Festival Lineup

The mission of the Academy of Irish Music is to create a community of young musicians dedicated to playing and sharing Irish music. The school, founded by Noel Rice under the original name of Scoil Baal Tinne goes back to 1982.

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Our Irish fest shows are all inclusive so get ready to get your Irish on! Young and old, we want you! And as always everyone leaves our show with a prize!

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Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason assumed her role as Ireland’s 19th Ambassador to the United States in August 2022. Geraldine was Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations in New York (2017- 22). Previously, she served as Ambassador to France (2014-17), Second Secretary General in the Department of the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) (2011-14), Ambassador and Ireland’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU (2005-11)), and Director of the National Forum on Europe (2004-05). During her career, Ambassador Byrne Nason has served in Brussels, New York, Paris, Vienna and Helsinki. As Second Secretary-General in the Department of the Taoiseach from 2011-2014, she was the highest ranking female public servant in Ireland. During that period, she also was Secretary General of Ireland’s Economic Management Council. On her arrival in New York, Ambassador Byrne Nason led Ireland’s successful campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council, and led the New York Security Council team for the 2021-2022 term. Geraldine was Chair of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) for 2018 and 2019. She has also co-chaired high-level political negotiations on the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela and on the ‘Samoa pathway’ for Small Island Developing States. A native of County Louth, in 2020 Ambassador Byrne Nason was awarded the Freedom of Drogheda, the town’s highest honour and was the third woman to receive the award of its 35 recipients. In 2014, Geraldine was elected a Member of the Royal Irish Academy, Ireland’s highest academic honour. Ambassador Byrne Nason holds an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Maynooth University as well as Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Literature from Saint Patrick’s College in Maynooth (NUIM). Ambassador Byrne Nason is married and has one son.

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Milwaukee Irish band áthas lights the dance floor on fire with a combination of traditional and newly composed Irish dance tunes. Fierce fiddle, driving bodhrán, and funky guitar riffs come together to lift listeners' feet, drinks, and spirits. The band found each other and their voice as an ensemble while playing in Irish sessions around Milwaukee throughout 2005. Spending their time between tunes laughing and joking inspired them to make music together and their name, which is the Irish word for joy and happiness. áthas is: Heather Lewin: fiddle and vocals Amy Richter: bodhrán and percussion Jeff Ksiazek: guitar, bouzouki, tin whistle

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Celebrating 20 years! Formed in Milwaukee in 2004, Atlantic Wave plays music of Celtic nations that touch the Atlantic Ocean and beyond. Atlantic Wave's performances pay special attention to Cape Breton music along with Irish and Scottish tunes and songs featuring a duo of fiddles and lively guitar and bodhran.

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Dr. Audrey Whitty is Director of the National Library of Ireland, appointed in 2023. She is the former Deputy Director and Head of Collections and Learning at the National Museum of Ireland, where she was responsible for all aspects of the care and interpretation of the 5 million objects in the collections across the four sites. From 2015-19, she was Keeper of the Art and Industrial Division (Decorative Arts, Design and History), National Museum of Ireland, holding responsibility for leading the curatorial department on the Collins Barracks site of the National Museum. During 2013 and 2014, she was the curator of European and Asian Glass at The Corning Museum of Glass, New York where she was responsible for an extensive collection in what is widely regarded as the greatest glass museum in the world. From 2001 to 2013, Whitty was the curator of Ceramics, Glass and Asian collections, Art and Industrial Division, National Museum of Ireland. A graduate (B.A.: History and Archaeology) and postgraduate (M.A.: Archaeology) of University College Dublin, she also has a doctorate from Trinity College Dublin in History of Art.

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They’re back! Irish Fest favorites, Baal Tinne, return for the first time in 5 years!<br><br> “Intense and mesmerizing” - Dirty Linen Magazine <br><br> “A driving rhythm that’s not to be missed” - Dallas Music Review <br><br> “East Adams Street pulsated Saturday night to the Irish fiddle and drums of Baal Tinne” - Chicago Tribune <br><br> With a unique blend of traditional tunes, contemporary rhythms, and influences like jazz, Baal Tinne masterfully creates a musical experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. Their performances range from emotive laments to powerful, explosive sets, each driven by a rhythm that pushes the music to its climactic limits and strikes you to the core. <br><br> Don’t miss their only performance at Irish Fest 2024! <br><br> Catch Baal Tinne at 1:45 PM on Saturday, August 17, at the Celtic MKE stage. <br><br> Band Members:<br> - Kevin Rice: Bodhrán<br> - Cathleen Rice-Halliburton: Fiddle<br> - Matt Sundstrom: Guitar<br> - Richard Roche: Piano, keyboards<br> - Kiera Byrne: Fiddle<br> - Catriona Byrne: Flute, tin whistle, cello

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Born in Dublin, Ireland, Barry Dodd is a local favorite. Barry will tug at your heart with a ballad and then lift your spirits with an old-fashioned sing-along. An Irish Fest crowd-pleaser, Dodd is a perennial performer at Irish Fest.

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Beglan Academy of Irish Dance was founded in 2007 by former Riverdance lead dancer, Sean Beglan, TCRG, and his wife, Jillian. Both Irish dance world medalists who chose to set up their school in Milwaukee, WI. Beglan Academy has gained a reputation for being a tight knit school with a family-like atmosphere, all while still achieving regional and international success in the competitive world. Beglan Academy is about more than just Irish dance- where each student learns hard work but also to cheer on their friends!

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Irish Dance School located in Germantown, WI since 2018. Classes taught by Chelsea Holloway, Mid-West Champion and World Medalist. Our focus is on teaching dancers a warrior mentality. #bellatormentality

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The award-winning Billy Mitchell Scottish Pipe Band, Wisconsin's oldest, has performed in the Mid-west, Canada, Scotland and Japan. The Band often appears with the champion Caledonian Scottish Dancers. The Band is delighted and proud to have played in every Irishfest, and considers it one of the best events in its calendar.

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Blackthorn Folly is a five piece traditionally inspired band performing in the Milwaukee area. We play traditional Celtic and American folk music with high energy and a ground stomping tempo.

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Firmly rooted in Irish traditional music, Brett Lipshutz on flute and whistle and Vidar Skrede on fiddle, guitar, and bouzouki, draw on influences from their other backgrounds: Scandinavian, French, and Klezmer as well as Baroque music. The result is a solid trad sound with hints of other styles mixed in that is sure to make your foot tap and your heart sing.

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Brian Ó Conchubhair is an Associate Professor of Irish Language and Literature at the University of Notre Dame and a fellow of the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies and the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. He has served as Director of the Center for the Study of Languages & Cultures (2013-2020); Executive Director of the IRISH Seminar (2011-2013), and President of the American Conference for Irish Studies (2015-2017). He has been a Visiting Professor at Université Sorbonne Nouvelle-Paris 3, the University of Notre Dame, Dhaka (Bangladesh), and Charles University (Prague) Professor Ó Conchubhair’s writings include an award-winning monograph on the intellectual history of the Irish Revival entitled Fin de Siècle na Gaeilge: Darwin, An Athbheochan agus Smaointeoireacht na hEorpa (The Irish Fin de Siècle: Darwin, the Revival and European Thought). That book analyzed the European context for the 19th-century Irish language and cultural revival and traced the impact and influence of the writings of Charles Darwin, Max Nordau, Friedrich Max Müller and theories of race extermination, cultural decline, degeneration and cultural nationalism as they shaped and sculpted Irish debates on dialects, orthography, fonts, grammar, cultural criticism, and literary production.

