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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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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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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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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Bog Bodies emerges as a powerhouse Irish ensemble, masterfully blending traditional Irish melodies with a contemporary, raw edge. Inspired by the enigmatic megalithic sites of Ireland, the band is formed by songwriter and archaeologist, Dan Maher. Their genre-bending, high-energy folk sound is characterized by the interplay of traditional Irish instruments such as the bodhrán, flute, and mandolin with guitars and drums, creating a unique blend of old and new, earthy and electric. Combining the storytelling traditions of Irish folk with the raw intensity of rock and a dash of world music for good measure. Bog Bodies' songs are charged from the ancient megalithic sites of Ireland and are often political, ethereal, and Celtic/Pagan in theme. The band's name is inspired by the ancient bog bodies that have been discovered in Ireland, which were preserved in peat bogs for centuries, giving them a deep and mysterious aura. This fascination with the ancient and mystical is a recurring theme in the band's music, which is infused with the spirit of the land and the stories of its people.

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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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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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For four decades, Cherish the Ladies has captivated audiences worldwide as one of the most celebrated Irish music ensembles in history. Renowned for their exhilarating mix of traditional Irish music, stunning vocals, and propulsive step dancing, they have won the hearts of audiences and critics alike. As the Boston Globe aptly puts it: It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do! This Grammy-nominated group has forged a path for women in the male-dominated Irish music scene, leaving a lasting legacy with 18 critically acclaimed albums and thousands of performances worldwide, from prestigious concert halls to the Olympics and even the White House. Led by the dynamic flute and whistle virtuoso Joanie Madden, a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Award, Cherish the Ladies offers an unforgettable experience of music, song, and dance—a true masterclass in entertainment. Alongside Madden are stellar musicians; Mary Coogan on guitar, Mirella Murray on accordion, Kathleen Boyle on piano, Nollaig Casey on fiddle, vocalist Kate Purcell, and a talented ensemble of world-class dancers.

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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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Mallon’s debut solo album has exploded on to the folk/traditional scene, featuring mostly his own compositions. The Irish Times has praised Mallon’s “High-octane production” debut. He is joined in the band by three of Ireland’s finest exponents who all recorded on Unearthed, playing some amazing tunes and songs together as a live touring band. The Unearthed band comprises the all-star line-up of Paul Starrett; Electric Guitar, Jack Warnock; Acoustic Guitar/ Vocals and Fintan Mulholland; Bodhran/ Whistles.

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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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Dave has been researching family histories, including his own, for over 40 years. Dave has also worked for almost 45 years in radio and television and retired in July of 2019. He has many family connections to Northeast Wisconsin. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois, a Master of Arts Degree from The University of Illinois, Springfield, and a Professional Learning Certificate of Genealogical Studies in Irish records from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies near Toronto, Ontario. He is a member of the Irish Genealogical Society International and now serves on the board. He also records a monthly podcast on the IGSI YouTube channel. He has appeared in three episodes of Dead Files on the Travel Channel. He has authored articles on many genealogy topics and continues to speak to groups on genealogy and family history. Dave has worked with the Ulster Historical Foundation in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and has been to Ireland and Northern Ireland several times for research and to visit family. His genealogy blogs and video vlogs can also be found at his website, www.theancestorguy.com

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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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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 - The Céilí King' - Éamonn de Cógáin is a celebrated Irish entertainer, MC, and dance caller, known far and wide as The Céilí King. With an infectious energy and a deep passion for Irish music and dance, Éamonn has led lively céilís and hosted major festivals across Ireland, the U.S., and beyond. Whether calling traditional dances for crowds of all ages or keeping audiences engaged as an emcee, he brings unparalleled enthusiasm and charm to every event, ensuring an unforgettable experience wherever he takes the stage.

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Elias Alexander is a rare performer who combines live looping and electronics with a wide variety of instruments from bagpipes to fiddle, guitar, whistle and keys. With deep roots in traditional Celtic and American music, but a boundless appetite for possibility, rhythm, and expression, Elias takes audiences on a mind blowing journey through traditional tunes, original songs, and danceable fun.

