Preview by Brad Balfour
Milwaukee Irish Fest
August 20 – 22, 2021
Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Although Boston and New York are often thought of as THE American centers of Irish diaspora life, celebrating Irish heritage takes place throughout the country. Again the Milwaukee Irish Fest returns as one of the highlights of the summer season of Celtic cheer, this time live as well as virtually. Running from August 20th to the 22nd, 2021, at Henry Maier Festival Park the festivities include live music, food, and more.
Artists performing include 3 Pints Gone, Byrne Brothers, Eileen Ivers, Frogwater, Gaelic Storm, Mile Twelve, The Murphy Beds, Wise Maids and many more.
One highlight is the appearance of flatpicking guitarist and singer-songwriter Molly Tuttle who performs on Saturday, August 21st. An award-winning guitarist whose insightful songwriting established her as a new artist to liste
n to. Since moving to Nashville in 2015, the native Californian joined the Americana, folk and bluegrass communities, winning “Instrumentalist of the Year” at the 2018 Americana Music Awards. “When You’re Ready,” her Ryan Hewitt-produced debut introduced her to new audiences here and abroad.
Stretching boundaries of several genres,Tuttle has accumulated further accolades, winning Folk Alliance International’s Song of the Year award for “You Didn’t Call My Name.” She also won consecutive trophies (2017 and 2018) for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Guitar Player of the Year (the first woman in its history to win that honor).
Also headlining at the fest, Boston-based bluegrass group Mile Twelve performs Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22nd. Though rooted in traditional bluegrass, Mile Twelve surveys a broader landscape on their latest album, “City on a Hill.” The quintet does this with well-honed and honest songwriting, along with articulate playing, singing, and performing.
“City on a Hill” follows multiple IBMA Momentum Awards, presented by the International Bluegrass Music Association to emerging bluegrass artists. Mile Twelve won the band category in 2017, shortly before releasing their debut album, “Onwards.” The following year, Keith-Hynes and Benedict secured IBMA Momentum Awards in instrumental categories, while the band earned two major IBMA Award nominations for Emerging Artist and Instrumental Performance of the Year in 2018.
In addition to the in-person festival, the Fest is also producing a virtual Irish-themed program running the same weekend on YouTube and Facebook with performances and cultural talks recorded straight from Ireland including those from the Aisling Lyons Band, Aoife Scott, Colm and Laura Keegan, Frankie Gavin, Larry Beau, Moxie, The Mulcahy Family and an interview with Fishamble Theater Company Artistic Director Jim Colleton.
One can also sign up for the Irish Fest Summer School Online which runs from August 14 – 19th. There are over 50 class options available. Sessions include everything from music classes for beginners, intermediates and advanced players to Irish history, traditional dance, knitting, language, Ireland activism classes and more. August 1st is the last day to sign up.
To learn more, go to: https://irishfest.com/Milwaukee-Irish-Fest.