| News
 GAIF Photo Contest Winners Announced
The Great American Irish Festival Committee announced the winner of its first annual photo contest. Stanley Sosnowski of Mystic, CT submitted the winning photo which featured his wife, Sheila, viewing the mountainous landscape at the Gap of Dunloe, a popular tourist destination south of Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland.
The winning photo was chosen by the popular vote of this year's Festival goers from more than twenty photos submitted for the contest. To be eligible, each photo was required to have an Irish-American theme and to include a person as the subject or a component of the photograph.
"Based on the strong positive interest shown this year, we expect the photo contest to be a feature for next year's festival," Festival Director Matt Sullivan said.
Photographs may be submitted the Great American Irish Festival Photo Contest, P.O. Box 584, Marcy, NY 13403, no later than July 10, 2009. Each photo must be at least 8 inches by 10 inches and no larger than 10 inches by 14 inches and must be mounted or matted. The pictures must show an Irish or Irish-American event, activity or location, and have a person or people as the subject or a component of the photograph. The Festival Committee will choose ten semi-finalists, with the overall winning photograph to be chosen by popular vote during the Great American Irish Festival on the last weekend in July 2009. Each semi-finalist will receive five weekend tickets for the festival, and the winning photographer will win $100. All photographs submitted for the contest will become the property of the Great American Irish Festival and will become part of the photograph archive at the future Irish-American Cultural Center.
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 Rain Can't Dampen Spirits at GAIF 2008
Well, the Great American Irish Festival managed to do it again. As the festival has every year of its five-year existence, the event shattered attendance records over the July 25-27 weekend. With a 25 percent increase over last year's attendance, the 2008 Great American Irish Festival cemented its reputation as the fastest growing event of its kind in the world and staked a strong claim on being the best Irish festival in the Northeast, if not the country.
Huge crowds took advantage of beautiful weather throughout the first night of the Great American Irish Festival, as Friday's turnout easily broke all records for attendance. Festival Treasurer Linda Voce reported an increase of nearly 80% over Friday night revenue last year, and Richard Elthorp of the Herkimer County Fair Association, who estimated Friday's crowd at 20,000, said it was by far the largest crowd on the grounds at one time in the 50 year history of the fairgrounds.
From the opening sets on Friday until the last notes died out on Sunday the level of world-class entertainment never let up. Saturday started off brilliantly with the inaugural 5k Ranger Run, which drew a field of close to 250, unheard of for a first year run. Despite frequent intervals of rain, including some heavy downpours and lightning strikes that caused short stoppages, the entertainment once again kept the audience screaming throughout the day, highlighted by a pair of sets by the most successful Irish American act in history, Cherish The Ladies, as well as brilliant sets from festival favorites Rathkeltair, the Prodigals and the Glengarry Bhoys. If there is any doubt about how well our crowd weathered the storm(s), check out this YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlNbsM8YW-0 Unfortunately, finally even the Great American Irish Festival had to take a back seat to Mother Nature, as forecasts of 80-mph winds and golf-ball size hail forced the closing of the festival just before the last scheduled sets of the evening. Still, other than the early closing, the storms didn't seem to bother anyone and the Great American Irish Festival volunteers - singled out by many of the performers as the best they had ever seen at any event - once again proved their mettle, as sawdust, squeegees and brooms left little trace of the tremendous storms as Sunday opened. The 10:30 mass again proved to be hugely successful and the previous two days had done nothing to diminish the Sunday crowd's energy, as the Elders and Enter the Haggis once again had the contemporary stage crowd jumping and first-time festival attendees the Barra McNeils brought the traditional stage to a rousing close.
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 Winners announced for inaugural GAIF Ranger Run 5k
David Putney and Michelle Nizzi were the top male and female finishers in the Great American Irish Festival's first ever Ranger Run 5k road race. Over two hundred runners participated in the Inaugural Ranger Run 5K on Saturday, July 26. The run, named in memory of festival director Matt Sullivan's father, Tim, started and finished on the festival grounds and traveled through the village of Frankfort.
 Dr. Daniel Murphy got the runners charged up with his bagpipes after very moving renditions of the US and Irish National Anthems by Pat Kane. Utica P.D. and F.D. Chaplain from Our Lady of Lourdes, Fr. Joseph Salerno sent the runners off with a prayer (which may have been the only thing that got some of them through!)
Putney crossed the finish line in 17:30 while hometown runner Nizzi was clocked at 19:40 (barely edging out Great American Irish Festival Treasurer Linda Voce, who finished, well, sometime that same day.)
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 Mohawk Valley Frasers Take Both Divisions at GAIF Bagpipe Competition
The Mohawk Valley Frasers finished first in both the Grade 5 and Grade 4 Divisions at the Great American Irish Festival's first EUSPBA Bagpipe Competition. The hometown Frasers took the Grade 5 competition, followed by the Albany Police Pipe Band in second place and Galloway Gaelic in third. Syracuse Scottish was the runner-up in Grade 4. By all accounts, the inaugural GAIF EUSPBA Competition was a rousing success, as even the driving rain couldn't stop the mass march. One EUSPBA judge said,  "The GAIF was one of - if not the most - organized, efficient, and friendly organizations with which I have carried out judging duties," and one pipe major commented, "All your efforts paid off very nicely from the pipe bands' point of view. I heard only positive comments from bands, judges and officials. They were all pleased to be treated so well. Hope this bodes well for future years."
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 GAIF Raffle Winners
50/50 winners were Nicole Brady of Brookfield, NY and Nick Strother of New Milford CT. Winners of the raffle for the "Irish basket" were Bill Deking of Bridgewater NY and Betty Flanders of Northville, NY.
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Tremendous turnout for first night of festival!!!
The first night of the Great American Irish Festival was a smashing success, and easily broke all records for attendance. Festival Treasurer Linda Voce reports a nearly 80% increase over Friday night revenue last year. "And last year, our Friday night weather was nice just like this year, so this reflects a very fair comparison", reports Voce. The festival continues all weekend.
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Cultural Building Schedule Announced
Friday July 25th
5:00 p.m.
Celtic Harp
6:00 p.m.
Irish Food Demo
Irish Language Workshop
Miss Mohawk Valley Dance
7:00 p.m.
Chriost an Ri Dance School
8:00 p.m.
"Vikings In Ireland" Presentation
Saturday July 26th
11:00
Tin Whistle Workshop
Celtic Dancers
12:00
Bodhran Workshop
Claddagh Ring Dancers
1:00
Irish Food Demo
Irish Language Workshop
2:00
3:00
Irish Food Demo
4:00
Claddagh Dancers
Bodhran Workshop
Danaher + MacCloud Storytellers
5:00
Syracuse Session
Tin Whistle Workshop
Butler Sheehan Academy of Dance
6:00
Irish Language Workshop
Sunday July 27th
12:00
Danaher + MacCloud Storytellers
1:00
Irish Food Demo
Irish Language Workshop
2:00
Celtic Harp
Deirdre McCarthy Storyteller
3:00
Presentation "Vikings In Ireland"
Johnston School of Irish Dance
4:00
Irish Language Workshop
Pat Kane's Ceili Dance Workshop (Saturday or Sunday - time TBA)
Celtic Harp Mary Margaret Krukonis (Celtic Music as Therapy)
Irish Language Workshop (Friday and Saturday) Thomas Malley
Irish Language Workshop (Sunday) Patricia Dugan
"Viking Influence in Ireland" a presentation by Jim O'Rourke
Solo Step Dance performed by Kieren Sheridan, Miss Mohawk Valley 2008
(20 year-old Student at Fulton Montgomery Community College)
Additional performances:
Danaher and MacCloud perform at the Wee Folks Area at 1:00 p.m. Saturday
Deirdre McCarthy perform at the Wee Folks Area at 1:00 Sunday
Displays:
Irish Dog Breeds
"The Burren" County Clare
GAIF's Irish-American Photo contest
Dan Cook Celtic Design Scroll work on wood
Utica Curling Club curling demonstration display
Herkimer County Historical Society display
Matts Brewing Company's "Irish Red Ale" display
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Craobh Dugan Dancers
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Meet Your Favorite Artists at the Great American Irish Festival
Those attending the Great American Irish Festival this year will have an opportunity to meet their favorite Artists. All weekend long you will be able to purchase your favorite artist's merchandise at the Artist Merchandise Tent, conveniently located between the Traditional and Contemporary Stages. Artists will meet at the Merchandise Tent after most performances to chat with fans and autograph merchandise. So check out the great line up of performances and look for signs at the Great American Irish Festival. Don't miss out on this great chance to have some fun and get your CD signed by your favorite artists.