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Emma Langford calls Limerick City in the West of Ireland home. Storytelling sits at the heart of everything this songwriter does| interweaving her live performances, and shining through her works. Hers is an inimitable, dreamy voice at the frontline of a new wave of Irish folk. An award-winning songwriter and performer, Emma Langford's work pivots on an axis of myth, history, identity and femininity. Her music is inspired by her upbringing in a country where storytelling is king - imbued with humour, vibrant imagery and all the drama of the rugged West coast of Ireland. ----- Since 2017 Emma has written and independently released two highly acclaimed albums, Quiet Giant & Sowing Acorns, laying the groundwork for a bright, busy future. ----- In 2019 Emma Langford made her US debut at the world's largest celebration of Irish music, Milwaukee Irish Fest. She traverses the Atlantic once again this August, with cellist and flautist Dr. Alec Brown.

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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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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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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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A storming new band, blending the drive of Irish traditional music and bluegrass with the heart and soul of folk and Appalachian music—spiced up with an Italian seasoning for extra flair! Gadan is a fresh project created by seasoned Italian musicians from the Irish trad and European folk/rock scene, all with years of experience performing at major traditional and alternative music festivals across Europe and the US. The band originally featured four members, all Italian, bringing exceptional skill and passion to Irish traditional music and old-time American styles—a distinctive and remarkable combination. Among the founding members are Lorenzo Testa and Jacopo Ventura, both longtime performers on international stages. In 2024, they were joined by Enda Scahill, a tenor banjo master, award-winner, All-Ireland champion, and founder of We Banjo 3. With Enda, Gadan expanded into a five-member band. Together, Gadan and Enda performed at all the major Irish festivals across the US during August 2024, marking the start of an exciting collaboration that is set to continue into the future. Their high-energy repertoire has a powerful live appeal, reminiscent of new-trad acts, but with a unique identity. With three banjos—tenor and clawhammer—fiddle, mandolin, and guitar, they create a distinctive “strings-only” sound, enhanced by subtle electronics and driven by a powerful rhythmic pulse. In 2025, the band completed its line-up with the addition of Eric Long, a gifted clawhammer banjoist and singer-songwriter originally from the mountainous heart of Pennsylvania—a region deeply rooted in Appalachian tradition—and now based in San Francisco. Eric brings a raw, authentic American folk soul to the group’s transatlantic sound, further expanding their dynamic and diverse musical identity.

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Michael and Matthew Gardiner are American born Irish Dancers living in Galway, Ireland. They have over 800 million views on social media, have won over 40 major Irish dancing titles between them and have performed to audiences all over the globe at their own corporate events and with the world famous Riverdance cast. They are known for their fast paced and rhythmic style of dance that they developed after training at the Hession School of Irish Dance in Galway, Ireland.

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Garron is an online comedy content creator and musician from Mayo. He burst onto the scene in late 2022 by posting videos on TikTok, quickly becoming one of Ireland's most recognized creators, captivating audiences far beyond the Emerald Isle. In addition to his comedic talents, Garron is a professional musician and has participated in the BBC’s radio series Big Comic Energy. He also hosts the food podcast Listen, I'm Delicious, where he combines his love for humor and culinary delights. Look forward to music, laughs, and great craic at his Milwaukee Irish Fest shows. He'll perform all four days of the festival.

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Gerry O’Connor grew up in the town of Dundalk, County Louth in a family of musicians, dancers and singers. His mother Rose (née O’Brien) taught Gerry and his siblings the fiddle at home and she continued to teach from there for the next 40 years. Students travelling from Armagh and Dublin as well as closer to home to learn from the doyenne of fiddle teachers. His father Peter was a singer whose seven uncles all played music. From an early age Gerry was involved Irish music and dance, winning numerous All Ireland titles between 1967 and 1973 in a range of formations including duet, trio and four Céili Band titles. Playing with Michael Coleman’s contemporary John Joe Gardiner in the 1970’s formed Gerry’s style of music, focusing on the fluid and ornamented lyrical fiddle playing of the great Sligo masters. His own background in step dancing translates into vibrant pulsating dance music for which he is noted; today he is regarded as one of the great fiddle players of his generation.