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Caitlín Ní Chualáin is an acclaimed sean-nós singer from Indreabhán in Connemara, She won the Corn Uí Riada, the premier competition for sean-nós singing in 2016 at the Oireachtas na Gaeilge festival. She also won Comórtas na mBan in 2005, 2008 and 2014. She was Sean-Nós Singer-in-Residence at the University of Galway in 2019, and she appears at festivals around Ireland. She is associated with the song “Loingseach Bhearna”, that she learned from her father Máirtín Pheaits Ó Cualáin; “Amhrán na Buachaillí Bána” is another favorite. Caitlín can frequently be heard on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, where she works as a programming director and journalist. Her 2023 series “Seoda Foinn” presents sean-nós songs from singers old and new. Other projects include translating children’s books, an Irish phonetics course, and productions with Brú Theatre.

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Milwaukee's Cashel Academy of Irish Dance is celebrating their 40th year of entertaining Irish Fest with their traditional, yet innovative, dancing. Cashel continues to excel in regional, national and world competitions. The school offers a balanced program for dancers seeking performance or competitive opportunities, and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere.

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Cat and Hare is a quartet exploring Irish and Scottish music on fiddle, concertina, tenor banjo, bodhran, and bouzouki. Founded just before the Great Pause of 2020, Cat and Hare are: <br>Olivia Langby: fiddle and concertina <br>Christian Wandzala: tenor banjo, tin whistle, harp, bouzouki, voice <br>Amy Richter: bodhrán and percussion <br>Jeff Ksiazek: bouzouki and tin whistle

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Ceili Nights is a group of friends in Milwaukee that that met because of Irish dance and a love for Irish music, culture, dance, and ceilis. Ceilis bring people together and this traditional Irish ceili band made up of Brigid and Ryan Kinsella-Alba, Alex Doney, Ryan Duns, and special guest, love to bring people together with lively music.

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Celtic Nations Pipes and Drums is a diverse group of musicians dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the Celtic Heritage and the music of The Great Highland Bagpipe accompanied by Highland pipe-band style Drumming. As a teaching organization, the Band has created an atmosphere where all of its Members, regardless of experience, enjoy the fellowship of the group. Performances portray the high value the Band places on music. Each Member is dedicated to continually making Celtic Nations Pipes and Drums an organization where everyone is encouraged to be their very best. In our short existence, we've compiled a nice resume. Since our founding in 2002, we've become pretty well-rounded. In addition to the traditional parades, we?re regularly hired for performances and also compete at Highland Games in the region. We're most proud of having formed a combined teaching and mutually beneficial relationship with other pipe bands in the area under the Great Milwaukee Pipe Band Association.

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Ceol Cairde has its roots in the 1988 Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School. Band members enjoy sharing the energy and spirit of traditional Irish music at weddings, festivals, parties, and ceili and set dances. The irresistible blending of their instruments provides the unique sound that is the Music of Friends.

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Chicago Reel brings some of the city's finest musicians together for a new look at Irish traditional music. Fiddle, flute, banjo, and button accordion combine with piano to showcase a wide repertoire of reels and jigs old and new, energetic and full of spirit.

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The Irish World Academy @ Milwaukee Irish Fest Student Awards offers two traditional musicians registered at the Irish World Academy the opportunity to travel to take part in Milwaukee Irish Fest and the Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School. Ciaran O’Connell and Simon Crehan

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Cream City Ceili Band, based in Milwaukee, consists of Maria Terres on fiddle, Brett Lipshutz on flute and whistle, Randy Gosa on guitar and tenor banjo, and Amy McFarland on piano. All four members are seasoned traditional musicians with a deep devotion to Celtic music, particularly for Irish Set and Ceili dancing. Their driving rhythms and lyrical harmonies regularly delight Irish social dancers in Wisconsin and beyond. Along with playing for dancing, Maria, Brett, Randy, and Amy are all versatile and prodigious musicians who perform at concerts and festivals, and who are dedicated teachers as well. They have a unique musical chemistry and an exquisite sensibility that enthrall dancers time after time.

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Derek Byrne came to America after touring with Riverdance. His band Paddygrass has been playing together over 17 years. Their live shows mix upbeat Irish Ballads, Bluegrass, Gospel and Sea Shanties with Irish Dancing. Paddygrass will move you to sing, dance, drink and forget all else. Apart from playing local Wisconsin venues and festivals, they also livestream regularly on patreon.com/paddygrass

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After three years of breakout touring at some of the biggest roots festivals in the United States and Canada, and another three years locked out of the live performance world they have so ambitiously cultivated, Doolin?, France?s premiere practitioners of Irish and Celtic music, return in early 2023 with a new album entitled CIRCUS BOY. Wilfried Besse?s vocals are supported as usual by the driving rhythm section of Josselin Fournel (percussion), S?bastien Sauni? (bass) and Nicolas Besse (guitars), and the trad-Irish influence remains evidenced through the whistles of Jacob Fournel, the bodhran of his brother, Josselin, and the nimble accordion playing of Nicolas? brother, Wilfried. But CIRCUS BOY represents a more powerful and bigger musical vision for the band, made possible by the introduction of piano, drums, and brass as new sonic elements. That said, the Irish music tradition is not complete without the presence of a fiddle or two, and on CIRCUS BOY Doolin? includes three of the best European fiddlers of the genre: Niahm Gallagher, Niall Murphy, and Guilhem Cavaill?, himself a founding member of the band.

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Dr. Niamh Hamill is a lecturer of Irish culture and history, and director of the Institute of Study Abroad Ireland, based in Donegal, Ireland. She is the author of Global Perspectives through the Narratives of Ireland, a sixteen-module online course of Irish Studies, and a regular panelist and presenter on the importance of cultural competency and internationalization in American higher education. She and co-director John O'Connell host The Calling, the Milwaukee Irish Fest trip to Ireland at their ISAI campus in January each year, and she is a regular lecturer at the Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School.

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Drops of green are a band of five Irish men hailing from Laois, Kilkenny and Waterford. Formed in early 2015, they are quickly building a fan base both home and abroad. Combining a vast of instrumentation with blissful four part harmonies, they cover all of your favorite Irish melodies within the shows set list. Bringing their own unique and modern style to all of these classic Irish ballads , along with a wealth of tradition , storytelling and passion , their show is a must see for Irish music fans young and old alike .

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Wisconsin's own Dublin O'Shea has been together for over 20 years. Their repertoire of upbeat pub music includes songs of lost loves, sunken ships, general mayhem, and straight-up goofiness. If you are looking for a good time including, dancing, laughing, and sing-alongs - check out Dublin O'Shea.

