2022 Festival Lineup

3 Pints Gone performs traditional Celtic folk songs with a distinctive harmony-rich sound. The band has a passion for patriotic and rebel songs of Ireland and Scotland. Led by Bill's powerful tenor voice, 3 Pints Gone is rounded out with the vocal and penny Whistle talents of Kathleen.

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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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A happy group of traditional Irish musicians focusing on audience participation and group dancing with children and adults.

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Adam & Jon journey through the Irish idiom on fiddle, guitar, and tenor banjo, and have been enchanting listeners on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean for over a decade. Adam & Jon put down musical roots in County Clare, where they lived together, and now make frequent visits. Their connection to their instruments and the transcendent energy in their music is guaranteed to captivate and uplift audiences of all ages.

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Aodán ‘Jaff’ Mac Séafraidh and Jacaí Mhic Shéafraidh perform as An Dúthracht (The Luck Penny). Jaff is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and singer, playing Uilleann pipes, bouzouki and whistles. He is also a talented storyteller. Jaff lived in Australia for a number of years and during his time there played with several headlining traditional bands at the Woodford Folk Festival and National Folk Festival in Canberra. Jaff is an Irish Language activist and teacher and is currently working with Turas, a cross-community Irish Language project based in East Belfast. Jacaí is primarily a singer of traditional songs and she also plays the concertina. Prior to moving to Ireland, Jacaí performed at Scottish festivals and sessions and was a regular on the Burns circuit. She has performed for organisations such as the Scottish Whisky Heritage Society and Visit Scotland as well as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Jacaí is currently a student of Gaelic Languages.

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Aodán Mac Séafraidh is the Education Officer of Turas/Oifigeach Oideachais Turas. Turas” meaning journey or pilgrimage in both Irish Gaelige and Scots Gàidhlig is an Irish language project which aims to connect people from Protestant communities to their own history with the Irish language. Turas is based on the belief that the language belongs to everyone and that it can be a mechanism of reconciliation.

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Aoife Scott is an award winning folk singer and songwriter based in Dublin, Ireland. Born into the legendary Black Family, Aoife is steadily rising to the top of the traditional and folk music scene, and has long enjoyed success as an established artist in her own right. Fragile and ethereal one minute and strong and vibrant the next, her dynamic and profound vocals explore the emotional depths of her lyrics, leaving the audience entranced. Aoife has a unique sound. Her music has a broad creative scope but is largely influenced by her own roots in folk and traditional Irish music.

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Archbishop Thaddeus Jude Okolo has been the Papal Nuncio to Ireland since 2017-2022. He was appointed to this position by Pope Francis. He has worked in the diplomatic corps of the Holy See since 1990, working in Sri Lanka, Haiti, the Antillean Islands and other Caribbean Island nations, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Australia and Ireland. He was appointed the Papal Nuncio to the Czech Republic in May 2022. Archbishop Okolo was born in Kano Nigeria, in 1956, was ordained a priest in 1983 and in 2008 he was appointed an Archbishop. Archbishop Okolo has a doctorate in Canon Law and a Diploma in Diplomatic Studies. In addition to his native Igbo (and Hausa spoken where he was born), Archbishop Okolo is fluent in English, French, Italian, Spanish and German, and can speak and understand Czech. Archbishop Okolo has been a priest for over 39 years.

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

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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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Formed in Milwaukee in 2004, Atlantic Wave plays music of Celtic nations that touch the Atlantic Ocean and beyond. A highly respected regional band, Atlantic Wave's performances pay special attention to Cape Breton music along with Irish and Scottish tunes featuring a duo of fiddles.

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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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Hailing from the picturesque west coast of Ireland, Boxing Banjo have quickly become one of the hottest musical properties around. Having made their debut in the U.S. in 2019 they have acquired a legion of devoted followers who have been spellbound by their energy, charisma and musicianship. Recently awarded "Up & Coming Band of the Year" (ALSR), their live shows exude a feel-good factor which persuades the inner dancer and vocalist in every audience member. Combining a myriad of instruments including button accordion, banjo, guitar, fiddle and bodhrán their sound transcends musical boundaries, effortlessly fusing Irish Traditional, Bluegrass, Old-time and Folk music and song bringing listeners on a truly captivating musical voyage like no other. Audience centered, the striking vocal arrangements from these “four gifted vocalists” (Folk World) afford the listener an opportunity to sit back and appreciate the nuances while equally inviting them to propel the band’s memorable choruses.

