Cultural Stages
Cultural Workshop Tent
At the cultural workshop tent, guests can learn a new hands-on skill, from making soda bread, to basics of knitting and tatting.
Music Workshop
Whether you bring your instrument or just want to hear the music, the music workshop tent will have non-stop instruction throughout the weekend.
Spoken Word
Hear fascinating tales from Irish lore and mythology. Storytellers, authors and poets rule this stage.
Irish Traditions
Returning for the second year, the Irish Traditions stage focuses on the rich culture and history or Ireland. Learn a little more about the songs from Dublin (Ireland) or about the role the Irish played in the US Civil War.
Cultural Presenters
Alan Irvine’s stories are like a visit to Ireland, as he vividly evokes the world of Irish tales and legends. This year he brings to life the saints of Ireland, both famous and obscure: Saint Patrick’s least effective sermon, Saint Tirganeach’s fight with the devil, Saint Brigid’s magic cloak—and more. Alan’s will also be sharing his Irish Ghost Stories—a collection of chilling tales that has quickly have become a festival tradition. Check out Alan’s Web site – for stories (a new tale every month), information on his award- winning CDs, upcoming appearances and more.
Andi Wolfe will present the music of Turlough O’Carolan and tell the stories of her life and times. O’Carolan’s music was composed for the Irish Harp, but translates beautifully to the hammered dulcimer. Andi will play a selection of tunes that represent the musical career of O’Carolan. She will also present a hammered dulcimer workshop as well as perform with her band, Aisling.
Annette Stewart
Annette Stewart is a master crocheter, teacher, and designer. She has been crocheting for more than 35 years, designing most of that time but submitting design proposals for less than 5 years. Her crochet work can be found in several issues of Crochet Magazine and in the book “Crochet Compendium – the Ultimate Collection of Crochet Techniques.” She is a member of the Crochet Guild of America, The National Needle Arts Association, is the founder of the Greater Dayton Crochet Guild, and proprietress of My Auntie’s Yarn Studio, where she teaches and designs in several fiber disciplines.
Barbara Murdock
Barbara will distribute a brief history of knitting and instructions for several patterns to include cables and stitches used in Aran knits. Beginning to advanced knitters are invited to take part in this interactive workshop where all materials will be supplied.
As a youngster Batt Burns experienced the seanachie( Storyteller) tradition firsthand when he lived with his grandfather in the Hills of County Kerry( Ireland) and heard him tell long, involved stories by the fire during the harsh winter nights. Burns helps to preserve that heritage with haunting accounts of ghosts, great adventure stories, tales of heroes, farcical stories and witty jokes. In his recitations of poetry he draws on the rich field of Irish poets including Oscar Wilde, W.B.Yeats, Patrick Kavanagh, Padraic Colum, Brendan Kenneally and Seamus Heaney. During his early years as an elementary school principal, Burns worked hard to make significant changes in the Irish educational system, putting particular emphasis on storytelling. He is the author of many school textbooks, many of his stories have been published and he has produced tapes and CDs of poetry and storytelling. In March 2009 his new book of Irish Folktales was published by Sterling Publications of New York. This book won The Storytelling World Award in 2010 for the best collection of folktales for young readers.
Bob will follow the footsteps of such Ohio giants and Sheridan, & Sherman along with other Irish giants of the western Civil War in story and song. Remember, the western front is where the Union won most of the battles but got little of the press. He’ll also share some of his own family history which links to W.H.L. Wallace who was killed at the Battle of Shilo. Bob Ford is a central Ohio historian and juried artist with the Ohio Arts Council among others. He has performed for over half a million school children across the Midwest, using his art to teach history. Don’t miss Bob performing with his group Bob Ford and the Ragamuffins in the Ceili Dance Tent on Friday and on the Shamrock Stage on Saturday.
