Entertainers

Cherish The Ladies Over the past two decades, the name of a time honored Irish traditional jig has become equally well known as the name for one of the most engaging ensembles in Irish music: Cherish the Ladies. They have grown from a one-time concert concept to an Irish traditional music sensation, literally the most successful and sought-after Irish-American group in Celtic music history. They began as a concert series featuring the brightest lights in Irish traditional music. Though initially the group won recognition as the first and only all-women traditional Irish band, they soon established themselves as musicians and performers without peer and have won many thousands of listeners and fans of their music. With their unique spectacular blend of virtuosi instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing, this powerhouse group combines all the facets of Irish traditional culture and puts it forth in an immensely humorous and entertaining package. They have been named Entertainment Group of the Year by the Irish Voice Newspaper and have shared the stage with such noted entertainers as James Taylor, Joan Baez, Emmy Lou Harris, The Clancy Brothers, Tommy Makem, The Chieftains and dozens of symphony orchestras and the "Celtic Album", their collaboration with the Boston Pops Symphony, led to a 1999 Grammy nomination. Cherish The Ladies was named Best Musical group of the year for 2002 by the BBC and was chosen top North American Celtic act by NPR radio's "Thistle and Shamrock".

Visit their official website

Enter the Haggis From the minute they take the stage, the non-stop infectious energy of Enter the Haggis makes it impossible for anyone to stay seated. Returning to the Great American Irish Festival by overwhelming popular demand, Enter the Haggis has built an international touring and recording career based on its unique approach to Celtic-based music and high-energy performances. The group's constant touring schedule has made them one of the biggest draws at Celtic and folk festivals throughout the world, and their recordings have been no less successful, from the band's 2002 recording "Enter the Haggis -Live!", to their most ambitious and successful recording yet, "Soapbox Heroes," released in 2006, which once again established the band as possessing tremendous flexibility without abandoning their respect for the traditional Celtic genre. The latest release from ETH, Northampton is effectively a live "Best Of" album, featuring 18 tracks recorded over two nights at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, MA. In addition to their recordings, Enter the Haggis has also become stars of the small screen. A television special on the group titled "Live at Lanigan's Ball" has aired on PBS affiliates throughout the U.S. and Canada, the band was recently featured on A&E's twice Emmy nominated "Breakfast With The Arts" program, their metoeric rise to the top of the Celtic Rock world has continued with their recent.spot on the popular PBS program Out Of Ireland. The band continues to tour constantly. Click here to listen

visit their official site

Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul Eileen Ivers has been called a "sensation" by Billboard magazine and "the Jimi Hendrix of the violin" by The New York Times. Nine Time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, London Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony at The Kennedy Center, Boston Pops, musical star of Riverdance, The Chieftains, Hall and Oates, Afrocelts, Patti Smith, Paula Cole, Al Di Meola, Steve Gadd, founding member of Cherish the Ladies, performed for Presidents and Royalty worldwide - this is a short list of accomplishments, headliners, tours and affiliations that have established her as the pre-eminent exponent of the Irish fiddle in the world today. The daughter of Irish immigrants, Eileen Ivers grew up in the culturally diverse neighborhood of the Bronx, New York. Rooted in Irish traditional music since the age of eight, Eileen proceeded to win nine All-Ireland fiddle championships, a tenth on tenor banjo and over 30 championship medals, making her one of the most awarded persons ever to compete in these prestigious competitions. Her virtuoso playing electrifies crowds wherever she plays, and she is matched every step of the way by her all-star band, as they seamlessly blend African and Latin percussion and bass, Irish instrumentals, and American soulful vocals. It is no exaggeration when the Washington Post writes of Eileen Ivers, "She suggests the future of the Celtic fiddle."

Visit her official site

The Prodigals The Prodigals are one of the most successful bands to emerge from the East-Coast Irish scene. The band combines brilliant original lyrics and melody with a genuine passion for the traditional music of Ireland and a funky energy that is pure New York. The roots of the music are unmistakably traditional Irish; the branches that shoot off delve into rock, worldbeat, jazz and punk, and the result has been called "the best Irish trad-rock band" by no less a source than the Village Voice. Dubbed "the kings of jig-punk" The Prodigals have played throughout the United States, headlining the world's largest Irish festivals, and recently received the #1 ranking by readers of the largest circulation Irish-American newspaper, the Irish Echo, beating out acts such as U2, the Saw Doctors, Black 47 and Van Morrison. Click here to listen