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Firmly rooted in Irish traditional music, Brett Lipshutz on flute and whistle and Asher Gray on flute, box, whistle, and bouzouki, use their combined outside-the-box musical experiences to infuse their trad music with something a bit different. 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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Glencastle Irish Dancers, Inc. is a vibrant and inclusive Irish dance school located in New Berlin, 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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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 bodhrán, ukulele, mandolin, harmonica and guitar.

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

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Hermitage Green have built a dedicated legion of fans across the globe thanks to their captivating and unforgettable live sets. Playing gigs in South Africa, Australia, New York, Canada, Dubai, France and London, the band self-released the album Hermitage Green- Live At Whelans in 2013 to the delight of their followers and captured the power of the band on stage. Their unique arrangement of instruments that includes the bodhrán, djembe, rhythmic guitar and banjo sets them apart as a truly original offering of Irish Music. They have already played alongside the likes of Gavin James, Josh Ritter, Walking On Cars and The Pogues and 2016 will see them bring their music to many, many more.

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Formed at school in Dublin’s late 1980’s, Award-winning band, Kíla, are heralded as one of Ireland’s most innovative and exciting bands. Their unique sound has been ever-evolving, rooted in tradition, yet inspired by a myriad of influences and ideas from all around the world. Often defined as contemporary Irish World music, Kíla fuse the effects of their own melodies and Irish (Gaeilge) lyrics, Irish folk instruments such as whistles, fiddles, Uilleann pipes, bones and bodhrán with djembe, congas, drums, mandolins, brass, and acoustic/electric/ bass guitars. Kíla’s eight members come from the differing musical backgrounds of traditional, classical, and rock.

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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 34 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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LÉDA hail from Balla, Co Mayo & the Shetland Isles respectively and are now based in Glasgow. The duo features both Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín, a multi-award winning instrumentalist who holds a staggering amount of world titles and Amy Laurenson was recently named BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2023.

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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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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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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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In a world where mental health challenges are prevalent, finding effective ways to support those in need is crucial. Music6s (M6S), a nonprofit organization, is doing just that by harnessing the power of music education and performance to provide therapeutic benefits at no cost to men and women living with post-traumatic stress and other mental health issues resulting from their service to the community.

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Niall McCabe is a folk singer, songwriter and instrumentalist from Clare Island off the coast of Mayo. With a critically acclaimed debut solo album on heavy rotation on Irish radio, McCabe’s natural, distinct voice is earning a growing and loyal fanbase on both sides of the Atlantic. His evocative folk music is rooted in story and place, returning always to the melodic and lyrical texture of the remote island where he grew up. His distinctive vocal and uniquely developed guitar picking style herald an exciting, vibrant talent. Making his Opry, Nashville debut in March, McCabe has been recognised by his audience, peers and contemporaries with appearances alongside Sharon Shannon, Mary Black, Mike McGoldrick Nollaig Casey and his outstanding performances Legendary Transatlantic Sessions Band feat Jerry Douglas, Aly Bain, Julie Fowlis, Phil Cunningham, and Loudon Wainwright III to name just a few. Niall has performed at the prestigious Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow and Main stage at Cambridge Folk Festival to name a few and is looking forward to adding Milwaukee Irish Fest to his list of iconic festivals and can’t wait to return after his warm welcome at his CELTICMKE Concert back last November.

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This newly curated lineup features, acclaimed fiddle and viola player Nollaig Casey, one of Ireland’s fast-rising stars of the folk world, guitarist and singer Niall McCabe, and the incomparable multi-instrumentalist Mike McGoldrick. Nollaig Casey is one of Ireland's most gifted and versatile musicians, known for her distinctive sound and instantly recognisable playing style. She has worked with a host of renowned artists including Enya, Van Morrison, Sinéad O’Connor, Mary Black, Christy Moore and Sharon Shannon. As a member of groundbreaking bands Coolfin and Planxty, her influence on Irish music is enduring. Niall McCabe, with his self-effacing humor and captivating stories of growing up on a remote Irish island, brings an effortless charm to his performances. His natural, distinct voice is earning him a growing and loyal fanbase across Ireland, the UK, Europe and North America. Former BBC Folk Awards Musician of the Year Mike McGoldrick is a gifted composer and a master of the wooden flute, low whistles and uilleann pipes. A sought-after contributor for many artists, he has collaborated with Mark Knopfler since 2009 and is a core member of the Transatlantic Sessions.