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"BRÍDÍN, West Co. Sligo native, carries on the tradition of Irish music into the fourth generation of her family. Over the past number of years, BRÍDÍN has developed her own style influenced by her natural surroundings and rooted in her background in traditional Irish music. BRÍDÍN creates her pieces by looping harp and vocals to create a very unique sound and experience for the listener."

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Milwaukee's Cashel Academy of Irish Dance has been entertaining Irish Fest with their traditional, yet innovative, dancing since 1983. 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. Found just before the Great Pause of 2020, Cat and Hare are: Olivia Langby: fiddle and concertina Christian Wandzala: tenor banjo, tin whistle, harp, bouzouki, voice Amy Richter: bodhrán and percussion Jeff Ksiazek: bouzouki and tin whistle

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Celtic Kilroy plays a variety of instruments such as guitar, banjo, harmonica, Irish penny whistle, Irish drum (bordhan), ukulele, and rhythm bones. For the last twenty years as a solo musician, he has performed at many type of venues and events such as; weddings, funerals, and festivals as a solo performer. In March of 2006, Celtic Kilroy competed in the Battle of Celtic Bands in Ionia Michigan taking second place in the first round. He was the only soloist competing against full set bands in the event! Celtic Kilroy was a member of a popular Celtic band in West Michigan known as the Kwils 1984 – 2004 who performed in a variety of Irish and Scottish songs, tunes and ballads at many different local and out of state venues.. Celtic Kilroy’s began performing as a human statue in 2012. In additional to becoming one of the favorites to see at the Milwaukee Irish Fest, he performs annually at the Sparta, La Crosse, and Michigan Irish Music Festivals.

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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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Supported by Irish Arts Center NYC, Ireland in Music and Culture Ireland. Channelling the music of her ancestors, sixth generation fearless fiddler, bilingual singer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Clare Sands is a unique force in Irish music. Creating boundary breaking Fearless Folk music inspired by her travels around Ireland and the world, Sands sings for the young and the old, brave and the bold. Sands has been wowing audiences around Ireland & further afield with her groundbreaking traditional style and infinite energy. These electrifying live performances see Clare on fiddle, guitar, percussion & vocals combined with live electronics to create soundscapes of story and song. Playing with the likes of Hothouse Flowers, her musical soul brothers, as well as Kíla, Imelda May, Mary Coughlan and more, Clare is never shy and always fearless to share the stage.

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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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A Milwaukee favorite, The Curtis Crossroads Bands plays traditional Irish jigs, reels and vocal tunes. Dual fiddles give the group its distinctive and lively sound along with a rollicking bodhran and and the full sound of a twelve string guitar. Curtis Crossroads has played at Irish Fest for 23 years.

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Dancer, musician, enthochoreologist, and founder of The Step Collective, Danielle Enblom grew up steeped in Irish music and dance. Danielle brings other dance practices to her teaching, performance, and research but her dancing is largely informed by her early years at Irish sessions and ceilis in the Twin Cities, time dancing in Ireland, her fiddle playing, and more recently, her own French Canadian and Métis heritage.

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Danny Diamond is a musician, researcher, and sound engineer with a background in Irish traditional/folk music, currently based between Minneapolis, USA and Dublin, Ireland. Let Fly, Danny's latest album of traditional fiddle tunes with accompaniment from multi-instrumentalist Brian Miller, was launched in February 2021. Dáithí Sproule, a native of Derry who has lived for many years in Minnesota, is one of Irish music's most respected guitar accompanists, and one of the first guitarists to develop DADGAD tuning for Irish music.

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Derek Byrne came to America after touring with Riverdance. His band Paddygrass has been playing together over 14 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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At the end of 2019 Dervish received a prestigious lifetime achievement award from the BBC, a fitting tribute to the band after over 30 years of recording and performing all over the world. Described by the BBC as “an icon of Irish music”, the band have played at festivals from Rio de janeiro to Glastonbury. They accompanied the Irish President on state visits to Latvia and Lithuania and Prime Minister of Ireland on a trade mission to China as Cultural Ambassadors taking time out to play an impromptu session on the Great Wall of China. Dervish have a line-up which includes some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians, fronted by one of the country’s best-known singers, Cathy Jordan.

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The Diddley Idols are the New York based duo with the full band sound. Dave Barckow (Queens, NYC) and Louise Barry (Dublin, Ireland). After a chance encounter in 2012, Dave and Louise’s undeniable chemistry made them inseparable and together they formed “The Diddley Idols” in 2013, dropping the “American” from Dave’s previous title. As two lead vocalists, they added Dave’s foot operated drum kit and guitar and Louise’s ukulele and percussion to finish out their sound. A live “tour de force” and “proof that great things do come in small packages!

