Irish Fest 2014

Sláinte, Milwaukee!

 

'Twas the most wonderful time of the year: Irish Fest weekend. On Friday night, Adam and I arrived at the festival grounds around 7:00. Price check: It cost $17 to get into the fest — $17! For Milwaukee festival-goers, that's steep. If we'd arrived before 5:30, it would have been only $5. Noted for next year.

But once inside the gates, it was of course totally worth the price tag. In fact, that's surely why they can afford to make the tickets so seemingly unaffordable; they know the people will pay it. And they're right. Anyway, we immediately found my parents and it was off to our favorite dinner spot: McBob's. They have a Reuben sandwich that would knock the kilt off a Scotsman. I know I'm crossing my cultures, but still. McBob's is seriously the place to go. Also: Mader's for their Irish nachos. Soft-but-crunchy potato chips topped with shredded corned beef, sour cream, and green onions. And you thought you went to Irish Fest just for the music.

Adam and I eventually vacated the grub hub and joined the teeming crowd at Gaelic Storm. They're always the kings of the fest — I blame "Titanic." I think they're great, but I must admit that I have just as much fun at any number of lesser known Irish bands playing on various smaller stages. 

Speaking of lesser known bands: After Gaelic Storm, it was off to Scythian! Standing on bleachers, 12 rows back, jumping like crazy, the show was an absolute non-stop party. The guys were so genuinely thrilled to be there and so full of life and gave one spirited performance after another. 

And now we start the countdown to next year: Only 360 days until Irish Fest 2015!