Fourth Annual Motor City Irish Festival Celebrates Celtic Pride

1992

REDFORD TOWNSHIP — The Motor City Irish Festival rolls into its fourth year with a lineup of Irish music, stunt performers, acrobats, The Celtic Corn Hole Tournament, and food from one of Detroit’s hottest restaurants, Slow’s BBQ on Father’s Day weekend, June 14-16 at Western Graham Field in Redford Township.

 

The Motor City Irish Festival has enlisted more than 20 bands from metro Detroit and Ontario to showcase their talents. One of this year’s headliners, Searson, made up of three sisters, hails from a small town outside of Toronto. Throughout their career, they have traveled the globe performing original Celtic tunes and have amassed a following in Irish communities around the country. The Kreellers, a high-energy Detroit-based Celtic rock group, are also an addition to the musical line up this year. Other acts include Terry Murphy Band, Celtic Cross Band, Diggers, Bill Grogan’s Goat, Brian Bonner, Finvarra’s Wren, Inis Ceol, Carl Henry, The Codgers, Jamrocks and many more. World-renown Irish Step Dancers will be performing throughout the weekend.

 

The Motor City Irish Festival will also be hosting their first authentic Seisiun, referred to Session in the English language. A Seisiun is a gathering of Irish traditional musicians that celebrate music by playing together in a relaxed informal setting. Throughout the set musicians will join in bringing the songs to life through their own interpretations of the music.

 

“I’ve witnessed authentic Seisiun’s in Ireland going from five to twelve hours,” Nora Cassidy, the Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshall, said. “There is something so magical watching these musicians come together and just make the music come to life.” 

 

New additions to the festival this year include action theatre and stunt performers, Rings of Steel of Ann Arbor, which will bring acrobats and many more surprises. There is also a Celtic Cornhole tournament on Saturday afternoon. Cornhole, also known as a corn toss and bean toss, has gained popularity in the last few years warranting its own tournaments across the country. The winning team will receive the “coveted trophy” and a $100 gift card to Slow’s BBQ.

 

Slow’s BBQ will be providing the food and showcasing new menu items at the festival this year.

 

Irish Alley will give festival attendees a place to shop for an array of unique and one-a-kind art and products. Irish Alley will also include many different family-orientated activities throughout the weekend.

The Motor City Irish Festival welcomes all ages from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on June 14, from 12 p.m.–11 p.m. on June 15, and from 1 p.m.-8 p.m. on June 16 at the Western Graham Field located at 14841 Beech Daily in Redford Township, next to St. Valentine’s Catholic Church.

 

Tickets for the event are $7 or family four-packs for $16. Advanced discount tickets are available at Murphy’s Coney Island at 26009 Five Mile Rd. in Redford Township. On Sunday, June 16, all dads will get in free of honor of Father’s Day.

 

Visit www.motorcityirishfest.com for schedules, to register for the Celtic Cornhole Tournament or other information needed.

 

The Motor City Irish Festival was created in 2010 to educate and promote the Irish Culture through song, dance, art and food in an authentic setting.