One of the highlights of the Irish American festival calender is taking place in Philadelphia on May 3, 2014, the Philly Fleadh. This annual event is taking place at the Ed Kelly Amphitheater at Pennypack Park. Festivities start at 11.00am and finish at 9.00pm with five stages, 14 musical acts, two ceili sessions, workshops, vendors, food and a Kids’ Zone. This has been all brought together by American Paddy’s Productions. The ceili sessions are taking place in association with Delaware Valley Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

Featured musical acts include The Mahones, Jamison Celtic Rock, Seamus Kennedy, The Hooligans and The Paul Moore Band. Traditional acts will feature a trad Irish workshop for area musicians, a session and live performances by The Ladeens, and The Jameson Sisters. Local Philadelphia favorites Birmingham Six, The Broken Shillelaghs, and The Shantys will also perform throughout the day.

A very special performance will unite Tyrone brothers Mickey and Ray Coleman; 2 of the finest voices in Irish music today. For the first time, attendees can see ‘Feis at the Fleadh’, a sanctioned 2 stage Irish dance competition where dozens of schools will compete for awards and leveling.

Co-producer CJ Mills told IrishCentral, “Our goal is to host an event that unites all of the different facets of Irish-American culture; music, dance, theatre, art, food, and drink. There are many great Irish festivals in the country, but The Philadelphia Fleadh is uniquely Irish-American by tying in music and performance that are not only part of our heritage, but part of our everyday lives.”. 

The Philadelphia Fleadh is also helping to raise money for The Claddagh Fund, a charity spearheaded by Ken Casey of The Dropkick Murphys. Co-producer Frank Daly says, “We wanted to make sure that we could give to a cause that supported other causes. The Claddagh Fund, although started in Boston has contributed countless dollars to local groups helping endangered and handicapped children, local struggling veterans, and those turning their life around after substance addiction. It makes sense to support an organization so entrenched in our own community.”.

The Philadelphia Fleadh will take place on Saturday, May 3 at The Ed Kelly Amphitheater in Pennypack Park (located at Welsh and Cresco Sts.) The festival will run from 11am (9am for Feis at the Fleadh) until 9pm. Advance tickets are $20 and tickets at the gate are $30. 12 and under are free. Tickets and more information is available at www.PhillyIrishFest.com