I'll be travelling over from Ireland to visit friends in Indiana in September. We'll be attending the Indianapolis Irish Festival (Sept 17-19) and the Cincinnati Celtic World Festival (Sept. 25-27).
Anyone else planning to be at either of those events? Perhaps we could have a mini 'The Session' session?
My wife and I are considering going to Cincinati this year. The Indy Fest has always been a disappointment to us in terms of traditional music content and we have not attended for a couple of years now.
Johnny Appleseed Festival in Fort Wayne, Indiana occurs on the 3rd weekend of September, and while it is not an Irish festival, there's usually informal Irish music being played at Pat O'Riordan's Whistle booth.
As a Indianapolis area resident, I sadly confirm Bill's estimation of the Indy Irish Fest. It offers minimal representation of traditional Irish music, and too often the volume from the "kilted rock" stuff drowns out the trad stage. This year looks no different.
Dan Cummins of Lexington KY was tapped to schedule the music for this festival, and he's got some fine people coming in. They may not be the biggest names you ever heard of, but they're solid players, and devoted tradition bearers. I'm quite certain that there will be many opportunities for sessioning among the opportunities to listen.
Indianapolis had no trad at all two years ago, but last year there was a little. Kate among others should get credit for working to enlighten the festival organizers, who seem blissfully unaware of the traditional music and arts of the culture they claim to be celebrating. I haven't seen this year's line up yet, so maybe you should go by Kate's advice. (I will actually be at a big concertina and accordion event in Massachusetts - the "Northeast Squeeze-In" - that weekend.)
There is a nice session Tuesdays in Indy, check it out (listed under Sessions here). See you this week, Kate!
Well, from what I've seen of the line-up, Kate (not that I know her) has still not grasped the difference between Irish folk music, 'kilted rock' and Irish traditional music. The line shows a preponderance of the first two genres and nothing much of the third. She also seems to have go too far down the 'Republication' road, for my liking, with bands like: Derek Warefield & The Sons of Erin (ex. Wolfe Tones) and 'The Fenians'. I even noticed that 'Out of Kilter' (from last years's photo - they are playing again this year) are wearing Scottish Tartan Kilts and playing Scottish Bagpipes! Most of what will be served up seems likely to be loud, not very traditional and well suited to those who like green Guinness on May 17th.
The Cincinnati festival, however, looks likely to be a completely different and far more appropriate state of affairs.
Ah, Man_dola2, you misunderstand. Kate is as staunch a fan of traditional Irish music as any I know and knows full well the difference between Irish folk music, 'kilted rock' and Irish traditional music. I'm sure she is reeling in deep horror and revulsion at the thought that someone would think her responsible for the musical travesty that occurs at the Indianapois Irish Fest.
What was meant here was that Kate lobbies very hard for the inclusion of traditional ITM at this festival and her efforts and input are steadfastly ignored by the organizers of said festival whose ears are no doubt deafened by effing Highland pipes and rock bands.
Sorry, my misunderstanding. Apologies to Kate (who I hadn't realised made a posting above). But, I do think that the main stage is going to be sadly lacking in 'Pure Drop', unlike Cincinnati. There are some great Irish Trad bands out there who don't charge the Earth to play. It's a shame (and to lose the vowel - a sham) to pass an event off as 'Irish', when some of the performers don't even know the difference between the instruments they are playing!
Yes, the 'Pure Drop' will be sadly lacking from Indy's main stage. I'm curious, however, about the scheduled 'session' on one of the other stages. There is absolutely no information provided about that.
There will be some fine traditional music at the Cincinnati Celtic World Festival including Solas, Ged Foley, Michael Cooney and Paul Smyth, Grainne Hambly, Le Vent du Nord, Llan de Cubel, Harmonia, Simple Gifts, Silver Arm and lots of wonderful regional groups -- about 700 performers in all if you count the dancers and pipers. Sessions will be on-going throughout the weekend at the Riley School of Irish Music session tent next to the workshops. Holiday Inn Eastgate will be the hotel where most of the post festival activities will take place. This festival does not go late into the evening like some do. It ends at about 10:30 on Saturday, 7:30 on Sunday. So there is a good possibility of sessions afterwards. On Sunday this might take place at the Dubliner Restaurant afterwards since there is a regular Sunday night session there.
