Friends of Celts To Present The First Annual Arizona International Celtic Music and Microbrew Festival

Party like an Irishman by jigging on down to the 1st Annual Arizona International Celtic Music & Microbrew Festival to be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 11 and 12, 2017 in The Backyard at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 West McDowell Road and 17th Avenue (please enter the Fairgrounds at West Monte Vista Road and 19th Avenue), Phoenix, AZ 85007 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. daily. The Festival is presented by Friends of Celts, in association with Arizona State Fairgrounds and Hensley Beverage Company, featuring Four Peaks Kilt Lifter. Come jump-start your St. Patrick's Day Week celebration in fine style with Authentic Celtic Music and Food. Taste up to 30 Microbrews, and indulge yourself with Non-Stop Entertainment, Dancing and Kilt Contests!

The Festival will feature three stages of continuous entertainment on the Rebel Stage, Fáilte (Welcome) Traditional & Folk Stage and Celtic Music & Dance Stage. Special attractions will include: Rusty O'FlaTTery, The World's Tallest Leprechaun; Daily Pipe Bands; Sheepherding and Sword Fighting Demonstrations; Dog Instinct Testing for Sheepherding; Face Painting and Balloons; Irish and Scottish Dancing; Irish and Scottish Import Shops and Marketplace, and more!!!

Festival Producers William Lomas, President of Pageantry Productions, and Charles A. Giordano, Owner of C&C Concessions jointly said: "We are happy to be starting a new tradition in Phoenix with our 1st Annual Arizona International Celtic Music & Microbrew Festival. Our goal is to serve the community and to provide Phoenicians with an event featuring quality food and beverages and great entertainment. We want the event to be a fun and enjoyable experience for entire families at affordable prices."

Tickets for the event are $12.00 for Adults; $10.00 of Students, Seniors and Military; $18.00 For Two-Day Passes; and Children 10 and Under Free. On Saturday, March 11, 2017, for each full priced Adult ticket purchased at $12.00 (no other promotional discounts apply), $2.00 will be donated to Aunt Rita's Foundation, dedicated to the elimination of, and suffering from, HIV and AIDS. On Sunday, March 12, 2017, for each full priced Adult ticket purchased at $12.00 (no other promotional discounts apply), $2.00 will be donated to Phoenix Children's Hospital, one of the largest children's hospitals in the country, which has been providing hope, healing and the best healthcare for children since 1983. For tickets and further information, please call the Festival Hotline at 800-514-3849, option 2, or buy online at www.arizonacelticmusicandmicrobrewfestival.com.

Sponsors of the 1st Arizona International Celtic Music & Microbrew Festival include: Arizona Exposition and State Fair; Hensley Beverage Company; Four Peaks Kilt Lifter; Four Peaks Oatmeal Stout; Xyience Energy Drink; ION Arizona and The Desert Shamrock.

On Saturday, March 11, 2017 Vice Mayor Kate Gallego, District 8, City of Phoenix, AZ will welcome the 1st Annual Arizona International Celtic Music & Microbrew Festival to Arizona with a special presentation during the Opening Ceremony at 12-Noon. The Scottish-American Military Society, Post 1297 Color Guard of Prescott, AZ will also participate.

At 3:00 p.m. on both Saturday, March 11th and Sunday, March 12th Kilt Contests for both Men and Women will be held at the Rebel Stage. Please sign up to enter the Kilt Contests at the Information Booth on the Festival grounds. The contests will be judged and valuable prizes from local establishments will be awarded to winners. Categories include:
Best Work Kilt, Best Children's Kilt, Bonniest (Best Looking) Knees and Knobbiest Knees.

Entertainment will be provided on three stages non-stop on each day of the Festival.
The Performance Schedule is as follows:

ENTERTAINERS FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2017:
(Artists and Schedule Subject To Change)

REBEL STAGE:

• 10:00 a.m.: Traveler, from Phoenix, AZ features Scott Jeffers (Vocals, Violin, Bouzouki); Tyler Mount (Guitar, Banjo); Mark Niemeyer (Bass) and Jason Weldman (Drums)
• 11:00 a.m.: The Knockabouts hail from Flagstaff, AZ and consists of John McGregor (Whistle, Vocals); Craig Yarbrough (Guitar, Vocals); Jacquie McGregor (Vocals, Flute); Hannah Prizznick (Fiddle, Vocals) and Julianne Layton (Bodhran, Djembe, Vocals)
• 12-Noon: Opening Ceremony with Vice Mayor Kate Gallego, City of Phoenix, AZ
• 12:10 p.m.: The Whiskey Rats, from Phoenix, AZ consists of Randy Budd (Vocals, Bass); Andy Boubel (Vocals, Lead Guitars); Frank Mackey (Vocals, Bagpipes, Mandolin, Harmonica, Accordion, Guitar) and Stuart Johnson (Drums, Percussion)
• 1:00 p.m.: The Brazen Heads, from Phoenix, AZ consists of Liam Mackey (Band Leader, Lead Vocals, Guitar); Roy Plisko (Drums, Primary Back-up Vocals); Tim Sadow (Fiddle, Vocals); Kevin Mauch (Bass, Vocals); and Matt Marino (Keyboard, Vocals)
• 2:00 p.m.: Traveler
• 3:00 p.m.: Kilt Contests
• 3:10 p.m.: The Knockabouts
• 4:00 p.m.: The Whiskey Rats
• 5:00 p.m.: The Brazen Heads

