Date: Mar 12, 2010

Hofstra University Presents 12th Annual Irish Festival

Sunday, March 14, 2010

HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY, HEMPSTEAD, NY ... Hofstra University presents the 12th Annual Irish Festival on Sunday, March 14, 2010 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Physical Fitness Center, located on the University’s North Campus. The Festival is sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union.           

The Irish Festival celebrates the Irish gifts of music, food and culture to America. There will be a number of music and dance performances throughout the day, as well as a variety of crafts and food vendors. Featured performers include:

Guest Master of Ceremonies Tony Jackson (WRHU, 88.7FM, Hofstra University)

Celtic Cross – seven member pop-folk Irish band

Girsa – eight member all-female traditional Irish band

Michael O’Rourke and the Black Velvet Band

The Hirten Family Irish Dancers

Admission to the 12th Annual Irish Festival is $5 and $3 for senior citizens (65 and older). Hofstra students with a current HofstraCard and children under 12 are free. Net proceeds benefit the Hofstra Scholarship Fund.     

                              
The public and interested vendors may call Hofstra’s Festival Hotline at (516) 463-6582 or (516) 463-6504 for more information. Guests may also visit hofstra.edu/festivals or become a fan of Hofstra University Festivals on Facebook.

Schedule of Events:

11 a.m. Festival opens to the public.

11 a.m.-Noon Michael O’Rourke and The Black Velvet Band
Traditional Irish music featuring Michael O’Rourke, accordion; James Walsh, vocalist; and James Fricassi, guitar. The Black Velvet Band has played with some of the finest entertainers in Ireland and the United States.
Noon Master of Ceremonies Tony Jackson, Host of the “Irish Country” radio program on WRHU (Radio Hofstra University) welcomes the public.

12:15-1:15 p.m. Celtic Cross
Pop-folk band from the heart of New York City with a strong Celtic traditional influence.

12:30-3:30 p.m. The Amazing Fred Collins
Juggler, magician, stilt walker, plate spinner, balloon artist, and human basketball hoop extraordinaire!

1:15 p.m. Raffle Drawing
Each paid admission receives one complimentary raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets may be purchased at the raffle table located towards the rear of the PFC.

1:15-2:30 p.m. Michael O’Rourke and The Black Velvet Band

2:30-3:30 p.m. Girsa
All-female traditional Irish band.

4-5 p.m. The Hirten Family Irish Dancers

One of the best-known acts of its kind in the country. The group includes several national champion dancers recognized by the Irish Dance Association of North America, and it has qualified for and competed in world championships held in Ireland.

5 p.m. Raffle Drawing
Each paid admission receives one complimentary raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets may be purchased at the raffle table located towards the rear of the PFC.

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Related Link: Hofstra Irish Festival