Unique Festival Hoolie-fies Sonora!
Coming all the way from Sacramento to attend HoolieFest, Susan Brandner said, “I came here looking for a Hoolie man! Maybe I’ll find one today!”
Story and photos by Greg Kristapovich
HoolieFest 2008 may go down in history as one of the most unique music festivals ever held in the Mother Lode! On September 13th, the Sonora Fairgrounds, and the surrounding area became Hoolie-fied! “Hoolie” is an Irish term referring to a gathering with lots of music and dancing, according to Sir Patrick Michael Karnahan, founder of the event. (The festival also marked the halfway point to St. Patrick’s Day, and helped raise funds for a new track at Summerville High School.) At HoolieFest, eight highly entertaining acts took turns performing over ten hours. Local favorites the Black Irish Band opened the festival on the main stage; followed by the irrepressible Crazy Ivan on the Sierra stage. The legendary Mumbo Gumbo got the festival-goers up and dancing with their unique blend of Cajun, Reggae, rhythm and blues, jazz and rock! Sonic Impulse performed a fusion of rock/techno mixed with bagpipes along with a light show that was Pink Floyd-esque. While the music played on, Vikings were roaming the grounds, playfully pillaging. Mountain Mischief transfixed the audience with their exciting juggling. Everywhere within HoolieFest’s medieval village, there was something going on: belly dancing, fire eating, sword juggling, magic acts, as well as Dark Ages re-enactments performed by Vikings, dominated by that legendary clan, Dark Boar! The festival presented one of the most unique blends of Celtic/fusion/alternative/world music ever seen in Sonora! And those who attended were happily hoolie-fied!
“Most fire eaters are around for about five years. That’s because they usually die!” reveals Thomas Wood. “I’ve been doing this for seventeen years!” Mr. Wood is recognized as one of the best fire eaters in the world!
Dancing to the fusion rock sounds of Brother, from Australia!
Culann’s Hounds from San Francisco rocks out! Steve Gardner (right) accompanies on guitar, while Renee de la Prade literally goes ballistic with her accordion! The crowd loved it!
