Festival Lineup
Enjoy over 100 music and cultural performances across four days at the world's largest Irish music festival. View the 2026 festival lineup below, and start planning your Milwaukee Irish Fest experience.
2026 Lineup
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Academy of Irish Music
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.
Ally the Piper
Ally the Piper is a viral internet sensation, renowned for modernizing the Great Highland bagpipe. She blends classic rock and heavy metal with Celtic influences, captivating audiences worldwide. Supported by legends like Metallica and Iron Maiden, Ally showcases her talent on various traditional instruments and is redefining the bagpipe's place in contemporary music.
Altan
For four decades, Altan has been to the forefront of traditional Irish music, blending the raw energy of their native Donegal fiddle style with a rare melodic sensibility. Since their latest album ‘Donegal’ was released last year by Nashville based Compass Records, to widespread positive reviews. This has resulted in the band having a new lease of life and are enjoying demand at home and abroad. Altan have always been regarded as tradition bearers, bringing their native Donegal music and songs to a wider public. They have always kept true to their roots while exploring modern arrangements and textures to entice new followers. This integrity in their music has placed them in high esteem by their peers and they are regarded as one of the most popular Irish traditional bands of all time.
Athas
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
Atlantic Wave
Formed in Milwaukee in 2004, Atlantic Wave celebrates the Celtic traditional music of Ireland and Scotland, as well as the distinctive style of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. All of this is reflected in the sounds of their two fiddlers, Ed Paloucek and Kaitlin Hahn. They're joined by a singer/guitarist with a penchant for ballads, Barry Houlehen, and bodhran player Michael Smith, who, along with Ed, often brings a banjo to their shows.
Barry Dodd and Denise Laumann
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. Denise Laumann Vocalist | Traditional Irish Music | Irish Rock Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Denise Laumann’s voice is a powerful blend of the rich tradition of Irish ballads and the rebellious energy of Irish rock. Influenced by the emotional depth and raw power of Sinéad O'Connor and Dolores O'Riordan, Denise brings both passion and vulnerability to every performance. Now based in Milwaukee, WI, she has become a vital force in the Irish music scene, performing alongside Barry Dodd and keeping Ireland's musical heritage alive through ballads, standards, and rebel songs of freedom. Whether singing a haunting ballad or a defiant anthem, Denise's voice carries the spirit of Ireland’s freedom songs, reminding us that music is not just a reflection of the past, but a call to action for the future.
Beglan Academy of Irish Dance
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!
Bellator Academy of Irish Dance
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
Biird
BIIRD is an all-female trad supergroup that has been mystifying the masses with their lively, zealous set and uncompromising dedication to Irish design since their inception in 2024. Bringing the trad session vibe from the corner of a pub to a global audience, their energy is unmatched. This is a sisterhood born out of a shared passion for keeping the tradition of Irish music alive, giving it a new look, and keeping it on its toes. When they’re performing together, a magic flows between them, and that mix of skill and sorcery makes them incomparable. After appearing on the Late Late Show in February 2025, BIIRD went on to sell out every show on their debut Irish & UK tour. The flock of BIIRDs is made up of Lisa on harp, banjo, and vocals; Laura Doherty on fiddle and guitar; Zoran Donohoe on concertina; Sal Heneghan on fiddle and harp; Miadhachlughain O’Donnell on flute and vocals; Nicole Lonergan on fiddle; Niamh Hinchy on vocals and synth; Aoife Kelly on cello; Ciara Ní Mhurchú on fiddle; Hannah Hiemstra on drums; and Claire Loughran on fiddle and harp.
Billow Wood
Billow Wood is a contemporary folk ensemble from Ireland known for rich vocal harmonies, dynamic arrangements, and a sound rooted in Irish tradition while reaching confidently beyond it. Drawing from folk, trad, and modern acoustic music, the band blends fiddle, guitar, harp, mandolin, accordion, and layered voices to create performances that are both intimate and powerful. Since forming in 2019, Billow Wood has built a strong international reputation, touring extensively across Ireland, Europe, and North America. Their live shows are defined by an energetic and engaging stage presence, combining emotional storytelling and thoughtful musicianship with a natural ability to draw audiences in—whether through original material or reimagined traditional songs. The band is currently touring new music from their forthcoming album Forgotten Stories, a collection that reflects on place, memory, and shared human experience. Billow Wood’s music is honest, atmospheric, and resonant, making them a natural fit for audiences who value both tradition and innovation in folk music.
