We attended the La Crosse Wisconsin Irish Fest for a few hours this year. We had a little tour of the fest on Saturday morning--first seeing some harpist get together with Kim Robertson for a workshop. It's always fun to see someone who knows and loves music as much as Kim get together with like-minded people of all ages. We stopped in the Cultural tent while the crowd was still so thin you could count those there on one hand. A radio show was being broadcast and it was fun to see the show host talk to his loyal listeners with a handful of people present -- he did a fine job and it was amusing to listen to his selection of songs as well as his banter.
With my two youngest daughters in tow, we watched Kate Flannagan's dance troupe that included several of her granddaughters. They demonstrated a little cultural flare. Kate’s son joined in accompaniment on guitar and the Flannagans sang some traditional songs. Kate seemed more concerned with presenting the Irish dance heritage and songs than providing the perfect performance. I enjoyed her approach.
One dancer was cuter than the next and it was a joy to see the kids doing their best. They did not look like kids that do a hundred shows a year and they displayed a “this is something special attitude.” I was also happy to see that Kate’s dancers did not wear those exaggerated wigs that are so fashionable with the Irish dancers. I mentioned that to my daughters who straightened me up right then and there. My girls said they loved the wigs the kids wear. We did see a couple of what I would call the more tony troupes come by the next day in full regalia.
Going into the main stage tent on Saturday, we saw Athas a traditional Irish band from Milwaukee, but we were a long way from the stage and after a quick fish and chips it was time for us to go. We could not stay for the marquee bands: Gaelic Storm and Screaming Orphans that were on the schedule. We also missed Salsa Celtica, a Scotish fusion band that played on Friday night that looks like it definitely would have been worth the price of admission.
We came back on Sunday morning to attend mass. Attendees are expected on Sunday to bring some canned good for the local food pantry for admission and we complied. The Cultural tent had its sides furled up to let some air inside and it worked pretty well. The “Celtic Cross’ was the name of the music group that played for the mass. Some of the tunes were traditional Irish folk tunes with religious lyrics. I am not sure the band’s origins, but my guess is that they are locals who might call themselves something else on other Sundays. As a visitor, it was interesting to see all the LaCrosse people at Mass—many who apparently know each other well. They were all smiles on that muggy morning. I believe there is a very strong Catholic tradition in LaCrosse, Winnona and the surrounding areas. I love outdoor masses especially at events of this kind and it was wonderful although certainly hot and humid.
After mass we spent some money at the Tea Garden for some scones and Coffee. We wondered over to the main tent and sat outside on a picnic bench, but were able to see the Celtic Tenors from the side. At the fest, there seemed to be a group of people parked in front of the main stage tent "in the good seats" who were there to stay. I suppose this is normal for such events. The Celtic Tenors were great. I wished they could have had a go without their microphones, but the acoustics would not have worked for it. The terrific harmonies and sweetness of the voices can come across rather harsh when amplified. One of my girls who sings from the minute she gets up to the end of the day, was especially appreciative of the fine performance.
I find Irish fests entertaining, but usually hot, crowded and often exhausting. The LaCrosse Fest is small and manageable with a good variety of entertainment that is sure to improve each year.
