One day a year, the world is Irish. This year in Winnipeg, it’s three days, three days of fun and Irish mayhem. Come down and enjoy yourself, we guarantee no green watery beer, just the best Guinness in town.
Thursday, March 16 – An evening of Irish Culture: Storytelling, Dance & Song
7:00 pm. onwards
The evening will start with Comhaltas Winnipeg performing Irish Set Dancing – a form of social dancing that has been popular in Ireland for over 150 years. This will be followed by a gathering of Seanachaidh (shan-ah-kee) – another grand tradition from Ireland. Storytellers would travel from village to village spinning tales from the great tapestry of folklore that comprises the mythology of Ireland – or just telling tales about the characters in the town down the road. Come hear our own Seanachaidh spin yarns and sing traditional songs. The McConnell School of Dance will demonstrate their performance style Irish dancing as commonly seen in Riverdance and Lord of the Dance; and last but not least from 9:00pm. on Celtic band “Ard-RI” will perform their own unique style of traditional and modern Irish (and wannabe Irish) songs.
Friday, March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day – A Full Day of Celebrating All Things Irish
11:00 am. ‘til the early morn
The day starts at 11:00 am. with an Ecumenical Service in the theatre. Lunch follows from 11:30 to 2:30, with entertainment provided by Paul & Susan Hammer. This will be followed by Larry McLennan and friends performing a variety of Celtic, country and folk music. At 5:30 members of Comhaltas Winnipeg will perform traditional Irish music such as you might hear in any great pub in Ireland. At 8:00 pm our own Winnipeg Celtic Pipe Band will perform in their award winning style. Called “one of the best-looking pipe bands around” by the Winnipeg Free Press. Come & see for yourselves. Irish dance involving traditional Irish step dancing, ceili, and modern Irish choreography will be performed by the McDonnell School of Irish Dance, with Celtic/Maritime group “Tarry Trousers” taking the stage from 9:00 pm. on.
Saturday, March 18 – Post St. Paddy’s Pub Night
9:00 pm onwards
Celtic rock group “The Braggarts” take a fresh look at Irish music, both traditional and today. This is a new band on the scene with accomplished musicians and lots of youthful energy.