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Éamonn de Cógáin is widely regarded as Ireland's most energetic MC. He has called céilí far and wide across the Emerald Isle and has developed a reputation as the Céilí King stateside. He is a staple at many of the summer Irish festivals from Minnesota to Mississippi. Eamonn has taught thousands the basic steps and movements of Irish Céilí Dancing. His smooth brogue and easy going nature allows people of all ages to believe that they can céilí dance the night away without difficulty.

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Hailing from the Highlands of Scotland the band formed in 2012. They are comprised of Euan Smillie (fiddle), Alasdair Taylor (mandolin), Seth Tinsley (bass, synth) and Greg Barry (drums, samples). Creating a progressive blend of intricate tunes, engulfing guitars, with a bass and drum heavy backline, their music combines the very best of trad, funk and electronica resulting in a new and exciting sound. Gigging extensively around the UK, they swiftly built a fan base and went on to release their debut album The Elusive Highland Beauty in 2014 to critical acclaim. This album and it’s subsequent tours and festival appearances saw the band winning the Best Up and Coming Act category at the BBC Alba Trad Music awards in 2014. Already renowned for their breath-taking live shows the band began to gain success not just within the U.K but also found themselves beginning to perform at some of the most prestigious European Festivals. Since then, the band have made live appearances at some of the most notable venues and festivals across the U.K, Europe and Australia, including Glastonbury, Byron Bay Bluesfest, Colours of Ostrava and multiple headline sell-outs at Celtic Connections.

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SHARING SONGS AND STORIES OF IRELAND Enda Reilly, originally from Dublin, Ireland and now residing in Michigan, enchants audiences with his fresh interpretations of Celtic classics, intertwining guitar and vocal prowess. Winner of the IMRO Christie Hennessy Songwriting Competition, he has collaborated with Aoife Scott who topped the Irish charts with their song All Along The Wild Atlantic Way. With his new album Hy-Brasil Enda passionately brings the essence of Ireland to American audiences.

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Fearn is a traditional Irish trio comprising three accomplished multi-genre instrumentalists - Asher Gray, Erin Brooker-Miller, and Andy Miller. Their instrumentation of flute, harp, and bodhrán creates a lively texture full of punchy melodies, rich harmonies, and groove-based rhythms. Fearn is the Irish name for the third letter of the Ogham alphabet, meaning “alder-tree”.

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We formed Fiddle In The Middle in 2021 during a tour of the southwest and west coast states. During that tour, we recognized a unique and infectious synergy and realized we had much more to share as a group. The band members are based in the Chicagoland area and we draw our inspiration from deep roots and fresh interpretations of Irish, Celtic, and world music.<br><br>Fiddle In The Middle brings you the energy and emotion of traditional Irish folk music, played with passion, heart, and irrepressible joy!

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Finbar MacCarthy is an authentic Irish balladeer with a focus on pub songs, ballads and humor. Finbar moved with his family from their home in Dublin, Ireland in 1992 and describes his musical talent as being a jack of all instruments, master of none. An Irish Fest favorite, MacCarthy is making his 29th appearance at the festival accompanied by Eoin MacCarthy on bass, Franco Rupcich on keyboards and accordion, Dave Clark on banjo and guitar and Marco Conley on mandolin and fiddle.

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Frogwater is the acoustic musical pairing of John Jack & Susan Nicholson. Renowned for their virtuosity and exuberant live performances, they are excited to be returning to Irish Fest, which is always like a big family reunion! Their repertoire spans from Celtic to Delta blues, from classical to pop with a healthy dose of unique original material filling out the mix.

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Storming new quartet, blending of the drive of Irish traditional music and bluegrass along with heart and soul of folk & Appalachian music. Gadan is a new project created by four experienced musicians of Irish trad and European folk/rock scene. They come with years of experience touring the major European and US traditional and alternative folk music festivals. Their high–energy repertoire has a powerful live appeal and a sound comparable to new–trad acts such as Talisk, and WeBanjo3, but with a unique identity thanks to years of experience in several folk scenes, from Appalachian & Old Time to English folk and Irish traditional music. Their lineup consists of two banjos – tenor & clawhammer – fiddle, mandolin, bouzouki and guitar creating an “strings–only” sound with a hint of electronics,driven by a powerful rhythmic pulse.

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Glencastle Irish Dancers, Inc. is a vibrant and inclusive Irish dance school located in Franklin, Wisconsin. Our dedicated studio provides comprehensive Irish dance instruction for both children and adults. We offer a diverse range of opportunities, including competition, solo and team dancing, performances, and a chance to immerse oneself in the traditions of Irish culture. At Glencastle, we prioritize our families and believe in tailoring involvement levels to individual preferences. Whether you seek to learn a few steps or aspire to perform and compete, our experienced staff is committed to fostering a sense of belonging, friendship, school spirit, and confidence in each and every student. Join us as we celebrate the joy of Irish dance while creating lifelong memories.

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The popular and multi-award-winning quintet Goitse was forged in the white-hot creative crucible of Limerick’s Irish World Academy. Named Live Ireland’s “Traditional Group of the Year”, Chicago Irish American News’ “Group of the Year”, as well as winning the prestigious “Freiburger International Leiter 2016” award in Germany, Goitse have become a leader of the new generation of traditional Irish ensembles. Goitse has released four critically acclaimed recordings and maintains a year round touring schedule that includes performances throughout Ireland and the UK, Germany, France and the United States. Their distinctive sound lies in the quality of their own compositions interspersed with traditional tunes from the countryside of Ireland and abroad, which make each performance unique. Laying the foundations for the music are World and All-Ireland Bodhrán champion Colm Phelan and Conal O’Kane, who is fast making a name for himself as one of the finest guitarists of his generation. The gripping rhythm section sets a powerful drive for the music while the sweet, charismatic voice of Áine McGeeney draws audiences into a song the way few performers can. Together, the quintet Goitse makes what Irish Music Magazine calls “Music that’s brimming with energy and creative zeal.” Goitse has released six critically acclaimed recordings and maintains a year round touring schedule that includes performances throughout Ireland, UK, Germany, France and the United States. Their distinctive sound lies in the quality of their own compositions interspersed with age-old traditional tunes which make each performance unique.

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Gray and Gosa (founding members of the accomplished group Ce) team up with Noyes and Langby to play straight ahead Irish traditional music on fiddle, uilleann pipes, accordion, and concertina.

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The Greater Milwaukee Fire and Police Pipes and Drums was founded in 2000 by active and retired members of area fire and police services. Its mission statement is: To honor fire and law enforcement personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The band also performs at all the Milwaukee Stars and Stripes Honor Flights.

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We're a Wisconsin based band that plays a mixture of traditional, contemporary and original Celtic rock music.

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Hugh Irwin, The Kilted Magician, performs comedy magic for all ages. He performs magic in bars/restaurants in the metro Detroit area. He has performed at various Celtic festivals: Sparta Irish festival MotorCity Irish festival Saline Irish festival And others. Hugh is a family entertainer. He will amaze and amuse you.

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I Draw Slow is one of the most unique bands on the Americana scene. Fronted by brother/sister songwriting team Dave Holden (guitar/vocals) and Louise Holden (vocals), this Dublin, Ireland-based group sits squarely at the crossroads of Irish and Appalachian music and has received critical praise for an original sound that bridges the gap between traditional Irish and American roots music.

