2007 ICONS Festival to Host Tribute to World-acclaimed Irish Singer Tommy Makem

Boston, MA. (Top40 Charts/ ICONS Festival) - Noted Irish musician and recording artist Mick Moloney and Irish Echo columnist Earle Hitchner will host a tribute to the late Tommy Makem at the 2007 ICONS Festival in Canton, Massachusetts, on Saturday, August 11, at 8:00 p.m.

Makem, a world-reknowned singer, songwriter and storyteller who passed away on Aug. 1 after a long illness, was originally scheduled to perform at the 2007 ICONS Festival. The tribute will feature performances from Irish singers Niamh Parsons, Jimmy Crowley, Heidi Talbot of the group Cherish the Ladies, and Cathy Jordan of the Sligo-based band Dervish.

"Irish music lost an ambassador this week with the passing of Tommy Makem," said Michael O'Connor, President of the Irish Cultural Centre of New England. "We are honored to have an opportunity to pay tribute to him at the 2007 ICONS Festival and recognize everything that he did to help share the Irish culture around the world and also throughout New England."

In the early 1960's, Makem gained international fame while performing with the the Clancy Brothers. Appearances on television's "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show" led to performances in Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.

Makem was originally listed as part of the line-up for the 2007 ICONS Festival, which celebrates the Irish culture through music, dance, literature, sports and much more. Because of poor health, he had to withdraw from the lineup several weeks ago.

The 2007 ICONS Festival
From storytelling to stepdancing, traditional Irish music to headlining international rock and folk acts, there will be something for everyone at the 2007 ICONS Festival scheduled for August 10-12 at the Irish Cultural Centre of New England. Formerly known as the Irish Connections Festival, the event has been relaunched this year as ICONS. The festival will kick off in 2007 with music from Irish stars Dervish, the Saw Doctors, and Altan as well as international recording artists the Black Crowes, Nanci Griffith and the Dropkick Murphys. In addition to the music, the full experience will include author readings, sporting events, genealogy workshops, a traditional Irish Tea House, a panel discussion about Irish music today, and a host of activities geared toward those under the age of 12.

The ICONS Festival takes place August 10, 11 and 12 at the Irish Cultural Centre of New England, located at 200 New Boston Drive in Canton, MA. For tickets and information, visit www.iconsfestival.com.