FAILTE (WELCOME) TRADITIONAL & FOLK STAGE:

• 10:45 a.m.: Iain Walinck (Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica) from Superstition Mountain in the Phoenix Valley, AZ, is a performer of traditional and contemporary folk songs, along with traditional Scottish and Irish music.
• 11:30 a.m.: Cinnamon Twist, Celtic American Duo from Payson, AZ, featuring Jennifer Holly (Lead Singer, Bodhran) and Annie James (Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin and Harmonica).
• 12:15 p.m.: Rusty Bawls Show, an eclectic mix of Celtic stand up and street theater, re-enacting the traditions of the Celtic court, and street and village entertainers from centuries past.
• 1:00 p.m.: Tramor, Welsh and Celtic American Acoustic Project, founded by John Good of Phoenix, AZ (Bagpipes, Flutes, Whistles and Singer), with Billy Parker (Mandolin, Guitar) and guest, Mary Bouley (Harp).
• 1:45 p.m. Iain Walinck
• 2:30 p.m.: Cinnamon Twist
• 3:15 p.m.: Rusty Bawls Show
• 4:00 p.m.: Tramor
• 4:45 p.m.: Iain Walinck

CELTIC MUSIC & DANCE STAGE:

• 10:00 a.m.: TBA
• 10:30 a.m.: Maschino School of Highland Dance, of Phoenix, AZ, is led by Kari Maschino, and specializes in Scottish Highland dancing. Besides performances and demonstrations, Festival attendees will have the opportunity to learn some traditional Scottish Dances like The Sword Dance and the Highland Fling.
• 11:00 a.m.: Sister Anne's Sacred Heart Trinity Irish Step Dancers is led by 80-year-old Sister Anne Fitzsimons, who will lead the performances and demonstrations. Festival attendees will have the chance to learn how to dance The Virginia Reel, The Military Two-Step and The Wells of Limbrick. The group will also run an Irish Tea Booth at the event on March 11, where they will sell Irish Tea, scones and Irish Soda Bread, to benefit their company.
• 11:30 a.m.: Maschino School of Highland Dance
• 12-Noon: Sister Anne's Sacred Heart Trinity Irish Step Dancers
• 12:30 p.m.: Maschino School of Highland Dance
• 1:00 p.m.: Sister Anne's Sacred Heart Trinity Irish Step Dancers
• 1:30 p.m.: Maschino School of Highland Dance
• 2:00 p.m.: Sister Anne's Sacred Heart Trinity Irish Step Dancers
• 2:30 p.m.: Maschino School of Highland Dance
• 3:00 p.m.: Sister Anne's Sacred Heart Trinity Irish Step Dancers
• 3:30 p.m.: Maschino School of Highland Dance
• 4:00 p.m.: Sister Anne's Sacred Heart Trinity Irish Step Dancers
• 4:30 p.m.: Maschino School of Highland Dance
• 5:00 p.m.: Sister Anne's Sacred Heart Trinity Irish Step Dancers
• 5:30 p.m.: Maschino School of Highland Dance

ENTERTAINERS FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 2017:
(Artists and Schedule Subject To Change)

REBEL STAGE:

• 10:00 a.m.: The Knockabouts
• 11:00 a.m.: The Whiskey Rats
• 12-Noon: Welcoming Ceremony
• 12:10 p.m.: Traveler
• 1:00 p.m.: The Brazen Heads
• 2:00 p.m.: The Knockabouts
• 3:00 p.m.: Kilt Contests
• 3:10 p.m.: The Whiskey Rats
• 4:00 p.m.: Traveler
• 5:00 p.m.: The Brazen Heads

FAILTE (WELCOME) TRADITIONAL & FOLK STAGE:

• 10:45 a.m.: Iain Walinck (Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica) from Superstition Mountain in the Phoenix Valley, AZ, is a performer of traditional and contemporary folk songs, along with traditional Scottish and Irish music.
• 11:30 a.m.: Cinnamon Twist, Celtic American Duo from Payson, AZ, today featuring Annie James (Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin and Harmonica).
• 12:15 p.m.: Rusty Bawls Show, an eclectic mix of Celtic stand up and street theater, re-enacting the traditions of the Celtic court, and street and village entertainers from centuries past.
• 1:00 p.m.: Tramor, Welsh and Celtic American Acoustic Project, founded by John Good of Phoenix, AZ (Bagpipes, Flutes, Whistles and Singer), with Billy Parker (Mandolin, Guitar) and guest, Mary Bouley (Harp).
• 1:45 p.m. Iain Walinck
• 2:30 p.m.: Cinnamon Twist
• 3:15 p.m.: Rusty Bawls Show
• 4:00 p.m.: Tramor
• 4:45 p.m.: Iain Walinck