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Dr. Flack is a Professor and Chair of the English Dept. at Marquette University. Her primary fields of research are comparative modernism, classical reception studies, and Irish literature. Studying the English, Irish, American, and Russian literary traditions, she explores the complex interrelation between literary innovation and history in the turbulent opening decades of the twentieth century. Her first book, Modernism and Homer: The Odysseys of H.D., James Joyce, Osip Mandelstam, and Ezra Pound (Cambridge University Press, 2015) tracks the presence of the Homeric epic in the sociopolitical and literary projects of international modernist writing. Her research interests reflect the passion she brings to the classroom for helping students to draw connections between literary texts and sociocultural contexts. In her classroom, Dr. Flack approaches the literary tradition as a living, evolving, contested, and fascinating conversation in which students are invited to participate.

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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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The Drowsy Lads thundered onto the Irish music scene in the US over 15 years ago and their fire and comradery has won over both casual music-lovers and those steeped in hardcore Trad. 2018 brought the release of their 4th album, Everyone In, and the distinction of “Best Irish American Band of 2018”. With an undeniable genuineness that flows from their live performances, the future continues to look bright for these Lads. Boasting 5 multi-instrumentalists, Ohio brothers John and Daniel McKewen, father and son Phil and Josh Franck, and lifelong friend Bryan Brookes bring to the stage a concoction of “we dare you to hold still” Irish dance tunes and songs that have packed festivals, theaters, pubs, and halls everywhere they’ve played.

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Dublin O'Shea is a high energy Celtic folk music group from Waukesha, Wisconsin formed in 2002. Focusing on pub tunes from Ireland, Scotland, and the Nautical Tradition, their music stretches from 300 year old sea shanties to contemporary songs. This lively group takes a free wheeling and fun loving approach to their shows.

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Grammy awarded, Emmy nominated, London Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, guest starred with over 50 orchestras, original Musical Star of Riverdance, Nine Time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, Sting, Hall and Oates, The Chieftains, 'Fiddlers 3' with Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and Regina Carter, Patti Smith, Al Di Meola, Steve Gadd, founding member of Cherish the Ladies, movie soundtracks including “Gangs of New York”, performed for Presidents and Royalty worldwide…this is a short list of accomplishments, headliners, tours, and affiliations. Fiddler Eileen Ivers has established herself as the pre-eminent exponent of the Irish fiddle in the world today.

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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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Enda Reilly is a winner of the prestigious IMRO Christie Hennessy Songwriting Competition and co-writer of many songs with Aoife Scott including "All Along The Wild Atlantic Way", which got to no.1 in Ireland. From Dublin and now living in Michigan, Enda’s shows draw upon his self-produced albums, which include “Whisperings”, fresh guitar and vocal arrangements of classics including The Lakes Of Pontchartrain, Danny Boy, The Foggy Dew, Caledonia and Red Is The Rose; “Amhráin Nua i nGaeilge - New Songs in Irish" his original contribution to keeping the Irish language alive ; “Whorls” songs which bring the poetry of WB Yeats off the page and climatechangesongs.com which explores our interaction with the environment. Catch Enda at the Village Pub, the Gaeltacht or the Song Circle with Aoife Scott

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For the better part of two decades, Toronto’s Enter The Haggis has combined bagpipes and fiddles with a rock rhythm section to create a distinctively eclectic sound, praised by The Boston Globe, The Washington Post and Canada’s Globe and Mail. Their songs offer singalong melodies and deep, meaningful lyrics which tell the stories of everyday hard working people, often faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Signature songs like “One Last Drink”, “Gasoline”, “Down With The Ship” and “Lancaster Gate” have had hundreds of thousands of plays on social media, appeared in Hollywood movies, and have been performed and recorded by artists around the world.

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Evan and Tom Leahy are an offshoot of Leahys Luck, a Milwaukee Irish Fest staple for over 30 years. Evan and Tom have been expanding their musical range as a father-son duo over the past thirteen years, demonstrating their full range of musical talents as they combine Irish folk and modern folk-rock songs in an eclectic and exciting mix.

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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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For over two decades, Dave Fox and Will Branch have energized audiences in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Ireland. Their dynamic mix of old-time music, original songs, and family folk music has appealed to children and adults, giving everyone a chance to actively participate. Fox and Branch recordings have won five Parent’s Choice recommended awards. The duo has appeared at festivals such as the Winnipeg Folk Festival and the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival. They have been featured at venues like the National Theater in Washington D.C., Symphony Space in New York City, Club Passim in Boston, and the Overture Center in Madison, WI. Whether it’s at a theater, a school performance, a community event, or a library show, Fox and Branch entertain, educate, and actively engage people. Their aim is to create a communal atmosphere of fun and high spirits shared by all those present.