Blackthorn Folly
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.
Bog Bodies
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.
Bohola
Irish music accordion virtuoso Jimmy Keane and the remarkable bouzar player and vocalist Pat Broaders, comprise bohola, Irish music's newest supergroup as penned by The Irish Herald. bohola play a driving, muscular, and yet very emotive style of Irish music with deep roots in the 'pure drop' tradition, infused with the raw and gritty urbanized musical vernacular of the Irish and Irish-American experience. bohola's debut album is championed by the Irish Voice as one of the most impressive debut recordings ever by an Irish traditional music group. The Courier News added, Though most of the tunes bohola plays are well over 150 years old, the music comes across more vibrant than the moribund sounds of much of today's alternative rock. Their sound comes from the Irish version of jam sessions, but bohola puts the noodling of many current jam bands (Dave Matthews, among others) to shame.
Cailíní Lua
An all-female Irish trad and folk group
Campbell and Jensen
Ashley Campbell and Thor Jensen form a unique meeting of musical genres as the duo Campbell/Jensen. With Ashley coming from the world of country and Americana and Thor having a diverse background from rock to gypsy jazz, they create a fresh sound as a duo, weaving together a range of influences, including traditional Irish and folk. Ashley Campbell, daughter of country legend Glen Campbell, began her career playing in her father's band on several world tours and has found success as a solo artist in the country music scene, most notably with her debut single Remembering, which she wrote for her father. Her original music has taken her all over the world, from China to Japan, to the main stage at London's O2 Arena to opening for Kris Kristofferson and the Bellamy Brothers. She has also been spotlighted for her banjo playing with Rascal Flatts in the music video for their hit single Banjo. Ashley is of both Irish and Scottish ancestry and incorporates her heritage into her music. Thor Jensen, a virtuoso guitarist and songwriter from New York, has traveled many different roads. From touring the world with Hazmat Modine to playing Americana with Quiet Life opening for the likes of Dr. Dog and Portugal. The Man and Shovels and Rope, then onto joining the Stephane Wrembel Band, playing the music of Django Reinhardt, and performing at Carnegie Hall and all over the world, all the while immersing himself in New York's jazz scene. Ashley and Thor started Campbell/Jensen in late 2021 and have been playing music together ever since. Both being strong instrumentalists, in addition to the combination of Thor's deep baritone and Ashley's clear-as-a-bell vocals, together they make a one-of-a-kind blend. Their debut album, “Turtle Cottage,” is out now!
Capitol Ceili Band
Bryan Whiting and Alan Ng have not only been polishing their flute-fiddle duet for twenty years, they are also longtime set dancers who love the thrill of great dance music driving great dancers. Chelcy Bowles has been conjuring imaginative rhythm and harmony on harp and piano for these two friends for even longer. Alan Ng was a founding member of the Public House Ceili Band, formed in 1995 and the first band in North America to record an album of music for set dancers. Public House was a featured ceili band at Milwaukee Irish Fest for many years. Alan and Chelcy Bowles also performed widely for many years with uilleann piper Bill Peden as members of The Snug, a classic Irish instrumental trio. Chelcy is a professor emerita of music at UW-Madison specializing in adult music education. Bryan Whiting and Alan share a long history as session mates, as veterans of the Milwaukee set-dancing scene, and simply as neighbors who keep the old Irish ceili house tradition alive. Capitol Ceili Band made its first Milwaukee Irish Fest appearance in August 2010 and has returned many times!
Cashel Academy of Irish Dance
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.
Cat and Hare
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
Ceili Nights
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.
Ceol Cairde
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.
Chicago Reel
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.
Conor Mallon
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.
Cream City Ceili Band
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.
Derek Byrne and Paddygrass
Derek Byrne came to America after touring with Riverdance. His band Paddygrass has been playing together over 18 years. Their live shows mix upbeat Irish Ballads, Bluegrass, Gospel and folk with Irish Dancing. If you love high energy singalongs and foot stomping grooves, this is your band. 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
Diddley Idols
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!