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 Saranac Irish Red Ale
The Great American Irish Festival has joined forces with the FX Matt Brewing Co. to develop what is sure to become the hottest new brew yet: Saranac Irish Red Ale. On Wednesday July 16th, the beer was unveiled at an invitation-only event in the brewery courtyard. The beer, which has been described as "very drinkable" will be introduced to an estimated 1,000 + crowd in preparation for its fully public launch at the festival. |
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 Storytellers Danaher and MacCloud To Weave Tales in Cultural Building
Well-known storytellers Danaher and MacCloud will be delighting Great American Irish Festival audiences with genuine stories of Irish country life, Sligo fiddle tunes, and exceptional vocal harmonies, when they take to the Irish Cultural Building stage on Sat., July 26 and Sunday, July 27. Saturday's performance will begin at 4:00 p.m., while the Sunday show will start at noon.
Carrying on the legacy of Abbey Theater actor and storyteller Eamon Kelly, Kate Danaher and Amy MacCloud help the audience see life the way the Irish do (with a wink and a smile).
Kate Danaher is a Sligo-style fiddler and Irish storyteller, as well as a professional screenwriter and actor whose theater credits include the Delaware Shakespeare Festival, the Delaware Theater Company's Young Playwright's Festival, the Irish Repertory Theater of Philadelphia, the First State Children's Theater, and the Times Square Arts Center. Kate, who studied with the great Sligo fiddler, John Vesey, has been a song and fiddle competitor in All-Ireland Championships. She has a Ph.D. in English Literature, with a specialty in Irish drama, and was Chair and Assistant Professor of English at Rosemont College. She is on the Board of the Delaware Shakespeare Festival
Amy Cloud, a multi-instrumentalist and composer, has performed in country, folk, rock, and dance bands. An alumna of the Boston School of Contemporary Music, she is now Music Director of the Delaware Shakespeare Festival and has both performed and composed music for four productions. Amy is also the lead vocalist in the jazz ensemble, Cloud 9, currently recording its second CD of original music.
Kate and Amy began their musical and theatrical partnership as the founders of the children's entertainment troupe, Fiddlin' and Foolin'. They are currently writing a two-woman show, About the Murphys, which will feature Kate's stories and traditional tunes, as well as Amy's original compositions.
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GAIF to March in Fourth of July Parade in Utica
The Great American Irish Festival is proud to be a part of Utica's Fourth of July Parade. Come watch the parade and cheer us on!! Volunteers are encouraged to march with us. Contact Kate Barefoot at kfbare@yahoo.com to get staging information.
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 Ranger Run 5K scheduled for Saturday, July 26th, 10:30am
The Great American Irish Festival is pleased to announce the inaugural "Ranger Run" 5K road race which will be held on Saturday, July 26th at 10:30am. This run will start and end at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Frankfort. All of those participating in the run will receive festival admission on Saturday and a complimentary beverage. Those registered by July 11th will also receive a race t-shirt.
The run has been named in memory of Tim "the Ranger" Sullivan, father of Festival Director Matthew Sullivan, who passed away unexpectedly while out for a run on September 24th, 2007. Tim was an avid runner, outdoorsman and active committee member for the GAIF since its inception. He spent his life in service to others as a Marine Corps veteran and member of the New York State Police for 27 years. The race is dedicated to his memory and the memory of all of those who have proudly served.
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 The Great American Irish Festival to Sponsor Pipe Band Competition.
Bagpipes have the distinctive honor of being the only musical instrument ever outlawed by a country as an "Instrument of War." The sound of the pipes has emboldened many a brave and gallant lad, while instilling absolute terror in the cold hearts of the foe. Bagpipes have the ability to bring a tear to the eye or stir the blood. Since our inception, bagpipe music has been an integral part of the Great American Irish Festival.
From melodious pipe band performances to the electrifying sounds of Neil Anderson, the sound of pipe music has drifted across the valley. We will now thunder the valley.
This year we will be taking pipe music one step further. One mighty step. The Great American Irish Festival has become a patron member of the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association and will sponsor a Grade 4 and 5 EUSPBA Sanctioned Pipe Band Competition. Invitations are going out to every pipe band in the Northeast and the NYC Metro Area. 80 pipe bands in all. Festival attendees will be able to enjoy the sounds pipe band competitions all day on Saturday, as well as a Massed Band March and Performance on the athletic field at the conclusion of the competition. We are excited about the competition and thrilled to be a patron member of the EUSPBA.
If you are a pipe band member, please check out our competition page. Our prize monies and benefits are nothing less than exceptional. We will do our utmost to ensure that every pipe band member has an absolutely fantastic time. We are the fastest growing festival in the country and we do things right the first time.
If you are pipe band enthusiast or festival patron, please check out our competition page. We will be adding many links of interest, so please check it often.
Please contact me with any questions, suggestions or comments.
Pat O'Hara
pipeband@gaif.us |
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2008 Parade Winners
The Great American Irish Festival, in association with the Genesis Group, presenters of the 2008 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade are pleased to announce the following parade judging winners:
Tavern Division
1. Piggy Pat's BBQ
2. Shorty's Sports Bar and Grill
3. Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse
Band
1. City of Syracuse Highland Pipe Band
2. Syracuse Scottish Marching Band
3. Maloney Memorial Pipe Band
Dancers
1. Johnston School of Irish Dance
2. Butler-Sheehan School of Irish Dance
3. Maria Christina's School of Dance
Float
1. Goggin Family
2. ARC Oneida-Lewis Chapter
3. Pampered Pooches
Marching Units
1. NY Army Nat.Guard 108th Infantry
2. New Hartford American Legion
3. Cornhill Neighborhood Association
Vehicles
1. Safety First Chimney Sweeps
2. Lions Club
3. Utica Clubbers Roller Derby
Fire Dept.
1. Maynard Fire Dept.
2. Whitesboro Fire Dept.
3. Clinton Fire Dept.
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 Passing of the Shillelagh takes place at Stanley Theater
James R. Kellmurray officially took the helm as the 2008 St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal, as he received the ceremonial shillelagh from 2007 Grand Marshal William Barry Sr. at a ceremony held on March 10 at the Staney Theater. Mr. Kelmurray has a long history of involvement in the community and Irish interests. Between 300 and 400 of his closest friends were on hand to witness the "Passing of the Shillelagh" at the newly remodeled Stanley Theater.
The 2008 parade steps off March 15th at 10 a.m. on Genesee St. when Mr. Kelmurray will lead the third largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York State.
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 Glengarry Bhoys Join 2008 Festival Lineup
To paraphrase Thin Lizzy, "the Bhoys are back in town." The Glengarry Bhoys, who recently announced that they would no longer be performing due to health reasons, will be coming out of their short-lived retirement for a limited number of shows this year, and one of those special shows will be at the 2008 Great American Irish Festival. In October of last year, the Glengarry Bhoys, one of the most popular bands on the Irish festival circuit, announced that due to health issues concerning co-founder and leader, Graham Wright, the group had decided to disband, canceling all dates, including the Great American Irish Festival. Then, in early February, GAIF director Matthew Sullivan received a message that changed everything.
"I got a call from the agent for the Glengarry Bhoys, telling me that Graham's condition had improved to the point where they were planning on doing a limited number of performances this year, and that the Great American Irish Festival was number one on their list," said Sullivan. "The Glengarry Bhoys have been part of every Great American Irish Festival from its inception, and if they tell me they want in, they're in"
The Glengarry Bhoys have their roots in Glengarry, Ontario and their music draws on the unique blend of the French and Scottish musical heritage indigenous to the area. Their blend of traditional music, fused with the multicultural sounds of modern and contemporary Celtic music, has brought them international acclaim.
The addition of the Glengarry Bhoys to a lineup that already includes such world-class acts as Cherish The Ladies, Eileen Ivers, The Prodigals, Enter the Haggis, The Elders, Hair of the Dog, the Barra McNeils, Rathkeltair and Greenwich Meantime cements the Great American Irish Festival's position as one of the preeminent Irish events in the nation.
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 GAIF Director Honored by Irish Echo
Great American Irish Festival Director Matthew Sullivan has been chosen from a list of hundreds of applicants to be honored as one of the "40 Under 40" top Irish-Americans by the largest Irish/American newspaper in the country, the Irish Echo. As a recipient of the Irish Echo's 40 Under 40, Matt will appear with all the honorees at a reception presented by the Consul General of Ireland on Wednesday, February 27th from 5 to 7 pm at the Manhattan Club in New York City. Under his leadership, the Great American Irish Festival has, in just five years, become one of the Top 10 Festivals in the country, according to the U.S. Irish Festival Promoters Group. The 2007 GAIF was attended by 40,000 people and had 600 volunteers, and both numbers are expected to increase for this year's festival, scheduled for July 25-27 at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Frankfort. "Under Matt's leadership and vision we have become not only the fastest growing Irish event in the country, but have established a grass roots Irish culture, arts, and music community in Central New York," said GAIF Assistant Director Kevin Dowling. "We, too, acknowledge and thank him for his tireless efforts and look forward to building on the past five years." The Echo award is just the latest in a line of honors for the GAIF founder. Sullivan was the recipient of the Utica Observer Dispatch's Accent on Excellence Award in 2007 and the Great American Irish Festival received the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce Best Promotional Event of Year Award in 2006.
