Chicago Celtic Fest '05

This past weekend, Chicago's Irish community got together for the Celtic Festival. The scene was a mix of people speaking with an Irish brogue, later generations whose family came from Ireland years ago and those without an ounce of green blood in them. Like St. Patty's day, everybody got to be Irish!

At first glance, visitors came across streets lined with traditional imports and homemade crafts. Tents with Claddaugh rings and heavy-knit sweaters for sale were among the most popular. However, there were some areas with unexpected goods like pottery and stained glass window hangings with Celtic designs in them. It was a prime opportunity to buy some beautiful handiwork.

A variety of entertainment was scattered throughout Grant Park for the weekend. All you had to do was follow the sound of bagpipes. A large stage was host to teams of Irish step dancers. Girls (and a few boys) wearing colorful traditional clothing took to the stage for hours. Girls had had their hair uniformly done in curls with embroidered dresses while boys simply wore kilts.

The dancers ranged from preschoolers who tiptoed around to advanced teenagers and adults who amazed the audience with their incredible strength and skills. They all displayed a variety of jigs throughout the very hot day.

A highlight of the festival was Mother's Grove, a Celtic rock band. They define their style as "Kilt rock." It was a mix of traditional folk music and modern rock with the combination of the bagpipe, flute, fiddle, electric guitar, and drums. Their rendition of "Amazing Grace" began with a chilling solo by vocalist Laura Adams. It was then kicked up with the upbeat rock sounds of Brad Sprauer on guitar, Jim Farley on bass, Ron Fife on drums, and Andy Kramer on bagpipes.

It was a high-energy performance that worked incredibly with the crowd - including one audience member that humorously heckled them throughout their performance. The band's personality and style was as entertaining as their music.

A nice surprise was the Kilty bands the occasionally marched through and performed along the streets. They could be faintly heard in the distance for some time while approaching the crowds where they would stop and play before marching onward.

The Celtic Festival is an annual event here in Chicago.