Yikes! That was my first post to the session, and I see that if I'm going to post, I'd better continue to watch the thread. Thanks, Bill, for defending me and explaining my (non)connection to the Indy Irish Fest. You stated it very well. I am, indeed, steadfastly ignored. I mentioned recently to a couple of the organizers that they could get all sorts of excellent trad musicians to come down from Chicago, people who would be excellent, and would attract the likes of you and me and others in this discussion. They did ask for web links, so maybe there's hope. I ain't holding my breath, though, and I'm going to Louisville this year on that weekend.
As to the Cincinnati festival, this is the first year that they're calling it a "World Music Festival" as opposed to "Celtic". That makes me a little wary, but I bet it'll still be good. They have always displayed fine discernment in the realm of Irish trad, and they never bring in any silly rock stuff that one has to ignore. I predict a great festival, as usual. It's a pleasant setting, and an approachable size, as well.
Hey Bill...Does Mr. O'Riordan still sell whistles at the Johnny Appleseed Festival in Ft. Wayne? I've been meaning to make it up to that for a couple of years and will probably do so this year.
Yes, Brett, Pat still has a booth at the festival although it's rumored that this year may be his last. You have to get to Pat's booth real, real early on Saturday to get a whistle made by him. I know he used to try to make some up especially for the festival and he still would sell out shortly after the opening. I usually wait an hour or two after the festival opens and hang out with him and play tunes since he has nothing left to sell except for some Generations that he brings for the kiddies.
The Cincinati Celtic Festival has changed its name to the Cincinati Celtic World Festival. I see that an Asturian group is one of the headliners. I suppose this is just truth in advertising so one is not disappointed to fins something other than Irish trad music on the program.
If I saw a festival called "Celtic", I'd assume that there'd be all kinds of "Celtic" music (Scottish, Asturian, Galician, Cape Breton, Shetland, Welsh, Breton, etc.), not just Irish. Nothing wrong with that, if you ask me -- I only have two albums of Asturian music, and quite enjoy them, though it's not my cup of tea to play...
My personal gripe is about the Indianapolis Irish festival which is called 'The Indianapolis Irish Festival'. It claims to be 'an opportunity to share Irish heritage through music, dance, cultural activities, and family fun.' It's not called the Indianapolis 'Irish Rock Festival' or 'the Indianapolis Republican supporters meeting', or 'the Indianapolis Scottish Bagpipe Festival' or 'The Indianapolis Irish Rock Festival'.
Zina: I agree agree with you. My comment was only an observation - not criticism. I've had a few Breton and Asturian tunes find their way on to my pipes in the past and I thoroughly enjoy them.
Dave: These are the same folks who include "The Quiet Man" as part of their Irish Film Classics series so maybe that says it all. Sheesh! I'm several generations removed from any Irish roots I may have, and I'm still embarrassed by this schlock!
Well, given that one of the most popular trends in Ireland in the case of music is Country Western (a friend of mine who is from Texas and is really into CW, claiming to know every single CW song there is in existence, once went to Ireland and heard a CW song emanating from a local pub that he didn't know. Investigating, he discovered that it was a local band who was writing their own songs...), I don't see why an Irish festival shouldn't have Irish rock or Irish punk or Irish whatever. I personally am not interested in any of the aforementioned and prefer Irish traditional music, so probably wouldn't go once I discovered there was little to no Irish traditional music, but there you are.
Well, I'm committed to going - as my friends are playing there 5 times in 3 days, and then I'm staying with them. I just wanted to enjoy all of the festival and not just their band (The Culchies - who are great and very traditional)! I suppose I'll just have to look forward to Cincinnati on the following weekend.
I've met a couple of members (bodhran and fiddle player)of The Culchies before they were a group a few years ago. I'll be missing the Indy fest due to commitments at home that weekend (session and local festival).
But, I'm set up to go to Cincinnati. It'll be my first time there after several years of procrastinating. I imagine I'll be lurking around a session tent (if I can find one) with a set of pipes.
Hi folks,
I am steve v. johnson of the Culchies of Indiana. Our dear friend Kate Smith pointed this discussion out to us, so I'm here to put in my $.02.
First off,
DAVE = man_dola2
PLEASE EMAIL ME AT BANNARUA@AOL.COM AS SOON AS YOU CAN, PLEASE? Thanks!
Next, and most importantly, Kate Smith is one of the most knowlegable, dedicated, musical and deeply involved folks I know involved in Irish music.
Yes, the Indy fest is a mixed bag... My impression of the organizers is that they are coming from a very... main-stream, market-oriented view of Irish culture, and one in which I'm not interested. An awfully lot of ethnic integrity for many cultures here in The Melting Pot gets reduced to the lowest common denominator, and to the cartoonish side of imagery.