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 James R. Kellmurray Chosen St. Patrick's Parade Grand Marshal
James R. Kellmurray's life journey has taken him all the way around the world. Now it has taken him to one place he never expected to the title of Parade Grand Marshal. Mr. Kellmurray has been chosen from among a list of worthy nominees to serve as 2008 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal by a select committee of past Grand Marshals.
The grandson of immigrants from County Galway, Jim was raised by his parents, James M. Kellmurray and Gertrude Lynch Kellmurray in East Utica, the center of early Irish culture in this area, and attended St. Agnes Parish, St. Agnes Grade School and St. Francis DeSales High School, where he played basketball. Jim was in the first ROTC Class at Niagara University in Buffalo, earning his degree in Economics there. Commissioned in the U.S. Army at Fort Dix, N.J., he was sent to Europe in 1940, attached to the 1st Division US Army, and participated in the invasion of Omaha Beach in 1944. After suffering wounds in combat in Belgium in 1944, Jim recuperated in hospitals in Paris, France and in England and upon his release was assigned to active duty in England.
Following his return to the states in 1946 and discharge from the Army, Jim joined the US Army Reserve and helped form the Military Police Unit in Utica.
Jim found employment with a company called Controlled Manpower. In 1964 he joined the Utica Industrial Corporation and stayed on when it merged with the Oneida County Industrial Development Corp., in which capacity he was instrumental in bringing Metropolitan and Hartford Insurance Companies, and the Federal Reserve Bank to the area. In addition, he taught accounting at MVCC from 1962-1965 and worked for Carstair's and Calverts distilleries for 15 years.
Jim is involved in many Irish organizations, holding the longest membership in the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and serving as an active member in the Ancient Order Of Hibernians, and is also a member of the New Hartford American Legion Post, Genesis Group, St. Paul's' Parish in Whitesboro and St. Ann's Parish, also in Whitesboro, holding the distinction of being (along with James Kernan Esq.) the oldest alter boy in the Syracuse Dioceses.
Enjoying his well-earned retirement, Mr. Kellmurray spends his time these days treasuring his two daughters, Gail and Sue and granddaughters Kate and Amy.
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Name the parade mascot contest
The GAIF is holding a "Name the mascot" contest for the new St. Patrick's Day Parade mascot. The winner will receive (4) four weekend passes to the 2008 festival, some festival merchandise and get a place in the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 15th. Deadline for submissions is March 8th. Click on the parade page link to get more information. |
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Half-Way to GAIF Hooley Tickets - SOLD OUT
Tickets to the January 27 Half-Way to GAIF Hooley are now available to the general public. The 2nd annual event will be held at Harts Hill Inn in Whitesboro from 3-7 and will feature GAIF favorites the Prodigals, together with opening act the Blarney Rebel band. The event is put on as an opportunity for organizers to express our sincere thanks for the hard work and support provided by the festival volunteers, but this year it will serve two additional functions: the announcement of the 2008 festival entertainment lineup, and the announcement of the Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshall. A complimentary buffet and beer will be provided, and a cash bar will be available for other beverages. Tickets for the Half-Way to GAIF Hooley are on sale at Accents of Ireland at the New Hartford Shopping Center for only $20 until January 21st. |
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 Elders Rock Rome's Capitol Theater
As expected, The Elders, who cemented their status as the hottest band on the Irish music circuit with an explosive performance at the Great American Irish Festival last summer, thrilled a packed house at the Capitol Theatre in Rome on January 12, 2008. Singer Ian Byrne noted as they took the stage that, after their welcome at the festival last summer, playing in Central New York again 'felt like coming home' and the Kansas City-based sextet made it a homecoming to remember. Brought on stage by emcee James Masucci (Rome's Public Safety Commissioner, who assured the band they had free reign in Rome that night!) the Elders had the sold-out crowd literally dancing in the aisles (as well as on the stage), not an easy feat at an alcohol-free venue! While it's difficult to pick out a highlight from a show that had no lows, the performances with the band accompanied by the wind ensemble and choir from the YMCA Center for the Creative Arts brought the audience to its feet with a well-deserved standing ovation. Also performing with the band (as well as on their own) were dancers from the Butler-Sheehan Academy of Irish Dance. Proceeds from this concert will go towards Rome Weed & Seed's 'Prudy Ellinger Scholarship Fund' that was established in memory of one of Weed & Seed's founding members. The scholarship fund is designed to benefit a local youth who wishes to further his or her education. For those who were there, it was show they'll never forget. For those of you who missed the show, gosh, who knows when you'll ever get a chance to see this band in upstate New York again? (wink, wink) |
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Land sale approved! Irish Cultural Center may be located at former St. Patrick's Church lot
On Wednesday December 5th, 2007, history was made once again for the Irish in the Mohawk Valley. After a bit of reluctance and some opposition by a few councilmen, the sale by the Utica Urban Renewal Agency to the GAIF of the former St. Patrick's Church property on Columbia St. at Varick St. was approved with a unanimous vote. A large crowd of over 70 people turned out in support of the effort, and clearly made the point that there is large community support for this project. The GAIF will be working out the details of the sale as soon as possible and will hopefully be moving forward in the near future. The GAIF board of directors wishes to thank everyone who supported the vote on Wednesday evening.
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 UPDATE: Nominations closed - Grand Marshal to be announced January 27th
For the first time in the storied history of Utica's St. Patrick's Day Parade, the public will have a hand in choosing the parade's Grand Marshal. This year the Grand Marshal for the March 15th Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Utica will be chosen from a list of nominations submitted by the general public. Nominations are currently being sought for individuals to be considered for 2008 Grand Marshall. After careful consideration, the Grand Marshall will be selected from the list of nominees by a committee of past Grand Marshals. The nominee, male or female, need not be of Irish descent, but should be someone recognized by the community for their commitment and contributions to the Irish in the Central New York area. The letter of nomination should detail reasons why the nominee would be the proper choice for Grand Marshal. A brief background of the person and qualifications should be included. The deadline for nominations is December 31, 2007. The Grand Marshal will be announced to the public on January 27th at the Great American Irish Festival's Halfway to Festival Hooley, to be held at Hart's Hill Inn in Whitesboro. This year will mark the first year the Great American Irish Festival will serve as organizer and presenter of the Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade, the third largest in New York State. The Parade Grand Marshall will also serve as honorary chairperson of the 2008 Great American Irish Festival. Nominations should be sent to:
St. Patrick's Day Parade
C/O Charles Thomas
PO Box 165
Marcy, NY 13403
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 Glengarry Bhoys disband
October 28th -
Written by Matt Sullivan
It is with regret that I pass along the following message received from Glengary Bhoys band agent Tim Drake:
Matt,
It saddens me to have to bring the following news. Co-founder and leader of The Glengarry Bhoys, Graham Wright, has been struggling with serious medical problems for some time now. His condition has worsened, which has worn him down to the point where he can no longer tour. On advice of his physicians, he is retiring from the band, with plans to rest and focus on his health. The Glengarry Bhoys would obviously find it impossible to continue without Graham's creative and management leadership, therefore, the group has decided to disband, effective immediately. I am sure you will all join with The Roots Agency in extending to Graham, as well as all the members of the Glengarry Bhoys, your warmest wishes and prayers for healing.
I'm afraid we have to cancel all their dates including the Great American Irish Festival.
Tim
I sent him the following reply:
Tim -
While I knew that Graham was undergoing some testing, I am shocked to hear that the results will end their run. As you know, Graham and the band have become friends of ours and not having them at our festival will create a
huge void for us and our festgoers. We hope that his prognosis is good and wish all of the band members the best. There is no question that the Glengarry Bhoys made an enormous contribution to the rapid growth and success of our event. We will miss them as much as anyone.
Please pass this along to the band. Our door always remains open for all of them.
Matt |
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 Sr. Maureen Denn Named Agen/Durr Spirit of Irish Award Recipient
Sr. Maureen Denn, Chaplain for Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare, was awarded the "James Agen/Raymond Durr Spirit of Irish Award" at the 2007 Great American Irish Festival. This third annual award was presented to Sr. Denn for her many years of devotion to caring for those in our community and for her Irish spirit.
Sr. Denn recently celebrated her 50th Jubilee as a Sister of St. Joseph. She has provided spiritual and emotional support to the patients and families of Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare for 24 years. She comes from a large Irish family and is always proud to display her love for her Irish heritage. Her Irish smile gives comfort to all those she meets. Congratulations to Sr. Maureen Denn—recipient of the 2007 Agen/Durr Spirit of Irish Award.