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Ian, an immigrant from Belfast, Northern Ireland, began his musical career as a kid playing in bands throughout Ireland, the UK & Europe. Ian is currently a solo artist and a singer/songwriter. He has been performing internationally for more than 20 years but is now Milwaukee's Irish son. Ian performs with a wide variety of instruments including the bodhr?n, ukulele, mandolin, harmonica and guitar.

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During a trip to Slovakia in 2017, Dublin born musicians banjo player Adam J. Holohan and guitar player Tomás Mulligan discovered how much they enjoyed playing music together and decided to start a band. Not long after, while sitting at the bar of the famous Cobblestone Pub in Dublin's Smithfield Square, and drinking the strongest ale the Four Provinces Brewery had to offer, inspiration struck and they decided upon a name; Ispíní na hÉireann, and thus the Sausages of Ireland was born. As years went on the band grew to include cellist Aongus MacAmhlaigh and a saxophone and Uilleann Pipes player Pádraig Óg Mac Aodhagáin to round out the greasy ranks, as well as guest players from all over the island.

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Jackie O'Riley spent her formative dance years in the Irish set dancing community in Boston, MA. Over the past two decades, she has ardently sought out old-style step, sean-nós, and set dancing and is now a respected performer and teacher, with a unique repertoire that includes older steps she’s collected from masters and field footage, and original material she’s composed. Jackie performs and teaches in the US, Canada, and Ireland, was an original member of the touring sean-nós dance show Atlantic Steps, and in 2018 performed at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin as part of Na Píobairí Uilleann's production, The Sound of Ireland. She founded, directs, and teaches O’Riley Irish Dance, a unique, non-competitive dance program for kids and teens now in its 15th year, was a 2022 co-recipient of the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Choreography Fellowship, and is a current Live Arts Boston grant recipient. In 2019 she co-released a debut, first-of-its-kind “visual album”, From the Floor. Above all, she believes in prioritizing musicality in dancing, being a part of the wider musical and traditional community, and maintaining the joy that drew her to the tradition in the first place.

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Joe O Donaill grew up on Arainn Mhor (Aran Island) in Donegal. He is an experienced educator and the priomhoide (principal) of Gaelscoil Mide in Dublin. Joe is well known as the singing partner of Ray Mac Manais. Together they've won countless competitions in luibini and agallaimh bheirte. Oireachtas na Gaeilge honored them with a lifetime achievement award for their contribution to the preservation and promotion of this traditional Irish-language art form. Joe emcees the sean-nos dancing competitions at the Oireachtas na Gaeilge, broadcast each fall on TG4. One of Joe's songs, Amhran an Ghaeilgeora Bhig no Amhran Chian, is featured in the collection Leabhar Nua na namhran.

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Joey Abarta has spent more than half his life traveling, teaching, and performing music on the uilleann pipes. Originally from California, he first received instruction on the pipes from Dubliner Pat D’Arcy, a founding member of the Southern California Uilleann Pipers Club. In August of 2009, Joey’s accomplished playing won him a second place title worldwide at the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann. In the fall of 2014 Joey won first prize at the An tOireachtas, becoming the the first American uilleann piper to do so since 1969. In 2015 Joey was honored to be a recipient of a traditional arts apprenticeship from the Massachusetts Cultural Council meaning he was awarded a grant to teach his art to the next generation. This year Joey was awarded an Artist Fellowship in the Traditional Arts from the Massachusetts Cultural Council meaning he was recognized as a bearer and conduit of a cultural tradition by his peers and the state of Massachusetts. Jackie O'Riley spent her formative dance years in the Irish set dancing community in Boston, MA. Over the past 20 years, she has ardently sought out old-style or traditional step dancing, sean-nós dance, and set dancing and is now a respected performer and teacher, with a unique repertoire that includes older steps she’s collected from masters and field footage, and original material she’s composed. Jackie performs and teaches in the US, Canada, and Ireland, was an original member of the touring sean-nós dance show Atlantic Steps, and in 2018 performed at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin as part of Na Píobairí Uilleann's production, The Sound of Ireland. She founded, directs, and teaches O’Riley Irish Dance, a unique, non-competitive dance program for kids and teens now in its 14th year, is the co-recipient of a 2017 and 2022 grant for choreographers through the Boston Foundation, and a co-recipient of a Mass Cultural Council Fellowship in Choreography in 2021.

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Julianne Stanz is a story teller, poet and author originally from County Carlow, now living on the shores of Lake Michigan. She punctuates her talks seminars, retreats and classes with Irish wit, humor and occasionally a hefty dose of blarney! She is married with three children and combs the beaches of Lake Michigan for sea glass and obscure forgotten treasures.

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Since 1994, Kabosh has become one of the leading independent theatre companies in the north of Ireland. The company has developed a reputation for both addressing the legacy of conflict and creating quality cultural tourism product, by giving a voice to site, space and people. Through blending new writing and unusual locations every production is unique. The company gives audiences a theatrical experience that encourages them to reimagine a space, a person or a moment in history. We aim to break down barriers to access the arts and maximise participation for all.

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Kim Robertson is a prominent performer, arranger, recording artist and pioneer of the Celtic harp in North America. Her playing combines inventiveness & virtuosity with a keen sense of melody & respect for tradition. Classically trained on piano and pedal harp, her discovery of the Celtic harp in the mid-70's grew into a profound love for the instrument, setting her upon the path of exploration for which she is now widely known. Her work encompasses numerous recordings, published harp arrangements, and an international itinerary of concerts, workshops and retreats. www.kimrobertson.net.

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Kinsella Irish Dance was founded in 2004 with the mission to develop a premier Irish dance program. The founders and owners of Kinsella are Ryan and Brigid Kinsella-Alba. With locations in Milwaukee, Brookfield, and the Fox Cities, Kinsella offers instruction for dancers as young as 2 years old. Kinsella currently has three solo regional champions and dancers raked as high as fifth in the world. It is an honor to be able to teach Irish dancing and pass down many traditions.

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A Milwaukee tradition in Irish folk music, Leahys Luck has performed its brand of traditional and popular Irish songs throughout the Midwest and at Irish Fest for 33 consecutive years. A past winner of the Wisconsin Area Music Industry's World/Ethnic Group of the Year, this family band conveys the essence of Ireland with passionate vocals and rousing music.

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Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, patron of the arts, Lúnasa is indeed a gathering of some of the top musical talents in Ireland. Its members have helped form the backbone of some of the greatest Irish groups of the decade. Bassist Trevor Hutchinson was a key member of The Waterboys, and later he, with guitarist Donogh Hennessy, would form the dynamic rhythm section of The Sharon Shannon Band; Ed Boyd (Flook, Michael McGoldrick Band) has recently replaced Hennessy; Fiddler Sean Smyth is an All-Ireland champion who has played with Donal Lunny’s Coolfin; Kevin Crawford, considered to be among the finest flutists in Ireland played with the acclaimed traditional group Moving Cloud; and, piper Cillian Vallely of the famous Vallely artistic clan has performed with Riverdance and recently recorded with Bruce Springsteen. Folk Roots magazine has rightly termed them an “Irish music dream team.”

