No Irish Fest But Here Comes Hackley Hooley

Irish Music & Culture coming to Hackley Park Sept. 18

Family Financial Credit Union presents HACKLEY HOOLEY, an event of the Michigan Irish Music Festival (MIMF), on Saturday, September 18 from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. at Hackley Park in downtown Muskegon. 

“We are excited to produce and offer a hybrid, one-day event that is still aligned with our mission: to promote Irish culture and heritage while enhancing the community through entertainment, tourism, education, and philanthropy,” said Chris Zahrt, MIMF President. "Though we had to cancel the usual four-day festival in our traditional format due to a variety of factors - from international travel restrictions to uncertainty surrounding the pandemic - we can't wait to welcome our patrons to a full day of Irish fun at Hackley Hooley." 

Hackley Hooley will present live music by four outstanding bands* on the Hackley Park main stage: 

BLACKTHORN
What makes a Blackthorn show unique is the variety of tunes, tempos and textures. Each member of the band plays multiple instruments, including wooden flute, accordion, tin whistle, five string banjo, cittern, bones and more. These instruments complement the lead vocal of Belfast native Richard McMullan and the band’s tight blend of four part harmony.

ONE FOR THE FOXES 
This exciting and dynamic transatlantic trio presents a rousing blend of Irish and American folk music. They offer both traditional and newly composed music, presented in an energetic and engaging manner. 

RUNA 
Runa breathes fresh life into traditional Celtic music by digging into the songs and tunes to find the universal thread that binds past to present. Contemporary Celtic music at its very best. 

SEAMUS KENNEDY 
A fan favorite, Seamus’ trademark is his ongoing interaction with the audiences. Fast-paced humor is very much a part of what Seamus does, whether he’s telling a series of rapid-fire jokes or launching into a lyrical parody. 
*Live music lineup is subject to change

Hackley Hooley will also feature cultural displays and shopping offerings from Irish vendors. Patrons can expect their favorite Irish food and beverages, including craft beer, whiskey, Budweiser, and MI Irish Stout, a Pigeon Hill Brewing Company original brew. 
​
The Schedule:
Noon Seamus Kennedy
1:45 pm Blackthorn
3:00 pm Muskegon Regional Police Pipes and Drums
3:45 pm One for the Foxes
5:00 pm Muskegon Regional Police Pipe and Drums
5:45 pm Runa
7:30 pm Seamus Kennedy
Along with presenting sponsor Family Financial Credit Union, major sponsors for Hackley Hooley include Budweiser, Van's Car Wash & Quick Lube, G&L Chili Dogs, and the Mart Dock.