Chuck Ward's House of Music

Chuck Ward was Entertainment Coordinator and former President of Milwaukee Irish Fest. He was deeply committed to, and had a passion for Irish music, always looking for a new song for his band, Blarney, and seeking out new artists, especially ballad singers, for the festival. Chuck’s devotion to Irish music was integral to his life.

The Ward Irish Music Archives, Milwaukee Irish Fest, will pay tribute and continue Chuck’s legacy with a new project to collect and preserve Irish music so others may enjoy our rich Irish musical heritage.

“Chuck Ward’s House of Music” is a project with three phases:

1. Identify all Irish related recordings made in America from the Acoustic Era (1890-1929)

2. Digitize recordings that are not already digitized

3. Disseminate these recordings through various online formats

The Chuck Ward House of Music funds have purchased over 60 rare recordings and we have digitized 81 cylinder recordings from the Mick Moloney collection.

We hope you’ll support the Archives in this endeavor and continue Chuck’s legacy of bringing Irish music to people all around the world. The following list of donors have helped us to continue this project. Thank you!