Starting Friday and continuing through Sunday, the 35th Annual Pittsburgh Irish Festival will take place at the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark in Pittsburgh. The event, organized by Pittsburgh Irish Festival, Inc., offers families and community members a weekend of music, dance, food and cultural education rooted in Irish heritage.
Exciting lineup announced by festival leadership
“We could not be more excited to present this year’s Pittsburgh Irish Festival entertainment line‑up,” said Mairin Petrone, the festival’s executive director. “The line‑up features new bands, phenomenal solo performers, well‑known favorites, Grammy winners and nominees, local Irish dance groups, social media stars, and more on four stages for non‑stop fun and enjoyment.”
Headliners include Ally the Piper, the folk‑rock group BIIRD, The Screaming Orphans, vocalist Meadhbh Walsh, Ladies of Longford, The Bow Tides, singer‑songwriter Jessica Willis Fisher, folk‑metal act RUNA, The Drowsy Lads, fiddler Eileen Ivers and the traditional group The Brigideens. Each act will perform on one of the festival’s four main stages, offering a mix of contemporary Celtic music and classic Irish tunes.
Long‑time favorite Dennis Doyle returns
Dennis Doyle, a Celtic harpist who has been a staple of the festival for more than two decades, will again share his repertoire of traditional harp music, stories, songs, historical anecdotes and jokes. Doyle’s performances have taken him across North America, Japan and Ireland. He has produced over ten recordings and authored two books on Celtic and liturgical music. In addition to his stage appearances, Doyle helps organize and perform in the festival’s liturgical service each year.
Although based in California, Doyle’s family roots run deep in western Pennsylvania. His grandfather, William Doyle, worked the mines around Uniontown, and his father, Mark Doyle, was born in Connellsville before the family moved to Los Angeles in 1949.
New cooking stage and regional performers
This year the festival adds a fifth stage dedicated to culinary demonstrations. Professional and amateur bakers and chefs will showcase the process of preparing traditional Irish treats, giving attendees a chance to learn recipes and sample fresh baked goods.
Regional talent will also be highlighted, including Abbots Cross, the Bell School of Irish Dance, Denizen, the Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance, fiddler Jim Lamb and guitarist Johnny Gallagher, among others.
Education and outreach
Pittsburgh Irish Festival, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that seeks to raise awareness of Irish history and tradition in the Pittsburgh area. Through its Irish Education Outreach Program, the festival provides year‑round educational resources and cultural programming for schools and community groups.
For more information about the festival schedule, ticketing and volunteer opportunities, visit www.pghirishfest.org.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
