GAELIC STORM

Gaelic Storm is back in full-force with their newest album, ‘Cabbage.’ The record held the #1 position on the Billboard World Music Album Chart for 3 consecutive weeks in 2010. ‘Cabbage’ is the follow up to their 2008 independent release, “What’s The Rumpus?” which debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Chart. As many hundreds of thousands of record buyers and live music lovers know, Gaelic Storm is “a whirlwind ruckus” (Village Voice) that tours over two hundred days per year and play high-energy, foot-stomping, feel-good music. ‘Cabbage’ is further testament to the bands contagious energy, combining influences from rock, bluegrass, Jamaican, African and Middle Eastern music that may surprise those expecting purely traditional Celtic music. The quintet’s new release once again showcases Gaelic Storm’s signature acoustic sound with a brand new batch of crafted story-songs and driving instrumentals. http://www.gaelicstorm.com

MAKEM AND SPAIN BROTHERS

Not in the past 30 years has a group taken the international stage with such vocal power and stage presence, capturing the essence of their genre, while standing out as something truly unique. A host of various instruments and five male vocals, using precise three-part harmonies blend perfectly for what many have described as a wall of sound. The Makem and Spain Brothers are at their best onstage where their talent and enthusiasm draw in fans who have never experienced the joy of folk music. www.makem.com

SCREAMING ORPHANS

The Screaming Orphans are 4 sisters from Donegal in Ireland who were brought up playing traditional Irish music. They first came to prominence when Sinead O’Connor took them as her back up vocalists and her opening act. Sounding like a mix between the Cranberries and The Corrs, their own songs are high energy pop songs with unbelievably catchy melodies and with some rousing Traditional Irish tunes thrown in for good measure, they are a band not to be missed. http://www.screamingorphans.com

SKERRYVORE

Skerryvore, the award-winning band that hail from the tiny Isle of Tiree and have gone on to become an international sensation performing everywhere from Chicago to Shanghai, have released their fourth album, ‘World of Chances.’ They bring their unique sound to Pittsburgh Irish Fest, performing songs from the new album, alongside some of their trademark favorites. http://www.skerryvore.com

BELTAINE

Beltaine’s concerts are always rousing music performance, which attract by both unconventional instruments, professionalism, virtuosity of musicians, and passion, joy of playing, spontaneity or unparalleled contact with audience. The Polish music group BELTAINE was created in the year of 2002. After a time of evolving and variations it shaped up into a group of seven musicians. What makes this group special is an ability to conjoin different styles of music: they successfully commix a traditional irish, scottish, breton music (also a classical indian music) with contemporary one. What’s more, it’s characteristic of them to use the variety of instruments. These are not only traditional ones, such as fiddle, bouzuki, mandoline, whistles, bodhran, bombard, accordion or gaita pipes but they use rare percussion instruments (such as: tabla, cajon, darabuka, djembe) and electric, bass guitar or percussion as well. http://www.beltaine.pl/en/band.html

TOM SWEENEY

Here is a man whose very soul is at one with traditional culture and who sees it as a living, vibrant and ever changing thing with its roots deeply implanted in his inherited knowledge. An evening with Tom is simply superb so give yourself a treat and experience what many people across miles and miles of music have known for a long time - that Tom Sweeney is the real thing and it doesn't get any better than this!

http://www.tomsweeneymusic.com/folkmusic.php

DAVID KINCAID - THE IRISH VOLUNTEER

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 recent Hollywood Civil War film release “Gods and Generals.” David Kincaid (lead vocals, octve mandolin), performs in period clothing, presenting an engaging, all-ages program appealing to both history buff and the Irish/Celtic music fan alike. http://www.hauntedfieldmusic.com/Description.html

EVANS AND DOHERTY

HOMELAND

CAHAL DUNNE

Cahal Dunne credits his winning of Ireland's National Song Contest as his biggest break. With his winning song, "Happy Man", he earned the right to represent Ireland at the International Eurovision Music Contest in Israel. The song became number one in Europe and Ireland with record sales topping the 250,000 mark. Cahal Dunne is a composer, pianist, comedian, storyteller, and television personality. His style is rich and deep, reflecting the many strands in his distinguished career. www.cahaldunne.com

DENNIS DOYLE

Dennis Doyle ~ Celtic Harp & Song
Dennis Doyle is a Celtic harpist, singer and storyteller.  His family originally is from County Wicklow. He's brought his harp music, stories and songs in Gaelic and in English to feasts and festivals, wakes and weddings all over North America, Japan and Ireland. He has presented concerts, progr ams, and weekends on Celtic Spirituality throughout the USA as well. He also plays keyboards, mandolin, and is a published composer (Mel Bay). His extensive discography includes Be in My Heart (Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, IN), Songs of Celtic Christianity (Cathedral Press/Mel Bay), Songs of St.Patrick, Irish Blessings, Irish Meditations, Abbess: Songs of St.Brigid (Incarnation Music) and collections of instrumental harp music. A tenured college professor, Dennis teaches southern California lecturing in English, Humanities and Irish History. http://english.glendale.cc.ca.us/doyle.a.html

ALAN IRVINE

For years, Alan's ghost stories and humorous tales kept everyone huddled close to the campfire. In time, his repertoire of stories grew to include folktales and legends, as well as his own fantasy tales. He moved north to Pittsburgh in 1984, and continued to expand his repertoire and to hone his craft. In addition to performing, Alan teaches workshops and classes on storytelling. In 1988, he help found the storytelling group StorySwap, and has often served as its president. He has produced numerous storytelling shows, and was the chair of the 2006 National Storytellers Conference. Alan has numerous recordings, several of which have won Storytelling World and NAPPA awards.
www.alanirvine.com

