Dublin Irish Festival Line Up Sizzles with Salsa and Triumphs with Tradition

Bagpipes, bodhrans and button boxes will play a new tune at the Dublin Irish Festival July 31, August 1 & 2 at Coffman Park, in Dublin, Ohio. In addition to the time-honored traditional entertainment line-up, the Festival will serve Celtic with a side of salsa and a French twist.

“An international influence has made its presence known in Celtic music and we’re pleased to be able to introduce it to our guests through the most diverse line-up in Festival history,” said Sandra Puskarcik, Festival Director. “This genre of Celtic music brings excitement and energy to our stages with bands like Salsa Celtica and La Bottine Sourriante representing an eclectic sound in Celtic entertainment.”

The 2009 Dublin Irish Festival features seven stages, 64 acts and 240 performances throughout the weekend. The fun begins Friday at 4 p.m. and lasts until Sunday at 9 p.m.

On Friday, the Killian’s Celtic Rock Stage opens with Brigid’s Cross and closes with Gaelic Storm, both Festival favorites. Also returning to the Celtic Rock Stage are Scythian, the Prodigals and Young Dubliners. New to the Dublin Irish Festival are five sisters known as The Screaming Orphans and the guitar-driven Pogey.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Dublin Stage kicks off with newcomers La Bottine Sourriante. Festival newcomer Bua entertains Saturday and Sunday. Returning favorites include Dervish, Slide, Celtic Tenors, Ladies of Longford, Hooligans and more.

The Festival Dedication takes place Friday at the Time Warner Trinity Stage. Throughout the weekend, this stage is set for legendary performances by Clancy Legacy, Niamh Parsons and Graham Dunne, Troy McGillivray and Derek Warfield & the Young Wolfe Tones.

The Irish Thunder & Theater Stage is a variety show like no other. From Sister Bernie’s Bingo Bash to Salsa Celtica to the Parade of Feis Dance Champions, there is entertainment, energy and enough fun to fill a weekend.

Other entertainment stages include the Shamrock Pub, the IGS Energy Ceili Dance Tent and the Celtic Music House. Nine pipe and drum bands, three dance troupes, two dance instructors and a Singer/Songwriter Circle bring these venues to life and make the Dublin Irish Festival the “must-attend event” of the summer season.

An indescribable value, the Dublin Irish Festival daily ticket is $10 and a weekend ticket is $23. A Festival ticket offers a great return on investment including a discount when purchased in advance, an opportunity to customize and download a schedule and a weekend to remember. Visit DublinIrishFestival.org for a complete entertainment schedule and to purchase tickets.

About the Dublin Irish Festival
The Dublin Irish Festival, set on 27 rolling acres just northwest of Columbus, Ohio, is one of the nation’s premier Irish festivals and a central Ohio tradition. More than 100,000 guests are expected for the Dublin Irish Festival July 31 August 1 & 2. For more information and to purchase discount tickets in advance, visit DublinIrishFestival.org.

To date, 2009 Festival sponsors include Killian’s, Wendy’s, Scotts Miracle-Gro, Tansky Sawmill Toyota, Bob Evans Farms, IGS Energy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Time Warner Cable and Cardinal Health.

Events include:
Celtic Entertainment, La Bottine Souriante, Salsa Celtica, Troy MacGillivray, Scythian, The Prodigals, Gaelic Storm, Irish Dancers (adults), Feis (dance competition), Singer Songwriter Circle & Irish Festival Academy, Weddings on-site, Shopping (including the Utilikilt), Ireland in Black & White, Celtic Sports, Akron Hurling Club, Cornhole, Local, Professional and Collegiate Sports Teams (Columbus Blue Jackets , The Ohio State University, and The Columbus Crew), beverages (DIF Stout, Whiskey and Beer Tastings), Stone Carving, Irish Ghost Stories by Alan Irvine, Brian Boru’s Vikings (barn burned down this year) (Irish Living History), activities for the wee folk, and contests!
   

For more information, please see:
http://www.dublinirishfestival.org