visit their official site

The Elders The Elders, the most popular Irish band throughout the Midwestern United States, are a six-man group that melds the energy of rock with respect for Irish musical traditions. The Kansas City-based group has become famous for their high-energy rock shows that exude a fiery Celtic-influence and comical story telling that is true to the culture they represent. The Elders released their sixth album, Racing the Tide, in mid-2006, which introduced the sextet to the rest of the United States, and the band has been garnering accolades everywhere, ranging from top album of the year on paddyrock.com to second place in the most recent Celtic Music Awards, beating out such bands as Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly and Great Big Sea. Virtually unknown on the East Coast a year ago, the Elders exploded onto the scene with a four-set performance at the Great American Irish Festival that immediately established them as GAIF favorites and cemented their reputation as one of the hottest acts on the festival circuit. The group consists of Norm Dahlor (bass, banjo, guitar and vocals), Brent Hoad (violin, mandolin and vocals), Joe Miquelon (keyboard and saxophone), Steve Phillips (guitar, mandolin and vocals) and Tommy Sutherland (drums and percussion) and, from County Wicklow, Ireland, Ian Byrne, (vocals and percussion).

Visit their web site

The David Munnelly Band Noted for their award-winning musicianship and for "bringing new energy to Irish traditional music," the David Munnelly Band has been making waves on both sides of the Atlantic with their exuberant and unique style of playing, based in the West Mayo tradition, as wild, free, and awe inspiring as the rugged West Coast of Ireland. In concert the tunes are played fast, with immense precision, creating a live excitement not often duplicated. Born and raised in County Mayo, David Munnelly is an exciting young Irish button accordionist and an award-winning composer. He toured with The Chieftains from the age of 21-25 & is featured on their CD "Water from the Well." He also toured with De Danaan and other legendary Irish artists, all before the age of twenty-five. Now touring the world with his own group, his second CD "By Heck" was recently released in North America following critical and popular acclaim in Ireland, Europe and Japan. The David Munnelly Band has delighted audiences throughout America and Europe in 2006, performing at festivals and concert halls, including The Kennedy Center, where families danced in the aisles to the band's infectious music. The Village Voice has called them "the band to see if you can." In the short time they have been together the band has amassed numerous awards, including, among others, Best Traditional Artist and Best Band 2005 by the Irish American News and Concert of the Year by LiveIreland.com.

Visit their official website

Barra MacNeils The Barra MacNeils, from Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, are one of Canada's premier Celtic groups. Steeped in Cape Breton tradition with strong Celtic roots and musical artistry, this diverse and talented family group continues to win over audiences around the world with their captivating vocals, harmonies and extraordinary musicianship. As a group, the six MacNeil siblings are widely regarded as one of the top live acts in the Celtic world. Their numerous critically acclaimed recordings have included their own original songs as well as tried and true standards, both instrumental and vocal. The Barra MacNeils live concert experience is family entertainment at its highest level, bringing to the stage an irresistible combination of multiple lead vocalists, beautiful sibling harmonies, top drawer instrumental prowess on a wide variety of acoustic, stringed, percussion and wind instruments, dancing, storytelling, Gaelic songs and a journey through an ancient culture. Multi-award winners, the Barra MacNeils have released numerous recordings including, Racket In the Attic (2002), Christmas Album (1999), Until Now (1997), The Question (1995), The Traditional Album (1994), Closer to Paradise (1993 - Certified Gold in Canada), Timeframe (1990), Rock in the Stream (1989), The Barra MacNeils (1986). In 2001, they released a DVD titled Cape Breton Christmas incorporating music from their live Christmas Concert Special (as seen on television), plus a visit to Cape Breton, interviews with the Barra MacNeils home at Christmas and music videos. Canada's Celtic ambassadors, the Barra MacNeils continue to perform to sold out audiences throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom.

Visit their official website

Glengarry Bhoys "Hard-rocking" and "bagpipes" are not two terms generally heard in the same sentence, but with the Glengarry Bhoys, it's appropriate. The Glengarry Bhoys have established themselves through a devoted work-ethic of touring and recording as one of the top draws on the Irish festival and club circuit. The Bhoys have their roots in Glengarry, Ontario and their music draws on the unique blend of the French and Scottish musical heritage indigenous to the area. Their blend of traditional music, fused with the multicultural sounds of modern and contemporary Celtic music, has brought them international acclaim. Fiery guitar and bass, intense percussion and fiddle, teamed with pipes and vocals, make for a memorable performance.

