An Bhfuil tú Réidh?-MIMF Arrives Next Month

Michigan Irish Music Festival Coming in September

Photos by Lil De Laat

Muskegon, MICH. – The Michigan Irish Music Festival, presented by Family Financial Credit Union will be held September 14-17th 2023, at Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon. 
Tickets available for sale at www.michiganirish.org. 
Save $5 or more on single day tickets or 4-day passes when you buy tickets online.

Michigan Irish Music Festival is rich in culture, celebrating both life in Ireland and here in the states as Irish Americans. Through various art forms on multiple stages and areas of the festival grounds, there are abundant opportunities for fun, education, and interaction.

Don’t miss all of the dynamic storytelling, ranging from children’s stories and songs to personal accounts of life in Belfast in the 1950s-1980s to classic fairy tales with a twist. Discover the incredible history of the Book of Kells, a centuries-old manuscript that survived the test of time. Learn about actor Buster Keaton’s summer vacations in Muskegon, as well as his connection to Irish heritage. Join Enda Reilly for a reflection on poet WB Yeats: The Waters to the Wild. Hear John Kennedy of Kennedy’s Kitchen share about his family’s emigration through Irish music, story, and song. Explore the ancient landforms and monuments of Ireland with Slide’s Mick Broderick’s presentation, Slide Around Ireland. This immersive presentation will take you on a journey through thousands of years of Irish history and culture, showcasing some of the most impressive landmarks and natural wonders that have stood the test of time.

For the musically inclined, Bodhran or Tin Penny Whistle lessons are available. Learn to speak some Irish / Gaelic phrases during an interactive session with Colm Keegan. History buffs can join Liz Gould’s workshop to learn about heraldry and create a personal “Coat of Arms”. Epicurious folks should check out the presentations from Baker College Culinary Institute of Michigan and Wonderland’s Distillery for delicious food demonstrations and craft cocktail class!

As always, the cultural stages will be alive with music and dancing, featuring groups from around the Midwest. Ardan Academy of Dance and Steph’s Steps will highlight traditional Irish Dance including Ceili, hard shoe, softshoe, and a blend of Irish and clogging styles. The Michigan Feis Parade of Champions is another not-to-be-missed celebration of Irish heritage. Music from Mona Shores Fiddlers and Chelsea House Orchestra (CHO) will highlight the incredible talent of local high schoolers. The Mona Shores Fiddlers are an extra curricular ensemble established in 1996 which performs throughout West Michigan under the direction of Kelly De Rose. Hailing from Chelsea, Michigan, on the east side of the state, CHO is comprised of about two dozen string, wind, and percussion musicians playing music derived from Celtic and other folk music sources. This group shares an energetic and eclectic experience with their audience!

For those interested in a life in Ireland, a pop-up consulate will be available for opportunities to meet with consular officers and ask questions about obtaining Irish citizenship through descent, Irish passports, and other related topics. Be sure to catch the exciting exhibition from the Ward Music Archives, Come Back to Erin: Irish Travel Posters of the 20th Century. Join the Michigan Irish American Society to celebrate influential Michiganders of Irish descent at the induction of the 2023 Michigan Irish Hall of Fame Honorees.