Cultural Building

2010 Festival Theme: "What is this...thing we call Irish?"

Fans of a popular Tim Burton film will remember the Pumpkin King's delight and wonder when he first discovers Christmastown. "What is this, what is this?" he sings. "I can't believe my eyes! I want it, I want it for my own! I've got to know! What? Is? This?" The Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley Building at the 2010 Great American Irish Festival promises to bring that same excitement to fans of all things Irish with this year's theme "What is this...thing we call Irish?" with presentations, displays, workshops and performances on a wide range of subjects.

Programs include instruction in the Irish language where festival-goers will learn phrases to sprinkle into their conversation at home or on their next trip to Ireland, Irish food and cooking demonstrations and musical workshops for beginners and more advanced players alike.

Those who enjoy dancing can join Pat Kane's ceili (social) dancing session on Sunday at 3:00 and watch traditional step dancing throughout the weekend. For visitors who play a traditional (or not-so-traditional) instrument, there will be an open session with Croabh Dugan, the Central New York branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, Saturday at 7:00.

Special treats will include a presentation by Derek Warfield (of the legendary Wolfetones) - "Irish Rebel Songs and Why We Irish Sing Them" - Saturday afternoon at 3:30, the Irish-American Cultural Institute of Central New York's multi-media presentation, An Gorta Mor (The Great Hunger), and sessions with Michael Roddy, local bagpipe favorite, on Friday and Sunday.

Other activities and exhibits include the Dog Breeds of Ireland, curling, genealogy, displays on the planned Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley, the 3rd annual GAIF photo contest, decorative woodworking, and much, much more.

So, while you're enjoying the Festival, visit the ICCMV Cultural Building and explore "What is this thing we call Irish?" There's something for everyone!

CULTURAL BLDG SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY
5:00
" Irish Dance Performance: Butler-Sheehan Academy of Traditional Dance
5:30
"Irish Cooking Demonstration by the Bracken Family: Popular treats and how to make them
6:00
"Irish Language Workshop with Tom Malley: Phrases and pronunciation for beginners and those comfortable with the language
"Pennywhistle Workshop by Patricia Gaynor: For players of all ages
7:00
"Irish Cooking Demonstration by the Bracken Family: Popular treats and how to make them
"Bagpipe Presentation by Michael Roddy: Highland bagpipes, Scottish small pipes, border pipes, uilleann pipes, and more

SATURDAY

12:00
"Irish Cooking Demonstration by the Bracken Family: Popular treats and how to make them
12:15
" Irish Dance Performance: Iona Troupe Irish Dancers
1:00
"Irish Cooking Demonstration by the Bracken Family: Popular treats and how to make them
"Fiddle Workshop by Mike Hoke: Bring yours along or just sit and enjoy
"Genealogy Workshop with Ann Brunnett: Researching your roots, where to begin and where to go from there
" Irish Dance Performance: Celtic Dancers of Hartwick
2:00
"Bodhran Workshop with Kevin Matthews: For beginners and more advanced players alike
"Irish Language Workshop with Tom Malley: Phrases and pronunciation for beginners and those comfortable with the language
"Ceili Dance Workshop by the Claddagh Ring Dancers
3:00
"Irish Dance Performance: Celtic Dancers of Hartwick
3:30
"Derek Warfieldhistorian, singer, songwriter, and charismatic founding member of the legendary Wolf Tones: "Irish Rebel Songs and Why We Irish Sing Them"



4:00
"Irish Cooking Demonstration: How to's with MVCC culinary student Kyle Robertson
"Genealogy Workshop with Ann Brunnett: Researching your roots, where to begin and where to go from there
4:30
" Irish Dance Performance: Claddagh Ring Dancers
5:00
"Bodhran Workshop with Kevin Matthews: For beginners and more advanced players alike
"Author's Book Reading with Sean McCabe, lead vocalist and frontman for the McCabes featuring selections from his recently published book, A Good Deed and Other Stories
6:00
"Irish Cooking Demonstration: How to's with MVCC culinary student Kyle Robertson
" Irish Dance Performance: Iona Troupe Irish Dancers
" An Gorta Mor, multi-media presentation about the Great Famine, presented by the Irish-American Cultural Institue of Central NY
7:00
Irish Dance Performance: Celtic Dancers of Hartwick
7:30
"Open Seisun hosted by Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, Craobh Dugan: All players welcome

SUNDAY

12:00
"Irish Language Workshop with Tom Malley: Phrases and pronunciation for beginners and those comfortable with the language
"Irish Cooking Demonstration by Natalie Spellman: How to make scones
" Irish Dance Performance: Johnston School of Irish Dance
1:00
"Bagpipe Presentation by Michael Roddy: Highland bagpipes, Scottish small pipes, border pipes, uilleann pipes, and more
"Deidre McCarthy's "An Imaginary Trip to Ireland"the next best thing to an actual trip to the Emerald Isle
"Irish Cooking Demonstration by Natalie Spellman: Savory sandwiches
2:00
"Irish Flute Workshop with Mike Carroll and Leslie Kubica: "Turn your silver flute green"
"Irish Cooking Demonstration by Natallie Spellman: How to put on a "tea"
3:00
"Ceili Dance Workshop: Favorite dances with Pat Kane, gifted dance instructor and caller and long-time GAIF favorite