AUDIENCE COMMENTS

Following are comments from individuals who have attended or participated in the Crossroads Irish-American Festival.

"One of the things I like most about the Crossroads Festival is that it makes St. Patties a celebration of culture and heritage rather than just a day to get 'your drink on'. I really enjoy how the festival brings in other experiences of Irish all over the world. Great stuff - especially, the Latino/Irish mix."

"I enjoyed the story-telling and the nostalgia that (the festival) conjures up. It was touching to see so many old acquaintances together again after many years of separation. I really like the community feeling that (the festival) engenders."

"Although I miss the Celtic Music Festival, Crossroads is really what I need...information! It is so enriching and enlightening."

"I am a senior at Northgate High School in Walnut Creek, CA. I am doing a huge project about Irish symbols and traditions in our culture today. I have always been interested in my culture and would like to thank you for this presentation."

"Brilliant - keep it up."

"A wonderful, evocative, provocative evening."

"Well organized and conducted. Thank you for making it happen."

"Wish it could be a year-long seminar, examining in particular trauma and silencing, shame and fear, preferably in some cross-cultural perspective."

"The music was spectacular. The thing I like most about Crossroads is the chance to find and meet Irish authors and musicians I'm unfamiliar with."

"I appreciate the breadth and variety of the programming of the festival."

"The festival gets better and better each year and is on its way to becoming a San Francisco tradition."

"One of the things I like most about Crossroads is the cross-cultural similarities that are described by the guests and audience members."

"Music was beautiful. Some transcendent moments and a fine historical context presented by the violinist. Don't see how it could be better. Splendid concert."

"You seem to find information and issues - people who know and do things - that are new and fascinating and important to know."

"Peter (Quinn) is the best. Esteemed author. Brilliant poetic novelist. Dead-on essayist. You do a splendid job every year."

"This festival makes the historical abstractions of ethnicity and place come alive!"

"Keep it up! The neighborhood series is fantastic!"