Louisville's first Irish Idol...

There were many good acts, but in the end, Peggy Burke Charmoli, a choir member at St. Raphael Catholic Church, took the crown with her beautiful rendition of "A Song for Ireland."  Charlotte Peake, a member of the Cathedral of the Assumption Choir, took second with "How are things in Glocamora?" from the musical "Finian's Rainbow."  Third Place went to Mary Margaret McGuire who sang "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" and "Sonny," and Fourth Place was awarded to the youngest contestant, Angela Marshal, who sang (and also played on violin) "Shout to the North," a great Irish Christian Rock song. (Angela is pictured below with Master of ceremonies Shaun McKiernan).

The two gentlemen who made it to the finals, Conor Murphy and TJ, were unable to attend.  Many thanks to our accompanists: Dr. Philip Brisson, Dr. Denine LeBlanc, and Mr. Greg Byrne and to all of our judges: Ron & Mel from 84 WHAS and Angie Fenton from the CJ ("The Buzz" Column) and Mary Shearer (aka "Paula O'Doul"), John Marcum, and Peggy Baas.

Easy to enter and compete!

1. Pick out an Irish Song to sing (there's a list below of songs we have on karaoke OR you can bring a guitar or keyboard player or other instrumentalist... or play yourself!)... Single singers, duets, and groups of 3 or more are all welcome...
2. Fill out the entry sheet and turn it in (mail it to us or turn it in to Molly Malone's)
3. We'll contact you with more instructions

"Show up and go up" on Night 1 or 2 is OK, but pre-registering is suggested and preferred

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who are the judges? Peggy Baas, Irish Fest President, Mary Shearer (aka "Paula O'Doul"), and John Marcum... At the Finals, they'll be assisted by Angie Fenton of the CJ "Buzz" Column and 84 WHAS's Ron and Mel.

When would I sing? ONE PERFORMANCE IN ROUND 1 (either Night 1:May 29 OR Night 2: Jun 7) AND (if you make it) AT THE FINALS: Jun 9

Can my friend and I go up and sing together? YES... the duet entry fee would apply... if you won the $200, you'd also (probably) have to split it!

Can my friend play guitar (or piano) up there while I sing? YES... and since the entry fee is based on number of singers, it'd be a $10 entry fee... we'll have a guitar and keyboard up there...

Where's the performance going to take place? Round 1: The inside stage at Molly Malone's... Finals: At the Irish Fest main stage on the Belvedere

What will the judges be judging? While this is primarily a singing contest, judges will look at the whole performance...

Irish Fest link

Songs we have on Karaoke Disc - also see more notes on the link below... Of course if you bring your own accompaniment, you can sing any Irish song!

ADDITIONAL NOTES - Excel spreadsheet 

My Wild Irish Rose, KEY G 2:33 & Key Bb Range D3-D4, 4:10
Galway Bay, KEY C 3:30 & Key G Range: D3-D4 2:00
Molly Malone, KEY D 2:45, 2:33 & Key G Range: D3-D4 1:49

The Minstrel Boy KEY C 2:36
McNamara's Band, KEY F 1:26 & Key F Range: C3-C4 2:59 
Dear Old Donegal KEY C 1:42 

The Rose of Tralee KEY F 2:44
Mrs. Murphy's Chowder KEY Bb 2:40
Whiskey in the Jar KEY C 2:23

The Wild Rover KEY G 2:49
Toora Loora Looral, KEY C 2:19 & Key A Range: A3-B4 2:18 (one verse)
Black Velvet Band KEY G 3:44

The Wild Colonial Boy KEY D 3:17
Star of the Co. Down, Key Em Range: B2-D4 3:36
Isle of Innisfree KEY Eb 3:11

Danny Boy, KEY Bb 3:30 & Key C Range:B3-E5 2:14
When Irish Eyes are Smiling, KEY Bb 2:34 & Key A Range: A3-D5 3:35
Mountains of Mourne KEY G 4:35

The Gypsy Rover KEY F 3:30
Down by the Sally Garden, Key C Range: C3-D4 3:07 
The Unicorn Song, Key C Range C3-B3 3:43

Wild Mountain Thyme (Will You Go, Lassie), Key D Range: A2-D4 2:58
The Irish Rover
I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen, KEY C & Key F Range: C3-E4 4:32

Foggy Dew, Key Cm Range: Bb2-Eb4 2:55
The Girl I Left Behind, Key D Range: D2-D4 1:39
As I Roved Out, Key Dm Range C3-E3 1:43

HARRIGAN, Key G Range D3-D4 2:44
She Moved Through the Fair, Key G Range: C3-D4 2:40
Did Your Mother Come From Ireland KEY Eb 2:20

A Little Bit of Heaven KEY Dm-Bb 2:56
The Spinning Wheel KEY D 4:33
An Old Love KEY F-Gb 3:59

Have You Ever Been Lonely? KEY Db 2:59
Green Glens of Antrim KEY F-Gb 2:42
Maggie KEY E 4:41

Our House is a Home KEY D 2:13
The Old Bog Road KEY G 2:58
Irish Eyes KEY F-Gb 2:54

Lovely Rose of Clare KEY D-E 3:56

Irish Art Contest Gallery Opening Jun 8