Niagara Celtic Festival announces music lineup

Event is now largest Celtic gathering in New York

The Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival has announced the lineup of national and regional bands for its 23rd event, which will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14-15, at the Niagara County Fairgrounds in Lockport (at “halfway to St. Patrick’s Day”). Join the thousands of people who attend each year, where everyone is “Celtic” for the weekend. Coincidently, the location is “halfway” between Buffalo and Rochester, just a one-hour drive from each.

From Columbia, South Carolina, SYR is a Celtic folk rock band taking inspiration from history, stories and myth. Band members blend their unique backgrounds to create powerful songs with themes like battle, love, loss, heritage and victory.

From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, The Bastard Bearded Irishmen are one of the most entertaining and energetic shows today. Their sound is an original, but ferocious blend of traditional and contemporary Celtic music, mixed with punk, gypsy and rock ’n’ roll.

From Eastern Ontario, The Glengarry Bhoys are fan favorite Celtic-stompers who have earned a reputation as entertainers who challenge the audience to sit still during their engaging, high-energy performances.

Regional groups will include McCarthyism, Celtic Cross, Three Parts Whiskey, The Blarney Bunch, Crikwater, Catch & Release, Step-in-Time, Cairde, Kilrush, and The Irish Lassies.

The Niagara Celtic Heritage Society Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit New York state educational organization, founded in 2001, focused on preserving the culture of the seven Celtic nations. The annual Celtic Festival is its primary fundraising activity. With over 20 musical groups at four different stages, the cultural celebration also includes Highland athletics, dancers, pipe bands, merchandise vendors, artisans, food and beverage vendors, a kid’s area, clans, reenactors, seminars and local community groups.

Parking is free, as is the Festival Guidebook. For the detailed schedule, ticket information, and FAQs, visit the website at www.niagaraceltic.com. Sign-up for the monthly e-newsletter that tracks “all things Celtic” across Western and Central New York.