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A Volunteer Army 500 strong!
The Great American Irish Festival didn’t become the fastest growing Irish festival in the world by accident. It takes hard work, dedication and committed sponsors. But more than anything else, it takes volunteers. This year, over 500 volunteers have stepped up to help the GAIF continue its unprecedented growth. Volunteers are asked to work six hours, or less than 1/3 of the festival, and in return they get free admission, a volunteer shirt not available anywhere else and entry into events thrown just for volunteers, such as this year's volunteer party which will follow the festival. But more than anything else, volunteers get the satisfaction that comes from knowing that they are an integral part of something worthwhile. The Great American Irish Festival would like to extend its sincere appreciation to all its dedicated volunteers and an invitation to everyone to join us next year. You won't regret it. An entire list of volunteers can be found at http://www.gaif.us/vlist.php. Check it out. See how many of your friends are volunteering and make it a point to join in the fun next year.
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GAIF To Hold Irish Mass
The Great American Irish Festival starts what it hopes to become a new tradition this year, when the festival kicks off its final day with a Gaelic Mass at 10:30 on Sunday, July 29. Celebrating the Mass, which will be held right on the festival site at the Herkimer Couty Fairgrounds, will be the Chaplain of the New York State Ancient Order of Hibernians, Fr. Henry Reid. Part of the Mass will be in the beautiful Gaeliclanguage, and the legendary Paddy Noonan will be providing the music. There is no charge to attend the Mass, which will be held right on the fairgrounds; in fact, not only is there no charge, Mass attendees will receive free admission to the Great American Irish Festival on Sunday. All denominations are invited to be guests at the Mass. |
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Pennsylvania State Fiddle Champ To Give Free Workshop
An old saying explains that "A violin sings and a fiddle dances." Tara Sansom, fiddle player with the group "Fieldstone" and five-time Pennsylvania State Fiddle Champion, will host a fiddle workshop in the Smurfit-Stone Cultural Building at the Great American Irish Festival on Saturday, July 28th at 4:30 pm. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from a world-class fiddler. Bring your instrument and join Tara to learn Irish fiddle techniques. |
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Meet Your Favorite Artists at the Great American Irish Festival
Those attending the Great American Irish Festival this year will have an opportunity to meet their favorite Artists. All weekend long you will be able to purchase your favorite artist's merchandise at the Artist Merchandise Tent, conveniently located between the Traditional and Contemporary Stages. Artists will meet at the Merchandise Tent after most performances to chat with fans and autograph merchandise. So check out the great line up of performances and look for signs at the Great American Irish Festival. Don't miss out on this great chance to have some fun and get your CD signed by your favorite artists. |
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Smurfit-Stone Irish Cultural Center offers something for everyone
The Smurfit-Stone Irish Cultural Center will offer something for anyone attending the 2007 Great American Irish Festival who may be interested in any aspect of Irish culture, including language workshops, dance instruction, open sessions and a number of presentations on a wide variety of subjects during both festival days.
The workshops include instruction in the Irish language where attendees will learn phrases to sprinkle into their conversation on their trip to Ireland. Find out the meaning of your name, or get help pronouncing the place from which your great grandfather emigrated. Those who enjoy dancing can learn an Irish ceili (social) dance. Instruction will be given each day for several of the more popular dances.
For those who play a traditional Irish instrument – or some not so traditional – the Syracuse Session Group will host an open session on Saturday. Interested musicians of all skill levels are invited to join the group and play along with familiar songs and perhaps learn a new song or two.
The Cultural Center is also hosting several music demonstration workshops on various instruments featuring top festival performers.
Fixed exhibits will include, among others, Great American Irish Festival Commemorates the Famine Year 1847; Rome Genealogy Club; Utica Curling Club; Dog Breeds of Ireland; Willow Basket Weaving with Jean Gage; and Celtic harpist Mary Margaret Krudonis.
A full schedule will be posted at the festival, but the bottom line is, whenever you choose visit the Smurfit-Stone Irish Cultural Center, something interesting will be going on.
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Smurfit-Stone Cultural Building Schedule
CULTURAL BUILDING PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS
(Schedule subject to change)
Friday
6:00 pm Irish Language Workshop
7:00 pm Storyteller Linda Sturtevant
8:00 pm Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Ceili Dance Workshop
9:00 pm Storyteller Linda Sturtevant
Saturday
11:30 am Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Ceili Dance Workshop
12:30 pm Storyteller Bairbre McCarthy
1:30 pm Irish Cooking Demonstration
1:30 pm Irish Language Workshop
2:00 pm Syracuse Music Session (bring your instrument and join us)
3:00 pm Irish Language Workshop
3:30 pm Storyteller Bairbre McCarthy
4:30 pm Irish Cooking Demonstration
5:00 pm Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Ceili Dance Workshop
6:00 pm Storyteller Bairbre McCarthy
7:00 pm Irish Cooking Demonstration
7:30 pm Irish Language Workshop
9:00 pm Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Ceili Dance Workshop
Sunday
12:30 pm Irish Language Workshop
1:00 pm Storyteller Dierdra McCarthy
2:00 pm Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Ceili Dance Workshop
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 Athletic Events Take Center Stage at 2007 GAIF
UTICA – While for some people attending the 2007 Great American Irish Festival, athletic activity will consist of hoisting pints of stout, others may prefer their pastimes to be bit more strenuous. Those folks will not be disappointed again this year, as Gaelic sporting events of all kinds will be on display at the GAIF.
The 2007 Great American Irish Festival, scheduled for July 27- 29 at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Frankfort, will feature its 3rd Annual Gaelic Football Tournament as well as, for the first time, a rugby tournament.
This year's Gaelic Football Tournament is scheduled to begin at noon on Saturday, July 28, with two teams advancing to contest for the GAIF Cup in the championship game at approximately 7 p.m. Since it is the middle of the Gaelic Football season, many clubs may not sign up until the last minute, but as of this point in time clubs expected to compete in the 7-man format football tournament include the Buffalo Fenians, Montreal Shamrocks and the "A" team and the "B" teams from the NYC/Dublin G.A.A. At least two additional teams are expected to be joining the lineup. As an added bonus, two women's teams from Toronto's Tir na nOg club will be presenting an all-woman, slug-fest exhibition.
Rugby will be taking over the football pitch on Sunday with the 1st GAIF Rugby Tournament and exhibition.
While both rugby and Gaelic football are unquestionably full-contact sports in every sense of the word, they actually (contrary to popular opinion) do have some rules, and knowledgeable announcers will be on hand explaining the action for interested viewers.
Admission to all sporting events is included with the festival admission.
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Great American Irish Festival Goes to the Dogs
When you think of Ireland, you may think of green and leprechauns and shamrocks, but dogs may not be the first thing to come to mind. Yet Ireland holds the ancestry of five dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Once again, all five breeds – Irish Wolfhound, Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Setter, Kerry Blue Terrier and Irish Terrier – will be on display on the Herkimer County Fairgrounds at the 2007 Great American Irish Festival on July 27-29, 2007. The Celtic canines will be featured in the Smurfit-Stone Irish Cultural Center and will be paraded through the festival grounds
The tallest of all canine breeds with a breed standard of close to three feet at the shoulder, the majestic Irish Wolfhound was a favorite of the ancient Irish kings and queens and is frequently mentioned in poems and stories. At one time only kings, poets and noblemen were allowed to own the breed, which was frequently given as gifts.
Another very old breed, the Water Spaniel is a descendant of Portuguese water dogs and spaniel root stock that came over to Ireland via the Iberian peninsula when natives of that region made raids to Ireland. Its lineage dates back as far as the 7th century. At one time, they were the most popular of spaniels, although they have since been overtaken by the Labrador Retriever and Golden Labradors.
The Irish Setter's immediately recognizable solid, deep red color is a fairly new variation of the breed, which started off as a red and white dog up until the 19th century. They are a descendant of old Irish spaniel breeds mixed with the Gordon, English, Water and Springer Spaniel as well as the pointer. The Irish Setter is treasured worldwide by sportsmen who enjoy strenuous hunting and who have the stamina to follow its relentless pace.
Black at birth, the adult Kerry Blue's fur ends up a dark blue. For 150 years, the breed was predominately found in the mountains of Lake Killarney in County Kerry, used to hunt small game and birds and to herd sheep and cattle. The Kerry Blue is extremely intelligent and tractable. For a terrier they are large, 33-40 lbs, and require very strict grooming standards for the show ring.
There is some debate over their exact history of the Irish Terrier, but it is thought to be derived from the Scottish Terrier, possibly Black and Tin Terrier, and the Irish Wolfhound. Originally used to hunt woodchuck, rats and badgers among the hedgerows, they became a familiar site at the "potato pit", guarding the onetime Irish staple diet against a marauding family pig. The dense, wiry coat is yellow to a red or wheaten color with the usual white patch on the chest, The Irish Terrier normally weighs in about 18 lbs.
