Getting to know CJ Mills, Philly Fleadh Guy

Just Get in the Car — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 18:21:49 +0000

Since 2013 we have been enjoying The Philadelphia Fleadh with family and friends. We think it is a great event, celebrating all things Irish, music, and fun in the sun (usually). We promote this event every year for a reason – it’s a great day spent listening to awesome music and hanging out with great people. We thought it would be cool to get to know the man behind the annual event, CJ Mills. Read on to learn more about him and how the Fleadh came to be.

Our Irish roots come from County Donegal. Where are your relations from in Ireland, and how did your Irish background help bring about the Fleadh?

My great great grandfather was a fiddle player from Dublin. I have been playing in Irish bands for about 15 years playing in Roundtower, Common Ground, Killen Thyme, and Jamison Celtic Rock. Recently I have been playing with Seamus McGroary who is from County Donegal, and Kevin OShea – who is from County Delco:)

The Fleadh stemmed from the idea to bring all of the amazing talented Irish and Celtic Rock bands in the Philadelphia area together for one great festival. Philly has become one of the greatest music cities in the country, with a very high percentage of Irish Americans, so what better place than to hold a festival celebrating Irish heritage and Irish music.

We have been attending the Fleadh since the first one in back in 2013. Can you tell our readers a little bit about the event and what they are missing out on if they have not attended one yet?

The Philly Fleadh is an all day, family friendly event that has a little bit of something for everyone. The day starts with The Celtic Flame School of Irish Dance’s Feis at the Fleadh where there over 100 dancers competing from 8am – 12pm. The bands start at 11 am and music is non stop back and forth on the two main stages until 8pm. There are also trad sessions, where all musicians are welcome to bring their instruments, Irish Dance performances, where different dance schools highlight their dancers, and other fun cultural activities like the English Language Learners table, Irish Bingo for the kids, and more. The free kids zone has bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, jumbo jenga and more to keep the little ones occupied. There are also food vendors, irish merchants, and spirits with beer trucks readily accessible at all times and even some whiskey tastings.

Who are some of the performers you have lined up for this year’s Fleadh?

This year we have a great lineup with many returning acts, and some new ones as well featuring the best in Philly. The Philadelphia Irish Music scene is something special, where we are all friends, and all work to support each other. Each band has it’s own following, and can be found playing in the tri-state area at local bars, pubs, AOHs and festivals. The unique concept of this festival, is it gives us all a time to be together at one location. This year’s bands will feature
The John Byrne Band, The Shanty’s, The Bogside Rogues, The Paul Moore Band, Birmingham Six, No Irish Need Apply, Oakwyn, The Natterjacks, Clancy’s Pistol, Killen Clark, Ray Coleman, Mike & Callie and Seamus & CJ. These are by far some of the best entertainers in the area who are also all great people!

You also have some other events throughout the year. What else should our readers look out for in 2020?

The other event that Philly Fleadh productions produces is Celtic Christmas in Bensalem, which is a Christmas show held the first Saturday in December of every year at Bensalem High School’s 1500 seat Performing Arts Center. This show includes a 12 piece band comprised of many different members of different bands that play the Fleadh who all come together for one spectacular performance, as well as dancers from The Celtic Flame School of Irish Dance and The Bucks County Dance Center. Info can be found at CelticChristmasinBensalem.com. Stay tuned to that website, as there will be an announcement for a second show in 2020.

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up. Where do you go to find the best craic in Philly to celebrate?

The Best Craic in Philly is a tough one. There are so many amazing Irish Pubs in the city that all have amazing music. A few of my favorites include Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub, who not only has great music in March, but does Irish Saturdays from 3-7 all year long. The Ashburner is a great place and also does Irish music every Sunday afternoon year round. Curran’s Irish Inn is always a great choice in Bensalem or Tacony, The Green Parrot also does the Newtown Irish Festival the week leading up to St. Patrick’s day, and Con Murphys in Center City has great music Thurs. to Sunday, and they just opened a bar in Fort Lauderdale as well where Seamus McGroary and I will be traveling to play Mon, Tues and Wed of St. Patrick’s Week.

What is your favorite Irish whiskey?

My favorite Irish whiskey is absolutely Pop McCanns. Founder Jason Fogg is a local guy from Philly who has been working his butt off to get it on shelves all over the area, and it is an amazing product. One day we will all be saying that we know that guy! Pops is also one of the Fleadh sponsors, and it will be featured at the Fleadh, both for sale, and for some free whiskey tastings.

What are some of the bands and songs we should be listening to in order to prepare for St. Paddy’s Day and the Fleadh?

Bands to listen to…..look at the above list. Supporting local live music is one of the most important things anyone can do. All of the bands playing the Philly Fleadh are excellent and are playing all over Philly in the month of March. Check them out on social media and go support local live music!

Mike & Callie – Just Get in the Car

Getting to know CJ Mills, Philly Fleadh Guy

-Kristin and Shawn