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Those willing to trade in their blue jeans for kilts this weekend will be treated to some free Irish rock ‘n’ roll.
The Southern Illinois Irish Festival kicks off for its 13th year Friday. The festival features live music performances throughout the weekend and a Celtic Fair at Turley Park Saturday and Sunday.
Returning for a second straight year will be Indianapolis rock band Mother Grove and its self-proclaimed “Kilt Rock.” Those who arrive to the 9 p.m. Copper Dragon show in an authentic kilt will not have to pay admission, said Bryan Crow, who is in his 12th year as president of the festival.
But those unwilling to wear traditional attire will not be excluded, he said.
“You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy the festival,” Crow said.
The festival includes a variety of music, including Crow’s own band, The Dorians. Crow said he and The Dorians performed in the festivals first year when SIUC’s Irish Studies Program came up with the idea.
Vern Crawford, coordinator of Cousin Andy’s Coffeehouse, said his venue always tries to co-sponsor the festival.
“Most years we get our calendars together,” Crawford said.
The festival kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Cousin Andy’s Coffeehouse with an acoustic performance from Irish multi-instrumentalist Gerry O’Beirne.
Crawford said he is looking forward to see O’Beirne perform live, instead of just listening to him.
The festivities move to campus Saturday night with two musical performances at McLeod Theater. The Willis Clan, a family band from Nashville, Tenn., and Give Way, four sisters from Ireland who have been recording together since their teens, will play the venue, Crow said.
In addition to the live music, Turley Park will host the Celtic Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The fair will feature music and dance, ancient athletics, activities for children, Celtic merchandise, fish and chips from Key West and many other activities.
The festival would not be possible without its sponsors and volunteers — many of whom keep in touch all year, Crawford said.
“We’re all sort of the same group,” he said. “Many of our core volunteers (at Cousin Andy’s) are the organizers for the festival.”
For ticket information visit http://www.silirishfest.org or call 618-549-3090.