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Free Ticket Winners Announced
On July 2nd, a drawing was held for free weekend passes to the festival. The lucky winners were: Leonard Bragg (Stittville); Karen Savage (Rome); John Palaimo (Marcy); Lance Denny (Brownville); Bill Kelly (Whitesboro); Michael Scanlon (Herkimer); Kathleen Tripaspi (Clark Mills); Kyle McElroy (Vernon); Stacy Michaud (Mohawk); Jeanne Butler (Scotia). Congratulations to all, and we'll see you at the Festival! |
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The time to volunteer is - NOW!!!
June 24th, 2007
With just a month to go until the opening of the fastest growing Irish event in the country, anyone interested in volunteering should act quickly. We're making a list and checking it twice (OK - maybe more) and the volunteer slots are filling up rapidly. However, since quality people are always the backbone of any effort like this, we're not taking any chances. Our festival volunteers are asked to work 1/3 - 1/2 of the festival hours so that they can also enjoy themselves with family and friends. We expect to have about 500 volunteers for our expanding event this year. They receive free admission for the entire event and a cool staff shirt, in addition to being invited to excellent events at other times of the year. (Like for example the Half-way to GAIF Hooley with the Glengarry Bhoys) So, if you want to be a part of the hottest event to hit Central NY in recent memory, the time to act is NOW! Just go to the volunteer tab on the main page and fill in the form. You'll be glad you did.
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 Utica Monday Night
The festival committee was out in force on Monday June 18th at Chancellor Park in Utica to support the Utica Monday Night "Irish Night." The crowd enjoyed performances by members of Comhaltas who performed traditional Irish music and dance. Bonnie Ehre and her staff from Accents of Ireland were on hand with a plethora of Irish merchandise and the festival set up a booth with merchandise, information and tickets.
For more information on Utica Monday Night activities throughout the summer, consult the Utica Observer-Dispatch via the link below.
Photo by John Carl |
| UticaO-D.com |
 GAIF Does Its Part for Armed Forces
The Great American Irish Festival is taking the opportunity to give a little something back to those who are willing to give their all. All active service personnel from any branch of the United States armed forces, together with immediate families, will receive free admission to the 4th Annual Great American Irish Festival. The festival will be held on Friday, July 27, Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29 at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Frankfort.
"All any active service personnel needs to do is show his or her military ID at the gate and they're in," said Festival Director Matthew Sullivan. "In view of what they do for us, it seems like little enough to do for them." In addition to free admission for the military, the GAIF will also host a booth for the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization whose mission is to raise public awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women. Finally, the Oneida County Sons of the American Legion will be selling Mercer's Wine Ice Cream at the Great American Irish Festival as a fundraiser for the next trip to Washington D.C. for the Oneida Co. WW II vets.
"We are proud of our men and women in the military," said Sullivan. "In fact, some of our committee members have immediate family in active service right now. We wanted to do what little we can to show our appreciation."
Of special interest to military personnel will be the appearance of high-energy festival favorites Rathkeltair, featuring the number one piper in the world, Neil Anderson, who only recently returned from his tour of duty is Iraq, where he spent a year training Iraqi police.
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| Visit the Wounded Warrior Project web site |
 Festival recognized by Herkimer Co. Chamber of Commerce as "Promotional Event of the Year."
The Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce has chosen the Great American Irish Festival as one of its 3 businesses for 2007 to be honored. At the Annual Luncheon of the chamber on April 26th at the Little Falls Best Western, with 220 business and community leaders in attendance, the festival was recognized as the"Promotional Event of the Year." For more information on the Herkimer chamber and the award, see the link below.
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| Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce/ newsletter |
Bronson Benefit Scheduled for May 31 at Herkimer VFW
Every time the Great American Irish Festival has asked for something from Don Bronson, he's come through. Now we get a chance to repay the favor.
Looking to have a good time, and do some good in the process? Consider heading to the Herkimer VFW on Thursday May 31, 2007 from 4 to 9 p.m for a fundraiser to benefit the Renee Bronson Double Lung Transplant Fund.
In 2005 Renee Cassella Bronson from Herkimer was afflicted with a connective tissue disease, which resulted in severe damage to her lungs. Due to the progression of this devastating illness, Renee now requires the life-saving miracle of a double lung transplant.
The family is well-known among Irish circles in the area. Renee's husband Don has been a stalwart volunteer for the Great American Irish Festival for a number of years and has pretty much single-handedly kept Herkimer County stocked with festival flyers and brochures. In appreciation, the GAIF has donated festival tickets and merchandise for the May 31 event.
The May 31 benefit, which will be emceed by local legend Hank Brown, will feature entertainment by Anthony LaBarbera, the Honey Bush Brothers Band, The NEXT Band and Steve Rigo. There will also be food, a bake sale, door prizes and raffles, including a 32-inch flat screen TV and a tiffany lamp worth $600. Admission is $10.00, with all proceeds going to Renee and her family.
If you can't make it to the benefit, donations can be made directly to the transplant fund. Make checks payable to: New Lungs For Life and send to The Renee Bronson Double Lung Transplant Fund PO Boxes 124, Herkimer, NY 13350.
While you're at it, consider become an organ donor yourself. Information on becoming a donor will be available at the May 31 benefit.
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 GAIF participates in MV Chamber Showcase
April 19, 2007
The GAIF was well represented at the Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase held at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. Over 100 businesses displayed their products and services at the event. A "Business After Hours" was held in conjunction with the event at the end of the show.
Pictured at the booth are Kate Barefoot, John Carl, and Asst. Festival Director Kevin Dowling. Photo courtesy of Sharon Zohne.
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| MV Chamber website |
 Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade a huge success!
March 10, 2007
Tens of thousands of people turned out to watch the 2007 Utica St. Patrick's Day parade on Genesee St. While the weather was a bit overcast with temperatures near 30, the masses turned out in what may the largest crowd to ever view the parade, which is either the 2nd or 3rd largest in NYS, depending on who you believe.
The Great American Irish Festival was proud to participate among the over 120 parade entries and managed to take a 3rd place in its division.
As has been previously reported, the festival will be the parade organizer starting in 2008 and beyond. The festival commends the Cable Cares Club for many fine years at the helm of the parade and for having such a successful final effort. The festival has big shoes to fill and has already begun preparations for 2008.
Photo courtesy of festival photographer John Carl. |
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 Partners Trust Bank becomes major sponsor
We are pleased to announce that Partners Trust Bank has become a major sponsor of the Great American Irish Festival. For the first time in 2007, festivalgoers will be entertained at the "Partners Trust Traditional Main Stage." As one of two main stages at the festival, it will host such legendary acts as Paddy Noonan and Eileen Ivers, as well as being the venue for the first ever Gaelic Mass on Sunday morning.
It is quite appropriate for Partners Trust to get involved in an event with an Irish theme. For those who might not be aware of the bank's history, you should know that Partners Trust was formerly named the Savings Bank of Utica, well known for its prominent "gold dome." Savings Bank of Utica founder John Devereux, an Irish immigrant from County Wexford, was founder, organizer and grand marshal of Utica’s first St. Patrick’s Day Parade. In fact, he remained the grand marshal of the event from 1824 through 1848.
The festival is extremely grateful for the newly established relationship with an institution that has such a rich Irish history and is known for its quality service and community involvement.
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| Partners Trust website |
 MVCC students create artwork for fest - WINNERS SELECTED
February 22, 2007
UPDATE
A committee meeting was held last evening at which three posters were selected by the GAIF committee for the festivals in '07, '08, and '09. The winners will be announced at the Stanley Theatre on March 6th during the "Passing of the Shillelagh" event.
ORIGINAL STORY
It worked so well the first time, we had to try it again. Since it was nearly 4 years ago, some may not remember that when we launched the GAIF, we went to the MVCC Art Department to seek submissions for our official logo. Prof. Robert Clarke of the Professional Practice in Graphic Design program assigned his student to create an "Identity Mark" for the festival. After an excruciating selection process among many fine entries, the GAIF committee selected the logo we use today which was designed by Adrienne Sangastiano (hey - her mother is Irish!).
We were so impressed with that process, that we went back again to seek submissions for a "Theme Graphic" project. Once again, Prof. Clarke has tasked his students to come through for the festival, and although in the very early stages, the works are impressive already. Having witnessed the tremendous success that many other events have enjoyed with introducing new thematic artwork each year, Festival Director Matt Sullivan called on the talented MVCC students one more time, "We were so impressed with the talents of these students that we had to see if they'd be willing to help us again." said Sullivan.
There are currently 23 students working on at least one submission each for judging which will take place at the end of February. "We hope to select a number of works that could be used as posters, t-shirts, banners, and in a number of other ways over the next few years." said Sullivan.