Brian McCoy performs in The Kells Band and regularly gives workshops at the Dublin Irish Festival and Milwaukee Irish Fest, the National Flute Convention, among other venues. Sir James Galway asked McCoy to share his knowledge in an instructional DVD. It’s of particular use to flute students and school bands and professionals who want to learn how to play Irish Music. McCoy has performed in Ireland on radio and at the Willie Clancy Week’s Flute Recital and was featured in Irish Music Magazine. All are welcome to participate in his whistle & flute workshop whether you are a beginner, student, or professional to learn your first tune or prick up some new techniques. Guests can also see Brian McCoy perform in the Cardinal Health Ceili Dance Tent and Celtic Music House with his band The Kells.
Candyce Dunham
Candyce Dunham began her musical career at the age of three in harp and piano and has studied intensely throughout her life in classical, Suzuki, Irish and Scottish methods. During her studies Candyce has won many accolades including grand champion of the American String Teachers National Competition, 1st place in the American Harp Society Competition, a scholarship from the Suzuki association of the Americans, and was awarded a full scholarship to the Eastman School of Music which she attended for harp performance. Candyce Dunham is recognized as a Suzuki, Irish & Scottish Harp Workshop Clinician in the U.S., Canada, and Europe and became an official adjudicator in 2008. In 2001, Candyce and her husband Benjamin started their own harp company, building custom crafted lever harps. Dunham Harps is proud to provide high quality harps with an outstanding sound. Visit Candyce and Benjamin at their Musical Exhibit where they will showcase their high quality harps.
Cathy Jo has been telling at the Dublin Irish Festival since 2000 and hosting the Irish Wake Tent since 2001. She delights in sharing the culture, language, stories and songs of Ireland and Irish-Americans here and across the country. When asked if she’s from Ireland, she has been known to answer “Not yet” as she and her husband would like to retire there someday.
What makes a violin a fiddle? Seasoned Irish fiddler Charlene Adzima will walk you through the unique qualities and techniques of Irish fiddle playing. Charlene has over 12 years of experience playing the fiddle in Irish style and 17 years experience playing the violin. She is the 2005 Midwest Senior Irish fiddle champion and is an enthusiastic and energizing fiddle teacher.
Cindy Matyi is a well-known Celtic artist whose recognizable style incorporates ancient motifs and contemporary themes of peace, renewal, ecology and creativity. She is the primary organizer of the touring exhibit, “American Celtic” and her work has appeared in shows throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. She has illustrated CD covers, posters and Web sites and gives workshops on Celtic art to students of all ages. She has written and illustrated a children’s book, “Little Town of Spirals,” published in 2008.
Dan Roth
Dan Roth is returning to the Dublin Irish Festival and will be selling and displaying his works throughout the weekend in the Emerald Arts Isle area. During his workshop, Dan will talk about the history of stone carving, the types of stone available in this area and will demonstrate the basic tools and how to use them.
Recognized as both musician and historian, David Kincaid presents a compelling combination of the songs and history of the Irish in the American Civil War. Years of research, recording and performing experience have been translated into two critically acclaimed albums; “THE IRISH VOLUNTEER” and “THE IRISH-AMERICAN’S SONG,” collections of authentic Irish songs of both the Union and the Confederacy. Having performed at a variety of Irish/Celtic festivals, historical sites and folk music venues across the US, as well as European tours, David’s music has also been used in several documentary films, and he was engaged as a consultant and performer in the Hollywood Civil War film release “Gods and Generals.” David Kincaid (lead vocals, octave mandolin), performs in period clothing, presenting an engaging, all-ages program appealing to both history buff and the Irish/Celtic music fan alike.
Eunice Hayes
Mrs. Eunice Hayes is from Newark, Ohio, and has been tatting for about twenty years. The history of tatting is of particular interest to her, and she enjoys sharing stories of our foremothers’ love o tatting and related needle arts. Eunice enjoys other handcrafts such as French hand sewing, embroidery, and English smocking. She is a member of SAGA, an international guild dedicated to teaching and preserving the handwork traditions for future generations.
Father Stephen Hayes
Father Hayes has spent years learning the traditional crafts of Ireland and will teach guests how to create many different pieces through the ancient art of finger-loop braiding. Father Hayes will also hold a demonstration on leatherwork where he will share his knowledge about this art.
Frank Mc Garvey
Frank has been telling professionally since 1993. He enjoys sharing some of his Irish heritage with others.