But for a bunch of us Hoosier Irish players, the festival has been very good. Can I possibly complain after they have scheduled us to play so often?!?! I'm quite grateful, as are my bandmates. I have had great experiences there, hearing great trad, and, yes, avoiding the Kilt Rock gang (with the exception of some local friends, for whom it was a wonderful opportunity as well).
I think that pushing the rock side out there gets the festival corporate sponsors and radio and tv airtime that wouldn't happen otherwise. Y'all can debate the wisdom of corporate sponsorship, and it should be handled carefully, but when the punters come for the rock, we're there.
I don't know if any of you have had the experience of spending time with folks who came to hear a Celtic rock band and then discovered trad right in front of you, but it happens to us, and we are very grateful for it. It will certainly put players thru their paces, and we needed to learn just what our place, as 21st century American players, in the ITM food chain can be, and can mean.
When we last spoke with Cindy Mayti (who has been one of the folks most involved in the Cincy Celtic Fest) about the 'internationalization' of the festival, she hinted that attendance may have been declining, and that the main focus of the festival would remain Celtic, while other ethnic performers would be added. This is a little scary to me, since this has been such a wonderful fest in the last few years, but I have fended off conservative urges before () and have again found the strength to do so again. I'll support Cincy Folk Life and the festival however I can.
So... if you don't like to hear the rock bands, see the gaudy shamrocks and green hats and stuff, don't pay them any attention. There's more, really.
Thanks very much,
stv
steve V. johnson
Bloomington, Indiana
I can't help it, I just gotta play
Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
I'll be travelling over from Ireland to visit friends in Indiana in September. We'll be attending the Indianapolis Irish Festival (Sept 17-19) and the Cincinnati Celtic World Festival (Sept. 25-27).
Anyone else planning to be at either of those events? Perhaps we could have a mini 'The Session' session?
Dave
# Posted on July 22nd 2004 by man_dola2
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
My wife and I are considering going to Cincinati this year. The Indy Fest has always been a disappointment to us in terms of traditional music content and we have not attended for a couple of years now.
Johnny Appleseed Festival in Fort Wayne, Indiana occurs on the 3rd weekend of September, and while it is not an Irish festival, there's usually informal Irish music being played at Pat O'Riordan's Whistle booth.
# Posted on July 23rd 2004 by Bill Reeder
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
As a Indianapolis area resident, I sadly confirm Bill's estimation of the Indy Irish Fest. It offers minimal representation of traditional Irish music, and too often the volume from the "kilted rock" stuff drowns out the trad stage. This year looks no different.
For another option on the weekend of Sept.17-19, visit this website: http://www.louisvilleirishfest.com/
Dan Cummins of Lexington KY was tapped to schedule the music for this festival, and he's got some fine people coming in. They may not be the biggest names you ever heard of, but they're solid players, and devoted tradition bearers. I'm quite certain that there will be many opportunities for sessioning among the opportunities to listen.
# Posted on July 23rd 2004 by bogeyman
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
Indianapolis had no trad at all two years ago, but last year there was a little. Kate among others should get credit for working to enlighten the festival organizers, who seem blissfully unaware of the traditional music and arts of the culture they claim to be celebrating. I haven't seen this year's line up yet, so maybe you should go by Kate's advice. (I will actually be at a big concertina and accordion event in Massachusetts - the "Northeast Squeeze-In" - that weekend.)
There is a nice session Tuesdays in Indy, check it out (listed under Sessions here). See you this week, Kate!
Ken
# Posted on July 23rd 2004 by KenC
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
Well, from what I've seen of the line-up, Kate (not that I know her) has still not grasped the difference between Irish folk music, 'kilted rock' and Irish traditional music. The line shows a preponderance of the first two genres and nothing much of the third. She also seems to have go too far down the 'Republication' road, for my liking, with bands like: Derek Warefield & The Sons of Erin (ex. Wolfe Tones) and 'The Fenians'. I even noticed that 'Out of Kilter' (from last years's photo - they are playing again this year) are wearing Scottish Tartan Kilts and playing Scottish Bagpipes! Most of what will be served up seems likely to be loud, not very traditional and well suited to those who like green Guinness on May 17th.
The Cincinnati festival, however, looks likely to be a completely different and far more appropriate state of affairs.
Dave
# Posted on July 23rd 2004 by man_dola2
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
Ah, Man_dola2, you misunderstand. Kate is as staunch a fan of traditional Irish music as any I know and knows full well the difference between Irish folk music, 'kilted rock' and Irish traditional music. I'm sure she is reeling in deep horror and revulsion at the thought that someone would think her responsible for the musical travesty that occurs at the Indianapois Irish Fest.