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| MVCC website |
TICKET PRICES ANNOUNCED - PRICES ACTUALLY REDUCED!
The festival committee has deliberated about ticket prices for the 2007 festival, with consideration given to a number of factors, including the addition of a 3rd day. With an eye toward continuing our trend as the fastest growing Irish event in the country, there is good news to report.
Despite the addition of an extra day, advanced sale weekend passes will remain on sale for a limited time for just $20 each. That is the same price as last year.
Individual day passes have actually been REDUCED in price and are as follows:
ADVANCE PURCHASE:
Fri. - $8
Sat. - $10
Sun. - $8
AT THE GATE:
Fri. - $10
Sat. - $12
Sun. - $10
As always - children under 13 are FREE.
Purchasing your advance sale weekend passes now will save $12 over walking up and waiting in line at the gate. Hit the Click N Print logo on the main page for ticket purchases.
Individual day advance sale tickets will be available soon on our site and at ticket outlets TBA. Check back here for updates. |
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Eileen Ivers, Enter The Haggis Top Three-day Lineup
As the saying goes, you can’t have too much of a good thing. At least that’s what organizers of the Great American Irish Festival are hoping, as they have added a third day for this summer’s edition of the wildly successful festival.
The 2007 Great American Irish Festival will be held on Friday, July 27, Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29 at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Frankfort. The unprecedented and meteoric growth of the Great American Irish Festival made the decision to add a third day an easy one. “People asked for it and we listened,� said Festival Director Matthew Sullivan. “With three days of entertainment, there is sure to be something for everyone. Where else can you get three days of world class entertainment at these prices?�
Festival-goers have an opportunity to make it an even bigger bargain, as a limited number of advance–sale tickets are available now for $20 for the entire three-day festival, and once those tickets are gone, that price won’t come around again. “This is a great value, and the lowest price that will be offered for the 4th annual fest,� noted Assistant Festival Director Kevin Dowling. “You don’t want to pass it up.�
The festival committee has chosen as its theme for this year’s festival the Great Hunger – the famine of 1847 – to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the worst year of the potato blight that decimated much of the Irish population. Displays will be on hand depicting the elements of this tragedy.
Also, new this year will be the addition of a Gaelic Mass to be held at 10:30 on Sunday morning. Those attending the mass will receive free admission to Sunday’s activities. But even with the culture and the history, for many of the festival attendees, the focus is on the music, and once again they will not be disappointed.
Headlining this year’s festival will be an artist who has been called the Jimi Hendrix of the violin, Eileen Ivers, who can boast of a resume that includes stints with the original Riverdance Company, Cherish the Ladies, and her own award-winning solo career.
In addition to fiddle virtuoso Ivers and her all-star band Immigrant Soul, festival-goers will also enjoy such world-class acts as The Prodigals, the most successful act ever to emerge from the thriving East Coast Irish rock scene; Enter the Haggis, recently featured on A&E Network’s Emmy-nominated Breakfast With The Arts series; Hair of the Dog, who has been called America’s top Irish folk act; and The Glengarry Bhoys, who have established themselves as one of the top draws on the Irish music circuit with their fiery guitar and bass, intense percussion and fiddle, all teamed with the power of bagpipes.
Returning to the festival this year will be the one of the most renowned Irish show bands of all time, the legendary Paddy Noonan Band, along with the high-stepping electrifying show of Canada’s first family of Celtic music, Searson.
Making their Great American Irish Festival debuts will be the Midwest’s top Irish band, The Elders; the music and comedy of Seamus Kennedy; and the fusion of Celtic music and jazz of the award-winning Millish. Also on the bill will be Greenwich Meantime, Fieldstone, West O’Clare, The Blarney Rebel Band, Vince Colgan, Cliudan and John Gilligan.
Proceeds from the annual festival will be used to help establish an Irish Cultural Center in the Mohawk Valley.
The festival will also feature pipers, Irish dance and music demonstrations and workshops, a Gaelic Football tournament sponsored by CMI, Irish history and culture seminars in the Smurfit-Stone Cultural Building, and a variety of other local and regional performers. There will also be events for children such as storytellers, rides, clowns, and games. Also new this year will be the CW (Television Network) Teen Zone.
In addition to the non-stop music, merchandise vendors from across the U.S. and Ireland, carefully selected from a list of applicants, will be selling Irish and Celtic merchandise, and a variety of food booths will be providing a taste of the Emerald Isle for festival-goers. Campsites are also available.
And, there is more to come. “As impressive as this list of performers is, we still expect to add one or two more huge acts,� predicted Sullivan.
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 Half-Way to GAIF Hooley featuring The Glengarry Bhoys
The festival committee is pleased to report that in lieu of a Christmas party, a new and more exciting event was held. On Sunday January 28th, 2007 the 1st Half-Way to GAIF Hooley was held featuring perennial festival favorite The Glengarry Bhoys. This event was an opportunity to again express our sincere thanks to our many volunteers, sponsors and other festival supporters, but it was more than that. As it is exactly six months prior to the fastest growing Irish event in the U.S.,it was also provide the perfect opportunity to announce the headline perfomers for 2007. Performing at the event also were Cliudan and the Butler School of Irish Dance. Our thanks go out once again to festival sponsors Tri-Valley Beverage, Casa Imports and SYSCO for supporting this event.
The Glengarry Bhoys are pictured from their performance at the Hooley courtesy of photographer Joe Patterson. |
| Glengarry Bhoys website |
Discounted Weekend Passes still on sale for only $20!!
For a limited time, the Great American Irish Festival will continue to offer discounted three day passes to the July 27-29 Festival for just $20. Festival Director, Matt Sullivan says, “ Our booking department is promising the best line up yet. With three days of entertainment, there is sure to be something for everyone! Where else can you get three days of world class entertainment for only $20? This is a great value, and the lowest price that will be offered for the 4th annual fest - don't pass it up!� Children under 13 are FREE.
Ordering could not be easier. Just click on the Click N Print link on the main page of this site. You can purchase your tickets and print them right out at home. |
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 Promotion at Utica College Hockey Game
On Friday night January 19th, the GAIF participated in a promotion at the Utica College vs. Elmira College men's hockey game at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. Ten different U.C. players signed program books and the holders of these autographed books received a pair of weekend passes to the festival. Congratulations to the winners:
Mark and Don Liable
Chris Reese
Robert Plourde Jr.
Michele Monnat
Lynda Taffi
Carter Rorick and Cody Kilmartin
Rick Kokosenski
Sue Swavely
Carolyn Baum
Lauren Partyka
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| Utica College Athletics |
 First Source FCU becomes festival sponsor
We are pleased to announce that First Source Federal Credit Union will be the Great American Irish Festival Hospitality sponsor for 2007. Our thanks go out to CEO Mike Parsons and his team for their support.
About First Source FCU:
Founded in 1938 as the Utica Teachers Federal Credit Union, in the midst of the Depression, teachers found it difficult to secure credit. They also had special needs, such as the deferment of loan payments during the summer months when school was not in session. Eleven teachers applied for and received the Government's approval to form a Credit Union.
In 1992, to better reflect the broader membership of the organization, their name was changed to First Source Federal Credit Union. Today First Source serves nearly 30,000 members from various Groups in our community. In March of 2007 First Source was granted a charter that allows anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Oneida and Herkimer Counties to become a member.
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| First Source FCU |
 Festival presence at the Utica Memorial Auditorium
Thanks to another generous sign-making donation by festival sponsor Jill Rae Signs of Herkimer, the festival is now front and center for all events this season at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. We're happy to support the activities at the Aud which include Utica College and Mohawk Valley Community College Hockey, as well as numerous other events over the next few months. To have your dasher board or any other sign made - contact Jill Rae at (315)866-3789. For more information on what's happening at the Aud, go to their website at the link below. |
| Utica Memorial Auditorium website |
 GAIF unveils new trailer at RCIL Parade
The Great American Irish Festival crew was happy to participate in the inaugural parade down Genesee St. in Utica to kick off the RCIL's Wonderland of Lights season. RCIL stands for Resource Center for Independent Living and their Wonderland of Lights display is held leading up to Christmas each year to raise funds for their programs. For a nominal fee, vehicles can proceed through the Masonic Home campus and view the impressive holiday light display.
The GAIF crew handed out information on the festival announcing that our holiday special tickets are now on sale, as well as candy to the children.
Photo courtesy of Charley Thomas (Riverside Diner). |
| Wonderland of Lights website |
You asked for it - you got it! The 2007 Great American Irish Festival will be 3 big days!
You spoke and the board of directors has responded. Our festival hours next year will be:
Friday: 5 pm - 11 pm
Saturday: 12 noon - 11 pm
Sunday: 12 noon - 5 pm
For the first time, the GAIF will have a Gaelic Mass on the Traditional Stage which will take place at 10:30 am Sunday morning. Those attending mass will receive FREE festival admission on Sunday.