Dublin O'Shea
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.
Eileen Ivers
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.
Evan and Tom Leahy
Evan and Tom Leahy are an offshoot of Leahys Luck, a Milwaukee Irish Fest staple for over 35 years. Evan and Tom have been expanding their musical range as a father-son duo over the past eighteen years, demonstrating their full range of musical talents as they combine Irish folk and modern folk-rock songs in an eclectic and exciting mix.
Fionn and Jonathan Angus
Fionn Crombie Angus is a left-handed fiddle player with Down syndrome. After performing at the inaugural TradFest/AbleFest program in Dublin earlier this year, he was named TradFest Ambassador and will appear on the stage at Milwaukee Irish Fest, accompanied by his father, Jonathan. Fionn and Jonathan are co-directors of Fionnathan Productions, a social enterprise. You can pronounce it Fionnathan or Fear Nuthin’—close enough. Fionn is a regular fixture of the Galway arts scene: a filmmaker and visual artist as well as a traditional musician. To help clarify Fionn’s goals, he has conducted nearly 800 video interviews, asking, “What do you love about your life?” As a result, Fionn can rightly be considered a happiness expert, and his YouTube channel, Finnathan Presents: The Happiness Project, has more than 5 million views. He combines his music skills with his deep love of nature as a Heritage Expert, teaching children about animals and traditional Irish culture in schools across Ireland and internationally. He has performed on national TV numerous times. They each received Remy Martin Irish Men of the Year 2025 Awards: Fionn as Diversity and Inclusion Advocate and Jonathan as Arts and Culture Advocate. Working with numerous organizations, they have led advocacy courses and family consultations, published works, served on government committees, and presented at conferences worldwide, and together they have visited over two dozen countries. They perform as part of Milwaukee's partnership with TradFest.
Flanagan Brothers Legacy: Neely, Ó Meachair and Dolan
In the 1920s and 1930s, the Flanagan Brothers were one of Irish music's most successful acts. Major attractions both on radio and live at all of NYC's most important dance halls, the group's creative, high-spirited energy perfectly reflected that era’s Irish sensibility and is captured on the nearly 170 sides they made for every record label of the day. The Flanagan Brothers Legacy, made up of Daniel Neely (tenor banjo), Diarmuid Ó Meachair (melodeon), and Brendan Dolan (piano), explores the music and lives of these influential Irish music pioneers and celebrates their ebullient genius for modern audiences.
Frogwater
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.
Gaelic Storm
It’s hard to imagine a band just coming into their own after 20 years of success, but that’s exactly what makes a true anomaly. Gaelic Storm, a multi-national, Celtic juggernaut grows stronger with each live performance, and after two decades and over 2000 shows, they are a true force to be reckoned with. The band attributes their continued success to their fanatic audience, and it’s a well-diversified crowd for sure – attracting fans of every genre with their rich storytelling, energetic instrumentals, devotion to Celtic traditions and passion for their stagecraft. They are as loyal to their fans as the fans are to them, as front man Patrick Murphy states, “The fans are the ones that have given us this life. We’re here for them.” Gaelic Storm takes a true blue-collar, hard-nose approach to touring, consistently traveling the US and internationally forging a unique path in the Celtic music world. “You have to see us live. We are the true working-man’s’ band,” says longtime member Ryan Lacey. “We still, and most likely always will, tour most of the year, and that’s how we constantly hone our craft.” This dedication to their live show dates all the way back to the mid-1990s, when Gaelic Storm kicked off its’ career as a pub band in Santa Monica, California. One which performance led to their discovery that ultimately found the band appearing in the blockbuster film, Titanic (where they performed “Irish Party in Third Class”). This laid the groundwork for a career that would eventually find them topping the Billboard World Chart six times, making appearances at mainstream music festivals, and regularly headlining the largest Irish Festivals across the country, all while gaining a reputation as a genre-bending Irish rock band whose songs mix Celtic traditions with something uniquely creative. Recent years have seen the addition of Natalya Kay on fiddle and Parker Hastings on guitar, who both bring their own energy, musicianship and spirit to Gaelic Storm.