CELTIC MUSIC & DANCE STAGE:

• 10:00 a.m.: TBA
• 10:30 a.m.: Maschino School of Highland Dance
• 11:00 a.m.: TBA
• 11:30 a.m.: Maschino School of Highland Dance
• 12:00-Noon: Maguire Academy of Irish Dance of Phoenix, AZ is led by Darren Maguire, Artistic Director and Former Lead Dancer with Riverdance. Besides performances and demonstrations, Festival attendees with have the chance to learn how to do the Irish Jig.
• 12:30 p.m.: Maschino School of Highland Dance
• 1:00 p.m.: Maguire Academy of Irish Dance
• 1:30 p.m.: Maschino School of Highland Dance
• 2:00 p.m.: Maguire Academy of Irish Dance
• 2:30 p.m.: Maschino School of Highland Dance
• 3:00 p.m.: Maguire Academy of Irish Dance
• 3:30 p.m.: Maschino School of Highland Dance
• 4:00 p.m.: Maguire Academy of Irish Dance
• 4:30 p.m.: Maschino School of Highland Dance
• 5:00 p.m.: TBA
• 5:30 p.m.: Maschino School of Highland Dance

In addition the three stages of entertainment, there will be Strolling Entertainers as well, including: Rusty O'FlaTTery, The World's Tallest Leprechaun who will pose for photo ops (March 11 and 12); Phoenix Pipe Band (March 11 from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.); Southwest Skye Pipes & Drums (March 12 from 11:00 - 5:00 p.m.); The Phoenix Society of Historical Swordsmanship will have Sword Fighting Demonstrations (March 12); Buskers (March 11 and 12); QTentertainment Balloons by Cody Williams and Face Painting by Heather Elliott (March 11 and 12).

Molly Wisecarver of Double M Stockdogs will be bringing dogs, sheep, geese and rosters to be part of her Sheepherding Demonstrations on both March 11th and 12th. Festival attendees are encouraged to bring their dogs for Instinct Testing to test their dog's abilities to herd sheep, evaluated by Molly Wisecarver; the evaluation fee will be $25.00.

The Festival will feature up to 30 Microbrews. Festival Attendees 21 Years-of-Age can purchase a Flight Card for $15.00 each, while they last, to taste eight, four ounce sample Microbrews of their choice. Chuck Giordano, a producer of the Festival said: "I am happy to announce that Hensley Beverage Company will be bringing some imported Microbrews from Scotland specifically for this event, including: Innis & Gunn Whiskey Stout and Innis & Gunn Original from Innis & Gunn Brewery, and Belhaven Stout, Pilsner, Ale, Indian Pale Ale and Strong Ale from Belhaven Brewery."

Other Microbrews which will be available at the Festival will include: Four Peaks Brewery of Arizona's Kilt Lifter and Oatmeal Stout; Founders Brewery of Michigan's Dirty Bastard; Barrio Brewery of Tucson's Barrio Red; Ace Brewery of California's Ace Apple; Victory Brewery of Pennsylvania's Donny Brook Stout; Bass Brewery of England; and Anheuser Busch InBev Brewery of St. Louis's Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and Bud.

Local beers and brand beers will also be available, in addition to José Cuervo Margaritas; Wines including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon; Flavored Vodkas; Xyience Energy Drink; AssorTed Sodas; and Irish Whiskeys, including Bailey's Irish Cream.

Authentic Celtic Food will be available for purchase including: Fish 'n Chips, Corn Beef and Cabbage, Corn Beef Sandwiches, Soft Serve Ice Creams, Pork, Beef and Chicken Barbeque, Turkey Legs, Polish Sausages, Bratwurst,
Irish Stew and Scottish Foods.

Vendors will display their wares along an Import Shop Row. Some participants will include: The Phoenix Society of Historical Swordsmanship (March 12); C & T Global Enterprises (of Flagstaff, AZ) (Scottish & Irish Collectables, Swords, Armor, Scottish Kilts, Shirts, Flags, Coins and Books on Scottish and Irish History); Celtic Nook and Mrs. Morrison's Shortbread (of Rio Rancho, NM) (Six Different Varieties of Shortbread, Scottish, Irish and Welsh Books, Celtic Jewelry, Tin Whistles and Bodhrans); The Coin Maker (Renaissance Coin Maker strikes coins); Sister Anne's Sacred Heart Trinity Irish Step Dancers's Tea Booth (Traditional Irish Tea, Scones, Irish Soda Bread - March 11); The Arizona Law Enforcement Emerald Society; Arizona Exposition & State Fair; ION Arizona; The Desert Shamrock; Aunt Rita's Foundation; Phoenix Children's Hospital, and more!!!