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Celtic harpist Mary Ann Miller has appeared at Milwaukee Irish Fest since our first year in 1981. This local artist has traveled the world honing her craft and has become a true legend. We are honored to invite her back year after year.

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Music was a way of life when Mary was growing up in East Clare. Born in the townland of Clondanagh between Tulla and Feakle, from an early age she was in the company of the great masters of Irish Traditional Music of the region such as John Naughton, Martin Rochford, P. Joe Hayes, Francie Donnellan, Joe Bane and Bill Malley. And there was plenty of musical guidance and inheritance from her parents who were both from musical families. Mary learned much from her mother Ita whose discernment in music was unquestionable, with a musical pedigree reaching back many generations. Mary’s musical style was further honed and perfected as a young girl sitting by the fireside in the homes of Mikey Donoghue in Ballinahinch and P. Joe Hayes of Maghera and then Sunday afternoon sessions with Joe Bane and Bill Malley in Lena's Bar in Feakle. This unique musical nurturing has resulted in Mary being a highly respected musician performing at home and abroad and also one of the most sought-after teachers of Irish Music today. Awarded with the prestigious Gradam Ceoil TG4 Young Musician of the Year 2021, Sorcha Costello is a traditional Irish fiddle player from Tulla Co. Clare and hails from a family immersed in traditional Irish music. From a young age, Sorcha has enjoyed performing nationally and internationally including tours of New Zealand, Australia and America already this year. She is also in high demand as a teacher of music, especially in her home area of East Clare because of her ability to transmit her unique style which has the trademark rhythm and swing qualities of generations of her family.

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Through Irish dance, McNamara McCarthy dancers learn to embrace their true selves, work hard and lift each other up, allowing them to achieve feats they never thought possible.

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Milwaukee Irish Arts has been bringing the Irish story to American audiences for over 30 years.

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The Milwaukee Irish Dance Studio was founded with the goal of providing an accessible and enjoyable environment for dancers of all ages and abilities to learn Irish dance. With professional teachers, a variety of classes, multiple performance and competitive opportunities, we offer a unique and personalized experience!

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In keeping with our mission to promote Irish music and culture, Milwaukee Irish Fest is proud to sponsor The Milwaukee Irish Fest School of Music. Opened in the fall of 2002 at the beautiful Milwaukee Irish Fest center, a dedicated faculty of musicians has come together to offer instruction in instrumental Irish traditional dance music to students of all ages. The Milwaukee Irish Fest School of Music is part of CelticMKE.

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Irish Fest Summer School Celtic Kids Camp.

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Traditional music from the Celtic diaspora: Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, Galicia, Asturias, Brittany, and the Canadian Maritimes.

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Natalie married Donnell Leahy in 2002, who came to prominence as the lead fiddle player for The Leahy Family. Together the pair have released two albums together. The first, One, was released in 2015, and was produced by legendary producer Bob Ezrin. The pair released a traditional Christmas album, A Celtic Family Christmas, the year after. Natalie and Donnell have toured the world together and even feature their seven music-loving children in their performances!

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O'DARBY plays traditional Irish pub songs, ballads, improvisation & humor... adding lovely original songs in the spirit of the old style. The best Irish band we've ever had! - Erin's Snug Irish Pub ​ You guys were great! Your music was foot-stomping fun! The guests couldn't have been happier... and that makes me happy! - Fields Reserve Thisenergy, harmony and fun is conjured by: sweet-voiced guitarist Pete Burns, fiddle, banjo & flute player Doug Brown, boisterous singer-guitarist Ken Lonnquist and mesmerizing accordionist-vocalist washboard-master Espere Eckard-Lee

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O’Jizo is a trio of multi-instrumentalists from Tokyo, Japan who play traditional Irish music. Formed in 2008, the band plays both traditional arrangements and original compositions. Featuring the Irish wooden flute, and the Irish tin whistle, their sound is layered with combinations of the piano accordion, bouzouki, guitar, and mandolin. As authentic as a traditional music session by a turf fire in County Clare, Ireland, their unique style shows subtle influences -- from the smooth syncopation of Chicago jazz, to the driving rhythms of World music, and the soft flutter of cherry blossoms in the Land of the Rising Sun. O’Jizo perform -- with serene gleefulness -- the cutting edge of a new Celtic sound. Their warm personalities shine through on stage, and they enjoy meeting audience members one-on-one after a performance. Their path to Irish music began in childhood, with the magic of Tokyo Disneyland and Hollywood movies which introduced the band members to American music. Later, after advanced studies in ethnomusicology, and experimenting with classical and traditional music from around the world, the band members met each other and chose Irish music as their favourite. It was the natural choice because the music felt familiar and comfortable -- and is the root of many of the American music styles they were drawn to in their youth. With great respect for the music, they studied in Ireland and have since been welcomed back as Masters of the Tradition.

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Onóir are a modern Irish male folk group, who sing harmony-focused songs and musical arrangements. Formed in August of 2020, when four individual, Donegal-based musicians; Tom McHugh, Declan Gaughan, Deane Connaghan, and Diarmaid McGee, joined forces to create a contemporary version of the famous Irish folk ballad; “The Auld Triangle”. Onóir are currently touring their theatre show across Ireland, the UK, and abroad, and also recording their debut album which is scheduled for launch in the autumn of this year.

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Paula Stokes was born and grew up in Ireland. She graduated from the National College of Art and Design(NCAD), Dublin, Ireland, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Glass Design. She also has a Certificate in Glassmaking and Technology from the Dudley College of Technology, UK. Stokes received the Milnora Roberts Scholarship for Academic Excellence in Printmaking from the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Stokes moved to Seattle in 1993. In 1995, she travelled to Ireland to work on Dale Chihuly’s prestigious Chihuly Over Venice project at Waterford Crystal. Stokes continued to work with Chihuly’s team until 2000, specifically working as a project lead in the construction of his Chandeliers series. She has exhibited her own work extensively, with exhibitions including Wild Geese at the Green Door Gallery in Brooklyn, NY, (2020), 1845: Memento Mori at the Jefferson County Museum of Art and History, and at METHOD Gallery, (2019), Solas: Light Inspires Glass, Morean Arts Center, Florida (2017), Into The Field, The Model Contemporary Art Center, Sligo (2014), Future Beauty at the National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny(2013), Critical Selection, Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin, Collect 2012, Saatchi Gallery, London, Engaging with Glass, Traver Gallery, Tacoma, and the Solstice Arts Centre, Co. Meath, Ireland (2011- 2012), Supermarket, Stockholm, Sweden (2012), Transformation, Shift Gallery, Seattle (2012), 21st Century Irish Craft, National Museum of Ireland (2011), and The Wild Geese, Crafts Council of Ireland Gallery, Ireland (2007). Stokes’ work is included in many collections including the National Museum of Ireland and the Irish Embassies in Brussels and Beijing. She has been awarded Artist’s Residencies at the Cill Rialaig Arts Centre, Ballinskelligs, Ireland, and at the Jefferson County Museum of Art and History, Port Townsend, Washington.