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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.Again in 2024 and 2025 for Olive as WAMI violinist of the year and instrumentalist of the year and for Lily as best female vocalist, 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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Bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent, and a show so hot it carries a health warning! The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, a multi-platinum, award-winning Celtic rock back from Scotland, are bringing their signature “BAGROCK” sound back to Milwaukee. Their energetic and infectious music appeals to all ages, with fans that include Ewan McGregor, Sir Paul McCartney, and Samuel L. Jackson. The Chillis’ blend of traditional Scottish music and rock creates an electrifying experience that you have to see to believe. Feel the Chilli heat: it’s time to come closer to the fire!

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Reilly are the two-time Wisconsin Area Music Industry Celtic and folk rock band of the year. 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, Irish and Celtic Music Radio,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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Take two brothers, Daniel (Accordion) and Martin Gillespie (pipes, whistles and accordion), steeped in the Scottish west coast ceilidh tradition on the Isle of Tiree, and add in friends Fraser West (drums) and Alec Dalglish (guitar and vocals), with a background in brass bands, wind bands, jazz bands, and with blues, folk and country influences, and you have the 2005, embryonic Skerryvore. Fast forward 10 years, add Craig Espie (fiddle) and Jodie Bremaneson (bass), bring in your album producer Alan Scobie on Keyboards and mix in the Glasgow music scene, with the addition of Scott in 2019. ----- Skerryvore represent the best in contemporary Scottish traditional music, with a growing fanbase worldwide and with the promise of much more to come.

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Sliabh Notes formed in 1995, Comprising of Limerick accordionist Dónal Murphy, a founding member of Four Men & A Dog, Cork’s master fiddler, Matt Cranitch and County Kerry guitar ace and vocalist Tommy O' Sullivan. The music of Ireland’s Sliabh Luachra region, a mountainous area that straddles the counties of Cork, Kerry and Limerick, is justly noted for its vibrant dance music where the polka and slides are king. This trio brings together Sliabh Luachra's instantly identifiable dance sound with songs and tunes that reflect the Irish contribution to the music of the American south.The band are touring the States summer 2025 to celebrate 30 years on the road…….. Check out their vibrant live shows.

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Strange Boy is redefining the landscape of Irish music. With a voice that echoes the seanchaí of old and a delivery that pulses with the urgency of modern hip-hop, he has carved out a space entirely his own. Fusing the raw storytelling tradition of Ireland with the rhythm and cadence of rap, his work is both deeply rooted and boundary-breaking—an unmistakable force in contemporary music. A live Strange Boy performance is something to behold. His words—poetic, piercing, relentless—cut through melodies steeped in the ancient sounds of tin whistle, bodhrán, and banjo. Now, as he prepares to release his highly anticipated second album in summer 2025, Strange Boy steps onto festival stages armed with a fresh collection of songs—music that speaks to identity, struggle, and survival in a language both timeless and unmistakably of the moment. Strange Boy is not just an artist to watch—he is one to experience.

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Traditional Irish tunes meet advanced technology in the SuperCéilí live show. A unique array of acoustic and digital instruments create a fully-live Irish Dance Music experience. With its gigantic sound and stage-presence, SuperCéilí drives crowds wild and has introduced a new audience to the passion and spontaneity of Ireland’s culture.