Jerry Gibson will educate viewers on how bagpipes are made, taken care of and lessons on how to play the bagpipes. Gibson Bagpipes makes Highland bagpipes, small pipes, practice Chanters and accessories here in the United States. Gibson Bagpipes was featured on “Made in America.”
John’s interest in history and geography inevitably led him to a study of traditional folk music and storytelling .He found that the folk arts became a central thread that pulled these subjects together. John became interested in folk arts in the early 70s. He became a regular visitor to Folk Clubs in the areas he lived, in England and Wales. Starting to play guitar within a few months of discovering the folk scene he went on to perform at open stages and various folk clubs, festivals and other venues. He also plays English concertina. John is a storyteller who makes you think, listen and laugh. From true stories to downright lies, John has been a storyteller all his life and is at home telling to young people or grown-ups.
John McBride
As the Kerry style bodhran player for Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters, John has developed a distinctive use of tones and beats to help light the fire for the band. Within 15 months of taking his first lesson, John qualified in the Midwest Fleadh to compete in the All Ireland competition. Two additional Fleadh metals later, he also taught at the Riley School of Irish Music and later performed with Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops for a Celtic Spectacular at Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati. Beginning in January 2005, John joined Roger Drawdy & the Firestarters, the powerhouse original Irish Rock Band.
John Sherman is an internationally recognized arranger and performer of Irish music for fingerstyle guitar. He is currently a teacher at Cincinnati’s Riley School of Irish Music, and a member of the Celtic concert band Silver Arm. He will discuss the guitar’s role in arranging and performance of Irish traditional band music, with special attention to features of rhythm, bass, and counterpoint will be discussed.
Joseph Keane, poet, storyteller and story maker was raised in Co. Kerry. He now resides in Medford, Massachusetts. He specializes in themes of mystery and myth, poetry and story, weaving the past with the present and spreading strands of hope for the future. His stories have created a web of thoughts that have inspired listeners across the country. He takes the living land of mythical Ireland as an inspiration for his work. Growing up in Kerry, Ireland gave him the opportunity to rediscover the sacredness and spirituality of the landscape. Joseph has a gift to transform the listener that will carry them from one world to another and it is here where we find the life we live to have special meaning, a deep soulful one. This seanchai has a deep connection to the wisdom of the past. He may be a direct descendent of the Tuatha.
Julie McGhee
For many years Julie McGhee was an educator/storyteller using storytelling at the primary, elementary and middle school levels. Now she is a storyteller/educator telling stories at schools, libraries, festivals and youth and adult groups. She likes to tell stories that have enlivened, educated and entertained her. Julie’s stories usually reflect her own experiences, Irish and Ohio heritage, and stories from around the world. The stories she tells can spring from anywhere, anyplace and anytime, and anyone (herself included).
Kathyrn Looby considers repoussé and chasing two of the most beautiful metal working techniques. Over the centuries in true Celtic fashion, skillful masters created brilliant masterpieces in gold, silver and copper using these demanding techniques. After almost becoming a lost art, chasing and repoussé are currently experiencing a modern renaissance. Art lovers everywhere are enchanted and amazed with the art of repoussé. Kathryn will teach a few basic steps of repoussé so that you too can become inspiried. You can also visit her in the Emerald Arts Isle to view and purchase her work.
Marian Funk
Marian will explain the art of playing the accordion in traditional Irish music. She will be using a button and piano accordion to demonstrate the basics of playing the accordion.
Mary Tracy
Mary Tracy will provide hands on instruction for making authentic Irish soda and brown bread during this fun and interactive demonstration. She will help participants mix the bread and then allow them to take it home and bake it in their own kitchen.
Mary Bertke
Mary Bertke has been playing tenor banjo since 1995. She was inspired to take up banjo by the playing of Mick Moloney and Seamus Egan, amongst others. She has played in the local bands Tenpenny Bit, Aisling, and Wild Lark. In this workshop she will teach some very basic music theory and exercises that will help you to learn to play Irish tunes more quickly. Some drills will be banjo/mandolin specific, but most will be usable on any instrument.