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The Providence Ceili band began when local fiddler Ed Paloucek assembled a group consisting of his own children and other guests to play dances in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The first ceili was well received, and a series of regularly scheduled dances followed over the next three years. Two fiddles, accordion and bodhran will be augmented by Irish Fest regular and extended family member Sue Spencer on guitar for our first festival appearance. The tunes Ed has taught his children are drawn from his many years immersed in the tradition and include tunes both old and new!

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Radiation is a dynamic alternative fiddle rock band hailing from Southeast Wisconsin. A fusion of chunky guitar riffs, bright fiddle melodies and powerful vocals, Radiation fuses elements of Celtic rock, hard rock and alternative to push boundaries with their unique sound. At the core of Radiation are two sisters, Lily Black and Olive Fritz. Lily's mesmerizing vocals and masterful guitar skills form the band's backbone, while Olive's virtuoso fiddle performance adds an electrifying dimension to their sound. The deep-rooted connection between Lily and Olive as sisters transcends into their music, creating a magnetic onstage chemistry that elevates their performance. Adding depth and rhythm to the band is Tom Fritz, a seasoned musician who not only brings his skill as a drummer but also shares vocal duties with Lily. As the father of Lily and Olive, Tom brings familial harmony to Radiation's music, further enhancing their distinctive sound. Radiation's performances are a testament to their collective artistry, blending the bright, lively energy of the fiddle with the raw intensity of hard rock. Nominated in 2023 for WAMI New Artist of the year and Artist of the year, for and again in 2024 for Olive as WAMI violinist of the year and instrumentalist of the year and for Lily as WAMI Rising Star, they are quickly garnering the attention of both fans and peers alike. Focused on bringing the world a sound that isn't a dime a dozen, they captivate audiences everywhere. Radiation is: Guitarist and vocalist Lily Fritz, drummer and vocalist Tom Fritz and violinist Olive Fritz. test test

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Ray is a former President of Oireachtas na Gaeilge. He is a teacher, writer and musician whose published works include biography and children's poetry and stories. He has written several plays for children and adults, some of which were commissioned by An Taibhdhearc, the national Irish language theatre in Galway. He and his colleague Joe Ó Dónaill are well known exponents of the Luibin - the traditional Gaelic satirical two-hander which is sung in verse. Oireachtas na Gaeilge honoured them with a lifetime achievement award for their contribution to the preservation and promotion of this ancient Gaelic art form. Ray was for many years Principal of an all-Irish school in Dublin. He currently lectures in the Irish language Deptartment of the Marino Institute of Education, an associated college of the University of Dublin, Trinity College. Hedge School Presentation: Traditional Irish Arts: Oireachtas na Gaeilge, 120 years of Culture and Fun ----- The Oireachtas na Gaeilge is an Irish language and cultural organisation which was founded in 1896. Many of the leaders of the 1916 Rising were active in it. Padraig Pearse was national secretary for many years. It is stronger now than it has ever been in its 122 year history and the annual gathering regularly attracts up to 10,000 Gaelic speakers, most of them young people, during the first week in November every year. ----- The Oireachtas, more than any other organization, has been responsible for nurturing and promoting the sean-nos (old style) dancing and singing, which is enjoying a worldwide revival at the moment.

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Voted 2019 and 2015 Celtic band of the year by Wisconsin Area Music Industry, Reilly have garnered a reputation for being an interactive, get-off-your-chair act. The band's travel circuit around the Midwest continues to grow along with their reputation for being a highly respected and professional level group. National programs such as Good Morning Ireland, Blarney on the Air, and Paddyrock internet radio have featured Reilly and Celtic Radio Music Network rates them as five out of five stars. Their ability to adapt Celtic music to an American rock audience, and include unexpected rock favorites into their set, makes them the perfect eclectic choice in today's watered down and predictable Celtic scene.

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Culture from the ground up: teaching Irish language and heritage at Oideas Gael Why learn a minority language like Irish? The phrase ?ni lia duine na tuairim? (?people are no more plentiful than opinions?) seems apt as a response to this question. However, one area of increasing interest in recent years is the relationship between language and landscape, and how learning the oldest languages spoken in a given region can help to better understand that place and the people living there. For a long time, Oideas Gael, based in southwest Co. Donegal, has offered a variety of language courses and cultural activity holidays for visitors from Ireland and across the world, but more and more we have tried to interweave the teaching of the language with subjects like archaeology, geology, ecology, place names and folklore. This approach draws on the past but incorporates technology and modern teaching methods to offer participants a holistic picture of the present. This talk will discuss our efforts to date and what we have learned. Ronan Dochartaigh is Language Director at Oideas Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille, located in the spectacular Donegal Gaeltacht. Oideas Gael has been providing courses in Irish language and culture since 1984. His background is in IT and he built several popular websites such as www.duchas.ie (National Folklore Collection of Ireland). He has also taught the Irish language to adults for almost 15 years and was previously a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant at the University of Notre Dame.

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A seasoned performer with over 32 years on the road, Rory has toured extensively with The Makem Brothers, and the Makem and Spain Brothers and for 17 years played guitar with his father, Tommy Makem. He has played sold-out venues, festivals, and theaters throughout the United States, Canada, England, Scotland and Ireland. At his best on stage, Rory captivates his audiences with charisma, passion for the songs, poetry, history, humor and skilled musicianship. Dónal Clancy is regarded as one of Ireland's finest guitarists. He is the son of the world renowned singer Liam Clancy of The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem and has since the death of his father focused his attention on the family repertoire of songs that he grew up with, while keeping the Clancy tradition alive with his solo performances.

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Rory Modlinski has been singing and playing folk music for the last 20 years. Now in his third decade of emulating the past into a new generation, Rory has launched what he affectionally calls: The Rory Modlinski Experience. Playing songs from the folk revival of the '50s and '60s, to Appalachian music, to Irish folk music, and beyond, you never know what will happen next at a Rory Modlinski Experience show. This gathering of different styles and genres always proves to entertain all ages.

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The Schauer School of the Arts began offering Irish dance to Hartford in 2003 through collaborations with Cashel-Dennehy Irish Dance, Kinsella Academy of Dance, and Trinity Irish Dance. Irish became a permanent part of the dance schedule in Fall 2012, and the program has grown to include approximately 100 students and four instructors. The Schauer Irish Dance Troupe was established in Fall 2016. Operating under the direction of Hannah Voelkel, the Schauer Irish Dance Troupe allows upper level Irish students the chance to share their passion with the community and learn about dancing at a semi-professional level. They've performed at Milwaukee's Holiday Folk Fair International, ShamRock at Washington County Fair Park, and Scoop Deville in Hartford, as well as at many schools, senior living communities, and community organizations. Schauer Irish dancers made their debut at Irish Fest MKE in 2018 and they are honored to return for a second year.

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Screaming Orphans are a chart-topping all-sister Celtic folk and pop band from Donegal. They are known worldwide for their award-winning sound combining original pop songs with a unique take on traditional Irish music. From an early age, the Diver sisters entertained international audiences around Ireland accompanying their mother, legendary céilí singer Kathleen Fitzgerald. The band has always defied being pigeonholed, having masterfully developed their own unique fusion of folk and pop. The sisters’ trademark spine-tingling four-part harmony and mastery of their instruments combined with their highly energized performances take audiences of all ages on an exhilarating and emotional musical journey.

