Over the last several months, the Board of  Directors of the Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival, with growing hope and building anticipation, have been putting the final touches on what promised to be a fantastic event for 2021.  During the last few weeks, however, it has become apparent that we cannot reconcile the desire to offer a positive, quality festival experience with the realities of managing the health and safety of all of our participants, volunteers, and artists. It is now with deep sadness and regret that we have concluded that there is no pathway forward that can meet the needs of all of our participants while COVID remains an uncertain reality and we must, therefore, cancel this year’s festival.

This was not a decision that was easily reached, and we know that it will be a great disappointment to all of you who have been part of what has made this such a unique event since 2005.  We know that this event is personal to many of you, and because so, you have contributed much of what has made this festival thrive.

Even as we are still reeling from the cancellation of this year’s festival, we are beginning to cast our vision forward to September 2022.  We remain volunteer driven and sustained through the generosity of many.  The names of those who make this happen change over time, and thus, we hereby extend an invitation to be part of 2022 to any who would like to be part of our future, whether it be in a leadership role, through financial support, or as “boots on the ground” during festival time.

Finally, if you have already registered for 2021 through mail, your payment will be promptly refunded.  Please feel free to contact the Festival through the “Contact” option on our website.

We also invite you to follow us and “like” us on Facebook, and to subscribe on the website for new updates, items of interest to the Celtic world, and ways that you might be able to support us and our artists throughout the coming months.

As always, we thank you for your continued support.

Sam Sortore – Festival Board President

We are pleased to announce that you can now access/download the Festival Schedule from the website.  We believe that there is something for everyone, musician and non-musician alike.  Our lineup is strong, and though the schedule is somewhat slimmed down, you will find that there is a lot to choose from.

The Festival will begin on Thursday, September 16th, with a single 4:30 concert, “Lads at the Dog Bar,” featuring Ed Miller, Patsy O’Brien, and Rich Brotherton (photo).  Friday and Saturday will include a full slate of workshops and demos, culminating each evening with a performance.  We will wrap it up Sunday morning with the now familiar “Tea and Scones” free event, including special musical guests.

You can also download the PDF Registration Form here, or from the website.  In the days to come the online ticket system will be active, and we will send out notice as soon as it is.

We are offering a Full Festival Pass option again this year, priced at $240, with an Early Bird discount (by September 1st) priced at $225.  We are also offering a $50, two-concert Full Concert pass.

Feel free to send any questions to us through the Contact Us option on the website footer.

UPDATE 23 JULY 2021

Fiddle Legend Kevin Burke is Returning to the 2021 Festival!

Kevin Burke
A couple of days ago we announced that renowned Irish guitarist, John Doyle, is appearing in this year’s Festival . We’re equally excited to announce the return of  Kevin Burke, legendary Irish fiddle player.  He has previously performed at both the 2017 and 2019 Festivals.

He has been described as “Lyric, fluid and precisely as tricky as he needs to be…probably the greatest Irish fiddler living” by The Village Voice.

He has also been said to be “… blessed with a silky touch on the bow that effortlessly moves from one note to the next, creating an aural experience unlike any other in Irish traditional music today.” by Irish Echo.

The New York Times simply states, “One of the great living Celtic fiddlers.”

Kevin will be performing Saturday evening, September 18th, along with John Doyle, and others soon to be announced.  In addition, he will presenting a demo contrasting fiddle styles, as well as teaching fiddle technique to intermediate to advanced players.

If  describes you, or if you are simply someone who appreciates advanced musicianship, we feel certain that you’ll want to be present at this year’s event!