Visit their official web site

Hair of the Dog Over the past decade Hair Of The Dog has entertained thousands of fans of all ages with their unique blend of Celtic, rock, folk and bluegrass music. Their high energy sound, smooth four-part harmonies and tight instrumental attack has made them America's number one Irish folk band, and an international success as well. The band has sold thousands of their CDs, pitching them from stages shared with The Clancy Brothers, Seven Nations, Black 47, The Wolfe Tones, The Young Dubliners, Solas, The Paperboys, The Prodigals, Off-Kilter and the like. They tour Ireland annually, they've been to the Caribbean and they've appeared in concert at pubs and festivals across the US, including The Chicago Gaelic Park Festival, The Bethlehem Pennsylvania Celtic Classic, The Cleveland Summer Fest, The Hunter Mountain Irish Festival, The Coney Island Great Irish Fair, Irish 2000 Music And Arts Festival, The Capital District Scottish Games and the East Durham Irish Festival. The Albany NY-based Hair Of The Dog is a complete evening's entertainment, balancing humor with beautiful ballads, hot picking with Irish sing-alongs. Click here to listen

visit their official site

Greenwich Meantime Greenwich Meantime was brought together when Shelley Downing, James Libbey and Steph McAlear felt a need to follow their own musical ambitions after a stint with another well-known Celtic band. This sparked the interest of Nigel Gibson who signed on and former "Haggis" frontman Nick Matthew completed the quintet. Based out of Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, GMT grew up in traditional Celtic and French Canadian music country, and that influence is evident in the music they write and perform. The band has set its sights on staying true to the members' Celtic roots, while making use of all their creative resources. As a result of that dedication, Greenwich Meantime has become one of the fastest rising acts on the Celtic music scene and with a new lineup and the release of their new CD, "Proof", GMT looks to continue to rise in the future.

Visit The Official Web Site

Rathkeltair Rathkeltaír, (rath-KELT-ur), consists of bagpiper Neil Anderson and drummer Nick Watson, two original members of America's ground-breaking Celtic rock supergroup Seven Nations, and guitarist Trevor Tanner, front-man for England's legendary Goth rockers The Bolshoi. Following Neil's return to the states after being called up for a tour of duty in Iraq, the band picked up where they left off - energizing Festival stages all over North America, and garnering numerous honors and awards, including Best Celtic Rock Band, Best Celtic Rock Vocalist and Best Traditional Musician awards in the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine Annual Audience Poll. Compelling original material combined with fresh, innovative arrangements of traditional Celtic music, instrumental virtuosity and a completely off-the-wall sense of humor are what set this exceptional band apart from all the rest. Simply put, you will never see a more high-energy show than Rathkeltaír

Visit their official web site

Barleyjuice Barleyjuice's first recording - titled, strangely enough, "Barleyjuice" - was steeped in traditional bagpipe & Celtic singing songs, but by their second album, "Another Round," more than half of the material was original. Encouraged with numerous comparisons to a high-powered Shane MacGowan and the Pogues, Tom Waits, Ronnie Drew, even the Rolling Stones, they continued to add their own original tunes as well as trad favorites, and the result has been phenomenal. Their tongue-in-cheek element delights audiences thoroughly, thanks in large to the musical prowess with which the witty material is presented. The six members pilot a barrage of instruments - guitar, fiddle, accordion, bagpipes, bouzouki, mandolin, harmonica, banjo, tinwhistle, piano, bass and drums. In the past year, Barleyjuice released a fourth album, "Bonny Prince Barley," and stretched their avid fan base across America and into Europe with the help of such fan sites as MySpace, and a seamless live show. Highlander Radio listeners voted "What's Up Yours?" Song of the Year for 2005. In 2006, "Jig Set" was featured in Fox TV's King Of The Hill, Six Yanks made #14 on Paddy Rock Radio's Top Twenty short list (paddyrock.com), and "Whiskey To The Sea" was listener-voted ShowStopper Track on CelticFolkPod.com's last show of the year, as well as included on the iTunes Essentials Irish Collection.

Visit their official website

Troy MacGillivray The multi-talented Troy MacGillivray was already impressing audiences with his step dancing skills at the age of six, by 13 he was teaching piano at the renowned Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts in St. Anne's, Cape Breton and he is now a sought-after fiddle player as well. Troy's first three recordings, "Boomerang", "Musical Ties" and "Eleven" all received East Coast Music Award nominations, and his fourth, "Live At The Music Room" was named the 2008 ECMA Instrumental Recording of the Year. From festival and concert stages around the world Troy continues to impress and amaze audiences around with world with his incredible array of talent.