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A four-decade veteran of the Irish/Celtic festival circuit, Seamus Kennedy was first influenced by the legendary Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. From them he learned the importance of not only being a solid musician, but also of being an all-round entertainer. With a thorough knowledge of the traditional and contemporary songs of Ireland and Scotland, he is equally proficient with American music, be it folk, country, bluegrass or a little Western Swing.

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Independent Irish singer and guitarist Síomha (pronounced She-vah) dances the line between folk, jazz and neo-soul effortlessly taking audiences on an unexpected and unforgettable journey with her soulful melodies. Her debut album ‘Infinite Space’, described by The Irish Times as “a seriously accomplished and self-confident debut”, is a collection of songs in both Irish and English. A kind of cosmic, folk-informed, jazz-tinged, post-pop - it was produced by Grammy-nominated Tyler Duncan and features an all-star lineup of musicians including Joe Dart (Vulfpeck), Louis Cato (Bobby McFerrin/ Snarky Puppy), Martin Atkinson Borrull (Toucan) and violinist Jeremy Kittel (Bela Fleck/ Chris Thile). Síomha’s voice is full of raw heartfelt experience. When listening to her, audiences are instantly moved to feel on the deepest level and come out more intimately connected to their own worlds.

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The Steam Quartet is a powerful combo of the leading exponents of traditional Irish music from the international acoustic scene. Chicago artists John Williams, Katie Grennan, Steve Morrow and Jeff Lindblade have thrilled audiences from Shanghai to Chicago and from Paris to Pittsburgh. Concertina, fiddle, bodhran and guitar ignite to raise the rafters and warm the heart. Appearances on BBC, PBS, Dreamworks, Riverdance and with the Chieftains round out their various backgrounds and their versatility embraces dance, wit, and road-tested musical integrity.

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Stephanie O’Connell is a professional genealogist with expertise in discovering the captivating stories of our ancestors’ lives, offering a unique window into history. Certified by the Board for Certification of Genealogists® and having a background in corporate real estate, Stephanie also assists clients with locating missing and unknown heirs and citizenship applications. Stephanie is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, National Genealogical Society, New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, and the Seattle Genealogical Society.

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Amongst the most talked-about folk bands of the 21st century, Talisk tear apart stereotypes and redefine the genre. With over 15 million streams, sold out shows across five continents, and headline appearances at festivals the world over, the Scottish trio have amassed a global following. Wielding instruments that have rarely seen the likes of their music, Mohsen Amini (concertina), Benedict Morris (violin) and Charlie Galloway (guitar) have gathered major awards for their explosively energetic sound. Never afraid to push musical boundaries, or test the live production capabilities of just three people, there’s captivating a crowd, and then there’s Talisk. Extraordinary” / Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 “Doubling the power of three” / The Scotsman “the technical ability of each member is clear in their energetic, dynamic sound” / Songlines “an exciting sound that, in this case literally, drags an audience out of its seats.” / The Glasgow Herald

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The Bow Tides is a powerhouse Celtic ensemble led by three Irish fiddlers: Ellery Klein, Jessie Burns and Katie Grennan. These dynamic women are veterans of the stage and studio, with a collective 15 years as the fiddlers with the Irish-American supergroup Gaelic Storm. They are joined by Grammy-nominated bassist Eric Thorin and guitarist Jeff Lindblade, holding down the low end. The group is bonded by their shared history, love of composition and rich harmonic arrangements, and a deep creative, calling. Their debut recording, Sailing On, is packed full of gorgeous original compositions as well as a breadth of uniquely arranged traditional tunes from Ireland, Scotland and Galicia. The Bow Tides is a band that celebrates community and collaboration, delivering uplifting music that evokes joy, with a feel and sound unlike anything else out there.

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The Byrne Brothers are taking Traditional Irish Music and Dance to a whole new level Irish Music Magazine<br><br> Boys of Doorin Review - The Byrne Brothers’ enthusiasm, personality, and natural gift for music are prominent throughout this record. 5 Stars Celtic Radio.com <br><br> The Byrne Brothers, from Donegal, Ireland, are a multi award winning family band currently taking the Irish American scene by storm! <br><br> Their achievements include a massive social media presence, winning the Young Artist Academy© Award for Outstanding Music Ensemble and being named Rising Stars of the Year by American Celtic Radio Listeners for their album Living the Dream. <br><br> All County champion musicians, Ulster champion Irish dancers, they are well known for their electrifying and high-energy performances that showcase modern traditional Irish music and world-class Irish dancing., infectious humor, incredible talent and that’s why they have a reputation for being a must see band at festivals!

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Driven by a passion for exploring the colors and complexities of Irish music, The Consequences are a new Irish traditional band founded by Lexie Boatright (concertina & harp), Jake James (fiddle), Cara Wildman (bodhrán & dance), and Ryan Ward (piano & piano accordion). Award-winning soloists in their own right, the quartet comes together to create a dynamic and enthralling sound with a combination of traditional and original tunes.

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JUNO Award-winners, The East Pointers, are redefining the ever-evolving genre – modern folk – with dancefloor-shaking, ceiling-rattling, electro-trad breakdowns, and a glorious combination of folk, pop, and dance music. Already internationally acknowledged as musical trailblazers, their latest EPs House Of Dreams and Safe In Sound capture the furious energy of their live shows and push the boundaries of East Coast folk while lighting a path for a new generation of music lovers. <br><br> Their debut album Secret Victory won the 2017 JUNO Award for ‘Traditional Album of the Year’, their 2017 album What We Leave Behind and their 2022 EP House Of Dreams were nominated for JUNO Awards, and they have developed loyal fanbases in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the UK, Europe, Mexico, the USA, and Canada.

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The Finns are a highly successful folk music duo from Laois, Ireland, brothers Hugh and Ciaran Finn. Their roots lie in traditional Irish music but their original songs have been described as alt-folk roots, or indie folk music, with strong hints of blues and rock.

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Fiddles flutes guitars percussion and rich harmonies define the soulful Celtic rock that is The Gleasons. Their energetic performance will take you on a musical journey that will leave you singing smiling and stomping your feet! Since 2002 they have been making music together and loved very minute of it! Most of the songs The Gleasons perform are their own compositions. Many different influences have blended together to create the Gleason Sound. They cite Clannad, Tom Petty, U2, The Pogues, and Johnny Cash as among the many artists that have made their inspirational mark on them. The Gleasons believe that music brings people together, and they bring that belief, along with the pure joy of playing, to every single performance. They hope you enjoy the show!

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The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy and newest member Paul O’ Brien. The High Kings formed in June 2007 when Brian, Darren, Finbarr and former member Martin Furey were asked to join a brand-new Irish ballad group by David Kavanagh after he had noticed a gap in the market for a band specialising in traditional Irish music. It didn’t take long during their first studio rehearsal for them to realise that the way their individual voices blended together meant that they were onto something special. The High Kings play 13 instruments between them, creating the unique sound and atmosphere that they still showcase to this day. This was confirmed when their self-titled debut album reached number 2 on the world Billboard Music chart. In March 2009 The High Kings played 5 consecutive sold out shows to a packed audience in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre.