Gardiner Brothers
Michael and Matthew Gardiner are American-born Irish dancers living in Nashville, TN. Along with over 9 million followers and 1 billion views on social media, they have won more than 40 major Irish dancing titles and performed for audiences worldwide at their own corporate events. Through their unique fusion of tradition and innovation, they create dynamic digital content, deliver high-impact corporate entertainment, and inspire audiences through keynote experiences. They developed their craft at the Hession School of Irish Dance in Galway, Ireland.
George Murphy
George Murphy is an Irish singer songwriter who hails from the Dublin suburb of Beaumont. He exploded onto the Irish music scene after his memorable appearances on the RTE Television show “You’re a Star. Just out of secondary school at the age of 17, he very quickly took over the Irish music scene. He signed with Sony Ireland, and his debut album, ‘Dreamed A Dream,' went to No. 1 in the Irish charts. The album eventually went on to gain triple platinum status.
Glencastle Irish Dancers
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. For over 25 years, Glencastle Irish Dancers has been dedicated to sharing the art of Irish dance through high-quality instruction, performances, and a strong sense of community. Our dancers have earned regional and national titles, and placements at the All Ireland Championships, Great Britain Championships, and World Championships. We have proudly performed at festivals, community events, schools, and other venues throughout Wisconsin.
Gould and Jaeger
Ian Gould and Lukas Jaeger, a dynamic new duo, mesmerize audiences with their mastery of guitar, violin, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, harmonicas, and vocals. Their performances are infused with an electrifying energy that captivates listeners from the first chord to the final note, delivering a sound that is both vibrant and unforgettable. With their diverse instrumental skills and infectious enthusiasm, Gould and Jaeger are making a significant impact on the music scene!
Gray, Gosa and Langby
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. This year's performances will also feature Devin McCabe.
Hearthfire
We're a Wisconsin based band that plays a mixture of traditional, contemporary and original Celtic rock music.
JigJam
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.
Kim Robertson
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.
Kinsella Academy of Irish Dance
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.
Mary Nolen's Harp and Shamrock Irish Ceili Orchestra All-Stars
Mary Nolen's Harp and Shamrock Irish Ceili Orchestra All-Stars was conceived of during one of Milwaukee Irish Fest's legendary after-hours sessions. Made up of stalwarts of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison trad communities and brought together by a shared love of the Ceili band and the music of Sliabh Luachra, they endeavor to capture the lightning of that night with every performance.
McNamara McCarthy School of Irish Dance
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.
Milwaukee Irish Dance Studio
Founded in 2014, Milwaukee Irish Dance began as a way for retired Irish dancers to stay connected to dance and community. Over a decade later, and now with a dedicated studio in Shorewood, we offer competitive and performance opportunities for all ages and abilities. Our mission is to make Irish dance enjoyable and accessible! Milwaukee Irish Dance also created Jigs & Swigs: The Irish Dance Workout®, a fitness class inspired by Irish dance that requires no experience and is hosted at local breweries. Discover more about their classes, performances, and Jigs & Swigs® at www.milwaukeeirishdance.com.
Milwaukee Irish Fest School of Music
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.
