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Celtic Aire entertains North Texas Irish Festival

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ryan J. Sonnier
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
DALLAS, Texas --  The United States Air Force Band's Celtic Aire performed during the 33rd Annual North Texas Irish Festival held in Dallas, Texas, March 4 - 6, 2016. This year's theme was Legends and Legacy, which highlighted some of the legends of Irish music as well as emerging musicians.

"I loved their rendition of 'Rattlin' Bog,'" Curtis Thompson, festival attendee, said. "It was so much fun."

Originally known as the "First Texas Ceili," the NTIF began in 1983 at a local pub in Deep Ellum, Texas, when four musicians decided to have a show. However, an estimated 600 people showed for the event - more than anyone anticipated, Sheri Bush, NTIF entertainment director, said. This year, an estimated 75,000 people attended the event.

"The [festival] helped boost our confidence," Tech. Sgt. Julia Cuevas, Celtic Aire founder, said. "It was a successful event for us and the Air Force - we were able to get the Air Force name out to a massive amount of people."

The weekend was filled with bagpipes, fiddles, accordions and many other instruments found in Irish Music. However, music was not the only thing attendees were able to enjoy. There were also dance performances, storytelling, horse demonstrations and food.

"It was a joyous time, a happy place to be," Bush said. "I love that the [Celtic Aire] has a heart for the music; we can thank them not only for their service but for also helping keep the music tradition alive."

The Celtic Aire performed four times during the festival. After their performances, crowds gathered to talk to the band, take photos and get a copy of their cd to take home.

"I really enjoyed their performance - they were engaging and personable," Monica Thompson, festival attendee, said. "I'm a fool for 'The Parting Glass.'"

Some of the headliners for the festival included Altan, Solas, Cathie Ryan and Scythian.

"The other musicians are extremely talented; it was an honor and a privilege to perform at the same festival as them," Cuevas said. "It was a humbling and amazing experience to share our music with the people at the festival."

For more information on the Celtic Aire, please visit www.usafband.af.mil.