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The Jeremiahs is an Irish folk band that comprises four musicians who have come together with the common goal of writing, composing and performing folk songs and music. They have travelled extensively, bringing their music far and wide and are heralded as a live band not to be missed. With a wonderful mixture of newly composed songs and tunes in the folk genre and a well selected catalogue of older folk songs, they are sure to rouse all the emotions. Hailing from County Dublin is singer Joe Gibney on vocals. On fiddle and vocals is New York born Matt Mancuso . On flute from County Clare is Conor Crimmins and on Guitar is Dublin born James Ryan.

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The O'Bradys are a contemporary Irish Folk band from the Lake Country region of southeast Wisconsin, performing a diverse selection of Irish and Scottish folk tunes, pub favorites and ballads, that feature tight harmony, acoustic instrumentation -- and a dash of Americana. Like their idols, Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem, the O'Bradys strive to create a blend of rollicking Irish tunes, humorous banter and tender ballads The O'Bradys are anchored by brothers Mark and Stephen ?O'Brady? Hollister. The core duo is enhanced by the fiddle playing of Jan McDonald.

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The Oireachtas na Gaeilge started in 1897 and is Ireland’s premier Irish cultural festival. It’s famous for competitions in traditional sean-nós singing, sean-nós dance, humorous songs, storytelling and music. Contestants range from young children to seniors. There are also awards for books and broadcasting, panel discussions, book launches, a vendor fair -- all happening in the Irish language. You’ll get a taste of that in our Gaeltacht. <br><br> Fear an Tí (host) Ray Mac Mánais is a teacher, writer and musician; he frequently performs with Joe Ó Dónaill. Together they have won countless competitions in the Lúibin – a traditional Gaelic satirical duet and the Agallamh Beirte - a poetic battle of wits in which the fluency of the language and the rhythm and rhyming structures are paramount. Don’t miss their bilingual Irish/English lúibín/triúbín together with Gearóid Ó Mórdha (flute). <br><br> Caitlín Ní Chualáin is a champion of sean-nós singing, who won the Corn Uí Riada competition in 2016 at the Oireachtas na Samhna. Sean-nós dancer Jackie O’Riley from Boston is an acclaimed dance instructor, and is joined by her husband uilleann piper Joey Abarta. <br><br> Fiddler Ed Paloucek has been a part of southeastern Wisconsin's vibrant music scene since the early 1990s; he also plays with Atlantic Wave and the Providence Céilí Band. Guitarist Sue Spencer hails from Duluth and comes by her Irish roots through Newfoundland; she also plays with the Providence Céilí Band.

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Rapidly becoming one of Ireland’s most popular entertainment acts. The Tumbling Paddies have grown from strength to strength, particularly in the past two years. It is no surprise that their music is played in many venues throughout the world. Originally starting out in 2014 as a five-piece performing at local weddings and pubs in their beloved County Fermanagh the band has continuously evolved to where they are today. It wasn’t long until Oisin came in on keyboards and the band started to expand on their music gaining more and more followers as they toured. A major turning point was the chance introduction with Manager Andrew Cox after a performance in Belleek, County Fermanagh. Andrew gave the lads the drive and determination to record and perform throughout Ireland and further afield. After a few years of heavy gigging and indeed the band's first album of ten original tracks they have attracted a large group of loyal fans throughout Ireland and further afield. They continue to sell out venues up and down Ireland such as the TF Castlebar and the INEC in Killarney as well as many venues throughout the world having previously toured in Dubai, Germany, Spain, and England.

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Timothy G. McMahon is an associate professor of history at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the Past President of the American Conference for Irish Studies. Tim is a social historian with interests in nationalism and national identity, popular culture (especially popular religion), and Empire. He is the author of Grand Opportunity: The Gaelic Revival and Irish Society, 1893-1910 (2008) and editor of Pádraig Ó Fathaigh's War of Independence: Recollections of a Galway Gaelic Leaguer (2000) and (with Michael de Nie and Paul Townend) of Ireland in an Imperial World: Citizenship, Opportunism, and Subversion (2017). Tim was named the Rev. William Neenan, S.J., Visiting Fellow at Boston College-Ireland in 2011, received a Franklin Research Grant from the American Philosophical Society in 2017, and was Visiting Research Professor at the Institute of Irish Studies at Queen's University, Belfast, in the spring of 2018. Also in 2018, he received the Way Klingler Fellowship in the Humanities and Social Sciences from Marquette, a three-year award, to facilitate work on his current book project about the impact of Irish partition on identities across the island.

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tis - A four member group of music enthusiasts that play all the favorite songs, jigs, and reels of Ireland. While distinctively traditional and always entertaining, Irish/Celtic music is mostly played, but it's not ALL that you'll experience when listening to 'tis. Our goal is to entertain our audience with high energy, hand clapping, foot stomping music that will certainly leave you with a smile! The guys love to celebrate Ireland's musical heritage (and just a wee bit of their own) with just about anyone who will sit down and share a pint at any Irish pub, festival, gathering, wedding or ANYWHERE else Irish music is enjoyed and appreciated!

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Since 1982, Trinity has taught over 10,000 students around Milwaukee, Madison and Chicagoland to Irish dance. You may have watched their dancers perform on Conan, The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, local news broadcasts, on stage at local festivals and parades. They live and breathe their mission of elevating children, the community and the world through the power and grace of Irish dance. Come watch them perform on Friday and Sunday! Join the Trinity Family and register your little ones for Irish Dance Classes at a location near you!

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Úlla came together organically via shared connections in the Austin music scene. All full-time musicians, Úlla is comprised of a bunch of Irish expats joined by several trad-Irish music fans to form a collective that share and celebrate a mutual love of Irish musical heritage. Pat Byrne (vocals and guitar), from Borris, County Carlow moved to Austin to work on writing and form a band to play his original music. Andrea Magee, of Austin staple Beat Root Revival (vocals, bodhran, whistle), from Belfast, County Antrim, grew up singing in a family band, learning traditional songs from her father and sisters as a teen. Rich Brotherton (vocals, guitar, cittern), grew up playing music in Augusta, Georgia. After college he spent two summers in Doolin, County Clare, soaking up traditional reels, jigs and songs. He later moved to Texas and toured for years with the Robert Earl Keen band. Rich now works as the proprietor of Ace Recording, a cosy, well-appointed studio in south Austin. Kris Wade (bass, vocals), from Houston, Texas, has played every style of music the Austin scene offers from swing (Emily Gimble/Marshall Ford Swing Band) to blues (Guy Forsyth) to pop (Pat Byrne) to funky-tonk(Doug Strahan and the Good Neighbors), and now Irish folk with Úlla, Kris has the bottom end covered with style and taste.

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Take to the skies as comedy ventriloquist Wayne Francis and Wingnut barnstorm their way into your hearts! As the fun unfolds, you will experience lots of hilarious puppet characters, cartoon voices, original jokes and music. This one of a kind comedy troupe performs at festivals, colleges, comedy clubs, cruise ships and special events all over the country. But be careful, you might end up with voices coming out of your mouth! Wayne & Wingnut is more fun than a room full of rhinos!

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