SARATOGA — It was 20 years ago when Albany natives Matt Nelligan and Jim Shaughnessy started brainstorming ways to increase the profile of the Albany branch of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
And they came up with The Irish 2000 Music and Arts Festival, which will kick off for the 19th time on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 16 and 17 at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds.
The festival will run from 5 to 11 p.m on Friday. The Druids will kick things off followed by the Peelers and the Screaming Orphans, while Gaelic Storm will close the show.
On Saturday, gates open at 10 a.m. and three stages will be packed with music and dance until 11 p.m.
The Coors Light Stage: The Narrowbacks, Kilmaine Saints, Hair of the Dog, Screaming Orphans, Shilelagh Law and Gaelic Storm.
Patricia McSweeney Memorial Stage: Rakish Paddy, Ireland the Band, Three Irish Voices, Brothers Flynn, Blarney Rebel Band and Who’s Your Paddy.
Timothy J. Nelligan Memorial Stage: The McKrells, The Druids, Girsa, Ireland the Band, Get up Jack.
There is also a variety of activities for kids including games, rides, animals and magic shows, and Irish Themed fireworks from 9 to 9:20 p.m.
Tickets are available at any Price Chopper location through Sept. 15 at 10 p.m. and online at Irish2000fest.com until Sept. 15 at 10 p.m.
Advance sale tickets for Friday only are $16 and $20 at the gate. Advance Saturday only tickets are $18 and $25 at the gate. Two-day advance tickets are $29. Children 12 and under are free.
