~ Milwaukee Irish Fest is going on right now (August 17^th – August 20^th)! If you’ve never been to this fest, you simply HAVE to experience it!!! It’s billed as the biggest Irish Fest in the world; I have no doubt that it is. You should really make plans to go – as long as it doesn’t mean that you’ll miss the Slow Session, of course ;o)

~ Erin Feis in Peoria, IL is the following weekend (August 25^th – 27^th). This is one of my personal favorites for an Irish Fest every year – I hope that EVERYONE can make it over to Peoria for this one! There are quite a few “big” names in Irish music playing there of course, but it’s also a great chance to hear some of the local talent that’s right here in our area. Here are the local groups that are playing (I hope that I haven't forgotten anyone...):

Bloomsday plays at 6:00pm on Friday, then again at 2:15pm on Saturday (both are at the North Stage) – we’d love to see lots of familiar faces there!

Also note that a founding member of our Slow Session - Lauri Gannon - is now a member of the band Cushla, playing whistle and bodhran!

You’ll find a schedule of events for Erin Feis at the St. Pat Society’s webpage.

~ The Emerald Underground (from Springfield, IL) is playing a concert with Wolfstone in Springfield, IL on Sunday August 27^th. You’ll find details and ticket info at The Emerald Underground’s website.