We’re setting the stage for an exciting event with our world class entertainment line-up.
Our international headliners for 2013 are listed below.
We will be announcing our local and regional line-up soon.
Gaelic Storm
Saturday & Sunday
Gaelic Storm, a band synonymous with the Celtic rock genre, returns for its 13th performance at the 2013 Dublin Irish Festival. Since its formation in 1996, Gaelic Storm has repeatedly topped the Billboard World Music Charts and has undeniably shaped the modern Celtic music scene. A carefully crafted and unmistakably original sound personifies this annual crowd favorite; the band’s innovative take on classic Irish melodies introduce fans around the world to a rich musical heritage. Blending traditional Irish and Scottish folk music with the intense artistry of rock performance, Gaelic Storm’s unique musical style has amassed a devoted following throughout the world. Gaelic Storm website
Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Friday Only
Taking the world by storm with their eclectic “Bagrock” sound, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, formed in 2007, have successfully brought bagpipe playing into the twenty-first century. Through their awe-inspiring mastery on the pipes, drums, keyboards and guitars, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers have greatly expanded the versatility of traditional Irish instruments. Between a sold-out international tour and four chart-topping albums, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers are easily one of the most in-demand groups within the Celtic rock genre. The Pipers’ signature imagination and creativity is evident in the covers of popular songs that they play on the bagpipes—an unusual amalgamation that you have to hear to believe. Red Hot Chilli Pipers website
Natalie MacMaster
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Natalie MacMaster began her successful fiddling career at the age of nine, performing at local venues throughout her hometown in Nova Scotia. Since then, her passion for fiddling has resulted in a plethora of honors and accolades, as well as the release of eleven instrumental albums. Throughout her three-decade career, MacMaster’s exceptional musicianship has been showcased in multiple gold albums featuring award-winning singles and collaborations with prominent artists; indeed, this Cape Breton girl has received two Grammy nominations—and one win—eight Canadian Country Music Awards, ten East Coast Music Awards, and a Juno Award for “Best Instrumental Album.” By mixing traditional elements of Cape Breton fiddling with unexpected elements from alternative genres, Natalie MacMaster beautifully modernizes the art of fiddle playing. Natalie MacMaster website
The High Kings
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Formed in Dublin in 2008, The High Kings have enjoyed warm welcomes from fans throughout Ireland, The United States, England, and Europe. Since making their overseas debut in 2008 by touring with Celtic Woman in the United States, The High Kings have released two studio albums, a live album, and a performance DVD. Defining themselves as a “re-energized folk group,” the group is a collaboration of four accomplished and multi-talented members. Drawing on their extensive musical training, as well as the integral role Irish music had played throughout their childhood, The High Kings strive to promote their motto of “Folk ‘n Roll” with each invigorating performance. The High Kings website
Young Dubliners
Friday & Saturday
The Young Dubliners is an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1988. Their style of music has come to be called Celtic Rock, for the fusion of Irish traditional instruments and music with modern rock. Young Dubliners website
Scythian
Sunday Only
Hailing from the DC Metro area, Scythian came together in 2002 out of the band’s infectious love of Celtic and world music. Now extensively touring on the East Coast, Scythian has created a distinct and powerful sound: an intricate mix of Celtic, Gypsy, and Klezmer music, united by the band’s trademark punk-rock flair. Scythian’s five studio albums expose listeners to a variety of musical genres, ranging from toe-tapping Irish jigs to contemporary ballads and covers of popular songs. While the musical offerings of Scythian may vary, one thing is for certain—each adrenaline-fueled, interactive show will be an experience you will never forget. Scythian website
Slide
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
From its 1991 origins playing in local pubs in Bandon, Ireland, Slide has become a widely-recognized name in Irish folk roots music. The band’s unique sound has won over fans from around the world, and has resulted in three studio albums and one live album. Slide’s five traditionally-trained and multi-talented members have been praised for their captivating arrangements and self-penned lyrics. In 2005, Slide was awarded the “Young Musicwide Award,” by the Arts Council of Ireland and continued its success with a 2008 international tour in the United States. With an impressive foundation of advanced musicianship and a never-ending supply of creative ideas, Slide promises a fresh and enjoyable sampling of Irish music. Slide website
We Banjo 3
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Introducing the world to the surprising versatility of the banjo, We Banjo 3 is a quartet from Galway, Ireland, whose approach to Irish folk music is like no other. We Banjo 3 showcases the traditional roots of the banjo, while simultaneously exploring the infinite possibilities of banjo-playing within the contemporary music scene. The band, comprised of two sets of brothers, has recently been awarded the Music Network Young Musicwide Award, a distinction that honors exemplary young music ensembles. With a strong emphasis on the role of the banjo in Irish music, We Banjo 3 effortlessly unites the folk music genres of both Ireland and America. Performing with endless passion, the exposition of the banjo’s true musicality is at the heart of each We Banjo 3 performance; indeed, this reinvented art is sure to amaze and inspire. We Banjo 3 website
