July 25 - 7th Annual Blackstone Valley Celtic Festival

Whitinsville, MA. The 7^th Annual Blackstone Valley Celtic Festival will be held at Indian Ranch on Rt. 16 in Webster on Saturday, July 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hosted by the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce presented by UniBank, and media sponsors, the Telegram and Gazette, Citadel Broadcasting as well as Atlas Distributors the festival is the Blackstone Valley’s showcase for Celtic talent and culture.

Two stages of musical entertainment, a pub-style venue with plenty of Celtic food and drink, a Celtic Village offering specialty merchandise and a Celtic Kids Pavilion all round out a day of headlining talent, delicious food and lots of fun. “The Blackstone Valley Celtic festival has become a tradition that attracts tourists to the Valley and delights the locals as well.” says Jeannie Hebert, President of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. “It is a celebration of all things Celtic and the Valley.”  Suzette Raun, President of Indian Ranch states, “It is one of our largest attended and most anticipated events of the season. We love having the festival here at Indian Ranch.”

 Charlie Zahm is a Blackstone Valley Celtic Festival favorite, and this year as a special treat Charlie is accompanied by Tad Marks (fiddle) and Mark Sullivan (percussion). Since 1992, Charlie has recorded twenty-two CDs of Celtic Maritime and American Music. As comfortable on stage as before an outdoor crowd, Charlie is a consummate Celtic entertainer with hundreds of songs in his repertoire. His most recent CDs include Recent Journeys, his third all original album; The Immortal Memory: A Tribute to Scottish Poet Robert Burns; and Charlie Zahm, Best of the Early Years by Request!,

The sounds of Cady Finlayson Band will also be heard this year.  Called "one of America's top Celtic fiddlers" by New Age Voice magazine and "bursting with pure and natural talent" by HotIndieNews.com, Cady Finlayson offers a spirited Irish music show with a global twist. Cady's music blends traditional Irish tunes with world beat rhythms and American folk, creating a signature sound that appeal to a variety of audiences. "I love to bring Irish music to people who might not normally hear it," she says.

 The Burning Bridget Cleary is also new to the Blackstone Valley Celtic Festival this year. Burning Bridget Cleary took form on St. Patty's day of '06 when Genevieve Gillespie joined forces with the father-daughter duo, Lou and Rose Baldino. The combination sparks a blaze of Celtic sound that is perceived way beyond the sum of its parts!

 In addition, you will also hear Coyote Run.  Originally formed in 1999, Coyote Run has changed significantly from its Celtic Folk roots, evolving into one of the hottest bands on the Celtic Rock circuit today. Blending traditional tunes with rich, literate lyrics, compelling melodies and rock, jazz and flamenco instrumental hooks, this band weaves a tapestry unlike any other out there.

Back by popular demand, the famous Men in Kilts Contest returns to the Main Stage to the delight of the huge crowd it always attracts. Be sure to celebrate your family tartan or rent a Kilt for the show.

Other terrific performers for this year’s Celtic Festival include: the Gray School of Irish Dance and returning favorites Irish Comedian George Casey, Central Massachusetts own Jug O'Punch & the Worcester Kiltie Band.

 Bring the entire family for a day of enjoyment and entertainment. The Celtic Kids Pavilion will offer face painting, pie eating, crafts  and lots of great activities, interact with the Higgins Armory Museum interpreters, take in the raptor exhibit or watch strolling performers create some Celtic magic.

A delicious menu of Celtic foods will be available at the festival throughout the day and Indian Ranch serves American menu food as well. All of the preferred Celtic beverages will be available as well.

All adult tickets are General Admission and are priced at $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Seniors 65 and over and children 8-16 pay $10 in advance and $12 at the gate. Children under 8 are FREE. All tickets can be purchased on line at www.indianranch.com or call 508-943-3871 and more information is available at www.blackstonevalleycelticfestival.com.