www.irishfest.com

The Willis Clan tops the line–up of talented bands returning by popular demand to the 2014 Milwaukee Irish Fest, taking place August 14th–17th along Milwaukee’s lakefront. Featured fan favorites performing this year include:

· The Willis Clan, a family of artists and musicians who merge their Irish roots with other music and dance genres to create a unique blend of the old and new.

· Carlos Núñez, a master showman and groundbreaking artist from the Galician region of Spain who remains undisputed as the tradition’s greatest piper.

· The Red Hot Chilli Pipers have fast become a global phenomenon, taking their signature “Bagrock” sound to the masses.

· Award–winning Irish banjo band, We Banjo 3 renowned for their incredible technical virtuosity and musical innovation.

· Gaelic Storm, who is celebrating their fifteenth anniversary of appearing at Milwaukee Irish Fest and is famed for their rousing, energetic shows.

· Glasgow–based Manran who brings a powerful blend of Gaelic and English traditional music and is the only band to use the Highland and Uilleann pipes in one line–up.

· Scythian, classically trained musicians who began as a group of street performers and went on to become one of the most energetic groups around.

Bands Coming from Ireland

Other special bands coming from Ireland include: The High Kings, Sharon Shannon, Socks in the Frying Pan, Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny, Maggie and John Carty, Grainne Holland, Different Drums of Ireland from Northern Ireland, and Beoga.

Scotland Music Showcase

Rounding out this year’s entertainment will be a special showcase that celebrates the richness of Scotland’s diverse traditional music. Eight of Scotland’s contemporary folk bands will participate in the Scottish Showcase: The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Manran, Skerryvore, Dougie MacLean, Gria, Dallahan, the ALT, and Alasdair Fraser and Tony McManus. The Scotland music theme will also come to life during the annual Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School, held each year the week leading up to the festival.

“This year’s line–up features both traditional music and new music from emerging artists,” said Patrick Boyle, executive director of Milwaukee Irish Fest. “From singer–songwriter to Trad to rock, there’s truly something for everybody.”

About Milwaukee Irish Fest

Milwaukee Irish Fest is North America’s largest celebration of Irish, Irish American and Celtic music and culture. The four–day festival showcases more than 100 entertainment acts on 16–stages at Henry W. Maier Festival Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront. The annual festival occurs every third weekend in August. The 2014 festival takes place August 14th to 17th.

More than just a festival, the Milwaukee Irish Fest organization is passionately committed to igniting a love of Irish, Irish American and Celtic culture in all people. With the help of more than 4,000 volunteers, Milwaukee Irish Fest shares Irish and Celtic music, dance, drama, sports, culture, children’s activities and genealogy through year–round programming.

For more information visit www.irishfest.com