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Just in case you thought we were "embellishing" about Saturday's storm...
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BINGHAMTON NY
607 PM EDT TUE AUG 01 2006
...SMALL TORNADO CONFIRMED IN ONEIDA COUNTY NY...
ON SATURDAY JULY 29...A WEAK TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN ABOUT 4 MILES
NORTH OF UTICA AT 330 PM. THE TORNADO SNAPPED OR UPROOTED SEVERAL
TREES IN A FIELD NEAR MORRIS ROAD IN MARCY TOWNSHIP. ESTIMATED WIND
SPEEDS WITH THIS F-0 TORNADO WERE ABOUT 60 MPH.
THE DAMAGE PATTERN ASSOCIATED WITH THIS TORNADO INDICATED A
ROTATIONAL WIND PATTERN... AS THE MAJORITY OF TREES FELL WITH A
NORTHWESTERLY WIND... HOWEVER A FEW OF THE TREES FELL WITH A
WESTERLY OR SOUTHEASTERLY WIND. A NEARBY WITNESS DESCRIBED STRONG...
SWIRLING WINDS... WITH RAIN FALLING INTO HER HOUSE THROUGH HER
WINDOW ON ONE SIDE OF HER HOUSE DURING THE ONSET OF THE STORM... AND
THROUGH A WINDOW ON THE OTHER SIDE OF HER HOUSE TOWARD THE END OF
THE STORM. THE WIDTH OF THE TORNADO IS ESTIMATED AT 50 YARDS... AND
THE LENGTH IS ESTIMATED AT 200 YARDS.
This was the storm that continued a mere few miles eastward and hit us. It is also rumored to have produced another small tornado in Yorkville, another suburb of Utica. It hampered our attendance and caused a bit of misery, but it could have been worse.
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The storm that couldn't keep us down
The initial weather forecast for Saturday called for partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the eighties. Not bad weather for any festival. However, Mother Nature would soon throw us a serious curve ball. The report from the Natural Weather Service turned ominous later in the day. The report was bad and it would soon get much worse. There was an angry storm brewing over the Great Lakes and headed our way. Our army of volunteers sprang into action and vendors were advised to secure their tents and “batten down the hatches.� Tents were checked and rechecked. We were ready for the storm. As the storm ravaged Utica, staff checked the weather radar image, which confirmed that we would soon take a direct hit. Radio headsets crackled with the voice of Matt Sullivan advising, “Guys it’s getting worse. They are now calling for 50 mile an hour winds and life threatening lightening. We’ve got to make the call.� The stages were rapidly shut down and the crowds were advised to seek shelter in one of our many buildings. It seemed that many people did not want to venture into the rain from the comfort of our big tent. When the forecast changed to “tornado warnings�, they didn’t have a choice. Frankfort Emergency Services directed the people to leave the big tent and to seek shelter in our buildings. Mother Nature displayed some great fireworks and a power pole took a direct hit. Despite the raging storm, the vendor building continued with acoustic music and Andy Cooney led the crowds in singing “You are my sunshine� and other standards at the Traditional Stage. People were smiling, singing and having fun, albeit a little wet while doing so. The storm passed quickly and people assisted the staff with righting overturned tables, setting up chairs and even pouring a few pints. The beer stations were immediately reopened and the musical stages were soon up and running. Many people left after the storm passed, only to return with dry clothes later in the day. The behavior and positive attitudes of the band members, patrons and staff were nothing less than exceptional. Enter the Haggis and Black 47 rocked the tent and ended a great day. Mother Nature gave us her best shot but couldn’t stop the festival. After all, it’s an Irish Festival. |
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 Final preparations underway
The GAIF committee has moved into final preparation mode for the festival. Work is underway at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds to welcome the expected large crowds to the "fastest growing Irish event in the country." Early long-range weather forecasts look favorable and the festival volunteers are collectively crossing their fingers for it to remain that way. No fear, however, since we launched this event three years ago during a tornado watch as the first act took the stage. (An extremely rare occurrence for those of you unfamiliar with Central NY weather) But a large turnout enjoyed the inaugural event nonetheless, since we ensure that all acts and vendors are under cover. For updates on our local weather, go to the website of festival sponsor WKTV News Channel 2 at the link below.
The photo shows festival committee member (and electrician) Dave Irons installing solar lights on our new sign at the fairgrounds along Rte 5S in Frankfort. The sign was donated by festival sponsor Jill Rae Signs of Herkimer. |
| WKTV Weather website |
Makem Brothers Added to '06 GAIF Lineup
Sometimes things don't work out as planned.
Sometimes they work out better.
Faced with the defection of the Irish Descendants from its 2006 lineup, the Great American Irish Festival simply went out and replaced them with one of the most famous names in Irish Music, as the Makem Brothers have been added to perform at the July 28-29 festival.
Officials from the festival have been under the impression for months that the lineup was complete, having agreed to terms with close to 40 different acts, including such international stars as Natalie MacMaster, Solas, The Prodigals, Enter the Haggis, Hair of the Dog, The Glengarry Bhoys, The Fenians, the Young Dubliners and Old Blind Dogs. However, at the last minute, one of the headline acts, the Irish Descendants, backed out of the festival, citing scheduling problems.
What could have been a major blow instead turned into a major coup when it was learned that the Makem Brothers had an unexpected opening that weekend and would be available for the festival. A few emails later, the deal was done, and the biggest and best festival lineup in the Northeast got even bigger and better.
The Makem Brothers – Shane, Conor and Rory – are the sons of the legendary Tommy Makem and are joined on stage by fellow siblings Mickey and Liam Spain to form an act that one reviewer has called "the definitive Irish folk singers of their generation."
The Makem Brothers will be performing on the Harp Traditional Stage at 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 29.
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Times Set for Open Sessions
Attention all musicians and would-be musicians: The times have been set for the open sessions offered for the first time at the 2006 Great American Irish Festival. The sessions, where musicians of all skill levels are invited to join and play traditional jigs and reels of Ireland, will be held at 12:30 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 29 in the Smurfit-Stone Irish Cultural Building. Festival goers are invited to bring whatever instruments they play and join in with members from the well-established Syracuse Session. Songs likely to be played may include reels like Maid Behind the Bar, Cooley's Reel, St. Anne's Reel, Drowsy Maggie, and Merry Blacksmith, hornpipes such as The Boys of Blue Hill, The Harvest Home, and The Rights of Man, and jigs like Blarney Pilgrim, Connaught Man's Rambles, Kesh Jig, and Lark in the Morning. The sessions will be geared to beginners as well as advanced musicians |
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'06 GAIF To Feature Open Sessions
Have you always wanted to play at the Great American Irish Festival? Well, here’s your chance. No, you won't be taking the stage with Solas, but you can share a playing area with some of Central New York's most respected musicians. The 2006 Great American Irish festival will present, for the first time, an open session, where musicians of all skill levels are invited to join and play traditional jigs and reels of Ireland. Festivalgoers are invited to bring whatever instruments they play (although drum kits and electric guitars will probably not be welcomed with open arms) and join in with members from the well-established Syracuse session, which meets on (at least) a weekly basis at venues throughout Syracuse. The sessions will be geared to beginners as well as advanced musicians. All that is required is a basic knowledge of some of the tunes traditionally played at sessions. Times will be posted as the schedules are finalized.
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Black 47, Fenians Join 2006 Great American Irish Fest Lineup
UTICA, NY – The acts already announced for the 2006 Great American Irish Festival -Natalie MacMaster, Solas, The Prodigals, Enter the Haggis, Hair of the Dog, The Glengarry Bhoys, Cathie Ryan, Andy Cooney - would be enough for most festivals.
In case anyone hasn't noticed by now, however, the GAIF is not like most festivals.
Not content with that stellar cast, the Great American Irish Festival has added another full festival's worth of world-class entertainment to the previously publicized list for its July 28-29 event.
"This lineup is as good as any festival anywhere and cements the Great American Irish Festival’s position as one of the pre-eminent Irish festivals in the Northeast, if not the nation," promised Festival Director Matthew Sullivan.
Returning to the GAIF stage this July will be the most exciting and provocative band in Celtic rock history, the fiery and irreverent Black 47. Also taking the GAIF contemporary stage will be the electrifying Fenians from California, and the hard-rocking Young Dubliners, as well as award-winning Capital-area favorites, the McKrells, Greenwich Meantime, featuring former members of the Glengarry Bhoys, and one of the hottest acts on the festival circuit, the McCabes.
Joining Solas on the traditional stage will be Scotland's Old Blind Dogs, who have received the "Band of the Year" Award at the Scots Trad Music Awards in the Queen's Hall, Edinburgh, and the Juno and East Coast Music Award-winning Irish Descendants, as well as popular Connecticut Irish balladeers the Kerry Boys.