Enter the Haggis
Friday & Saturday
Named after the traditional food of the same name—that, like the band’s musical composition, is made up of diverse and unexpected elements—Enter the Haggis returns to the Dublin Irish Festival once again. Playing and recording albums since 1996, this Toronto-based band celebrates and incorporates many aspects of Irish and world fusion music into its fundamental rock sound. In addition to an extensive, albeit undoubtedly successful, touring schedule that encompasses Canada, the United States, and Europe, Enter the Haggis has released nine albums and has enjoyed high ranks on the iTunes World Music charts. While on the road, Enter the Haggis enjoys introducing people to the world-fusion music genre and forging memorable connections with fans. Enter the Haggis website
Brock McGuire Band
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
The Brock McGuire Band, lead by two of Ireland’s most celebrated traditional musicians, Paul Brock and Manus McGuire, is an Irish Folk band specializing in the preservation of traditional Irish musicianship. Mixing quintessential aspects of Irish folk music with elements of American bluegrass, French-Canadian folk songs, and Celtic tunes, The Brock McGuire Band offers an in-depth exploration of the universal themes that exist within the folk music genre. Recently celebrating the release of their third album in 2011—as well as the title of “Instrumental Band of the Decade” in Irish American News—the Brock McGuire band takes pride in its authenticity and precision in performance. Brock McGuire Band website
Carlos Nunez
Saturday & Sunday
Carlos Nunez began his career as a successful bagpiper at the age of eight. He has previously performed with the The Chieftans and has completed many collaboration albums and singles with international artists. Incorporating the traditional music of his homeland of Galicia, Spain with Celtic influences, Nunez has developed a unique style that has captured the hearts of many fans. Celebrating the release of his latest album in 2012, he embarked on his immensely successful first North American tour in October 2012. Nunez continues to explore alternative genres, especially focusing on the use of the traditional gaita bagpipe in modern Celtic music. Carlos Nunez website
Open the Door for Three (Kieran O’Hare, Liz Knowles & Pat Broaders)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
After over four years based in France and travelling around the world working as co-musical and artistic directors of the show Celtic Legends, Liz Knowles and Kieran O’Hare are very excited to be back in the US, working on promoting our new collaboration “Open the Door for Three” with their long-time colleague Pat Broaders (formerly of bohola). Open the Door for Three showcase spirited Irish traditional tunes and songs on fiddle, uilleann pipes, and bouzouki. The music spans the centuries from new compositions, to 19th century collectors’ discoveries, to an Irish ballad dating back to the Middle Ages. Kieran, Liz and Pat have are all considered top performers on their respective instruments and it is an exciting trio to bring together.
Full Set
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
A promising young group of Irish folk musicians, Fullset has already made an impressive debut, ranking amongst the largest names in the Irish music scene today. The expertise of Fullset’s six musicians is apparent in their breathtaking and refreshing renditions of classic Irish folk music; indeed, the blissful harmonies woven by this talented sextet has captivated audiences worldwide. Having received an overwhelming positive response for their debut album, Notes at Liberty, Fullset has begun work on a second album. In October 2011, Fullset received the “RTE/RAAP Breakthrough Annual Music Bursary Award,” which has helped the band gain exposure and a loyal fan base worldwide. Full Set website
Barleyjuice
Saturday & Sunday
In 1998, an irresistibly dynamic group of accomplished musicians came together to form the group Barleyjuice, shaping the world of Celtic rock with their bold and kilt-clad style. Performing traditional Irish and Scottish songs with their own pop/rock twist, Barleyjuice has had tremendous success in topping the Irish music genre charts. In 2012, the band celebrated the release of its fifth studio album, Skulduggery Street. The music of Barleyjuice is Irish with an attitude and has been loved by fans throughout the world, earning titles such as “Celtic Rock Album of the Year” and “Best Song of the Year” in 2008. Barleyjuice website
Willis Clan
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Artistic talent definitely thrives in the Willis household. This exceptional family of twelve children—led by parents Toby and Brenda—has become a force to be reckoned with in the music world. From their home base near Nashville, Tennessee, the Willis Clan have written and compiled a plethora of traditional Irish melodies infused with the distinctive notes and rhythms of Bluegrass folk music. In 2012, the Willis Clan’s debut album, Roots, wh94ich has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from publications such as Irish Music Magazine. Following a family heritage steeped in musical talent and passion, the Willis Clan has developed a distinctive sound that perfectly marries melodies derived from their Irish roots and the musical elements that continue to inspire today. Willis Clan website