B. BEARDED IRISHMEN

Bastard Bearded Irishmen, or BBI, have been kicking up quite a stir here in the Pittsburgh area for the past few years, as well as the surrounding states playing pubs, festivals, radio shows, and benefits. They reflect a wide spectrum of musical backgrounds running the gamut from classically trained viola/guitar to punk rock. All this blended together to form one of this city's most energetic and fun performances. These guys have a very unique way of combining traditional Celtic music with modern day Irish rock. It's a must see if you are the type that likes to tap your feet, dance, laugh, drink, and just enjoy watching musicians have fun at what they love doing. bastardbeardedirishmen.com/

CALLAN

If you look up the word “Callán” in an Irish-Gaelic dictionary, it’s definition is straight forward: “ruckus”.

Formed in 2007, Callán is a Pittsburgh-based Celtic quintet that boasts fresh arrangements and a unique sound. With Scottish pipes and Irish dance tunes, their music highlights Celtic musical traditions, but breathes new life into those traditions with modern, original compositions and even jazz influences.

Callán’s debut album, “The Road to Fort Duquesne,” takes a 21st century approach to classic Celtic repertoire, described by The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as Callán’s “brave [fight] to carve out a niche for their unique sound.” Callán raises a ruckus all around the Pittsburgh region, and is excited to play their fifth Pittsburgh Irish Festival.
www.callanceltic.com

HOOLEY

Hooley is a collection of Pittsburgh’s finest traditional Irish musicians and dancers who perform at concert halls, festivals, colleges and high schools, clubs and pubs, dances, receptions, and weddings throughout western Pennsylvania and the Ohio valley. Learn more.

CORNED BEEF AND CURRY

MATTHEW CRAIG AND THE KERRY TIPPER BAND

Matthew Craig, is a man of many hats: as a professional musician he has shared a stage with The Chieftains, The Kingston Trio, Buckwheat Zydeco, Arlo Guthrie, The Del Vikings, and many others. Matthew’s cartoons have appeared in numerous publications across the country, and two of his cartoons have been on display at (Peanuts creator) Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California, which was a great honor. For 12 years he hosted the award-winning environmental radio news program The Allegheny Front, heard throughout Pennsylvania. Matthew is the Executive Producer and Host of The Magic Woods. The Magic Woods is an educational children's television program, that teaches about backyard nature.

TWO2MANY

Two2Many is a convergence of old and new. Talented musicians from previous bands combining with a fresh young voice. Humor when it needs to be and classic performances that seem effortless. Four thorns surrounding a beautiful Rose makes this band different from the rest and a show you will not forget.http://two2many.us/home.cfm

MIKE GALLAGHER

www.mike-gallagher.com/

PATRICK REGAN

Patrick Regan the Bagpiper takes the stage, street, or classroom with an exuberance paralleled only by the instrument he brandishes. A native Texan and world-class bagpiper with his own brand of blarney, Patrick captivates audiences of all ages. In classroom settings, his animated rapport makes Texas history come alive (even teenagers sit up and take notice). Concertgoers expecting only a few choruses of "Amazing Grace" are in for a delightful ear opener. His stories, punctuated by audience laughter, singing, and even dancing in the aisles, provide the perfect balance for a rare presentation of the bagpipe at its finest. Patrick presents a varied repertoire of Scottish, Irish, and American bagpipe music, laced with humorous anecdotes, history, and stories. While the material remains the same, his delivery varies substantially depending on the audience. Scottish music and stories touch the hearts and minds of the very young, the very old and everyone in between, but he adjusts the blarney accordingly. Patrick's performances fit venues from schools to concert halls. http://www.patrickreganthebagpiper.com/

RED HAND PADDY

Red Hand Paddy was formed in 1994 by a group of Pittsburgh Irish musicians who wanted to bring a more modern sound to the traditional music typically offered on the pub scene. From the beginning what has always set RHP apart from other local performers is its rock and roll sound, combined with an authentic Celtic flavor. The theme upon which the band was built will always be fine Celtic music with a strong, modern, and upbeat delivery. The band plays a mix of original, traditional, and folk songs, as well as covers from bands like The Saw Doctors, The Pogues, and Flogging Molly. http://www.redhandpaddy.com

PITTSBURGH POLICE EMERALD SOCIETY PIPES AND DRUMS

The Pittsburgh Police Pipes and Drums was formed in April 2001 after realizing there was a need for a fitting tribute for those in the law enforcement community who have paid the supreme sacrifice. The band has been honored to participate in many funeral services to honor public safety workers in and around the City of Pittsburgh. http://www.policebagpipes.com

TERRY GRIFFITH

Terry has been performing Irish ballads in local Irish pubs as well as performances at Irish festivals, Renaissance Faires and fundraisers all over the U.S. for over 3 decades. His music reflects his Irish heritage and his experiences in Ireland and appeals to the Irish-Americans who look beyond the stereotypical to the true essence of being Irish. Terry is known for his interpretation of Irish ballads. His rich baritone voice is suited to ballads from the humorous to the emotional and his repertoire is sure to take audiences through the highs and lows that only Irish music can span in an evening. http:// www.pittsburghirish.org/griffith