Irish 2000 rocks Saratoga

By John Curtin

The Screaming Orphans stole the show at Irish 2000.

The Saratoga County Fairgrounds was the setting for the 13th Annual Irish 2000 Music and Arts Festival on Friday and Saturday, September 18-19. Nearly 20,000 festival-goers were treated to the best in traditional and contemporary Irish and Celtic acts, along with pipe bands, dancers and, of course, merchants selling Irish imports and locally-made crafts.

This year's festival was the first at its new location, after several years at the Altamont Fairgrounds. The larger venue enabled festival organizers to feature more music and activities for families, while the site also provides plenty of space for future growth.

The festival started in rocking style with the Gobshites' opening set on Friday evening, followed by the Elders, Flatfoot 56, Enter the Haggis, Black 47, and the Street Dogs. Irish rock and punk fans had their fill as all of the acts turned out blistering sets, and spirits were high throughout the night.

The Gobshites opened on the main stage again on Saturday, followed by the festival's surprise hit, the Screaming Orphans. The four Diver sisters from CountyDonegal played a high-energy set of original songs, along with fresh takes on some traditional Irish tunes. And with their humorous banter between songs, they had the crowd wowed and charmed at the same time.

They were followed by Brother, a three-piece from Australia that featured moody, ethereal songs, highlighted by bagpipes and a didgeridoo. Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul were up next, with their eclectic mix of traditional Irish, world beats, and old-timey American roots music. The Prodigals followed up, and the Elders and Black 47 closed out the day, to the great delight of the crowd. Several of the acts also featured dancers from the Farrell and BolandSchools of Irish Dance during their sets.

Saturday also saw the music expand to two more stages, one featuring traditional acts, and another showcasing some of the capital region's best local Irish and Celtic bands. The traditional stage featured favorites like the McKrells, McPeake, Hair of the Dog, and Dervish, with the Schenectady Pipe Band entertaining folks between sets. The highlight was Gaelic Storm, whose anthems about stout, cider, and the characters that enjoy them really had the fans moving. The legendary Derek Warfield and his Young Wolfetones ended the night singing rebel songs and ballads to the joy of all.

The Pub stage hosted local favorites Emerald Dawn, the Fighting 86's, Frank Jaklitsch, Kevin McKrell, Who's Your Paddy, Flynn 529, and Cliudan.

After a packed weekend of music, dance, and all around good times, both bands and fans headed to homes near and far, already looking forward to next year's festivities.