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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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Glencastle Irish Dancers, Inc. has been providing Irish dance lessons since 2000. We provide classes for children 3.5 years of age and older as well as adult classes. There are opportunities for dancers to partake in performances, competitions, and a range of group and solo classes. We motivate our dancers who wish to test their skills by participating in solo or team competitions to do their personal best. Year-round performances are an opportunity for dancers to share their talents with the public. Weekly classes provide time for dancers to get one-on-one technical feedback while engaging with classmates in a fun and supportive setting. Each family is encouraged to choose the participation level that is right for them without pressure or judgement. Regardless of the direction you choose, the ultimate goal of Glencastle is to provide a learning atmosphere that is both healthy and fun and allows each student to strive to be the best they can be. The mission and vision of Glencastle Irish Dancers, Inc. is to apply the tradition of Irish dance as a vehicle for personal growth by building self-esteem, practicing teamwork, and facilitating self discipline to ultimately encourage great dancers to grow into great people. Glencastle Irish Dancers Inc. is a welcoming family for dancers of every skill level to encourage one another in personal growth on and off the dance floor.

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Milwaukee's entertaining Irish music trio, Green Sails, consists of fiddler Amy Otis-Wilborn, guitarist/lead vocalist Sandy Weisto, and Bonnee Beth playing bodhran, whistle and a variety of percussion. Our performances offer luscious melodies and rousing dance tunes as well as delightful songs, intriguing stories, and engaging opportunities for audience participation. The band's name, Green Sails, represents "Green" for Irish music as well as ecological sustainability and "Sails" for sailing on Lake Michigan. We are musicians and we are sailors.

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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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Pennsylvania-based House of Hamill is a fixture on festival stages across the US, and have shared their music and stories on the country’s premier folk stages. Their version of “Pound a Week Rise” rose to #1 on the US Folk DJ charts, and the video for their all-violin cover of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” amassed over 16 million views on Facebook, where it was shared over 400,000 times. Their latest release, “Folk Hero,” captures perfectly the frenetic energy and eclecticism of their always engaging live show. A lively collection of original instrumentals, reimagined folk ballads, and new songs that showcase the trio’s versatility, “Folk Hero” is the third House of Hamill album to be funded entirely by their fans. Whether they’re ripping through a set of original jigs and reels, adding lush three-part harmonies into traditional folk ballads, or cracking up an audience with stories from the road, House of Hamill puts on a show that captivates audiences from the very first note.

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Hugh Irwin The Kilted Magician, performs comedy magic for all ages. He performs magic in bar/restaurants in the metro Detroit area. He has performed at the 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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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's captures his audiences through his voice as well as through his musicianship. He performs a wide variety of instruments including the bodhran, ukulele, mandolin, harmonica, and guitar.

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As a diverse harp ensemble of all ages, the Great Lake Harpists have performed throughout the country. Members have performed on every continent (including Antarctica). Though we are based in Chicago, leader and teacher, Janelle Jansen Lake grew up in New Berlin, WI and has been playing at Irish Fest since the early 1990's. We welcome anyone who is brave enough to try the harp.

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Jeff's interest in music began at a very early age, as part of a very musical family. After cutting his musical teeth on classical violin, He changed direction and in his early teens he took up the guitar and learned to play and sing traditional songs of Ireland and Scotland. Now as a seasoned performer, Jeff's music includes a nice mix of Irish & Scottish ballads and drinking songs and acoustic American folk songs that suit a broad palette of people's musical tastes.

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JigJam are a multi-award winning quartet from the heart of the midlands in Ireland. Blending the best of traditional Irish music with Bluegrass and Americana in a new genre which has been branded as ‘I-Grass’ (Irish influenced Bluegrass), their onstage energy along with their virtuosic musical ability has captivated audiences throughout the world.

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Jill Devlin, from Roscommon, and Jane Meehan, from Louth, are a harp and fiddle duo that met in 2020 at the start of their masters in the University of Limerick, Ireland. Having spent the last two years playing together the two have created a blended sound of harp and fiddle music through composition and arrangement. Their performances range from traditional tunes to newly composed tunes to which they add their own personal touch, using their distinctive sound to make a mark.

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Joanie McGovern sings Irish folk tales about fairies, giants, leprechauns, and pirates! She has set these tales to traditional Irish music, and accompanies herself on guitar, Irish whistle, and bodhran. This is a show the whole family will enjoy-just be sure to stay for the Unicorn Song!