Visit His Official Web Site

The Blarney Rebel Band The Blarney Rebel Band is a group of musicians from the Celtic hotbed of Central New York performing all types of traditional Irish music, from rollicking pub songs to traditional folk fare, from rousing sea songs to moving ballads, from stirring rebel songs to hand-clapping jigs and reels. It's all on display by a group of talented musicians boasting virtuoso musicianship and perfectly blended harmonies, sure to please old and young alike. The Blarney Rebel Band is always ready to help raise a pint, whether at a festival, party or a night at the local pub. The Blarney Rebel Band, which consists of Mark Sisti - banjo, mandolin, mandola, pennywhistle, concertina, accordion, flute, vocals; Al Sisti - bass guitar, vocals; Dan Sisti - guitar, vocals; and Jessica Voce - bodhran, tambourine, percussion, has recently recorded their second CD, "Buy My Soul", to follow their wildly successful debut, "Live at Piggy Pat's."

visit their official site

	Vince Colgan The term is often too easily and inappropriately applied, but Vince Colgan is a true legend in central New York Irish Music circles and beyond. A master storyteller as well as a consummate balladeer, Vince has entertained generations of Central New Yorkers and is now working on the next generation. The Great American Irish Festival is honored to welcome him to its stages.

The Stoutmen For 10 years The Stoutmen have been belting out Irish and Scottish folk songs in and around the Binghamton area of Upstate New York. Their love of big harmonies really shows as they work to keep alive a style of singing made famous by the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. You'll hear well-known and a few obscure songs that cover the breadth of the Irish and Scottish experience, including songs of drinking, rebellion, sailing, and humor. Consisting of Tim Lynch (vocals, guitar, octave mandolin, bodhran), Sean Walsh (vocals, guitar, pennywhistle, bodhran), Bob White (vocals, 12-string guitar, banjo), and Roy Bartram (vocals, bass, pennywhistle), the band has crafted a finely balanced show that really grabs an audience's attention.

Visit their official website

St. James Gate St. James Gate, one of the Capital Region's newest Celtic bands, was formed in the summer of 2001. Inspiration for the band came from Bill Connelly's cousin Martin Connelly of Newbridge, County Kildare who used to perform in the band Mac's Fancy in Ireland. Martin, over the years, has assisted the band with many great tunes and ballads from Ireland. The band toured Ireland in November of 2005 and was a great success. A few highlights over the past two years include the band performing at Connolly's Pub in NYC. They also opened twice for Derek Warfield- formerly of the Wolfetones. They have performed at the Irish 2000 Festival for the past two years and last year also performed at the East Durham Irish Festival. St James Gate currently consists of four members: Robert Daly on percussion ( bodhran, djembe, and zendrum), Rick Russo on bass, six string guitar and lead vocals, Cassidy Buckley on fiddle, bass guitar, mandolin and background vocals, and Bill Connelly on guitar, banjo, mandolin and lead vocals.

Visit their official website

Donal O'Shaugnnessy Donal O'Shaughnessy is a multi-talented performer, playing guitar, fiddle, keyboards, pipe organ, bodhran and mandolin. Donal is probably best known for his live performances. His quick wit and spontaneity with his audience keeps people in their seats until the very end of the night. He is also known for his work ethic, rarely taking a break during a show. On St. Patrick's Day 1997 he played 12 straight hours only repeating a song if it was requested. Donal's versatility with musical instruments and singing style makes every occasion special. Donal was the winner of the 1996 Fleadh Cheoil Mid Atlantic Regional Irish Singing Contest and placed seventh in the fiddle contest at the same event.

Visit his official website

Siochain Siochain, a five-piece group from Indianapolis, is one of the most versatile and talented bands playing on tour. Pronounced "Shee'-a-kawn" with the emphasis on the first syllable, Siochain is a band that knows contemporary music but keeps a tight grasp on their Celtic roots. Already a headliner at several Irish Festivals and a staple at numerous Irish pubs in the Midwest, Siochain brings their sheer love of performing and audience interplay to over 100 dates a year from Pennsylvania to Missouri. They are currently working on a follow-up to their first CD, "Disturbing The Peace." The band consists of Rufus Campbell, guitars, bagpipes, whistle, and vocals; Claudia Campbell, vocals, keys, accordion, and bodhran; Cory Carleton, bass guitar; Nathan Klatt, fiddle, mandolin, and vocals and Bryan Meyers, drums and vocals.