Nicolas Brown
Nicolas Brown was born in Illinois and raised in Ontario, and first started playing Irish music when he was in his late teens. A friend lent him a practice set of uilleann pipes, with which he proceeded to torture his extremely patient and understanding parents. Norman Stiff (a student of Dublin born Chris Langan) started teaching him and gave him two CDs: one of Willie Clancy and one of Seamus Ennis. Nicolas proceeded to listen to these two recordings on repeat for the next year. Eventually, he got his own set of pipes and a flute (and some more CDs!) and set out on his journey down the Irish music rabbit hole. <br><br> In the decades since he first picked up a tin whistle at the Fergus Highland Games, Nicolas has not only become a very proficient musician, but has also developed a vast knowledge of Irish music history, about the old musicians, tune histories, Irish music in America, and more. In 2025, Nicolas released a solo album of Irish traditional flute music, Not So Good As The Flute. In 2020, he released his first solo album on an antique set of Union pipes, Good Enough Music For Them Who Love It. In 2016, Nicolas released a duet album with fiddler Alison Perkins, All Covered With Moss. <br><br> Nicolas has performed, taught workshops, given lectures, and played at venues and festivals throughout Canada, the United States, and Ireland. He plays a Koehler & Quinn concert pitch “D” set of uilleann pipes, a Joe Kennedy flat pitch “B” set of union pipes, an antique set of Union pipes pitched close to “D”, John Gallagher flutes in F, D, and B, an antique Wylde in Eb, as well as other flutes and whistles in various keys, and Nicolas also sings! <br><br> https://nicolasbrownmusic.com/
Nuala Kennedy and Eamon O'Leary
Following the hand of fate which guided them from a remote village in the Austrian Alps to a tiny island in Greece, long time musical collaborators and world wanderers, Irish traditional singer and musician Nuala Kennedy and Dubliner / New Yorker singer songwriter Eamon O’ Leary have created an atmospheric new album of songs entitled ‘Hydra’. (2024)Following the hand of fate which guided them from a remote village in the Austrian Alps to a tiny island in Greece, long time musical collaborators and world wanderers, Irish traditional singer and musician Nuala Kennedy and Dubliner / New Yorker singer songwriter Eamon O’ Leary have created an atmospheric new album of songs entitled ‘Hydra’. (2024) Noted for their instrumental skills and songwriting as well as a rich tapestry of traditional song; Nuala and Eamon recorded Hydra in a spacious open room inside the old carpet factory, whose windows open onto the Aegean Sea. Here they present a timeless selection of stories of the sea, of love and courtship, of work and ritual, of emigration, of war… Hydra reverberates with a sense of space, and a palpable delight in place and storytelling.
Ogham
TJ Hull and Amanda Caretta-Hull perform together as Ogham. From Milwaukee, this duo plays reels, jigs, and other Irish dance music and instrumentals on fiddle and bodhran, here and throughout the Midwest.
O'Jizo
O’Jizo is a trio of multi-instrumentalists from Tokyo, Japan who play traditional Irish music. Formed in 2008, the band plays both traditional arrangements and original compositions. Featuring the Irish wooden flute, and the Irish tin whistle, their sound is layered with combinations of the piano accordion, bouzouki, guitar, and mandolin. As authentic as a traditional music session by a turf fire in County Clare, Ireland, their unique style shows subtle influences -- from the smooth syncopation of Chicago jazz, to the driving rhythms of World music, and the soft flutter of cherry blossoms in the Land of the Rising Sun. O’Jizo perform -- with serene gleefulness -- the cutting edge of a new Celtic sound. Their warm personalities shine through on stage, and they enjoy meeting audience members one-on-one after a performance. Their path to Irish music began in childhood, with the magic of Tokyo Disneyland and Hollywood movies which introduced the band members to American music. Later, after advanced studies in ethnomusicology, and experimenting with classical and traditional music from around the world, the band members met each other and chose Irish music as their favourite. It was the natural choice because the music felt familiar and comfortable -- and is the root of many of the American music styles they were drawn to in their youth. With great respect for the music, they studied in Ireland and have since been welcomed back as Masters of the Tradition.
Old Guard: Brett Lipshutz and Maria Terres
Brett and Maria first met in the 90s and have a long history of playing as a flute/fiddle combo. From live theater to studio work, from school outreach to concerts, dances, and feiseanna, Brett and Maria have played it all. In this special performance they revisit stories and tunes from the last 30 years. In addition, there will be a few cameos from musician friends. Come enjoy time spent with good music among old friends.
Pat Broaders and Kieran O'Hare
Dubliner Pat Broaders began singing with his Wexford-born father and took up the bouzouki soon after, inspired by the sounds of groundbreaking bands like Planxty and Bothy Band. Pat’s repertoire today reflects his interest in the great songs of the Irish tradition, as well as ballads from England, Scotland, and America. Kieran O’Hare is a highly respected and sought-after performer of traditional Irish music on the uilleann pipes, concert flute, and tin whistle. He learned the tradition of uilleann piping from master pipers in Ireland and continues to preserve, share, and pass it on in his teaching and performance. Together, Kieran and Pat are mainstays of the Irish music scene around the world and are currently members of the acclaimed trio Open the Door for Three. The soul of Pat's and Kieran’s music is filled with connections: to people and places, to teachers and heritage and audience, and to the stories and traditions that bring us all together. Their music is a rare combination of unearthed tunes from centuries-old collections, newly composed melodies, fresh arrangements of songs old and new, homages to the musicians and bands they grew up listening to, and the unmatched energy of two good friends playing great Irish traditional music together.
