The Austin Celtic Festival
Events
7/11/2008, Liz Patton
Austin, TX – The unseasonably warm temperatures didn't keep crowds of music lovers away from the shores of
Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin on the first weekend of November. The event was held at Fiesta Gardens, a small
park in East Austin, nestled amongst residental areas. People of all ages came out to enjoy games, crafts, vendors
music, and story tellers. Many of them brought their dogs, everything from the small Scottish Terriers to a massive
Scottish Deerhound.
A child learning how to hammer - Liz Patton, (c) 2008
Even some of the dogs got into the spirit of things - Liz Patton, (c) 2008
There were numerous events to participate in or watch, from dancing and music seminars to a sheepherding demonstration
and a full Highland Games set up. The games drew quite the crowd, with events including weight throwing for height
or distance, hay bale tossing and the always popular caber toss. Watching athletes toss around what looks like a small
telephone pole is a sure-fire crowd pleaser. Even the kids got in on it with a childrens' games - no caber tossing there
though.
Sheepherding demonstration - Liz Patton, (c) 2008
The caber toss. - Liz Patton, (c) 2008
An interesting thing about this festival is the smaller acts seemed to be more popular - akin to a rennaisance faire.
At faires the feature is generally on the more historical aspects of the culture, rather than the modern interpretations
and that focus permeated this festival. Smaller bands like Dallas' Amberhawke and the story tellers drew great audiences
and on the main stage groups like John Williams and Dean Magraw or Liz Carroll and Daithi Sproule had a better audience
reception than JIggernaut and the Prodigals. Jiggernaut got the energy going, and their fans certainly recognized their set
but a lot of people drifted away. I think part of that was the volumes - the fusion bands were much louder than the
acoustic acts. The Prodigals' second set was pretty well ruined because it was so loud that the vocals were unintelligable
within the festival grounds. It wasn't until I was leaving that I got far enough away to hear any details besides the pounding
bass and drums.
On the flip side the acoustic acts were beautifully amplified for the size audience, and it was wonderful to hear several
All-Ireland winners performing the traditional dance and instrumental repitore of the genre. John Williams and Dean Magraw were
a wonderful surprise for me, I'd never heard the names before but Willams' was the most astute accordian and flute player I've heard
in a while, and Dean Magraw's guitar playing explained why Altan (a group he used to play with) is held as an example of Celtic guitar
playing. Daithi Sproule, Altan's current guitarist, and Liz Carroll demonstrated stellar fiddle playing and Sproule's approach to
alternate tuning guitar playing in Celtic music. It made me wish I could have stayed and listened to Andy Stewart and Gerry O'Beirne close the festival on Saturday, because their resume's were as decorated
as the other main acoustic acts.
Mairtin de Cogain telling stories on the lakefront stage - Liz Patton, (c) 2008
John Williams and Dean Magraw, with a dancing fan - Liz Patton, (c) 2008
This festival was a delightful place to get out and enjoy some Celtic music and the beautiful Texas fall weather.
Have you gone to a wonderful Celtic festival recently? Let us know about it at contributors@CelticMusicNations.Com.
About the Author
Liz Patton is the founder of Celtic Music Nations, an avid Celtic musician and fan. She has played guitar and bass for over a decade, and occasionally dabbles in other
Celtic instruments like mandolin, bodhran, fiddle and tin whistle. She wrote and edited for the University of Texas at Arlington's student paper for two years.
She has an Associate's in Commercial Music from South Plains College, and a Bachelor's of Music from UT Arlington.
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