Irish Cultural Pavilion
One of the most important parts of the Buffalo Irish Festival is promoting Irish culture in all its forms and in the cultural tent all weekend you will have the chance to learn and experience authentic Irish culture from poetry and literature to Irish language, music, and dance!
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (pronounced “kol-tus kyol-tori air-in” and translates to “a gathering of Irish musicians”) is an international organization based in Dublin, Ireland. Started in 1951, Comhaltas is a non-profit cultural organization and exists for the purpose of preserving and promoting traditional Irish arts, specifically music, singing, dance, and language. Comhaltas and the Innisfree Ceili Dancers will be in residence hosting a séisíun Saturday night and a céili on Sunday.
The mission of the South Buffalo School of Music is to provide high-quality, student-centered, instrumental and vocal instruction in individual and group settings enriched by performance opportunities with peer and professional musicians resulting in the development of the student’s musical-self and contributions the community at large.
Brian Quigley has been performing in the Western New York area for over 20 years. Jim Dunnigan on bass and vocals is a Buffalo Music Hall of Fame member. Along with talented fiddle player/singer Zoë Buck, The Irish Tweeds play songs of Ireland, Scotland, Americana, some 60’s folk, as well as a few originals.
Gerry Dixon is a Kilrush, Co. Clare native who blends rich folk tradition with heartfelt storytelling.
Sally Schaefer is a widely respected ethnomusicologist and musician across WNY, known for her work in countless bands and recording projects across genres. Tyler Bagwell is an award-winning historian and songwriter with a gift for lyrical storytelling—turning history into unforgettable music.
Tim Quinn will be bringing The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem songs to the festival. He hopes that festival goers will sing along with these familiar songs and join in this small celebration of the musical legacy.
The Buffalo Irish Genealogical Society (BIGS) was founded in 1997 to serve as a resource for those interested in researching their Irish heritage connected to Buffalo New York and its surrounding area. Kevin O’Brien, co-founder of the BIGS will be joined by three expert researchers—Nancy Koester, Bryant, and Nancy Everard—who have years of experience tracing Irish ancestry both in the U.S. and in the archives and libraries of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Whether you're just beginning your family search or looking to break through a research wall, stop by to ask questions and get expert help.
Gene Overdorf, local historian, will talk about “The Beachers” and the fascinating people and place of the small lakeside enclave that became the first home of many Buffalo’s earliest Irish families.
The Irish Classical Theatre Company is a performing arts theatre located in Buffalo, NY, presenting the greatest works of dramatic literature: Irish plays, both traditional and contemporary, International classics, and modern plays of exceptional merit.
Keeping alive the Irish language is an important part of celebrating and passing on our Irish history and culture. Enjoy presentations on the Irish language from Kevin Conroy and find out about how you can take classes locally.
Jigs & Swigs® redefines Irish dance fitness by introducing the fundamentals of Irish dance in an inclusive, low pressure environment. Find the perfect balance of a challenging and enjoyable workout followed by a pint!
Tim Herzog, the Dean of Buffalo’s Craft Beer revival and co-founder of Flying Bison Brewery, will present on the Irish Brewing Tradition.
Buffalo author Tim Bohen’s most recent book, Emerald Thread: The Irish in Buffalo, explores the deep and lasting impact of Irish immigrants in our city. He’s also the author of Against the Grain: The History of Buffalo’s First Ward .