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Tadhg Ó Meachair (Dublin, Ireland) and Joanna Hyde (Colorado) have an eclectic artistic partnership that extends back to 2012, where they met while studying and teaching at the University of Limerick. Now married and working on various projects, Tadhg (piano, piano accordion) and Joanna (fiddle, vocals) first came to know each other as artists rooted in the musical traditions of their respective countries, and their collaborations comprise a continuous conversation about the interplay between American and Irish artforms. Their current projects include One for the Foxes, a transatlantic folk trio with whom they were awarded “Album of the Year” by the 2021 ACLSR Music Awards for their current release, “Take a Look Around”. As well as touring and teaching throughout Europe and North America, they were also recently commissioned to produce the audio documentary series "On the Wireless" in association with Creative Ireland and Cork County Council on the subject of creativity in older age.

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Joe Ó Dónaill grew up on Árainn Mhór (Aran Island) in Donegal. He’s an expereienced educator and the príomhoide (principal) of Gaelscoil Míde in Dublin. Joe is well known as the singing partner of Ray Mac Mánais. Together they’ve won countless competitions in lúibíní and agallaimh bheirte. Oireachtas na Gaeilge honoured 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-nós dancing competitions at th Oireachtas na Gaeilge, broadcast each fall on TG4. One of Joe’s songs, Amhrán an Ghaeilgeora Bhig nó Amhrán Chian, is featured in the collection Leabhar Nua na nAmhrán.

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John Gibney is Assistant Editor with the Royal Irish Academy’s Documents on Irish Foreign Policy (DIFP) series. He was formerly a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Notre Dame and NUI Galway, and is the author of A short history of Ireland, 1500-2000 (Yale University Press, 2017) co-author, with Kate O’Malley, of The Handover: Dublin Castle and the British withdrawal from Ireland, 1922 (Royal Irish Academy, 2022), and co-editor, with Zoë Reid, of The Treaty, 1921: Records from the Archives (Royal Irish Academy, 2022), the official catalogue of the National Archives’ centenary exhibition of the same name.

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Celtic harpist, Kim Robertson, teams up with flute and tin whistle player, Brett Lipshutz, to perform their unique style of Celtic and O’Carolan tunes. Based in Milwaukee, Kim and Brett first met over 20 ago as musicians in a production for the Milwaukee Rep. Although both soloists in their own right, they’ve continued to collaborate on various projects through the years, including an EP called “Fig for a Kiss.” Their long musical friendship is obvious onstage with their congenial chemistry and cheeky sense of humor. kimrobertson.net brettlipshutz.com

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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, Leahy's Luck has performed its brand of traditional and popular Irish songs throughout the Midwest and at Irish Fest for 31 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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Leon Drop is a 27-year-old mixed race man from Tallaght. He attended Maynooth University where he received a degree in psychology. He was the first black students’ union president of Maynooth Students Union. Leon is also the co-founder and CEO of black and Irish. Leon created the organisation along with Femi after the death of George Floyd. They wanted to bring authentic discussion around race and racism back to Ireland. Femi Bankole is an IT Risk Consultant and works as a Manager within EY's Business consulting practice in Dublin. In 2020, he co-founded Black & Irish, a social platform aimed at celebrating the success’ and highlighting the struggles of black and Irish people. Briana Fitzsimons grew up in Yonkers, NY, USA and has lived in Ireland with her family since 2017. As the Education Coordinator for Black and Irish, Briana is working on bringing anti-bias and anti-racism training to school staff across the country.

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The Lilies of the Midwest are a trio of Irish traditional musicians in the Madison, WI area whose groovy tunes are inspired by various forms of Irish dance. Listeners will be unlikely to stay in their seats as they enjoy the infectious energy of concertina, mandolin, fiddle, and special guest, Ohio-based guitarist Rick Nelson.

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Hailing from Co. Mayo on the West Coast of Ireland, Lisa Canny grew up immersed in the traditional Irish music scene. 7-time All-Ireland champion on harp and banjo, Lisa has toured the U.S., Canada, Russia, France, Germany, Italy, UK and Ireland extensively as lead singer and music with groups Celtic Crossroads and The Young Irelanders, playing to live crowds of over 50k and appearing on PBS specials to millions. Branching out to pursue her solo career Lisa blends Irish Trad and folk with pop, RnB, gospel and electronica elements to create something truly unique. Named “best of 2021” by sofar sounds, “one-to-watch” 2022 by SPIN radio, selling out her own 2020 tours across Ireland, UK & Europe and in venues like Jazz Cafe, performing at Rolex, TedX, London Fashion week & at Buckingham Palace, and amassing over 5 million views online, Lisa is making big waves in the industry. Don’t miss your chance to see this powerhouse live!

