Long regarded by many as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin, Texas plays host to some leading Irish and Scottish musicians next month.  The Austin Celtic Festival, billed as “the largest gathering of Celts in central Texas,” takes place at Fiesta Gardens on the shores of Town Lake (recently renamed Lady Bird Lake) on Nov. 3 and 4.  The rain or shine festival runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with performances under four covered stages.

Among the artists scheduled to perform are Irish music legend Joe Burke, trad. Irish music supergroup Patrick Street (featuring Kevin Burke, Andy Irvine, John Carty and Ged Foley), Irish rock ‘n’ reelers Seven Nations, Jim Malcolm (former lead singer of Scotland’s Old Blind Dogs), and Gregory Grene (leader of New York-based jig-rockers The Prodigals) with Darren Maloney, Ed Kollar and Andrew Harkins.  Regional performers include such touring notables as David Llewellyn and Ed Miller.  

An array of free, beginner-level instrumental  workshops and other informative sessions with such artists as Burke, Irvine and Miller will be offered during the afternoon, while limited space is available in 90-minute master workshops being taught by members of Patrick Street, as well as bodhran player Mark Stone, for a $15 fee.  Also on tap during the festival are Highland Games, Irish dancing, sheep herding demonstrations, and Celtic storytelling for children and adults.

Daily admission at the gate is a $12 donation, while children under 10 will be admitted free.  Discounted online adult passes may be purchased in advance, and more information on the festival can be found at www.austincelts.org/festival/