MUSIC LINEUP
International & National Acts
Gaelic Storm
Performances: Friday & Saturday
Biography
With nearly two decades of performing and more than 3,000 live shows behind them, Gaelic Storm has built a loyal following as diverse as the band’s own music. Gaelic Storm has straddled the line between tradition and innovation for nearly two decades, infusing traditional Celtic music with modern influences, and updating the genre for a new generation of fans raised on rock, country and folk. Along the way, the group has topped the Billboard World Chart multiple times and earned a reputation as a hard-touring, genre-bending band.
Dervish
Performances: Friday & Saturday
Biography
Dervish boasts a line-up which includes some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians, fronted by one of the country’s best-known singers, Cathy Jordan. They are renowned for live performances, which match dazzling sets of tunes with stunning interpretations of traditional songs. Their studio and live albums – 13 to date – make up one of the outstanding catalogues in Irish music.
Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Performances: Saturday & Sunday
Biography
With a strong presence of bagpipes, drums and a Scottish flare, Red Hot Chilli Pipers is a group that carries a distinct sound. The band's achievements have reached incredible heights with their groundbreaking fusion of traditional Scottish music and rock/pop anthems which they proudly call 'bagrock.' The Chilis are in demand for their style of feel good music which appeals to all age ranges and to people all over the world. They have a pool of talented musicians from Scotland and across the globe - many holding World Champion titles and all serious players with impressive credentials and qualifications.
String Sisters
Performances: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Biography
Featuring six of the world’s top fiddlers and a peerless quartet of piano, guitar, bass and drums, String Sisters blends Nordic and Celtic traditions into a glorious riot of all-encompassing sound. The band combines the very considerable talents of fiddlers Annbjørg Lien (Norway), Catriona Macdonald (Shetland), Emma Härdelin (Sweden), Liz Carroll (United States), Liz Knowles (United States), Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (Ireland) plus Tore Bruvoll (Norway) on guitar, Dave Milligan (Scotland) on piano, Conrad Molleson (Scotland) on bass and James Mackintosh (Scotland) on percussion. String Sister’s performances and recordings also feature the vocal talents of Emma Härdelin and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh.
Old Blind Dogs
Performances: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Biography
Old Blind Dogs have long been at the forefront of Scotland's roots revival, fusing dynamic percussion, polished vocals, soaring fiddle and stirring pipes. Founding member Jonny Hardie on the fiddle and vocals is joined by Aaron Jones on cittern, guitar, vocals; Ali Hutton on pipes and whistles and Donald Hay on drums and percussion.
Socks in the Frying Pan
Performances: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Biography
From an unknown band in 2014 to one of the most sought-after Irish music groups in the world today, Socks in the Frying Pan continues its meteoric rise. After performing in 46 American States, extensive touring in Europe, playing for Presidents and dazzling audiences around the world, they are back with their first live album "Raw & Reel." Hailing from Ennis, County Clare, the ‘Socks sound’ came as a result of three friends playing together in pubs, learning from one another and having fun. Five years and two multi-award winning studio albums later, the band has headlined all the major Irish music festivals in America and branched into the broader world music scene.
Goitse
Performances: Friday & Saturday
Biography
The popular and multi-award winning quintet Goitse has become a leader of the new generation of traditional Irish ensembles. Goitse has released five critically acclaimed recordings and maintains a year round touring schedule that includes performances throughout Ireland and the UK, Germany, France and the United States. Their distinctive sound lies in the quality of their own compositions interspersed with traditional tunes from the countryside of Ireland and abroad.
Young Dubliners
Performances: Friday & Saturday
Biography
After thirty years as one of the world’s leading Celtic Rock bands, The Young Dubliners have begun work on their tenth studio album while still maintaining a busy tour schedule. The band is comprised of Keith Roberts (vocals, guitar), Chas Waltz (violin, keys, vocals), Justin Pecot (guitar, vocals), Dave Ingraham (drums) and Ethan Jones (bass guitar).
