Irish musicians and fans of Irish trad. I need your help!

   Have you ever wondered why so many well-known traditional Irish musicians play in Alabama and North Carolina, but skip Georgia entirely? Last year, after missing another great show, I asked this question and found out that many Irish artists skip Atlanta on their tours because in the past they have experienced poor revenue and difficulty in booking venues.  When I became aware of this situation, I was extremely disheartened and immediately started thinking about how I, along with my fellow Irish community members, could act as intermediaries by fostering a hospitable listening environment as well as financial backing to attract Irish performers back to the Metro Atlanta area.
   Thus, over the summer of 2005 the Irish Arts Foundation of Atlanta (IAF) a non-profit organization 501(c)3 was born! This organization is not a club and does not have membership; it is an organization with the charitable mission of supporting the traditional Irish performing arts in the metropolitan Atlanta area and will assist selected artists in finding suitable performance spaces, publicizing events, and developing sources of funding through grants. The IAF will focus on performances which are too large for house concerts, but too small to perform at The Fox and other large theaters.
   This year we already have a great line up of musicians: Brian Conway (fiddle), Brendan Dolan (flute), Marie Reilly (fiddle) and David Power (uilleann pipes) with more musicians still to be added. This is why we need your help!
   If every person who supports Irish music in Atlanta could please make a tax deductible donation of $25 to the IAF, our financial goal will be met and we can insure that great artists don’t skip our city! You can donate online by clicking here or printing out the attached Word doc form and mailing in a check. If desired, your name will be added to our donation circles and a letter of thanks will be sent to your home or business.
   If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email or call me. We need your support today!

In sincere gratitude,

Katherine Irwin Thomas
678-372-9494

the first annual Atlanta Fall Irish Festival 2006 a success!

   Dear friends of the Celtic-Atlanta community, the first Atlanta Fall Irish Festival held Sept 16th was a success!  Ten traditional Irish bands played a variety of Irish songs and tunes while dance schools lead workshops for large, enthusiastic crowds; all ballrooms were packed to standing room only!  The Irish Arts Foundation board was delighted to see such enthusiasm for traditional Irish music and dance in the North Metro Atlanta.  In addition to music and dance, participants were happy to visit with guest artist Margret Fields and guest author Arthur Flynn both from Dublin, Ireland.  Participants were able to participate, and did so in large numbers for an Irish song workshop, bodhran, workshop,  and lectures on Irish dance and film while children were delighted with Lucky Charms, the Irish Clown. 
   Another great aspect to this festival was the gathering of various Irish organizations in Atlanta which promote Irish genealogy, community and Irish arts: The Hibernian Benevolent Society of Atlanta, The Atlanta St. Patrick's Day Parade, Theatre Gael and Irish Music Traditions.  Patrica Jones assisted people in discovering their Irish surnames and the parade committee recruited several volunteers for Patrick's Pals; the parade volunteer club.
   Although Irish drink was plentiful; our only complaint was that the hotel did not have Irish food as promised.  Next year this will be rectified with Irish yummies on site!  Did I mention next year?  Yes, we're currently looking for a hotel with large ballrooms in the North Metro Atlanta area for next years festival.  Would you like to submit your musical or dance act, be a vendor or volunteer for Atlanta's newest Irish Fest? We'd love for all of those who's blood runs green to come out and join us next September 15th for Atlanta Irish Fest 2007.  Stay tuned to Irish Fest news  by visiting www.atlantairishmusic.com. 
   Please join us in Irish events throughout the year by becoming an Irish Arts Foundation sponsor at www.iafatlanta.com .  Irish Fest is only possible with you; the individuals of Atlanta's Irish community. www.iafatlanta.com
   Thanks again, Jim and Celtic Atlanta for your support!!

Katherine Irwin Thomas
IAF Chairperson

Irish Music Competition 2006