Derry Donegal performers to entertain audiences at Milwaukee fest

Some of Derry and Donegal’s top musicians will be performing at the Milwaukee Irish fest taking place in the United States this week at a major cultural showcase organized by Derry City Council and Failte Ireland NW. 

Award-winning musicians Altan will be joined by Inishowen based performers The Henry Girls as well as Kintra and local Derry band Different Drums and representatives from Derry City Council, Failte Ireland, Ilex, the University of Ulster and Letterkenny Institute of Technology at the festival aimed at showcasing Derry and Donegal and engaging with partners to attract tourism, trade and cultural exports.

Karen McLaughlin, one of the Henry Girls, said it was a great opportunity for her and her sisters to perform to a new audience and promote the North West region.

“We were delighted to be part of this huge festival and to be promoting Derry and Donegal. I have done some research into Milwaukee Irish Fest and its absolutely huge, and a really good opportunity for us to perform and promote our music and encourage people to visit the North West and experience for themselves what we have to offer.

“We are particularly delighted to be sharing a stage with the likes of Altan, Maire Brennan, Fidil and Different Drums and to be given an opportunity to promote Derry and Donegal. We are very proud of where we come from and we hope that we can do Donegal proud out in Milwaukee. We are launching our new album called 'December Moon' as part of our US trip and we would like to say a huge thank you to Culture Ireland for funding and including us in 'The Imagine Ireland' programme, and also a huge thank you to The Earagail Arts Festival,” she added.

The Cultural showcase has been developed by Derry City Council and Failte Ireland NW with support from key agencies including Ilex, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Tourism Ireland, DCAL, Invest NI, Ulster Scots Agency, NI Bureau Washington, Derry Visitor & Convention Bureau, ARC NW, Culture Ireland, Culturlann, the Loughs Agency, Guildhall press and other cultural partners from the Northwest Region.

Mary Blake, Tourism Development Officer with Derry City Council who is co-ordinating the event said the festival was a unique opportunity to showcase local musical talent to a global audience.

She said the Milwaukee Irish Fest is a huge event promoting and celebrating all aspects of Irish culture and attracting over 150,000 people over a four day period.

“I am confident the American audiences will be delighted with the excellent range of local musical acts performing at the festival. Its great to see people such as Moya Brennan, taking time out of her busy schedule to share her unique style of Irish traditional music, alongside Donegal musicians the Screaming Orphans, and Buncrana based fiddler Liz Doherty.

“We are offering the Milwaukee festival go-ers a chance to see at first hand the wide range of talent we have on offer.  The event will provide us with an opportunity to showcase Derry and Donegal and encourage people to visit us, do business and share culture and experiences,” she said.

To find out more about the Milwaukee Festival visit irishfest.com. For further information about the Derry Donegal showcase visit www.derrycity.gov.uk/milwaukee and follow us on Facebook at www.Discoverderrydonegal.com Ends Further press information can be obtained by contacting Derry City Council’s Marketing and Communications Section, Tel 028 7137 6504.