The Codgers are 'super stoked' to play at the Saline Celtic Festival

The Codgers—an Americana band formed in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood in 2006—are among the many musical talents at this year’s Saline Celtic Festival, July 12 and 13, in Mill Pond Park.

The band will play at 8 p.m., Friday, July 12, in the Red Dragon tent.  The Friday line up will also include Crossbow, Brother Crowe, and The Kreellers, as well as workshops, a limerick competition, ceili and contra dances, Mr. Pretty Legs in a Kilt competition, and a Ring of Steel Fire Show to round out the night.

“We’re really honored to be making our first appearance at Saline Celtic Fest,” says John Freeman. “We write a lot of original songs in the folk and Americana vein, but we cut our teeth playing upbeat versions of traditional pub favorites in West Detroit and Corktown, so our set will probably be a blend of those two modes. We’re super stoked to be sharing a stage with so many bands we look up to, including Brother Crowe and Crossbow.

“I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention that our bodhran player, Nick Mansfield, whose background is in animal husbandry, is an accomplished breeder of Dandie Dinmonts and is very excited about the Celtic Canine venue.”

The band has had a busy season, with appearances at the 42nd St. Pat Irish Festival in Detroit, Motor City Irish Fest, Honky Tonk Thursdays at The Cadieux Café in Detroit, Motor City Casino, and Celtic ’N Folk Fest in Ann Arbor.

The Saline Celtic Festival will also host performances by The Kreellers, Crossbow, Thunderwüde, Brother Crowe, House of Hamill, Black Murray, Paddy’s Cure, The Barley Saints, Nessa, Saline Fiddlers, and Chelsea House Orchestra; as well as pipe bands, ancient athletics, jousting, historical re-enactments, dance troupes, clans, Celtic canines, Highland dance competition, sheep herding, textiles and weavers, Wee Folks Island, Millie the Mill Pond Monster, and much more.

The gates will open at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 12 for an evening of fun, before the all day festival on Saturday, July 13.

For complete information, including the schedule of events and activities, visit www.salineceltic.org.

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