Cultural Booths

Applications are now being accepted from local cultural organizations to participate in our Cultural Area. Booths should feature the work of the various groups and provide guests with information on the groups activities, volunteer opportunities and membership requirements.

Booths will be judged for originality, ethnicity and educational content. Political, commercial and controversial organizations will not be accepted.

Contact the NTIF office for details.

Photo courtesy of Steve Farmer

The Clan Village

Our Scottish Clan Village has been a very popular area the past two festivals, and we again extend a hand of friendship to our cousins across the water. There are still one or two spaces left this year and interested clan representatives can download the clan application here.   

Featured Dramatization

This year’s theme, Heirs of Erin, is presented in theatrical productions, workshops and graphic displays throughout the Cultural area. In keeping with the theme of Erin‘s Heirs, this year’s cultural area will feature the original play, “Starry Skies/Starry Flag” by Judy Lanahan-Monroe, and an interactive display where you can walk the gangplank and experience a bit of what some of our ancestors felt upon arrival, as well as a host of music and other workshops.

The play centers upon the experiences of two Irish immigrant brothers immediately preceding and during the U.S. Civil War. The storyline came from oral family history, long a tradition in Irish culture, and emphasizes the importance of hope, faith and family ties.

A gangplank display in the Cultural area will feature graphics with information outlining the immigrant experience from famine, coffin ships, and arrival in the United States. The 9th Texas Infantry has graciously agreed to portray Civil War recruiters on the docks, presenting “arrivals” with the opportunity to enlist on the spot, an all too common practice during the War years.

In all, it is hoped that the audience will come away with an appreciation of our forebear’s experience.

Cultural Musicians

Cór Gaeilge Texais

August 1997 found several people in a living room in Texas bent on making practical use of their Gaelic language study with song. The effort rapidly escalated to performances at local and state festivals, a trip to Belfast’s Féile an Phobail in 1998, and various local céilithe since that inception. 

Active Singers of Cór Gaeilge Texais have changed periodically, but the group remains dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and celebration of the Gaelic languages with performances and workshops when and wherever possible.

Current singers in the troupe are Jonquele Jones – soprano, Denice Brown, Marie Paddock, and Michelle Tietz – altos, and Aaron Rathburn – Tenor.

Workshops

There will be a number of workshops including Fiddle, Bodhran, Flute and Whistle. Details will be available soon.