Historic Saratoga Springs Hosts the 19th Annual Irish 2000 Music and Arts Festival

In the 19th century Saratoga Springs was founded as a noted spa town graced with elegant hotels, gaming facilities and the Saratoga Race Course. This weekend the Saratoga Fairgrounds in nearby Ballstson Spa is host to the 19th Annual Irish 2000 Music and Arts festival.

The Irish Music and Arts Festival Inc. was officially formed and separated from the Albany Ancient Order of Hibernians to become a 501 C-3 Not-for-Profit Corporation in February 2001. Through the years, the Irish 2000 Music and Arts Festival has grown to welcome more than 15,000 visitors each year.  Since its inception, the Festival has donated more than  $350,000 to a variety of charities including the Albany Irish-American Center.

The festival stage on Friday features performances until 11 p.m. It all starts with Flashpoint, followed by The Fighting Jamesons, the Screaming Orphans and closing with the Glengarry Bhoys.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, Irish 2000 has three stages filled with non-stop music and a fourth stage with Irish dance. Dancers also appear on stage with some of the performers.

This year’s stages feature, in order of appearance:

• On the Contemporary Stage: Hair of the Dog, Emish, the Screaming Orphans, Shilelagh Law and The Young Dubliners.
• On the Tim Nelligan Traditional Stage: Flashpoint, The McKrells, DAIHM, The Druids and Get Up Jack.
• On the Patricia McSweeney Memorial Stage: Triskele, Shadowland, Rakish Paddy, Frank Jaklitsch, Three Irish Voices with Jaklitsch, Who’s Your Paddy and The Brothers Flynn.
• On Saturday, those attending also enjoy the Schenectady Pipe Band playing throughout the fairgrounds, along with special attractions for the kid including Celtic Critters, rides and a magician.

19th Irish 2000 Music & Arts Festival

• When: September 18 - 19, 2015
• Where: Saratoga County Fairgrounds, Ballston Spa, New York, 12020
• Website: www.irish2000fest.com