Visit their official web site

Pat Kane Pat Kane is a seasoned showman, being a singer, dancer, actor, and instrumentalist since childhood. On his farm in the hill country of the Canisteo River, he was raised in the traditions of the Grange and of his Irish family. Pat's cousins still run the family farm in West Clare, Ireland, which Pat visits often. Hence, the name of the band, and his company, West o'Clare. Pat Kane is a hardworking, full time soloist who may entertain for hours without a break or repeat. On fiddle, guitar, and bodhran, he plays jigs, reels, square dances, and hundreds of ballads from Ireland and America. Pat is a gifted dance instructor and caller, for squares, ceili, and other styles. He often dances and calls at the same time, or can also fiddle and call at once. He has twice won first place for singing at the NYC Fleadh Cheoil and hosts a weekly radio show in Elmira, New York. Click here to listen

visit their official site

Rattlin' Bog Long-time veterans of the local Irish Music scene, Rattlin' Bog is made up of tenor Rick Kincaid and baritone Joe Rowlands applying their tight vocal harmonies to Irish folk music and accompanying themselves on various acoustic instruments, including six and 12 string guitars, banjo, accordion, melodica, penny whistles and harmonicas. Hailing from the Utica area, Rattlin' Bog encourages audience participation with its catchy musical performance and its irreverent good humor. Rattlin' Bog will be joined at the Great American Irish Festival by special guest, Jim Kincaid on fiddle.

The Terry Mostyn Band The Terry Mostyn Band is a blend of Celtic music, a touch of blue grass, country, originals and a mix of folk rock. The band is led by singer/songwriter Terry Mostyn who has played the Jersey Circuit with various rock acts through the 70's and 80's and for the last decade has turned his pen and vocals towards his Celtic roots. This Irish/Welsh performer uses everything from upbeat tunes to mellow ballads of the past to captivate his audience. Known for his solo act in upstate clubs, he has fronted various bands across New York State and is joined by Rick Turck on bass and vocals, Steve Fonda on flute and vocals, and Bob Early on guitar and vocals to make up The Terry Mostyn Band.

Visit Their Official Web Site

Cassidy/McCale Cassidy/McCale is an acoustic, Celtic duo from Syracuse, NY. The band's name comes from the surnames of two grandfathers, Millard Cassidy and Raymond McCale. Formed in December 2005, they play a variety of Irish and Scottish pub songs, rebel tunes and sea chanteys. The band, whose performances are often described as energetic and crowd-pleasing, consists of Bryan Watson (guitar, vocals) and Matthew Douglas (guitar, vocals, bodhran). Influences include The Clancy Brothers, the Dubliners, regional favorite Pat Kane and Canadian import The Town Pants. Relative newcomers, Cassidy/McCale hope to become a regular part of the growing Celtic folk scene in Syracuse and Central New York.

Valley Bog Players The Valley Bog Players are a Mohawk Valley based band whose simple and unadorned style has been variously described as "lyrical and distinct" as well as "straight from the heart and directed to the feet." Their music features a blend of traditional Irish music: jigs, airs, songs of the sea, barroom sing-a-longs, ballads, hornpipes and patriotic songs performed solely on traditional Irish acoustic instruments. Featuring dual pennywhistles, crisp vocal harmonies, 6 and 12 string guitar, banjo, accordion and bodhran, the Valley Bog Players will evoke the fogs and bogs of Ireland.

Visit their official website

	Kilrush Kilrush is a blend of crisp vocals and energetic instrumentals with Irish and Cape Breton influences. Led by Tim Sanphy on lead vocals, fiddles, bodhran and guitar accompaniments, and rounded out with Chris Sherwood, Dirk Sears and Tim Madigan adding harmonies and vocals, whistle, bodhran and flute, Kilrush adds up to a mix that is hard to beat.
	Visit their official website

Marc Bernier Marc Bernier is a Professional Chef, Musician, and Sailor with a diverse musical and professional background. No stranger to Sea Music audiences, he has spent over 15 years on staff at Mystic Seaport Museum. 5 years as a Mystic Seaport Chanteyman. He has worked as a musician and educator for the Clearwater program on the Hudson River, and has sailed as cook, deck hand, and entertainer on numerous traditional sailing vessels from the coast of Maine to Chesapeake Bay. A man with a big voice and varied instrumental skills, he is equally at home with Guitar, Mandolin, and Tenor Banjo while he sings. Marc's song repertoire comes mostly from Ireland, the UK, and Northeastern US, with a significant focus on pub songs and drinking songs, developed through years of research in the field.

Visit his official site

Gerry Dixon Gerry Dixon comes from Buffalo by way of a little town called Kilrush, located at the mouth of the river Shannon, in County Clare at the southwestern end of Ireland. It was here that Dixon honed his craft, singing and playing traditional Irish music and telling stories of his culture. Gerry was greatly influenced by his family and renowned artists, such as Christy Moore and Finbar Furey. Like many others from Ireland he not only sings, but also plays a myriad of instruments; including the guitar, tin whistle, and bodhran. With his performing skills and engaging personality, Gerry will take you on a memorable trip to the Emerald Isle.