Anyone expecting to be at the Milwaukee Festival next week?
It’s my first time, so info from repeat or former attendees would be appreciated. Not sure I’ll be playing, but wondering about bringing my flute anyway. Sessions or gatherings?
I’ll not be going to the week of classes at the university, but I hear there’s a session or a gathering at its end for players. Info from anyone?
Thanks!
Hey David,
This will only be my second year so I don’t know what to say other than it’s awesome. Last year there was a heck of a thunder/blowing rain storm on Saturday evening. The day was hot and sunny. I’ll be posting on the whistle forum to ask who else will be there. I know there’s a tentative plan for at least one other person and I to meet so she, or her daughter, can try some of my whistles.
Maybe when we get closer we can set up a time and place to meet. You sold a polymer flute and a boxwood Thin Weasel for me and I’d at least like to meet you in person and say hi.
take care
jim
Definitely bring your flute. There isn’t really too much going on session-wise at the festival grounds, but later…
The best sessions on the weekend are at the Park East Hotel, in downtown Milwaukee. You won’t be able to get a room there, but definitely go to play. There’s always sessions on the roof (always), in rooms, and in the various common areas and lobbies. Ever time I’ve been there, I’ve been up 'till the sun comes up. The Park East is where all the people who preform at the festival are booked to stay, so they’re into playing after things wind down. Most sessions start about 11pm or so. Earlier in the week, sessions are either at Bartolinos on the University of Milwaukee campus, or another bar (I forget the name) right down the street from the Park East. That’s also where the session is sometimes on thursday. There is also a relatively unadvertised ceili that can be cool, and I think it’s on thursday night as well. I’ve never been, but I’ve heard it’s cool. I’m betting Paddy O’Brien will play at it, so if you wanna know where it is, ask him. Good luck, and hopefully I’ll run into there and we can play some tunes.
e
david et al,
Myself and Kevin Glackin will be there hosting a Scoiltrad information booth in the Gaeltacht tent. Call over and say hello.
Conal
david et al,
Myself and Kevin Glackin will be there hosting a Scoiltrad information booth in the Gaeltacht tent. Call over and say hello.
Conal
Check out http://www.irishfest.com for a complete schedule. I don’t see any sessions scheduled, but last year there was one in a tent on the south end of the grounds. I live in Milwaukee and have attended Irish Fest for years. You will enjoy it immensely. The web site has a link listing various hotels --at least a dozen within 1 mile.