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Máire Ní Choilm is a sean-nós singer from the Gaoth Dobhair Gaeltacht in the northwest of Donegal. She now resides in Co. Louth and teaches in a primary gaelscoil in Drogheda. Máire gives workshops at music festivals throughout Ireland and abroad and has performed at many international festivals including Celtic Connections, Tocane St-Apres Irish Festival, Joe Heaney Festival, Inishowen Singing Festival, and Festival Interceltique de Lorient to mention a few. She has also performed as part of the Compánach – The Music of Ireland in the Centre Culturel Irlandais Paris and at the Leuven Institute for Ireland Belgium. Máire is also a Gaeilge teacher and has taught Irish at the Daltaí na Gaeilge Summer School in Esopus NY in 2009 and 2010. She has a solo CD Nuair A Théid Sé Fán Chroí.

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MAMO KEERA ("Grandmother Friend"): comes a long way from Ireland to teach you how to make the best cup of tea in the world! She'll tell a story of a Leprechaun whose very special teapot was stolen--and how, during his search, found something much more valuable. Mamo Keera has more Tea Stories to warm your heart. And she would love to visit your home or special event. She has also been a regular visitor Irish Fest!

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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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Mike Hanrahan Songwriter/ Author/ Musician/Producer Songwriter New Music 2021 A River roll on inspired by his mums’ journey though dementia 2021 Chase the moon, 2022 Spindrift 2022 Inside I’m Dancing 2022 The Ballad of The Crimson Warrior, a short music film inspired by the Irish Cultural Revolution 2020 Stockton’s Wing Beautiful Affair A Retrospective 2022 A live album Stocktons Wing Hometown It all began…… 1977 with Maura O Connell in TUMBLEWEED 1980 to present Stockton’s Wing guitarist, singer, and songwriter. 1994 with Finbar Furey 1994 Solo Someone Like You. 1997 to 2008 writer/ producer with Ronnie Drew 1998 MD Legends of Irish Folk with Liam Clancy, Finbar Furey, Johnny McAvoy, Jim McCann, and Paddy Reilly. 2002 Solo What you know 2022 Ambassador Clare Age Friendly 2022 Writer in Residence Áras Chronáin Clondalkin Food 2006 student/ teacher The Ballymaloe Cookery School. 2019 Harper Collins memoir Beautiful Affair - A Journey in Music, Food and Friendship

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The Milwaukee Academy of Irish dance is based in Shorewood, WI. We opened our doors in 2019, offering classes with competitive and non-competitive opportunities for all ages and abilities. Our mission is to make Irish Dance accessible to everyone! Milwaukee Irish Dance is also home to the first ever Jigs & Swigs™ location, bringing Irish Dance inspired fitness classes to local breweries. Stop by one of our Jigs & Swigs™ classes or join us in our studio!

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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 Company was founded in 2014 by Elyse Transon, TCRG as an outlet for adult Irish dancers in the Milwaukee area to continue Irish dancing in an exciting, non-competitive environment. Elyse has over a decade of professional dance experience working as a company dancer, principal dancer, dance captain, choreographer and tour manager in multiple productions all across the United States as well as in Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Zambia, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia and Canada. She brings her wealth of show dance experience to MIDC, striving to create fusion choreography and push the boundaries of traditional Irish dance while creating an inclusive and fun atmosphere. The Milwaukee Irish Dance Company rehearses on Wednesday nights and welcomes any and all Irish dancers who are over 18 years old.

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

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The Noble Call derives its origins from that age old Irish tradition of 'calling' on invited guests to share their favorite song or tune or dance. The point is to keep the 'craic' going and everyone singing and enjoying themselves! Lead by one of Ireland’s foremost traditional Irish Tenors- Paddy Homan, star of the PBS show, I AM IRELAND, The Noble Call also includes award winning virtuoso flute and whistle player, Larry Nugent, Brendan Bulger on Fiddle and Jesse Langen on Guitar. Also joining in The Noble Call for this special afternoon concert will be accordion virtuoso, Jimmy Keane. “The Noble Call is something a lot of people have been waiting for a long time to hear. Joined by a group of superior Traditional Irish musicians, Paddy Homan- star of the PBS show I AM IRELAND, sings his way through the best of real Irish music in a total package. Really, this group has everything. Best of all, they really know how to deliver in a concert. The Noble Call is here, and we hear them calling! Wow!” Irish Music Magazine

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Pay the Devil got together in the winter of 2011 and has been playing around the Milwaukee area ever since. Playing original tunes in a variety of styles alongside an assortment of bluegrass and old-time standards, sea shanties, folk, Irish traditional, and country music, this five-piece made up of a guitar, mandolin, banjo, upright bass, and washboard (spoons and assorted other hillbilly percussive instruments) puts on a fun live show filled with foot-stomping, thigh-slapping music, and enough hollering to go around. Our favorite descriptions we have heard are “Shantygrass” and "Riotgrass".

