Milwaukee Irish Fest - general info

Subject: Milwaukee Irish Fest - general info
From: nosluap57
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 09:48 PM

Planning on being a first time attendee of the Milwaukee Irish Fest.

Looking for general info about nearby hotels that may still have vacancies. I did look at their website, but got no general sense of where the festival grounds are located in relation to the rest of the city. All other things will take care of themselves (best stages, best pint of Guinness, etc.) but I really want to find a hotel that is convenient to the festival.

Also wondering if any Dallas area Mudcatters will be in attendance, since I have recently relocated away from DFW this past winter (sure did miss NTIF!).

Subject: RE: Milwaukee Irish Fest - general info
From: Big Mick
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 11:56 PM

You are going to have to go out a bit. I would be very surprised if any of the downtown hotels have rooms. You should take a look at the bargain places, like exel. I will check and see if I can help you out.

See you there.

Mick

Subject: RE: Milwaukee Irish Fest - general info
From: GUEST,Crazy Little Woman
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 11:31 AM

(I'm a former Milwaukeean, but it's been 25 years.)

The info you need is at the web site, but it's a little hard to find. I admit they seem to think that everybody just knows where the festival will be held.

Go to http://www.irishfest.com/festivalinfo/festmaps.htm

Irish Fest is still held on the shore of Lake Michigan, about where Wisconsin Avenue comes to an end. I think it's south of the Art Center.

The web site has information on taking the bus from outlying areas, and I believe you will get the best lodging and have more fun if you do that.

Take hearing protection. Not only do the bands habitually play loud, but they don't compensate for the dense, humid lake air, which transmits sound unusually well. The last time I went to Irish Fest, we listened to a group from Chicago play for dancers. Two of the musicians had a shtik of putting their mouths right near the microphone and whooping. God, it hurt! That was my last Irish Fest.

You may not have the sensitive hearing I have, but it can't hurt to take a pair of foam protectors along. You can get them in any drugstore.

Subject: RE: Milwaukee Irish Fest - general info
From: GUEST,still cookieless paddymac
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 11:58 PM

CLW is right on, especially as regards the "celtic rock" groups. I've not been the the fest for a few years, but it used to be that the Celtic rock" groups were largely confined to the northernmost stage area. And there were always the tents which featured acoustic music with "traditional," or at least more conventional, microphone gear. It took me awhile to warm up to the CR stuff, mostly (I think) because it struck me as more rock than celt. I eventually came to enjoy some of it, but the loudness that seems 'de rigour' remains an impediment. But then, when you hear the lyrics of Larry Kirwin (Black 47), what's not to like? Praise the muse of difference.