What was meant here was that Kate lobbies very hard for the inclusion of traditional ITM at this festival and her efforts and input are steadfastly ignored by the organizers of said festival whose ears are no doubt deafened by effing Highland pipes and rock bands.
# Posted on July 23rd 2004 by Bill Reeder
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
Sorry, my misunderstanding. Apologies to Kate (who I hadn't realised made a posting above). But, I do think that the main stage is going to be sadly lacking in 'Pure Drop', unlike Cincinnati. There are some great Irish Trad bands out there who don't charge the Earth to play. It's a shame (and to lose the vowel - a sham) to pass an event off as 'Irish', when some of the performers don't even know the difference between the instruments they are playing!
Dave
# Posted on July 23rd 2004 by man_dola2
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
Yes, the 'Pure Drop' will be sadly lacking from Indy's main stage. I'm curious, however, about the scheduled 'session' on one of the other stages. There is absolutely no information provided about that.
# Posted on July 23rd 2004 by Bill Reeder
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
There will be some fine traditional music at the Cincinnati Celtic World Festival including Solas, Ged Foley, Michael Cooney and Paul Smyth, Grainne Hambly, Le Vent du Nord, Llan de Cubel, Harmonia, Simple Gifts, Silver Arm and lots of wonderful regional groups -- about 700 performers in all if you count the dancers and pipers. Sessions will be on-going throughout the weekend at the Riley School of Irish Music session tent next to the workshops. Holiday Inn Eastgate will be the hotel where most of the post festival activities will take place. This festival does not go late into the evening like some do. It ends at about 10:30 on Saturday, 7:30 on Sunday. So there is a good possibility of sessions afterwards. On Sunday this might take place at the Dubliner Restaurant afterwards since there is a regular Sunday night session there.
# Posted on July 23rd 2004 by RogueFiddler
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
Yikes! That was my first post to the session, and I see that if I'm going to post, I'd better continue to watch the thread. Thanks, Bill, for defending me and explaining my (non)connection to the Indy Irish Fest. You stated it very well. I am, indeed, steadfastly ignored. I mentioned recently to a couple of the organizers that they could get all sorts of excellent trad musicians to come down from Chicago, people who would be excellent, and would attract the likes of you and me and others in this discussion. They did ask for web links, so maybe there's hope. I ain't holding my breath, though, and I'm going to Louisville this year on that weekend.
As to the Cincinnati festival, this is the first year that they're calling it a "World Music Festival" as opposed to "Celtic". That makes me a little wary, but I bet it'll still be good. They have always displayed fine discernment in the realm of Irish trad, and they never bring in any silly rock stuff that one has to ignore. I predict a great festival, as usual. It's a pleasant setting, and an approachable size, as well.
# Posted on July 24th 2004 by bogeyman
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
Hey Bill...Does Mr. O'Riordan still sell whistles at the Johnny Appleseed Festival in Ft. Wayne? I've been meaning to make it up to that for a couple of years and will probably do so this year.
-Brett
# Posted on July 24th 2004 by bretton
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
Yes, Brett, Pat still has a booth at the festival although it's rumored that this year may be his last. You have to get to Pat's booth real, real early on Saturday to get a whistle made by him. I know he used to try to make some up especially for the festival and he still would sell out shortly after the opening. I usually wait an hour or two after the festival opens and hang out with him and play tunes since he has nothing left to sell except for some Generations that he brings for the kiddies.
# Posted on July 24th 2004 by Bill Reeder
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
The Cincinati Celtic Festival has changed its name to the Cincinati Celtic World Festival. I see that an Asturian group is one of the headliners. I suppose this is just truth in advertising so one is not disappointed to fins something other than Irish trad music on the program.
# Posted on July 24th 2004 by Bill Reeder
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
If I saw a festival called "Celtic", I'd assume that there'd be all kinds of "Celtic" music (Scottish, Asturian, Galician, Cape Breton, Shetland, Welsh, Breton, etc.), not just Irish. Nothing wrong with that, if you ask me -- I only have two albums of Asturian music, and quite enjoy them, though it's not my cup of tea to play...
# Posted on July 24th 2004 by Zina Lee
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
Hi Zina
My personal gripe is about the Indianapolis Irish festival which is called 'The Indianapolis Irish Festival'. It claims to be 'an opportunity to share Irish heritage through music, dance, cultural activities, and family fun.' It's not called the Indianapolis 'Irish Rock Festival' or 'the Indianapolis Republican supporters meeting', or 'the Indianapolis Scottish Bagpipe Festival' or 'The Indianapolis Irish Rock Festival'.
