Folk 8/10-8/12 ICONS Festival 2007

Irish traditional music remains extraordinarily popular, but its influence extends far beyond the Auld Sod. Irish immigrants in this country profoundly shaped America's music, from quickstep Appalachian fiddle tunes to lilting cowboy ballads to the plucky pop lyricism of Broadway. ICONS, which stands for Irish Connections, puts it all on display this weekend. Irish trad acts Altan, Dervish, and Cherish the Ladies share the bill with rockers Dropkick Murphys, the Black Crowes, and the Saw Doctors; American songwriters Nanci Griffith, the Roches, and Antje Duvekot; and Boega (right), as well as hot neotrad string band Uncle Earl. Be sure to check out entrancing Scottish folk-popster Eddi Reader, brooding alt-rockers Guggenheim Grotto, and lovely Irish singer Cara Dillon (left). There's also dancing, sports, and lots of kids' activities.
--Scott Alarik, Globe Correspondent

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Formerly known as the Irish Connections Festival, this weekend celebration of the Emerald Isle continues to grow. This year's festival includes performances from big names like the Black Crowes, Nanci Griffith, and the Dropkick Murphys in addition to Irish artists such as Dervish, the Saw Doctors, and Enter the Haggis. There'll be plenty to do besides take in the tunes with activities focusing on literature, genealogy, Gaelic games, and dance.
--Bobby Hankinson, Globe Correspondent

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Irish Connections is a festival of Irish culture that has been celebrated annually in various forms, under the auspices of the Irish Cultural Centre of New England, since 1990.

2007 will mark a re-launch and re-design of the Festival to reflect the new cultural directions of Ireland and its Diaspora.

After centuries of economic difficulty and emigration, Ireland, in these early years of the 21st century, finds itself one of the most prosperous countries in the world, socially forward-thinking and increasingly diverse.

This festival will celebrate the old and the new, traditional and contemporary, classic with avant-garde, how music is enjoyed in Ireland and how it is enjoyed throughout the world in the Irish style, friendly, welcoming, adventurous and spirited.