In recent years the Young Dubs have appeared on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live, had songs featured in TV shows (Sons Of Anarchy, Human Target) and toured extensively as a headliner and as the opener for such diverse artists as Collective Soul, Jethro Tull, Johnny Lang, Los Lobos and Chris Isaak.
In recent years the Young Dubs have appeared on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live, had songs featured in TV shows (Sons Of Anarchy, Human Target) and toured extensively as a headliner and as the opener for such diverse artists as Collective Soul, Jethro Tull, Johnny Lang, Los Lobos and Chris Isaak.
Scythian
Performances: Sunday
Biography
Washington DC-based Scythian (sith-ee-yin) began over a decade ago as a bunch of college buddies playing Celtic music in the streets. They have grown to be a headliner on the U.S. Celtic Festival Circuit as well as a name on the Bluegrass/Americana Festival Circuit. Scythian was founded by brothers Alexander and Danylo Fedoryka who are first-generation sons of Ukrainian immigrants. They have developed a love for the “old time, good time music” of many cultures. It is the enthusiastic response that they receive that has made each of their 1,300+ shows unique.
Talisk
Performances: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Biography
Ground-breaking, chart-topping, genre-bending, globetrotting, instantly enthralling... its little wonder that Talisk ranks highly among the most in-demand folk-based groups to emerge from Scotland in the last decade. Mohsen Amini, Graeme Armstrong and Benedict Morris fuse concertina, guitar and fiddle to produce a truly innovative, multi-layered signature sound that has captivated audiences around the globe. At its core, three seemingly acoustic instruments - but in the hands of three master craftsmen; one unmistakable, bold sound and a captivating live show.
Sliabh Notes
Performances: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Biography
Sliabh Notes is Limerick accordionist Dónal Murphy, County Cork’s master fiddler Matt Cranitch and County Kerry guitar ace and vocalist Tommy O’Sullivan. The music of Ireland’s Sliabh Luachra region, a mountainous area that straddles the counties of Cork, Kerry and Limerick, is justly noted for its vibrant dance music where the polka and slide are king. This trio brings together Sliabh Luachra’s instantly identifiable dance sound with songs and tunes that reflect the Irish contribution to the music of the American south. Guaranteed to lift your spirits and your feet, join them as they celebrate their 25th anniversary.
Uncle Bard & The Dirty Bastards
Performances: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Biography
Celtic Rock spiced up with Irish Traditional Music! Based in the north of Italy and made up of lads who, in one way or another, lived or spent too much time in Ireland! Too rock for the Folkies and too folk for the Rockies, the Bastards could please or disappoint almost everyone. Formed back in 2007, they play a unique blend of folk, rock and traditional Irish music. Uilleann pipes, tenor banjo, mandolin, Irish flute. Uncle Bard & The Dirty Bastards were the first Italian band to perform at the Dublin Irish Festival. In the last few years, the band has toured internationally and played around 1000 gigs worldwide.
JigJam
Performances: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Biography
JigJam is a multi-award winning quintet who blends 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. Described as "The best Irish group so far in bluegrass" this sharply dressed outfit delivers an energy-fueled, foot-stomping live performance. JigJam interchanges between banjos, guitars, fiddles, mandolins and double bass onstage which creates an experience which is pleasing to both the eye and the ear.
Three Flew West
Performances: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Biography
Three Flew West is a collaborative project that promises to unleash a wave of musical madness at this year’s Dublin Irish Festival. This powerhouse trio features the amazing vocal talents of singer and guitarist David Curley (Galway), the unmistakable fiddle and whistle exploits of Colin Farrell (Manchester) and the driving bouzouki rhythms of Mick Broderick (Dublin). Dave, Colin and Mick are all also currently members of super groups SLIDE and LUNASA.
