Celtic bands to perform at Allerton Park for Irish Fest, Concert Series

MONTICELLO, Ill. (WCIA) — Allerton Park’s Irish Fest returns this Friday as their Concert Series also continues. This week’s musical guests will be Peoria-based Celtic band, Turas, and fellow Celtic folk band On The Lash.

Irish Fest will be from 6-9 p.m. on the Gatehouse Lawn. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Attendees are advised to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets.

Turas will take the stage first. The six-person band has been performing for 16 years. They play at Kelleher’s Irish Pub & Eatery every month in Peoria, and travel to many Irish events throughout the Midwest.

“It’s kind of a fun, shared experience,” said band member AnnMarie Brinton. “I think the liveliness of the music and the interaction of it helps — we have songs where you clap along, we have songs where you shout along, and you can always sing along.”

On The Lash formed in 2021 and has since played across the U.S. They also offer educational workshops on the Celtic music genre. The four-member band will perform at 7:30 p.m.

“These songs come from a time period where big elaborate drums were not always that accessible to people. So you see that same concentration of energy and ideas in instrumental parts,” said On The Lash’s mandolin player, John Robey. “You’re going and going and going and it gets your heart pounding and your foot stomping.”

Admission will be $5 a person or $10 per family. Tickets can be paid at the door. For more information, click here .

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