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3/5/09 - Come Early, Stay Late
Cross your fingers for warm weather, and join us at 3 to kick off the festivities with our friend, Ken McGee. Ken has penned two original songs for LeoPalooza in 2007 and 2008. "Mickey-Bo", a tribute to young Michael McIlveen, and "He's Walkin' Now" - a touching song about a father watching his young son grow. Packed with stories from an exciting life of travel, Ken promises to kick off the day with a bang. Don't forget our Day Drinker special between 3 and 6, with a reduced cover charge of $15, which includes your fill of our famous Beef & Guinness Stew - or yummy Lamb Stew, if you prefer. Oh yeah, lots of traditional Irish beverages on tap for your refreshment as well. Cold Guinness, anyone?
3/4/09 - A Pause For The Cause
Michael “Mickey-bo” McIlveen – 1991 -2006
 In May 2006, 15 year old Michael McIlveen was attacked and beaten by a group of youths in his hometown of Ballymena, County Antrim in Northern Ireland. Less than a week later, Michael’s family made the hardest decision they are likely to ever have to make, removing Michael from the life support systems that had kept him alive for several days.
At the time, police attributed the beating to ongoing sectarian violence in the area. Just a few weeks ago, in early February 2009, three men were convicted in the murder of young Michael. <Read more>
It has been more than 10 years since Protestant "unionist" parties seeking to remain within the United Kingdom and Catholic "nationalists" anxious to achieve a united Ireland signed a peace deal ending the 30-year "troubles". Still, sectarianism at the community level is alive - often bringing pain and tragedy to the families and friends of those affected.
Known as Mickey-bo to his mates, Michael’s friends were on both sides of the religious & political fence. Michael’s mother, told us: “I’d never seen a crowd so big at a funeral, and in a small way it warmed my heart to see everyone feeling the loss the way I was. All the young people from the area wore their football shirts, Celtic and Rangers. In Ireland, and certainly in Ballymena, the wearing of these shirts is seen as a marker as to what you are. Celtic largely representing the Catholic population, and Rangers the Protestant population. It just goes to show that he had many friends from either side of the political divide in Ballymena. He treated everyone as he found them, religion or political preference was irrelevant."
Upon learning of this horrible tragedy in 2007, LeoPalooza, Inc. worked with Michael's family, his schoolmates, and administrators at St. Patrick's College in Ballymena to establish a memorial garden at the school in Michael's memory. Again in 2009, LeoPalooza, Inc is proud to support St Patrick’s College in tribute to Mickey-Bo, the friend we never knew.
Our support for these children and teachers is made possible by YOUR participation in our event. For that, we thank you, and are proud to stand up for others.
2/20/09 - Entertainment Schedule Released
| 3 - 4 PM |
Ken McGee - Original & traditional celtic and folk |
| 4 - 6 PM |
Matt Heinicker & The Walkaways - Great mix of pop, rock, sould and R&B. (Hear a preview of their new CD) |
| 6 - 8 PM |
Emily Ann Thompson - Fun Celtic fiddle |
| 8 - 9 PM |
The St. Patrick's Pipers - Pipes and drums (of course) |
| 9 - Midnight |
Mother Grove - Kilt Rock! |
2/7/09
Yes, we're back for number 10. Wow - it is hard to believe this will mark a full decade for us - but then as I notice the grey hair sneaking in, maybe it shouldn't be so surprising! We're excited for the 2009 event, and hope you are too. This year brings a rebirth for us with a new host location and a new lineup for our Live Irish Music Stage.
Join us Saturday march 14th at The Brockway Public House. Music and food starts at 3PM and we'll have you dancing until midnight. Enjoy the sounds of Ken McGee, Emily Ann Thompson, Matt Heincker & The Walkaways and the kickin' kilt rock sounds from Mother Grove! All the details over here, on our Entertainment page.
2/5/09- Coming Together To Share
Each year, we come together for an evening of friendship and fun. While we spend a the day making new friends, enjoying old ones, and sharing a Guinness or two - we also use the night to raise funds for deserving charities both here and abroad. Since 2005, LeoPalooza, Inc has rasied over $15,000 for a variety of causes. Once again in 2009, we hope to provide benefit for children's organizations in Indiana and Ireland, and appreciate your support in those efforts!
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