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Equal parts of high energy Celtic rock, traditional Irish folk, punk, folk metal and alternative is what gives Radiation their eclectic, creative take on Celtic rock fusion. Hailing from southeast WI, Radiation is a tight knit trio quickly gaining notoriety and a growing fanbase since exploding on the local music scene in early 2021. Much of their synergy can be attributed to their lifetime together as not only musicians, but family of sisters Calla (guitar, vocals) and Olive (fiddle, bass) paired with their father, Tom (drums, vocals). Despite their short tenure since jumping on live music scene, they've played many notable area events and venues including The Saloon on Calhoun's Saloonfest, the Okauchee lake Music festival, Waukesha's Friday Night Live and Milwaukee's own Summerfest. They are working towards heading to the recording studio later this year to create their first EP.

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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 Lúibín - 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. Pádraig 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 organisation, has been responsible for nurturing and promoting the sean-nós (old style) dancing and singing, which is enjoying a worldwide revival at the moment.

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BAGPIPES WITH ATTITUDE, DRUMS WITH A SCOTTISH ACCENT AND A SHOW SO HOT IT CARRIES ITS OWN HEALTH WARNING. THE BAND’S ACHIEVEMENTS HAVE REACHED INCREDIBLE HEIGHTS WITH THEIR GROUNDBREAKING FUSION OF TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH MUSIC AND ROCK/POP ANTHEMS WHICH THEY PROUDLY CALL ‘BAGROCK’

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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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Richard Hill was the first adoptee to identify his birth family through genetic genealogy DNA tests. He shared his story in an award-winning book, "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA.” He has founded two websites on DNA testing, most recently DNAFavorites.com. Richard gives presentations on genetic genealogy topics both virtually and in person.

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Ron Bowen is a recognized authority on the Great Highland Bagpipe worldwide. He has over a half century of piping experience including with top competition bands in Canada. He has authored three different bagpipe-focused books: The Hal Leonard Bagpipe Method, The Hal Leonard Bagpipe Tune Book (which includes fifty original compositions written by Ron Bowen) and Care and Maintenance of the Great Highland Bagpipe. He is a bagpipe instructor and has taught hundreds of students worldwide. He is currently the Director of Music for Celtic Nations Pipes and Drum Band, Wisconsin’s largest pipe band with more than thirty performing pipers. He is also the founder and curator of The Bagpipe Place and The Bagpipe Museum, two premier online resources for pipers everywhere. The Bagpipe Museum is the largest and most comprehensive archive of ancient Highland Bagpipes in the world. Ron Bowen has a unique story to tell and is able to combine warmth and charm with his extensive background and experience to create an engaging and informative session.

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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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Rum Ragged, takes a bold approach to the distinct folk music of their home, the Eastern Canadian island of Newfoundland. With a reverence for their roots combined with a creative, contemporary edge, this young band have quickly become known as the finest performers of their great living musical tradition. Boasting bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, guitar and button accordion, these new champions of East Coast music enliven and enlighten audiences with their signature brand of Newfoundland folk. Always honest, thought provoking and often humorous, it’s Rum Ragged’s live show that makes them a fast favorite to any audience. With a combination of striking vocal harmonies, staggering musicianship, and captivating storytelling, they know just what it takes to bring an experience concertgoers won't soon forget.

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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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Named after Ukrainian nomads, Scythian (sith-ee-yin) plays roots music from Celtic, Eastern European and Appalachian traditions with thunderous energy, technical prowess, and storytelling songwriting, beckoning crowds into a barn-dance, rock concert experience. Coming off their most prolific year in 2020 with over 1,000 hours of live streams during the COVID lockdown, releasing TWO new albums (Roots & Stones and Quaranstream: The Album) and four new music videos. Scythian gives no quarter in their quest to entertain and bring a joy to their music that gives it an irony-free, wide open feel of manic possibility. The playing is technically brilliant, but it is the energy that carries the day.