Pat Gaughan and Nancy Maio
Pat Gaughan and Nancy Maio, both accomplished musicians in their own right, have collaborated their musical talents, presenting programs of traditional Irish folk songs, pub songs and instrumental dance tunes such as Irish jigs and reels. They have performed throughout the Midwest, playing at clubs, Festivals, Colleges, and headlining Concert series. As a duo they combine Pats rich voice and intricate guitar playing with Nancy’s instrumental virtuosity on the fiddle Pat and Nancy collaborated on Pat’s Irish album, “Parting Glass” which has received airplay on public radio stations in the U.K. and the states. It is available on Amazon, CD Baby and Spotify. Together, Pat Gaughan and Nancy Maio have a warm stage presence that combined with their musical talents makes them a very memorable musical duo.
Providence Céilí Band
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!
Radiation
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
Rare Privilege
Rare Privilege features Maria Terres on fiddle and Amy McFarland on piano. Their music has often been described as way more sound than we ever thought two instruments could make. Devotion to their individual instruments, a sense of innovation, and a deep love and respect for the living tradition of folk music and dance combine to give their music an imaginative and lyrical energy and drive. Rare Privilege plays for New England Style Contra Dancing, Irish and Scottish social dancing, English Country Dancing, and many other traditional dance styles. Based in Wisconsin, we have performed throughout the US and also in Canada.
Reilly
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.
Sarah Sheehan and Kevin Shortall: University of Limerick Partnership
Sarah Sheehan is a concertina player from County Clare, Ireland. She began playing concertina at a young age under the tutelage of Tim Collins and her playing is greatly influenced by Noel Hill, Pádraig Rynne and Caitlín Nic Gabhann. She grew up immersed in traditional music and is regularly attending and performing in sessions around Ennis. Sarah has since become an accomplished performer, playing at gigs and festivals across Ireland and also in the UK. She has competed successfully in Fleadh Cheoil competitions both as a soloist and as part of grúpa cheoil and céilí band competitions. Sarah has recently completed her final year of undergraduate study at the Irish World Academy, University of Limerick studying Irish Music and Irish. Kevin Shortall plays Irish bouzouki, electric and acoustic guitar, 7 string Brazilian guitar, cavaco, and tenor banjo. He grew up in Brazil to an Irish father and a Brazilian mother, under the influence of both cultures and has a BMus (Hons) degree in Jazz Guitar from the Birmingham Conservatoire, a BA in Arranging for Brazilian Music from UNIRIO, and is currently doing an MA in Irish Traditional Music Performance at the University of Limerick. Together they perform as part of the Milwaukee Irish Fest and University of Limerick's Irish World Academy of Music and Dance partnership.
Scythian
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.
Shane Hennessy
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 Beyonc? 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!
SuperCéilí
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.
The Brigideens
Get ready for powerful, resonant, emotional songs and tunes with The Brigideens - the bold new acoustic roots band formed and led by Grammy-winning, Emmy-nominated, 9-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion Eileen Ivers. This dynamic, female-led ensemble brings together acclaimed vocalists and instrumentalists from the Celtic and Americana traditions to create a sound that’s both rooted and refreshing. From traditional reels and soaring ballads and genre-blending originals The Brigideens deliver a high-energy, emotionally resonant performance. Expect fiddle fireworks, driving banjo, multifaceted guitar work, vibrant percussion, rich harmonies, and stories that celebrate resilience, connection, and the flame of creativity. Named for Brigid, the Celtic patron saint of scholars, poets, healers and peace, and known for her perpetual flame, The Brigideens are keepers of a musical flame – honoring tradition while blazing their own trail.
The Cosmic Otters
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.
The Drowsy Lads
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.
