Music, food, crafts all part of annual Irish Fair in Libby

Forget Boston and Chicago, the storied tradition of the Irish in America is well represented in Butte. With an influx of Irish immigrants in search of hard-rock mining jobs, Butte once had the highest percentage of Irish residents among any city in the United States.

Go back to the turn of the 19th century and you’ll find that 25 percent of Butte’s residents were Irish.

The band, Dublin Gulch, embraces the history of the Irish in America, and particularly Butte. In fact, the band is named after a section of Butte that was called Dublin Gulch, which today is below the waters of Berkely Pit – an former open pit copper mine.

Dublin Gulch has earned a reputation as Montana’s premier traditional Irish band. Coming up on the evening of Saturday, March 13, Dublin Gulch will headline the Irish Fair at the Libby Memorial Center. The event will also feature the Kelly Irish Dancers – a group out of Chattaroy, Wash., that will give spectators a good dose of Irish step dancing.

Tom Powers has led Dublin Gulch for the past 18 years with his talented vocals. Mick Cavanaugh adds several instruments to the mix, including the stellar whistle, banjo, mandolin and guitar. Jim Schultz provides rhythm support with the guitar, bouzouki and mandolin to go along with harmony vocals. And John Joyner plays the fiddle and banjo with his unique blend of Celtic, bluegrass and jazz.

Dublin Gulch recently released a compact disc entitled, “Dirty Old Town.” Its earlier CD was called, “Any Day Above Ground is a Good One.” The band has also been featured on National Public Radio’s Thistle & Shamrock.

The Kelly Irish Dancer’s past goes back to the family living room on St. Patrick’s Day. Children and grandchildren danced to tunes heard in the home and the mothers and grandmothers soon joined in. A short time later with the help of a few more friends, a dance school was born.

The Kelly Irish Dancers features performers of all ages that first took the stage in 2001. Instructors Margaret Evans and her sister, Terri Drahman, have danced together for more than 10 years and have studied Irish step dancing around the country.

Libby’s 15th annual Irish Fair begins with a craft fair at 10 a.m. – also at the Memorial Center. Approximately 40 crafters will display their wares for browsing. During the day, local musicians will provide live entertainment on stage. Those in attendance can sit and enjoy the musicians while sampling traditional pasties and other Irish food.

The headline event with Dublin Gulch and the Kelly Irish Dancers begins at 7 p.m.

Dublin Gulch Tickets

Purchased in Advance: $12

At the Door: $15

Children 12 and Under: $6

Available: Mountain Meadows Country Gift & Espresso Shop, Cabinet Books & Music, Rivermist Home Décor or at the crafts fair during the day.

Information: Call Bob DeBorde at 293-6545 (general info) or Alice Grunerud at 293-3806 (craft show info).