Drowsy Lads
Performances: Saturday & Sunday
Biography
Critically acclaimed Irish-American Folk powerhouse, The Drowsy Lads, bring unique energy, musicianship, and pure friendship to their live show. Named as the 2018 “The Best Irish-American Band,” the 20 year performing veterans have galvanized their place amongst Irish and folk music’s must see acts. 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 as well as a full emotional gamut of songs and good humor.
The Fitzgeralds
Performances: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Biography
The Fitzgeralds are a family consisting of fiddling and step dancing sensations Tom, Kerry & Julie Fitzgerald. Featuring 3-time Canadian Grandmaster Fiddle Champions and Ontario Open Step Dance Champions, this unique act features high-energy fiddling and mind-blowing step dancing. Joining the siblings on guitar, lead vocals, and onstage antics is Nate Douglas. It is the rare combination of exceptional musicianship, incomparable step dancing, audience interaction, evident love of performing, and genuine sibling connection that resonates with audiences of all ages and sets The Fitzgeralds apart.
Tempest
Performances: Saturday & Sunday
Biography
Since forming in 1988, Tempest has delivered a globally-renowned hybrid of high-energy Folk Rock, fusing Irish reels, Scottish ballads, Norwegian influences and other world music elements. The last 30 plus years have seen the San Francisco Bay Area based act release eighteen critically acclaimed CDs and play more than 2,500 gigs. It's also enjoyed an evolving line-up that's enabled musicianship and creativity to progress in delightful ways with each new member.
Regional Acts
Beir Bua
Biography
Fusing the raw power of Irish folk music with the energy of Americana, Beir Bua have catapulted onto the scene, scoring bookings throughout the Midwest. With Jesse Powers (vocals), Tyler Moore (fiddle), Jim Lindroth (percussion), and Mick Broderick (bouzouki), this band has found a way to mix a pinch of Celtic potency with a dash of American vigor. The result is a soulful serving of musical fun, playful rhythms, and high emotion. Previous collaborations have seen individual band members performing throughout the Americas, Europe and beyond and in some of the most prestigious musical settings on the folk scene. Musically, Beir Bua, which means "good luck" in the Irish language, embodies that Irish-American spirit that has prevailed for hundreds of years.
Boys of the Hock
Biography
The Boys of the Hock take their name from the Hocking River that winds its way through Athens, Ohio. Equally at home on stage or at the head of a dance floor, the Boys play throughout the region at contras, ceilidhs, and festivals. Members include Sean O’Malley (flute) Lynn Shaw (fiddle) Rusty Smith (guitar) Ed Newman (dulcimer) Ben Warner(bouzouki) and Tim Hogan (bodhran).
Brigid's Cross
Biography
Based out of Cleveland, Ohio, Brigid's Cross is an internationally touring act that can be seen at venues across the United States, Ireland, Canada, Mexico and beyond. They are long-time regional favorites at the Dublin Irish Festival, blending Celtic music with many other styles and incorporating a whole lot of energy, fun, and audience participation into their performances.
Dogwood Road
Biography
Dogwood Road musicians Tyler Moore (fiddle, mandolin, vocals) and Karl Wohlwend (guitar) are both veterans on America's Irish music scene. As members of the bands Homeland, Knot Fibb'n, and Two2Many, they have toured throughout the United States playing in pubs, concert halls and festivals. They can be heard playing on at least 10 full-length CD recordings. Their sound has been described as "modern trad." High energy jigs and reels, fun arrangements of traditional songs, and an emerging repertory of original music are all features of a Dogwood Road show.
Dublin Silver Band
Biography
The Dublin Silver Band is a highly-select 30-member British-style brass band based in Dublin, Ohio. Founded in 2010, the band has performed in various locations including Central Ohio, the Midwest, England, Wales and Ireland. Each year the band competes at the U.S. Open Brass Band Championships in Chicago and has won many individual and group awards, including being chosen as the "Most Entertaining Band of the Contest" on a record seven occasions. Part of the Dublin Community Bands organization, the Dublin Silver Band strives for musical excellence and to be completely focused on entertaining its audiences.
