Two Irish and Celtic festivals are slated to take place over the Memorial Day Weekend, while several others are happening in June. 

Glengarry Bhoys, an eastern Ontario-based alt.-roots band, appears at three festivals, while Ottawa Valley, Ontario-based ensemble, Searson, graces the stage at two.  Other notable festival artists include Liz Carroll & John Doyle (an accomplished fiddle and guitar duo), Gaelic Storm (the band that appeared in the movie, “Titanic”), spirited fiddler Eileen Ivers, Joannie Madden (the whistle and flute player who also has led Cherish the Ladies since its inception), Tommy Makem, Irish tenor John McDermott, gifted vocalist Maura O’Connell, The Prodigals (the lively, New York-based jig-rockers), and Solas (the innovative trad. roots ensemble fronted by Seamus Egan)

Gaelic Storm, Tommy Makem, John McDermott and Solas are among the performers who will appear at Chicago Gaelic Park’s Irish Fest 2007 in Oak Forest, Illinois, May 25-28.  In addition to traditional and contemporary Irish music on five stages, there will be theatrical performances, storytelling, Irish step dancers, ceili dancing, contests galore, a carnival midway and an array of children’s activities.  For more information, visit www.chicagogaelicpark.org or call (708) 687-9323.

Although best known for skiing, Jack Frost Mountain in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, hosts the Poconos Celtic Music Festival, May 26-27.  Featured performers include Glengarry Bhoys, Greenwich Meantime, Eileen Ivers, Seamus Kennedy, The McCabes, Searson, Timlin & Kane, and Charlie Zahm.  Tickets for the festival, which also will feature lots of dancing and specialty foods, are $14 in advance and $17 at the gate for adults, $12 for seniors (ages 62+) and $5 for children (ages 6-12).  For more information, log on to www.jfbb.com/irish-fest.asp. 

At least three festivals are on tap during the second weekend in June.  These include the Riverfront Irish Festival in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and Irish Fest Louisville in Kentucky, as well as a day-long Potomac Celtic Festival in Leesburg, Virginia.  

Presented by the St. Brendan Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), the Riverfront Irish Festival takes place in Fall River Square in downtown Cuyahoga Park, June 8-10, and features such artists as Brigid’s Cross, Callahan and O’Connor, Case of Caller, Fergie & The Bog Dogs, Glengarry Bhoys, Homeland, The Prodigals, The Shaffer Brothers and That Irish Band.  For more information, visit www.riverfrontirishfest.com

The Belvedere Riverfront Plaza will take on a festive atmosphere June 9 and 10 for the annual Irish Fest Louisville.  Artists scheduled to perform include Guilderoy Byrne, Lorinda Jones, Liam’s Fancy, My Darling Asleep, The Rashers, Siochain, John Skelton, John Williams & Dean MaGraw.  For more information, log-on to www.louisvilleirishfest.com 

The day-long Potomac Celtic Festival takes place June 9 at the Historic Green at Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia., located just south of the Potomac River and the Maryland state line – less than 30 miles from Dulles Airport.  Details will be posted at www.potomaccelticfest.org

Billed as a family celebration of Irish music, art, culture and sports, the 20th annual Fairfield County Irish Festival will be staged at Indian Ledge Park in Trumbull, Connecticut over Father’s Day Weekend, June 15-17.   Featured artists include: Blackthorn, Liz Carroll & John Doyle, Glengarry Bhoys, The Highland Rovers Band, Maura O’Connell, Searson and The subdudes.  Other festival highlights include a Ceili with Joanie Madden.  Liz Carroll & John Doyle and Searson also will conduct music workshops.  Admission for adults is $12 daily or $20 for a three-day pass.  Discounts are available for students, while children under 16 are free with their parents.  For more information, visit www.irishfestival.org/. 

And coming up this summer – Connecticut Irish Festival, June 23-24, at the North Haven Fairgrounds in North Haven (www.ctirishfestival.com); 2007 Irish Summerfest, June 28-July 1, at Eastlake Classic Park in Eastlake, Ohio (www.irishsummerfest.org).; 13th Annual Colorado Irish Festival, July 14-15, at Clement Park in Littleton (www.coloradoirishfestival.org/) ; 2007 Irish Traditional Music Festival, July 21, at the M.J. Quill Irish Cultural & Sports Centre Pavillion Fields overlooking East Durham, New York (schedule to be posted in June at www.east-durham.org/irishmusicfest/index.htm).