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Irish virtuoso guitarist Shane Hennessy has established himself as a musical tour de force on the world stage, known widely for his fingerstyle, flatpicking, and percussive guitar playing approaches. His energetic live performances and his cinematically vivid compositions tie in influences from Bach to Beyoncé and everything in between! With a unique style of solo guitar playing that encompasses the range of a whole band, covering drums, bass, rhythm, and lead lines, mixed with some smooth vocals & improvisations, Shane builds a complete sonic world entirely on his own. Billed as "one of the most exciting live performers of his generation with an ability to move between styles and genres with ease" by Irish Music Magazine, audiences can never be too sure what will come next during the exciting mix of jazz, blues, country, soul, traditional Irish music, and world music he offers!

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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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Socks in the Frying Pan are a multi-award winning trio from County Clare on the West Coast of Ireland, the universal hub of Irish traditional music. Their dynamic vocal harmonies, virtuosic musical ability and onstage wit has captured and captivated audiences the world around. One of the most sought-after groups in Irish music today, the worldwide "Sock Invasion" continues!

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Tallymoore aims to breathe new life into Irish & Scottish folk favorites. They are best known for their strong vocals and complex harmonic treatments of tunes, along with rich instrumentation. Their innovative arrangements of classic tunes and original folk songs have made them a favorite among festival goers. Their vocal harmony blend, distinctive arrangements, and strong musicianship have distinguished them on the Irish music scene.

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Three of Chicago's best Irish trad musicians came together in 2005 to form The Boils, a high-energy trio delivering a potent blend of jigs, reels and songs. Featuring Jim Conway on harmonica and tin whistle, Jack Callahan on guitar and vocals, and Mike Austin on bodhran and percussion, The Boils combine their deep respect for tradition with contemporary interpretations, reflecting their Irish-American heritage.

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Celtic Rockers "The Elders"...They're BACK! The Elders remain one of the top Celtic-rock bands in the U-S after 24 years because of their timeless sound. Their fans feel connected to the band because of their passion, great melodies, unique harmonies, unparalleled musicianship and strong song-writing. And that songwriting began in 1998 when two musicians moved back from L-A to Kansas City to play Irish music. Norm Dahlor and Brent Hoad, played in numerous bands but their American and Celtic-folk rock roots were calling and The Elders were born. “Well Alright Then”, their 9th studio album released on April 29, 2022, was conceived after the band retired and the country experienced a lockdown. During that time the band continued to meet, write, and sing, but never intended to record. That is, until guitarist Steve Phillips asked them to release an album in his honor. (Before Phillips passed in 2020, he recorded all of his vocals and musical parts.) “Well Alright Then”, delivers the unique story-telling the band is known for----stories of love, loyalty and Irish feistiness.

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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 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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'tis - Traditional Irish Session is 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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TULUA are a traditional Irish fusion band hailing from Wexford, Ireland. Meaning ‘Becoming More‘, TULUA formed back in 2019 after quickly realizing their unique and energetic blend of sounds within Irish trad they could create together and they progressively began working on their style. Since then they have toured extensively at shows and concerts throughout Ireland supporting acts such as Atlantic Arc, Fergal Scahill & Ryan Molloy, Green Road, and many more whilst also playing at festivals such as Templebar TradFest and at the renown ‘Phil Murphy Weekend ‘ alongside bands such as Altan and Dervish. They have appeared on Radio Stations across the country and were shortlisted in Hot Press’ ‘Irish Music of the Month’ in 2021. They have also appeared on shows such as ‘Ireland with Michael’, directed and hosted by Emmy nominated Michael Londra. Their music and songs are often described as energetic and tight, while always using traditional music as a foundation in creating a story. After releasing their first EP in September 2020 they quickly garnered support throughout the traditional music scene and have since established a strong name amongst many in the traditional music world.

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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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There can't many rhapsodic superlatives left in the box for Irish quartet We Banjo 3, whose virtuosic Irish/bluegrass/old-time mix attained freshly dizzying heights on their stupendous 2018 album Haven, which went on to become the first ever Billboard Bluegrass #1 for an Irish act. One of the best live acts to come out of Ireland in recent years, the multi-award winning We Banjo 3 combine supergroup credentials with a breath-taking command of the emotive power of fiddle, guitar, mandolin and banjo. Any single member of this group could a electrify a venue with a solo performance, but together, in the joyous musical alchemy of We Banjo 3, their passionate lead vocalist like a young Springsteen adopted by the Chieftans, the result is truly unforgettable. Simply put, the gold standard of Irish and American roots music.

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