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Embark on an odyssey of wonder, joyfulness and upbeat music as three incredibly talented and creative folk musicians shape melodies from past and present into something dynamic and irresistible. A trio comprising of musicians at the fore of our tradition, expect a performance from the gentle to the rhythmical and everything in between. Co. Clare natives Tara Breen and Pádraig Rynne have teamed up with virtuoso guitarist Jim Murray to form one of the finest performing groups in Irish music today. Their 2021 release NASC is regarded as one of the finest albums in recent years from an Irish Traditional outfit and was winner of the best traditional album in the 2022 American Celtic listener supported radio awards. Tara has numerous All Ireland titles on the fiddle and tours regularly with The Chieftains, Stockton’s wing and as a solo performer. Pádraig is considered a leading figure in Irish music and is founding member of well-known bands such as NOTIFY and Guidewires. Jim has been one of the most sought after and busiest musicians of his generation over the last twenty five years, recording and touring with some of the best known folk musicians in the world. www.breenrynnemurray.com

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The Cosmic Otters make people dance. We start with a solid rhythmic foundation of guitar and piano, add inventive fiddle harmonies, and finish with juicy, pulsing accordion playing and tasteful percussion. The tunes are from the British Isles and its relatives – Ireland, England and Scotland with side trips to Cape Breton and Quebec – but definitely our own, with an unshakable drive and playful improvisations that make dancers smile. We play for contra dances, Irish set dances, English country dances, and square dances, in dance halls, in houses, at parties, at house parties. We are located in the midwestern United States and venture farther away from home for special events. Thanks to the magic of Zoom and some behind-the-scenes stuff that Jonathan and Eric have figured out, we can appear just about anywhere now. We have produced two albums: Indiana Sunrise (2013) and The Longest Night (2021) To find out where to dance to us next, check out where we’re playing – and we’ll see you on the dance floor.

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A family group consisting of fiddling and step dancing siblings – Tom, Kerry & Julie Fitzgerald and Alanna Jenish on guitar. These siblings, from just outside of Canada’s renowned Ottawa Valley, have come a long way from their small town roots. Featuring 3-time Canadian Grandmaster Fiddle Champions and Ontario Open Step Dance Champions, this unique act features high-energy fiddling and mind-blowing step dancing. It is the rare combination of exceptional musicianship, incomparable step dancing, audience interaction, evident love of performing, and genuine sibling connection that resonates with audiences of all ages and sets this group apart.

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Fiddles, flutes, guitars, percussion, and rich harmonies define the soulful Celtic rock of The Gleasons. Their energetic performances will take you on a musical journey that leaves you singing, smiling, and stomping your feet! Since 2002, they have been making music together and loving every minute of it. Most of the songs The Gleasons perform are their own compositions, influenced by a diverse range of artists including Clannad, Tom Petty, U2, The Pogues, and Johnny Cash. The Gleasons believe that music brings people together, and they bring that belief, along with the pure joy of playing, to every single performance. Enjoy the show!

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From Ireland, The Howley Brothers, David and Martin, are redefining the landscape of folk music with their dynamic new collaboration. Founders of Billboard No. 1 band We Banjo 3, the Galway-born siblings have a storied history of musical excellence. Martin's exceptional skills on the banjo and mandolin have earned him multiple All-Ireland titles, while David's emotive voice and instrumental versatility have made him a sought-after performer alongside legends like Eileen Ivers and Mumford & Sons. Their combined artistry in The Howley Brothers offers a fresh and vibrant take on Celtic and Americana traditions. Special guests TBA.

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Prepare to be captivated by The McGoldrick Family’s unique blend of tradition and innovation as they take you on a musical adventure that will leave you inspired, moved, and longing for more. Stay tuned for the release of their new album, a testament to the enduring power and beauty of Irish/Scottish traditional folk music.

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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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Welcome to The StepCrew, an unbelievable new show which brings together three styles of exhilarating dance forms – Ottawa Valley stepdance, Irish stepdance, and Tap. With virtuosic dancers and musicians from the likes of The Chieftains, Cherish The Ladies, and Bowfire, this cast of outstanding talent takes you on a dance journey as champions in their respective art forms show audiences the amazing similarities and differences between these three captivating styles. As if dancing weren’t enough, The StepCrew boasts three world-class fiddlers backed by an amazing five-piece ensemble comprised of some of the most talented and respected musicians in the Celtic music scene today. Enjoy our site and check out our tour dates – there’s nothing quite like seeing it live.

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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 Saturday and Sunday! Join the Trinity Family and register your little ones for Irish Dance Classes at a location near you!

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