As if this wasn't enough, the festival also boasts the best Irish acts from throughout New York State, from western New York favorites Gerry Dixon and Seanache to the Southern Tier's Pat Kane and West o’Clare and Elmira’s Donal O'Shaugnessy, as well as the area's favorite Celtic performers, The Blarney Rebel Band, Cliudan, John Gilligan, Rattlin' Bog and the legendary Vince Colgan.
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 Erin Mulady Hamlin headed to the winter Olympics - Festival Supports Her Efforts
Erin Hamlin of Remsen, NY is headed to the upcoming winter Olympics in Torino, Italy as a member of the USA Women's Luge Team. The festival board of directors recently voted (unanimously) to make a financial contribution to her cause in the amount of $1,000. Pictured from left to right are: Matt Sullivan - Festival Director, Eileen Hamlin (mother), Ron Hamlin (father), and Kevin Dowling - Asst. Festival Director making the donation at a fundraiser held on Saturday January 28th at 7 pm at Van's Tavern in Barneveld. For more information on Erin, her training, efforts to benefit her, USA Luge, and more - click on the link below. Please join us in supporting this tremendous local Irish-American who is working hard to pursue her Olympic dream. She is scheduled to compete on February 13th and 14th. Please check television listings to find coverage of USA Luge which will be provided locally by festival sponsor NBC - WKTV News Channel 2 in Utica. The NBC website indicates that it will be televised at 4 pm each day (13th and 14th). |
| CNYNorthCountry.com |
 Natalie MacMaster, Solas to Headline 2006 Festival
Fiery fiddle and flashing footwork will be on display as Canadian Celtic superstar Natalie MacMaster comes to Central New York as one of the headliners at the 2006 Great American Irish Festival. Also making their first GAIF appearance will be Solas, acclaimed by many as the most exciting Irish traditional group in the world.
In just two short years the festival has developed into what one performer last year called one of the top three Irish festivals in the country. The growth from local event to an international experience is evident with this year's line-up, which features performers from 10 counties of Ireland, Scotland, Canada and from all corners of the United States.
In addition to fiddle virtuoso (and new mother) MacMaster and Solas, festival-goers will also enjoy such world-class acts as The Prodigals, Enter the Haggis, Hair of the Dog, The Glengarry Bhoys, Cathie Ryan and Andy Cooney.
Proceeds from the annual festival will be used to help establish an Irish Cultural Center in the Mohawk Valley. Filling three stages with continuous music throughout the festival, the lineup is a virtual who's who in Celtic music and truly features something for everyone.
Natalie MacMaster is a Grammy nominee and multiple Juno-award winner, while the much-lauded Solas has electrified crowds everywhere they've performed. Andy Cooney, former vocalist with the renowned Paddy Noonan Band, has been called "Irish America's Favorite Son" by the New York Times, and Cathie Ryan, the original lead vocalist for Cherish the Ladies, has been hailed as one of the leading voices in Celtic Music by the Los Angeles Times and was named Irish Female Vocalist of the Decade by the Irish American News.
On the contemporary stage, The Prodigals have received the #1 ranking by readers of the largest circulation Irish-American newspaper, the Irish Echo, beating out acts such as U2 and Van Morrison. Enter the Haggis was recently featured on A&E Network's Emmy-nominated Breakfast With The Arts series, and the Glengarry Bhoys have established themselves as one of the top draws on the Irish music circuit with their fiery guitar and bass, intense percussion and fiddle, all teamed with the power of bagpipes.
The festival will also feature pipers, Irish dance and music demonstrations and workshops, Irish history and culture seminars and events for children such as storytellers, rides and clowns.
In addition to the non-stop music, merchandise vendors from across the U.S. and Ireland, carefully selected from a list of applicants, will be selling Irish and Celtic merchandise and food booths will be providing a taste of the Emerald Isle for festival-goers. Campsites are also available.
And, Festival Director Matt Sullivan promises, there is more to come.
"As impressive as this list of performers is, we're still going to be adding more, including, we hope, one huge act," predicted Sullivan. Keep visiting the website regularly for further announcements and updates.
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 Festival makes donation to Operation Sunshine
The Great American Irish Festival was able once again to make a donation to Operation Sunshine just before Christmas. Operation Sunshine is a charity administered by the Observer Dispatch which benefits children in need in the Mohawk Valley area. Through the generosity of multitudes of area businesses and individuals, they were able to reach their fundraising goal of $75,000 this year.
Pictured from left to right are: Matt Sullivan - Festival Director, Donna Donovan - Observer-Dispatch Publisher, Kevin Dowling - Asst. Festival Director |
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Visit The New GAIF Message Board
Did you have such a good time at the Great American Irish Festival you feel like you just have to tell someone about it? Well, now you can. The Great American Irish Festival announces the unveiling of its brand new message board. A simple registration process will make you a registered member of the message board community, able to rave or rant (within reason!) The overwhelming success of the first two years of the Great American Irish Festival was due in no small part to the suggestions and contributions from you, the festival-goer, and the new message board ensures that your suggestions will be heard. Want to request a band? Put it on the message board. Did you see some merchandise you're looking to track down? Look for it on the message board. Feel the need to give a pat on the back for a job well done? Do it on the message board. Got a complaint? Keep it to yourself. No, wait, I mean, put it on the message board. While abusive or offensive message will not be allowed, constructive criticism is essential to the continued growth and success of the Great American Irish Festival. The Great American Irish Festival message board is a great place to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Make it a daily stop. |
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 GAIF Favorites Enter The Haggis to Appear on A&E
Just a quick note: Great American Irish Festival favorites Enter the Haggis will be featured on Arts and Entertainment Network's highly acclaimed "Breakfast With The Arts" program on Sunday, December 11. Twice-nominated for a daytime EMMY Award (Outstanding Special Class Series), A&E Television Network's Breakfast With The Arts covers the full range of current trends in music, film, theatre and the fine arts. The 2-hour program, featuring interviews with prominent performers, writers, directors, artists and musicians, celebrates the creative spirit in all areas of the arts. Enter The Haggis has been signed as one of the headliners for the 2006 Great American Irish Festival, following up on their triumphant initial appearance at the last summer's festival and their highly successful GAIF fundraiser held at the Devereux in Utica in November. Breakfast With The Arts airs from 8-10 every Sunday morning. Check your local listings for the A&E channel in your viewing area. |
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2006 Great American Irish Festival Dates Announced
The Great American Irish Festival Committee is hard at work organizing the 2006 festival. The third annual event will be held on Friday, July 28th and Saturday, July 29th 2006. Keep checking our website for further details. |
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 1st Annual Agen/Durr Irish Spirit Award
Just prior to our 1st Great American Irish Festival, a fine Irish gentlemen named James Agen of Barneveld passed away after a lengthy illness. On his hospital room wall was a festival poster. He would have loved nothing more than to have made it to our 1st event and laugh with his friends. At that 1st festival, however, was a good friend of his, the eloquent and jovial Irishman Raymond Durr, Esq. of Boonville, who worked tirelessly in support of the festival in any way he could. Unfortunately, Ray passed unexpectedly a few months later. As a tribute to these outstanding Irish friends, two festival committee members, Joe White and Nick Durr, established the Agen/Durr Irish Spirit Award in their honor. It will be awarded annually at our festival in recognition of an individual who has demonstrated some of the qualities of these men. The 1st recipient of this award is Bill Corrigan of Kayuta Lake. Bill is a successful businessman and family man who takes every opportunity to bring smiles to the faces of others. In fact, he can routinely be found dressed as a Leprechaun at area functions dispensing "Irish happiness." |
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Volunteers Needed!
We are now signing up volunteers for the 2005 festival. Our new website link is up and anyone interested in being a volunteer at this year's event is encouraged to go to the Volunteer page and submit their information. Also, anyone who submitted information prior to April 1st through the website is asked to PLEASE RE-SUBMIT! We have been told by several people that the old link didn't work properly. As our festival is rapidly expanding, we'll be looking for even more people than last year. Our volunteers get free admission and a "Staff" shirt, and are asked to work less than half of the event hours, so they can enjoy the festival with family and friends. |
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 Quadsimia becomes major sponsor!
We are pleased to announce that Quadsimia Internet Presence Professionals of New York Mills has become a major sponsor of the festival. They are in the process of re-designing our website and will be hosting the site at their facility. According to GAIF Director Matt Sullivan, "Quadsimia made us a tremendous sponsor offer and they have been great to work with so far. We are working dilligently to get our site completely built and the entire committee would like to thank Sue and Everett Miller of The Plaide Palette of Celtic Art for volunteering to get our site on the map and listed so widely in its inaugural year. We are attempting to make this website as interesting and user-friendly as possible and welcome comments and suggestions to that effect." |
| Visit Quadsimia's site |
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