Contemporary Celtic-influenced bands at Irish Fest
.
Article Extras
Related Stories
Time to rock — Celtic style. The Irish Fest running May 25 through 28 at Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 147th St., Oak Forest, will be featuring four days of music with a Celtic overtone, with some bands and singers that have created a fusion sound of Celtic with rock influence. Others just bring their own sound to the stage. Count among all of these:
Gaelic Storm
Gaelic Storm sells out hundreds of venues and has played to audiences totaling in the millions and returns to Irish Fest on Saturday, May 26, and Sunday, May 27, this year. Gaelic Storm’s career soared with their appearance in the blockbuster film Titanic. Since then the band’s fan base continues to multiply with each new album, turning this one time pub band into a premier touring act. Gaelic Storm’s compelling originals and fresh arrangements are steeped in traditional melody creating new standards in the Celtic music genre.
Highlights from their career include seven Billboard chart topping albums, a DVD, a full-length concert film featured on HD.net, song placement on two EA Sports Games, a 2008 Hallmark greeting card featuring their song “Kiss Me I’m Irish” and countless television and radio appearances. Prepare for the storm - Gaelic Storm - a fan favorite.
The Killdares
A blend of rock, pop and Celtic, The Killdares bridge the gap between traditional and cutting edge. The Killdares have gone from local pub performers to world-class musicians who create and perform a new version of hard-driving, alternative Celtic rock. They share stages with national and international artists and are one of the hottest, cutting edge bands in music today — Celtic or otherwise.
Expanding the definition of “Celtic,” the band uses fire-driven fiddle, bagpipes, and a wail of electric guitar, bass and drums to create brilliant arrangements of traditional tunes and original compositions. Even die-hard fans of purely traditional Celtic music have embraced the band’s powerful sound.
In 2010 The Killdares released “Up Against The Lights,” a three-disc package (two audio CDs/one DVD) of their energetic and entertaining live show at the historic Granada Theater in Dallas. Now you can experience The Killdares live at Irish Fest Saturday, May 26, and Sunday, May 27.
Streams of Whiskey
Streams of Whiskey is a New York City-based band playing the music of Shane MacGowan, The Pogues and the Popes. In this regard, it makes them unique because the formula is to take Shane MacGowan’s and the Popes’ songs and play them in the style of the Pogues. Got it?
The problem with most cover bands is that the band concentrates on just one artist until it becomes a soulless imitation of that artist. But not so with Streams of Whisky. You’ll never get the feeling that you were listening to a cover band. They actually own their renditions of the songs, which is rare for a cover band. Hear for yourself Saturday, May 26, and Sunday, May 27, at Irish Fest. They love what they do, and it shows!
7th Heaven
Appearing Monday, May 28, only, Chicago Rock/Pop band 7th Heaven is one of the busiest indie bands in the world. Charting No. 1 in the Midwest Region on the Billboard Charts — September 2011, they’ve had a great couple of years. They charted two releases in 2010; performed at Soldier Field with Bon Jovi; received coverage on TV’s ABC, NBC, FOX and WGN and charted the hit “Better This Way” at No. 2 among Chicago radio stations.
Their extremely high-energy live shows have received worldwide press coverage from USA Today, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune and the LA Times. 7th Heaven has also been featured on commercials and film soundtracks. They are touring the U.S. throughout 2012 — including a Monday performance at Chicago Gaelic Park’s Irish Fest this year.
More special appearances at Irish Fest
Irish Fest is also proud to present Blackstairs Rebel (County Wexford), Chicago Reel, Gerry Carney (County Mayo), Paddy Homan & Friends (County Cork), Red Rebel County, Eddie Gallagher (County Donegal), Kathleen Keane & Friends, Larkin & Moran Brothers, Tommy Goodwin & Sharon (County Kerry), Crossroads Ceili Band, The Máirtín de Cógáin Project (Co. Cork), Sean & Charlie, Bernie Glim & Country Roads, The Lounge Puppetts, The Irish Musicians, Gerard Haughey & Sean O’Donnell, Mulligan Stew, Murphy Roche Irish Music Club, The Irish Music School of Chicago, Shannon Rovers Pipe Band, Pipes & Drums of The Emerald Society, and many more.
Gaelic Park is located just outside the Chicago city limits in Oak Forest. A full day pass to six musical stages, full carnival with unlimited rides, free on-site parking and all the fun anyone can handle is only $15. Early online discounts can save up to 60 percent. Adults over 65 years and kids under 12 are only $12. Youngsters 3 years and under are free. Online discount tickets, a complete Irish Fest performance schedule and directions are available at www.chicagogaelicpark.org.
Provided by Gaelic Park
.