Did You Say Lumberjacks?

When thinking about traditional Irish music here in the Upper Midwest, I know most of you are thinking . .Lumberjacks!

OK . . maybe not, but you should.

Well here in Wisconsin and Minnesota we do all the time.  Of course we do.
It's a little known fact in the late 1800's, many of the logging camps were filled with Irish immigrants, who brought with them the music of their native land.

And if you don't believe us, stop at the Irish Fest Center Sunday December 4th at 1:00 PM

 

Noted Minnesota Irish trad guitarist and singer Brian Miller and his band Two Tap Trio will present an afternoon of Irish American music from the logging camps.  Joined by Milwaukean Randy Gosa, Miller's show promises to be an entertaining afternoon of songs and stories from the northern logging camps.

Brian's wife Norah Rendell is a renowned flute player with the group Outside Track appearing at Milwaukee Irish Fest for the first time this year (and wowing the crowds I might add).  She will be playing Sunday as well.

Since the Packers play on Thursday, chances are you won't have anything going on so stop by.

Wear a plaid shirt

Celtic Boutique

Yep, It's that time of the year again. The 11th annual Celtic Boutique takes place this Saturday November 19th at the Irish Fest Center.



This is a terrific place to find just the perfect Celtic gift for that special someone.  Filling the great Hall and the lower level of the Irish Fest Center (also known affectionately as "The Basement") boutique shoppers can find a mryriad of gifts ranging from artwork, jewelry, and celtic clothing.

I can personally vouch for the quality of the goods available because Mrs. Peat Blogger and Grandma Peat Blogger (also known as "Wheezy") mark their calendars for this day.

Down in the lower level, shoppers can also get a bite to eat in between exhausting trips out to the car dropping off another load of Celtic Goodies.  There's a raffle and lots of friendly people.  The entire building has been decorated for the holidays. I know this because I watched everyone decorate two weeks ago.  It's festive and since it's only one day you really shouldn't miss it. 

If you've ever been to our building located at 1532 Wauwatosa Ave (76th St) this first thing you probably said to yourself is "Boy this would be a really hard building to push a stroller in".  You would be right, so don't even think about bringing a stroller. 

Better yet have that slugnut husband of yours watch the kids while you do some serious shopping.

See you Saturday

Elections

Each November the Irish Fest Board has its' elections.  It's an exciting time as campaign posters pop up "A Guinness in Every Refrigerator!" or "Vote for Me! - I'm not as bad as Joe King!"  As you can see, it's a fun time.

This year we had several board members "age off" the board meaning their three 3 year terms had expired.  Kathy Rave, Lori Dahm Tadhg McInerney and some guy named King, finished their terms leaving open seats.  Two other board members were running to hold their seats; Pat Fitzgibbons and Mary Alice Tierney.

During the first open general meeting in November, the Irish Fest Board excuses itself from the meeting and retires to the polling place affectionately known as "The Basement" to elect new board members.  Past President and noted Irish Fest historian John Maher presides over the festive event producing "The Official Irish Fest Ballot Box",  which I believe is used the other 364 days of the year to store ashes from cremations. (no, really).  Balloting and the even more important tabulations are conducted by the firm of Maher, McCartan, Mikush and McElligott.

This year we were happy to have a large number of excellent candidates vying for the open positions which was a relief for many of us ("What if they threw an election and nobody came ? . .)

The results for this year are as follows: returning board members Pat Fitzgibbons and Mary Alice Tierney maintained their seats, and filling in the open seats were newcomers Kelly Brady, Linda Klibowitz (did I mention you don't have to have an Irish name?) and Peter LaBonte.  Colleen Kennedy - past Irish Fest president and board member also returned to the board.

After the board elections, the board returns to the place affectionately known as "Upstairs" where the Irish Fest community is nodding off to sleep and announces the results.  Elections of the officers then takes place.  This year our slate of officers remains the same with President Donna Brady, Vice President Cathy Ward, Treasurer Mike Dahm and noted scribbler Kevin Costello as board secretary.

Congratulations to all!

Now get to work.