Music Exhibits

Barry Stapleton- Irish Music Ward

An exciting new exhibition featuring a selection of 20th century travel and tourism posters will be presented by the Ward Irish Music Archives, Milwaukee Irish Fest.

These strikingly colourful posters feature the work of world famous artists like Paul Henry and Norman Wilkinson, the distinctive images will be a trip down memory lane for many people. In the early decades of the last century mass tourism began to develop and with it came a surge in promotional activity. A very popular and highly visible element was the travel poster. Some posters, such as the ones by Paul Henry, became best sellers almost immediately and are still essential images of Ireland.  http://www.irishmusicarchive.com/

 

Copley & Boegli Flutes

Dave Copley and Marlene Boegli use traditional methods and materials to make flutes which are based on designs from 19th century craftsmen such as Hawkes & Son and Rudall & Rose.  Their instruments are 100% hand made in their Loveland, Ohio workshop, and are held in high regard worldwide by players of tradional Irish and early music.  The exhibit will feature flutes made from African blackwood, Cocus wood and Boxwood, in a variety of styles and keys.  There will be information on flute history, manufacture, maintenance and repair, and instruments will be available to try out. web site

 

Dunham Harps

Adults and children of all levels, from never played before to seasoned players are welcome to come and play.  Candyce Dunham specializes in teaching and person interested in the hap how to play and have fun doing it.  This is an opportunity to learn a very unique instrument with a qualified instructor. 

Candyce Dunham, professional harpist and certified instructor, will be offering the “Irish Harp for All” workshop.  Mrs. Dunham has studied the harp intensively throughout her life in the classical, Irish and Scottish methods.  During her harp studies Candyce has won many accolades including competitions and scholarships. Candyce and her husband, Benjamin, are the owners of Dunham Harps, offering custom-crafted lever harps as well as private and ensemble harp lessons. 
www.ohioharpcenter.com

 

Gibson Bagpipes

Jerry Gibson will educate viewers on how bagpipes are made, taken care of and lessons on how to play the bagpipes. Gibson Bagpipes makes Highland bagpipes, small pipes, practice Chanters and accessories here in the United States. Gibson Bagpipes was featured on “Made in America.”
www.gibsonpipes.com/

 

Legacy of the Irish Harp

A totally unique presentation in Celtic music, Robert Mouland performs on a number of period and antique instruments. These include the Cláirseach (wire strung harp), the baroque flute (c.1795), the baroque violin (c.1760), the English guitar (c. 1770), and the Union Pipes  (an early form of the modern Uilleann Pipes). His music explores the transition from the domninance of the wire-strung harp tradition to the more modern songs and melodies that comprise the traditional music of today. There is a strong focus on the 18th century ( a pivotal time in the history of Irish music). He will perform throughout the day in authentic period clothing and can be found at his large red handcart.

 

Michael Vignoles

Michael is a maker of Irish Bodhran drums and Irish Uilleann pipes based in Galway Ireland. He is a craftsman and musician. Michael makes hand crafted Bodhrans for many professional musicians all over the world.
www.irelandwoodcrafts.com

 

Michael Burke Penney Whistle Co.

Exhibition of 56 models of pennywhistle in lo keys and three materials.  Michael Burke will answer any questions about theory and maintenance of instruments.  Michael Burke makes Pennywhistles in 20 keys from high G to low C in brass, aluminum and Bakelite composite.  Display will show all models and give visitors and chance to try the whistles and ask Michael Burke any questions about his whistles. A display of classic pennywhistles will also be shown. Michael’s instruments are played by many of the best musicians in Irish, Celtic and World music as well as American Country. The following movies feature his whistles: “Road to Perdition,” “Gangs of New York,” “The Alamo,” “Ladder 49,” and the “Passion of the Christ.”
www.burkewhistles.com

 

Sweet Woods Instruments

Sweet Woods Instruments will have an exhibit of both Harps and dulcimers.  This is a "Hands On" exhibit where everyone, especially children, are not only encouraged to look but also to actually sit down and play.  Demonstrations and free lessons on the dulcimer (sometimes called a stringed bagpipe) will be available throughout the entire festival.  In addition, visitors to this exhibit can watch David Lynch, owner of Sweet Woods Instruments and luthier, make a Celtic folk harp over the course of the festival.

 

W.A. Petersen Shop

Bill Petersen specializes in Irish style bouzoukis, octave mandolins, citterns, and mandolas.  Custom work includes guitars, banjos, and one-of-a-kind instruments.  All instruments are hand crafted using solid wood.  Because he is one man shop, output is limited to about 50 instruments a year in order to allow him to do all designing and building myself.
www.petersenstringshop.com