Irish Festival will kick off with anniversary celebration.

MUSKEGON — The Michigan Irish Music Festival is having a party to celebrate its 15^th anniversary called Ar Scoona. The festival will open the pub tent at Heritage Landing on Thursday, September 11^th, from 5pm – 11pm, for Muskegon Ar Scoona, which means “On Tap” in Gaelic.

The Ar Scoona will feature live entertainment with Seamus Kennedy, Crossbow, Moxie, and Socks in the Frying Pan. The music will start with festival favorite Seamus Kennedy. His fast-paced humor and audience interaction will get the party started. Crossbow, a Celtic band comprised of students from Grand Valley State University, will also perform. The evening will continue with two traditional bands from Ireland. Moxie combines jazz, rock, bluegrass and world music rhythms and harmonies to create layers of intricate sounds. Socks in the Frying Pan have gained a fan base from four years of performing in western Ireland. This exciting group has been well received for their modern traditional style and energetic approach to music.

The Ar Scoona party will also feature local craft beer from Pigeon Hill Brewing Company and Unruly Brewing, plus food from Fatty Lumpkin’s Sandwich Shack. Sponsored by Family Financial Credit Union, the Ar Scoona will be open from 5pm – 11pm. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the gate. Cash sales only. Festival and Artist merchandise will also be available for sale that evening.