We are proud to have two great bands are set to kick off each day of the Sugar Maple Fest. Ida Jo and the Show on Friday evening (5pm) and The Currach, Saturday at noon (aka the Irish Coffee set). Both bands are from Madison and both are deserving of your attention.

Ida Jo began playing violin at the age of seven and earned the Emerson Scholarship to Interlochen Arts Center at the age of 14. At age 15, she participated in several performances at the Winnipeg Folk Festival at 15. From this background, she developed a distinct style, including utilizing “chopping”, a technique commonly associated with folk fiddle styles. On her debut album, Providence, which was released earlier this year, Ida Jo utilizes a myriad of musical styles and genres, including folk, pop, and rock. She will be joined on stage with The Show that includes Scott Lamps on upright bass and Fred Ecenrode on drums.

The Currach, features Darl Ridgley on bodhrán, Josh Perkins on guitar and Daithi Wolf (of Yid Vicious) on fiddle. This group is a Madison institution in the Irish traditional music scene, as illustrated by the four years of Friday night performances at the Brocach Pub (5:30pm). They are a crowd favorite and are frequently joined by various guest members. If you’ve not seen these boys, make sure to catch them at the Sugar Maple Fest!

Friday, 5:00 – Ida Jo and the Show
Saturday, Noon – The Currach (Traditional Irish)