Megan Murphy
Megan Murphy has nine years of experience making chain main. For the past five years she has taught at the Dublin Irish Festival. She has had her work displayed in many public exhibits and also used in other artists’ artwork. Participants will learn how to make the European 4-in-1 basic chain mail pattern, while being educated on facts and history of the armor itself. The participants will take with them the keychain or bracelet they make.
Melanie Pratt
Melanie Pratt is a storyteller (the Scots and Irish word is seanachie) who specializes in the stories of the Celtic lands. Her favorites are the old tales from Ireland and Scotland, but she has tales she has researched from Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and the Isle of Man. She has been telling stories for more than 25 years. Although she loves to tell the Celtic tales, as a part of her background – Scots, Irish, and Welsh – she also tells seasonal tales, environmental, Native American and First Nation, and Appalachian.
Michael O’Malley charms audiences with his Tales of Ireland. Irish folk legends, Celtic myths, original family stories, and tales of Michael’s travels in Ireland provide audiences with a rich mixture of magical, mystical, merry and moving tales. The Irish are known as storytellers with vivid imaginations and Michael honors this heritage. So set a spark to the Irish peat fire and Michael will spark your imagination as he revives the ancient Irish art of the tale well told. Open your ears and open your heart to the charm of Michael’s Irish Tales.
Michael is a maker of Irish Bodhran drums and Irish Uillean pipes based in Galway Ireland and has hand crafted Bodhrans for many professional musicians all over the world. Join Michael in learning the fascinating history and technique of the Irish Uillean.
This presentation tells the journey through Irish history and the struggles against oppression told through “The Irish Rebel Song” from the 1798 rising up to the modern troubles of Northern Ireland. The Irish rebel song is a very important part of Irish culture, but rarely gets the respect it deserves. The songs used in this presentation will be historically accurate and will give you an insight into real Irish folk music. You can also see Mossy perform throughout the weekend.
Multi-instrumentalist Randy Clepper is in demand as a player of Irish Traditional Music as well as other forms of traditional music (European, North and South American, Asian, etc.) on cittern/bouzouki, fingerstyle acoustic guitar, tenor banjo, and hammered dulcimer. Randy performs solo and with several other musicians from the Central Ohio Area.
Robert Tincher
Robert Ticher from Lexington, Kentucky plays guitar, Irish bouzouki, bodhrán, and also sings a number of unaccompanied ballads in the traditional style. In the past year, he has performed at Irish festivals in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Louisville, and at the New England Folk Festival in Massachusetts. Robert has done educational programs for public libraries and schools throughout Kentucky. His work is enriched by a scholarly background in anthropology and nearly four decades of familiarity with the folk music o Ireland and Scotland.
Roger Drawdy
Roger Drawdy’s West Country Cork Background, thoughtful lyrics and trained vocal qualities have made him a standout within the Celtic music community. Raised near the small fishing village of Baltimore, south of Skibereen, he’s fished the rough waters of the Celtic Sea and northern Atlantic for hake and cod, sheared his grandfather’s sheep, had his knuckles swatted by the Christian brothers, and experienced life within the rebel county. Heavily influenced by his grandfather who himself was known to break into song at the pub, along with being a masterful seanachi (storyteller), Roger combined those rich experiences into writing his original music and the interpretations of lively traditional pub songs. The result is very genuine music.
Sean Kay
Sean Kay has been a frequent visitor to Ireland for the past three decades. His new book, Celtic Revival: The Rise, Fall, and Renewal of Global Ireland, tracks Irelands crisis and lays a framework for its future and lessons for America and beyond A widely published author, speaker, and media commentator, Sean Kay is a professor of Politics and Government at Ohio Wesleyan University and an associate of the Mershon Center for International Security Studies at the Ohio State University.
Yvonne was born Irish, raised American and now lives in Michigan. She has performed all over the country, from Canada to the Carolinas to California and the UK and everywhere in between. You’ll feel your Irish roots when you listen to her (even if you don’t have any!) She didn’t just kiss the Blarney Stone, she swallowed it! Listening to Yvonne is like sitting in a pub enjoying story after story. You can download Yvonne’s stories for free at her web site.
