Public Invited to Win an Ireland Trip

Aspiring songwriters of all ages are invited to contribute one line of lyrics to a song about Milwaukee Irish Fest for a chance at a free trip for two to Ireland. 

"Everything at Irish Fest comes back to music, family and a deep pride in our heritage. The I'll Tell Me Ma About Irish Fest‚ contest is a humorous, whimsical way to bring fest-goers together to celebrate their warmest memories of the Fest," explained Jane Anderson, executive director. 

Entries will be accepted at the Ward Irish Music Archives Gallery in the Fest's Cultural Village from 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, to noon on Sunday, Aug. 22. The final song will be performed at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 22 at The Snug stage by comedian and balladeer Seamus Kennedy. 

The song will be performed to the tune of  "I’ll Tell Me Ma," which has been covered by dozens of popular Irish bands and singers over the years, including the Clancy Brothers, Van Morrison and Sinead O‚Connor. Listening stations, featuring various versions of "I’ll Tell Me Ma," will be set up at the Ward Irish Music Archives Gallery in the Cultural Village to inspire entrants before they put pen to paper. 

The contest is free to enter and open to everyone. Entrants under the age of 18 must verify parental consent in writing. Writers whose lines are chosen for the song will be notified by cell phone in time to attend the 7 p.m. performance of the song. All writers whose lines are used in the song will receive four tickets to Irish Fest 2005. One of the writers‚ names will be chosen at random to receive the trip, which is being provided by Celtic Tours, Inc. 

The Ward Irish Music Archives, host of the "I’ll Tell Me Ma About Irish Fest" Contest, also presents "Irish American Song Stories, An Exhibition of American Sheet Music, 1850-1950," in cooperation with the Glucksman Ireland House at New York University, at the Fest. The exhibit, which travels to Milwaukee from the collection of New York University professor Mick Moloney, features audio clips of music legends like John McCormack and Bing Crosby and explore the origins of beloved songs. 

The original lyrics to "I’ll Tell Me Ma" are as follows: 

I'll tell me Ma when I go home 
The boys won't leave the girls alone. 
They pull my hair, they stole my comb, 
but that's alright till I go home. 
She is the belle of Belfast city 
She is courtin' one, two, three. 
She is handsome, she is pretty 
Please won't you tell me, who is she?