Irish and Mexican Cultures Unite on St. Patrick's Day

Austin, TX--On March 17th-Saint Patrick's Day-Austin will memoralize the "San Patrizios" with a festival recognizing the strong ties between the Irish and Mexican cultures that began during the Mexican-American War. This festival will feature some of the finest Irish and Mexican musicians in Austin, including the Brobdingnagian Bards, 2 O'Clock Courage, YESCA!, and
The Jesse Botello Combo

During the U.S.-Mexican War of 1846, more than 500 immigrant soldiers, mostly Irish, deserted the U.S. Army and joined forces with Mexico. Led by Captain John Riley of County Galway, the St. Patrick's Battalion fought in all the major battles of the U.S.-Mexican War, only to be captured and executed by their former comrades in the U.S. Army. 

The Brobdingnagian Bards were the first Austin Celtic group to be invited to perform this event when the idea was conceived back in December 2000. Celtic Storm radio host, Donnelle McKaskle, informed The Bards of the large Irish Mexican culture.

"We were surprised. I never thought about it before, but our music is very culturally diverse, playing music from Ireland to Italy. So when Donnelle mentioned, Andrew and I thought, 'Awesome! Time to learn some Spanish songs'", said Marc Gunn, autoharpist of the Brobdingnagian Bards.

The event is certain to be the highlight of Austin Saint Patrick's Day festivities being the only festival in Austin that is catering to the children as well as adults.

The festival will be held at Parque Zaragoza on East 7th Street starting with a morning mass at 11 am, finishing off at 10 pm. For more information about the festival, visit the website at
http://www.hometown.aol.com/celticstormradio/fiesta.html

For more information about the Brobdingnagian Bards (http://thebards.net/)