The Foreign Landers
“One listen to the lilting vocals, truthful narrative, and welcoming musicality, and you will understand,” writes The Aquarian. That sense of invitation sits at the heart of The Foreign Landers’ music. Their songs pay close attention to ordinary moments, shaped by the belief that grace often shows up in these places. Rooted in bluegrass and Celtic tradition, the band blends acoustic drive with reflective songwriting and close harmony singing shaped by lives lived across borders. Rooted in bluegrass and Celtic tradition, the band creates their own sound with reflective songwriting and enchanting singing shaped by lives lived across borders. Led by vocalist and banjoist Tabitha Agnew Benedict of Northern Ireland and mandolinist David Benedict of South Carolina, The Foreign Landers have built a reputation for music that feels deeply personal. Their work grows out of shared experience, shaped by distance, home, and the steady work of learning how to live faithfully in changing seasons. With the release of their sophomore album, 'Made to Wonder,' on January 23, 2026, the band offers their most compelling and cohesive statement to date.
The Gleasons
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!
The O'Bradys
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.
The Stirling Latelys
Quickly becoming a festival and club favorite in the Midwest folk scene, The Stirling Latelys are captivating audiences with high energy fiddle and mandolin tunes, intricate three-part harmonies, and a seamless blend of indie folk, transatlantic folk encompassing the best of America, Canada, Ireland, and Scotland, and tasteful originals that feel somehow familiar but new. The quartet (Alli, Amanda, Marv, and Chad) have a penchant for dynamic, colorful arrangements and storyteller-style interaction for intimate folk shows and high energy, powerhouse arrangements that work great for the festival stage. Steadily increasing their reach through the Midwest, they will release their debut album this year.
Tommy Sands
Tommy Sands, Co. Down's singer, songwriter, and social activist, has achieved something akin to legendary status in his own lifetime. From the pioneering days with the highly influential Sands Family, bringing Irish music from New York's Carnegie Hall to Moscow's Olympic Stadium, he has developed into one of the most powerful songwriters and enchanting solo performers in Ireland today. His songwriting, which draws the admiration of Nobel Poet Laureate Seamus Heaney and father of folk music Pete Seeger, prompts respected US magazine Sing Out to regard him as the most powerful songwriter in Ireland, if not the rest of the world.
Trinity Irish Dance Academy
Milwaukee’s own Trinity Irish Dance Academy has been the most widely recognized Irish dance program in the world for over 40 years. Shaping the lives of over 10,000 students throughout its history in Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago, Trinity has set numerous competitive records and thrilled audiences worldwide with its innovative approach to performance and attention to detail. The unique program is held together by its powerful philosophy of empowerment that teaches students life lessons both on and off the dance floor. 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.
Wickerlight
Emanating from the vibrant depths of the Irish music scene, Wickerlight is an electrifying four-piece band that thrives on the fusion of raw energy and eclectic sounds. With their unique blend of influences ranging from Irish traditional music to pulsating rock, infused with infectious dance and Eastern European rhythms, Wickerlight has quickly carved a distinct and captivating niche in the industry. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Wickerlight has been creating their own distinctive sound since they first got together. Their set list of completely original compositions reflects their diverse musical influences, resulting in an exhilarating blend that is sure to ignite any crowd.
TradFest
Milwaukee Irish Fest partners with Dublin’s renowned TradFest to showcase emerging Irish artists in the United States.
About TradFest
TradFest is a joyful celebration of Irish identity through music. Each January, it showcases the best of established and emerging musical talent at a landmark festival that is rooted in the historic and atmospheric setting of Temple Bar, Dublin’s cultural quarter. Over 50 live music concerts take place in some of the best pubs in Temple Bar, as well as key historical landmarks in Dublin.
TradFest is reimagining and redefining Irish music and reaching growing Irish and international audiences at live events and through digital channels. It adopts a fluid approach to programming and is constantly curating the best of established Irish traditional and folk musicians with emerging performers, some of whom got their career breaks and opportunities to perform at international events through TradFest.
Tickets
The earlier you buy, the more you save. Admission includes access to 18 stages of entertainment, plus all cultural and family activities across a 75-acre festival park.