Dulahan
Biography
Dulahan's music incorporates the varied musical influences of all five band members. The result is a unique blend of musical energy and creative songwriting that draws on their traditional and contemporary Celtic roots, infused with subtle hints of Americana, Folk, Bluegrass/Celt Grass and a bit of Celtic rock. The interplay of the multiple layers of instrumentation, including Highland Bag Pipes, Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Flute, Bouzouki, Banjo and Percussion, combined with powerful three and four part vocal harmonies, generates a sound that connects with all ages and draws new fans wherever their music is heard.
Fialla
Biography
Fialla is a warm and captivating trio of Irish Trad musicians from Columbus, Ohio. Whether or not you're a lover of Celtic tradition, Fialla's soaring vocals, punchy instrumentals, and musical twists are perfect kindling for a merry soul. Fialla's mutual respect is deeply rooted, and their chemistry is fun and easy on and off the stage. Their history goes back to diapers, and this musical adventure is the celebration of all the years of love and friendship since.
General Guinness
Biography
The General Guinness Band has performed the songs and music of Ireland for over 40 years. Hundreds of concerts and festivals, countless traditional music sessions, numerous television and radio programs, and even a guest appearance with the Chieftains have allowed the band to share their music far and wide. Up front for the band is vocalist James O’Shea, a native of Killkenny, Ireland. Providing backup vocals and instrumental music are: Larry Dulin (Irish flute and tin whistles); John Sherman (guitar and Irish bouzouki); Carol Metheny (fiddle); Sheree Green (fiddle); Tom Davis (Bodhran and banjo); and Judy Davis (accordion).
Irish Fiddle Fusion
Biography
Irish Fiddle Fusion is made up of students from Dublin Scioto High School. They play all over the Central Ohio area for both public and private events. They have played three tours in Ireland, most recently in June of 2018, and have shared the stage with The Willis Clan, Cory Piatt, Mountain Faith, and Kiana June Weber. Irish Fiddle Fusion enjoys making their own arrangements of traditional and modern Irish tunes, giving the music their own creative twist.
Killashandra
Biography
Killashandra is a local traditional Irish music duo consisting of Debbie Norris playing Irish Harp and Ted Jordan on fiddle. Killashandra has performed at the Dublin Irish Festival for over 25 years. They combine slow airs, lively dance tunes, poetry and stories for an enjoyable trip through several centuries of Irish music and culture.
Ladies of Longford
Biography
Hilda Doyle, her two daughters, Stephanie Doyle and Heather Doyle Fraser, are the framework of this fresh present-day Celtic band. They are joined by Elizabeth Blickenstaff (fiddle) to form a mix of fun and skill that is out of the ordinary. For over 20 years their music has thrilled audiences from the smallest Irish pubs to the largest festival and concert venues. While all four of these ladies are excellent performers in their own right, it’s the tight vocal harmonies of this mother-daughter trio that will give you chills. Not to mention, the remarkable musicianship of the entire ensemble which will have you reeling in smiles and amazement.
Mossy Moran
Biography
Originally from the southeast coastal city of Waterford, Ireland, Mossy Moran is a moving and memorable musician who has entertained audiences here in the States and across the pond. Mossy has had a passion for music and storytelling since the early age of 15 and continues to keep his home country of Ireland’s history alive and well through song and stories.
Nelson & Adzima
Biography
Fiddler and singer Charlene Adzima and guitarist Rick Nelson have been playing together since 1998. They have played all over Central Ohio and as far away as Reno, Nevada, Key Largo, Florida, and Plains, Georgia, where they played for former President Jimmy Carter. Recently, Rick has been the preferred accompanist with Charlene’s Madison, Wisconsin-based band “The Lilies of the Midwest.” You can hear Rick and the Lilies on their debut EP “Flora”
O'Kelly, Cotter & Clepper
Biography
Morton O'Kelly and Eddie Cotter are two traditional Irish musicians that have been regulars at the Dublin Irish Festival since its beginning. They play an informal yet dynamic pairing of flute and bodhran. Morton has been playing the flute since his childhood days in Ireland. He has played with many local musicians in bands and sessions and has recorded with Innisheer, and on several guest tracks with local artists. Eddie has taught, recorded, and entertained on the bodhran for over 25 years. He was a founding member of Innisheer, The Bellows, The Gabriel Hounds and The Kells.