Dave
# Posted on July 24th 2004 by man_dola2
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
Bill: Learn how to spell Cincinnati!
Zina: I agree agree with you. My comment was only an observation - not criticism. I've had a few Breton and Asturian tunes find their way on to my pipes in the past and I thoroughly enjoy them.
Dave: These are the same folks who include "The Quiet Man" as part of their Irish Film Classics series so maybe that says it all. Sheesh! I'm several generations removed from any Irish roots I may have, and I'm still embarrassed by this schlock!
# Posted on July 25th 2004 by Bill Reeder
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
Well, given that one of the most popular trends in Ireland in the case of music is Country Western (a friend of mine who is from Texas and is really into CW, claiming to know every single CW song there is in existence, once went to Ireland and heard a CW song emanating from a local pub that he didn't know. Investigating, he discovered that it was a local band who was writing their own songs...), I don't see why an Irish festival shouldn't have Irish rock or Irish punk or Irish whatever. I personally am not interested in any of the aforementioned and prefer Irish traditional music, so probably wouldn't go once I discovered there was little to no Irish traditional music, but there you are.
# Posted on July 25th 2004 by Zina Lee
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
Well, I'm committed to going - as my friends are playing there 5 times in 3 days, and then I'm staying with them. I just wanted to enjoy all of the festival and not just their band (The Culchies - who are great and very traditional)! I suppose I'll just have to look forward to Cincinnati on the following weekend.
Dave
# Posted on July 25th 2004 by man_dola2
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
I've met a couple of members (bodhran and fiddle player)of The Culchies before they were a group a few years ago. I'll be missing the Indy fest due to commitments at home that weekend (session and local festival).
But, I'm set up to go to Cincinnati. It'll be my first time there after several years of procrastinating. I imagine I'll be lurking around a session tent (if I can find one) with a set of pipes.
# Posted on July 25th 2004 by Bill Reeder
Re: Indianapolis & Cincinnati Irish Festivals
Hi folks,
I am steve v. johnson of the Culchies of Indiana. Our dear friend Kate Smith pointed this discussion out to us, so I'm here to put in my $.02.
First off,
DAVE = man_dola2
PLEASE EMAIL ME AT BANNARUA@AOL.COM AS SOON AS YOU CAN, PLEASE? Thanks!
Next, and most importantly, Kate Smith is one of the most knowlegable, dedicated, musical and deeply involved folks I know involved in Irish music.
Yes, the Indy fest is a mixed bag... My impression of the organizers is that they are coming from a very... main-stream, market-oriented view of Irish culture, and one in which I'm not interested. An awfully lot of ethnic integrity for many cultures here in The Melting Pot gets reduced to the lowest common denominator, and to the cartoonish side of imagery.
But for a bunch of us Hoosier Irish players, the festival has been very good. Can I possibly complain after they have scheduled us to play so often?!?! I'm quite grateful, as are my bandmates. I have had great experiences there, hearing great trad, and, yes, avoiding the Kilt Rock gang (with the exception of some local friends, for whom it was a wonderful opportunity as well).
I think that pushing the rock side out there gets the festival corporate sponsors and radio and tv airtime that wouldn't happen otherwise. Y'all can debate the wisdom of corporate sponsorship, and it should be handled carefully, but when the punters come for the rock, we're there.
I don't know if any of you have had the experience of spending time with folks who came to hear a Celtic rock band and then discovered trad right in front of you, but it happens to us, and we are very grateful for it. It will certainly put players thru their paces, and we needed to learn just what our place, as 21st century American players, in the ITM food chain can be, and can mean.
When we last spoke with Cindy Mayti (who has been one of the folks most involved in the Cincy Celtic Fest) about the 'internationalization' of the festival, she hinted that attendance may have been declining, and that the main focus of the festival would remain Celtic, while other ethnic performers would be added. This is a little scary to me, since this has been such a wonderful fest in the last few years, but I have fended off conservative urges before () and have again found the strength to do so again. I'll support Cincy Folk Life and the festival however I can.
So... if you don't like to hear the rock bands, see the gaudy shamrocks and green hats and stuff, don't pay them any attention. There's more, really.
Thanks very much,
stv
steve V. johnson
Bloomington, Indiana
I can't help it, I just gotta play
# Posted on July 28th 2004 by stv culchie