Years from now, people will remember fondly how Chicago’s Celtic Fest began on two perfect days in Grant Park in September of 1997. From the beginning Saturday morning, an opening that featured a pipers’ march around the fountain, to the last echoes of the dynamic Quebecois band La Bottine Souriante’s closing set in the Petrillo Music Shell Sunday night, there was only one way to describe it.
It was sweet.
That the City of Chicago can put on a Celtic music festival was no surprise.
But it was a surprise that the city put on a great festival that had such a gemlike quality. It wasn’t too big, which made it comfortable. It wasn’t too small, which might have been a disappointment.
There were no apparent ragged edges. The sound systems functioned well. The Stout was, well, stout. The commercialism was kept in check. Picking broadcaster Fiona Ritchie, the most familiar Celtic booster in the world, sent the message that this would be serious.
Most of all, there was the music.
The Mayor’s Office of Special Events’ selection of performers could hardly have been better. It was spread across two music stages, one dance stage, a session tent and a poetry and storytelling tent. Almost every avenue in the increasingly complicated world of Celtic music and dance was represented.
One of the brightest spots in the festival was the emphasis on local talent, with renowned fiddler Liz Carroll, versatile guitarist and songwriter Jim Dewan, whistle and flute standout Larry Nugent, The Drovers, the Celtic band Baal Tinne and a long line of other practiced local pros offering tightly played, wide-ranging sets.
A tribute to Francis O’Neil, the turn-of-the-century Chicago police chief whose passion for Irish music helped revive Irish culture, was another highlight. In all, 23 different dance groups performed at the festival.
Main stage performances offered something for everyone, from John McDermott for those who can’t think Ireland without having “Danny Boy” and a handful of other favorites come to mind, to Altan, one of the strongest modern Irish bands, to the very hot, very Canadian and dazzling Leahy family band.
Leahy and La Bottine Souriante were back to back Sunday night, a delightful, high-energy taste of where this most traditional of musical forms is going as it gains in popularity and support.
