Milwaukee Irish Fest 2007 - Friday

Here it is, Friday, August 17th and we are in Milwaukee. It's a bit early to go to the fairgrounds, let's see what is happening in the hotel bar.

Oh my, who have we here; why some more Pittsburghers'. From the left - Michael Smith, Devon, Al Smith and Jimmy Walsh. Al is a long time old friend; actually he tells me we met right here in Milwaukee several years ago.

This past March Al informed me about the Ambassador Hotel; an excellent accommodation. Everyone was so satisfied with it; the rooms were spacious, comfortable beds and delicious food from the kitchen. Plus the staff was so accommodationg.

At the Henry B. Meier Fairgrounds at last. 2002 was the last year I was here, much too long in between festivals.

One of the first groups I watched was The Makem and Spain Brothers. These guys give a great show plus they are one of the last, young, folk groups out there today.

Starting from the left we have - Shane Makem, Liam Spain, Rory Makem, Mickey Spain and Conor Makem.

This year Irish Fest was dedicated to the memory of Tommy Makem; participating in this program were The Makem & Spain Brothers, Tom Sweeney, Evans & Doherty, Eugene Byrne, Mick Moloney and others. It was a very moving segment. One of the treats was hearing Katie Makem, daughter of Tommy, sing; she has a lovely voice. Her daughter Molly Makem performed Irish dancing as well. The memorial touched all of our hearts.

Sitting nearby was my good friend Mary Feeney from New Hampshire and Boston along with her friend Ann who lives in Milwaukee.

While listening at the Miller Stage, I captured these three O'Neill's - Michael (son), Kevin (cousin) and Mickey (dad). They were having a grand time.

Here is Barry Stapleton from Milwaukee and one of the organizers of Irish Fest.

This was all of the pictures I took Friday. There are more on Saturday and Sunday.

Slan,
Diane