and merriment flowed freely as described in the Percy French song , “ There ’ s a Hooley on in Hannigan ’ s House Tonight .” You can celebrate Irish heritage at the 12th annual Irish Hooley Music Festival , Friday and Saturday , August 26-27 , at the Dubuque Star Brewery , Port of Dubuque , IA . May the luck of the Irish be with you !
FRIDAY , AUGUST 26 The Lads ( 4:30 p . m .) kick off the festival weekend . ( Festival gates open at 4:00 p . m .) A collection of local talent , they enjoy celebrating their Irish and American roots . The Lads band members include Kevin Walsh , Rob McCullough , Jim Mueller , Bill Thurm , Laura Hess , and Patrick Reidy . They play favorite Irish pub tunes , ballads and rebels songs . Be prepared to sing along with this group of Irish partiers , because they believe the real joy of a Hooley is best realized when all are engaged and active . So bring your thirst for fun and song and be prepared to raise your voices and a toast or two to all that is great about being Irish American ! The Led Farmers ( 6:30 p . m .) are an Irish folk band from Ireland . They are all experienced players , who come from varying musical backgrounds and projects . Each member has studied and qualified with degrees and masters ’ in Classical music as well as embracing pop , rock , and experimental genres . The group boasts two All Ireland Music competition titles and have played all over Europe . Much of their repertoire is chosen from the powerhouses of Irish Folk Music ; The Dubliners , Planxty , and The Pogues . It is within their fresh arrangements and live performances that The Led Farmers excel . They also write their own material and are known for giving the odd pop song a folk twist . Visit TheLedFarmers . com . The High Kings ( 8:30 p . m .) showcase their incredible versatility and skills as multiinstrumentalists , playing 13 instruments between them bringing a rousing acoustic
Gaelic Storm
flavor to brand new songs as well as some old favorites . The High Kings are continuing to live up to their reputation as a phenomenal live band , serving up laughter , good times and even the odd sing along . Since The High Kings started in 2008 , they have sold out hundreds of shows , in Ireland and the U . S ., made numerous TV appearances , recorded three studio albums and one live album and achieved platinum status with their first two albums . Visit TheHighKings . com .
SATURDAY , AUGUST 27 In addition the festival , take part in the Hooley Hustle , a 5K run and walk . Following a kid ’ s run ( 8:15 a . m .) and the 5K ( 8:30 a . m .), awards will be presented based on chip time and age division . A new pair of shoes will be awarded to the fastest man and women wearing a kilt ! The second day of the festival begins with an Opening Ceremony ( 3:15 p . m ., gates open at 3:00 p . m .). McNulty School of Irish Dance ( 3:30 p . m .) beautifully captures the soul of Ireland in dance . Following a Military Salute ( 4:00 p . m .), The Lads ( 4:30 p . m .) and The Led Farmers ( 6:30 p . m .) perform once again , setting the stage for another incredible headliner . Gaelic Storm ( 8:45 p . m .) has straddled the line between tradition and innovation for nearly two decades . Led by founding members Patrick Murphy and Steve Twigger , the group infuses traditional Celtic music with modern influences , updating the genre for a new generation of fans raised on rock , country , and folk . Along the way , the musicians have topped the Billboard World Chart four times , appeared in the blockbuster film Titanic ( where they performed “ Irish Party in Third Class ,” an unreleased song made available for the first time on Full Irish ) and earned a reputation as a hard-touring , genre-bending band . Regularly playing more than 120 shows a year , Gaelic Storm has built a loyal following as diverse as the band ’ s own music . Fans of traditional Irish music have championed the group for years , but so have fans of harder-edged Celtic rock . Visit GaelicStorm . com .
GREAT CRAIC Craic ( pronounced “ crack ”) is the Irish word for fun and enjoyment . Fun doesn ’ t really cut it though ! It is much more … including general banter , great music and good times had by all ! Tickets for Friday or Saturday are $ 10 in advance ( at Shamrock Imports , Premier Bank , and Family Beer & Liquor ) and at the Gate ( Dubuque Star Brewery , Port of Dubuque ). Children ’ s admission ( ages 10 and under ) is free . Parking will be available in the McGraw- Hill lot location and Diamond Jo Casino lot . Remember to bring hats , jackets , small purses or bags , sunscreen , small umbrellas , blankets , and smiles ! Irish eyes are smilin ’ at the massive success of the Irish Hooley . None more than those who have benefited from the proceeds in the past including Hospice of Dubuque , The American Legion , Dubuque Fire Pipes & Drums , The Dubuqueland Irish , The Rotary Club and other civic and cultural organizations . Funds raised for charity and Irish cultural events over the past seven years have topped $ 225,000 . For more information , visit IrishHooley . org . Editor ’ s note : Article compiled from information and images on the Irish Hooley website , IrishHooley . org .
August 2016 ❖ Julien ’ s Journal ❖ 19