The Irish Hooley Shamrocks Dubuque for the 19th Year (PHOTOS)

The weather might've been warm, but that didn't deter folks from putting on their green attire and heading to the 19th Annual Irish Hooley to engage in a celebration of life, family, friends, and all things pertaining to Irish culture.

The Irish Hooley took place at the Port of Dubuque on Saturday, August 24th, specifically behind the Dubuque Star Brewery. It was a busy day that kicked off at 11am with the Dubuque Fire Pipes & Drums performing several bagpipe songs on the hilltop prior to the opening ceremony, which really got things underway.

After I attended the Irish Hooley last year, I've been looking forward to it again this year. I've always enjoyed my fair share of Irish-Celtic music, and to see an area like this, which is so heavily Irish-Catholic, come out to support local and national musicians and enjoy a variety of food and drinks is always a welcomed sight.

Several talented musicians took to the Alliant Amphitheater's stage at the 19th Annual Irish Hooley, including:

• Dubuque Fire Pipes and Drums
• McNulty School of Irish Dance
• Ian Gould
• Ballyheigue
• The Lads of Dubuque
• Rory Makem
• Michael Darcy and the Atlantic Tramps
• The High Kings

Once again, the McNulty School of Irish Dance impressed again. Several young boys and girls had every eye at the event on their traditional Irish attire and dance moves, which dazzled following the opening ceremony.

Ballyheigue was the first band to take the stage. I was very high on them last year, and once again, they didn't disappoint! Their cover of "Black Velvet Band," a poignant but upbeat Irish folk song, remains my favorite of theirs, and thankfully, they played it again.

The 19th Annual Irish Hooley was presented by the Ancient Order of Hibernians Dubuque County Division #2 and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Dubuque County Division #1, who were both honored for their invaluable contributions to Dubuque and the Tri-State area.

Earlier this summer, Jordan Larkin of the Irish Hooley stopped by to talk about how the event is equal parts a celebration of Irish culture as well as music:

So, the Irish Hooley kind of just started as a little party. When you think of 'Hooley,' you think of dance, art, culture, and when you go even further, that's kind of what being Irish is all about [....] we always want to have that authentic Irish sound [with our concerts] - Jordan Larkin, per our interview

It was next-to-impossible not to feel some kind of pride, Irish or not, on Saturday at the Port of Dubuque. Stay posted on the Irish Hooley's website for information on next year's event, which will be a milestone in itself as it will be the 20th annual Hooley in Dubuque!