Morton O'Kelly has been playing the flute since his childhood days in Ireland. After a detour into classical training, he rediscovered his Irish flute playing roots in the 1980s and has played since with many local musicians in bands and sessions.
Scully
Biography
A Cleveland born and Columbus based Irish/American folk trio. Nick Frey, Will Chalko, and Molly Róisín developed their fast-paced and authentic energy at festivals and pubs nationwide. Together, they share a wide repertoire of traditional classics, gripping ballads, and toe tapping tunes audiences love.
Sherman & Clepper
Biography
John Sherman has been a performer of traditional and Celtic music for the last two decades. While John plays a variety of instruments (fiddle, bouzouki, banjo and Highland bagpipes), he is first and foremost a guitarist and has arranged over a hundred Irish and Scottish melodies for the instrument. His two solo recordings, "Farewell to the Creeks" and "So Inclined" have received critical acclaim and have garnered airplay across the U.S., Canada, Ireland and even Slovenia. John is a founding member of Innisheer, one of Ohio's most highly regarded Celtic concert bands.
Multi-instrumentalist Randy Clepper is an accomplished player of Irish traditional music on bouzouki, fingerstyle acoustic guitar, tenor banjo and hammer dulcimer. Randy performs and tours with acclaimed guitarist John Sherman as well as solo. He is an accompanist to many well-known players. Randy performs and teaches at traditional music and arts festivals across the United States. He is an active player in the Columbus Irish music scene, and a frequent junkie for Irish music sessions all over the world.
The HardTackers
Biography
The HardTackers are a four-man Sea Shanty Crew based in Central Ohio. They perform songs of the seas, lakes and rivers--anything wet. The HardTackers sing traditional and contemporary songs about a vast range of nautical experiences, from the traditional call-and-response work songs from the Age of Sail, to rowdy songs about sailors gone ashore, to tender and tragic laments. They originally came together for a one-off shanty sing at the Santa Maria replica and Museum in downtown Columbus in 2009. They discovered that singing sea shanties was enormous fun and they have been unable to shake the habit to this day.
The Hooligans
Biography
The Hooligans have been entertaining Irish music fans since 1992. Their motto is "Miss early Mass, but don’t miss the music and fun of The Hooligans!" They are five fun-loving musicians that show their Irish American pride on- and off-stage, and are quite proud to be part of the rich history of the Irish in Central Ohio. Their music draws you in and makes you want to join in all the fun. And as they always say, Slainte’!
The Kells Band
Biography
Michael O’Regan of Irish Music Magazine says, “The Kells have the recipe to perfection. It is music for all ages – and for the ages.” Influenced by their extensive backgrounds from Folk and Traditional Irish to Hard Rock, they produce a sound which has a uniquely creative twist to an otherwise familiar tune. They also perform original tunes that hit the soul like a long lost friend. The Kells are Brian McCoy (flutes, whistles, pipes), Kim Rattan-McCoy (vocals, guitar, mandolin, bouzouki), Doug Rudy (mandolin, banjo, fiddle, vocals), Eddie Cotter, Jr. (Irish bodhrán drum) and Sandy Jones (Fiddle).
The Rice Brothers
Biography
The Rice Brothers are a Dublin, Ohio based Celt/Grass Folk Band started by brothers David and Patrick in 2011. They have broad influences in Celtic Folk, Americana, Rock and Country. The fella's started off "busking" on the side of the road at the Dublin Irish Festival and over the last few years have crafted and developed their songs and their sound to reach stages all over the region. These boys are full of energy, harmony and passion for the music they share and enjoy every moment while taking the stage together.