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

CARBON LEAF

Carbon Leaf's origins began as an independent band in 1992, eventually leading to a recording contract with Vanguard Records in 2004, resulting in three albums during their six years with the label. Along the way, Carbon Leaf has scored hit singles at AAA and Hot AC Radio with "Life Less Ordinary" and "The Boxer," placed first in the International Songwriting Competition, won an American Music Award, and recorded the music for Universal Pictures' Curious George 2 Soundtrack. Their voyage has come full circle, as Carbon Leaf produced two independent albums in 2010, including the wonderfully received holiday 'concept' album, Christmas Child. www.carbonleaf.com

GOITSE

Goitse is an informal Gaelic Irish greeting meaning ‘come here’ ("gwi-cha").  Traditional Melodies, Modern Rhythms and new compositions are synthesized by this five piece band all of whom are students of Traditional Music and Dance at the University of Limerick.  All five students are rooted firmly within the tradition and are well known and respected within Irish music circles. Their recently released CD includes many of their own compositions and owes its distinctive sound to the collaborative arrangements by all members.  Goitse's debut album which, was released in January 2010, has gained much praise from critics with the Hotpress magazine assuring Irish traditional music lovers that "They play with an easy assurance that should cause those fretting about the future of Irish trad to rest more easily at night".  http://www.myspace.com/goitsemusic

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

SEARSON

With talent that remains full of fierce energy, Searson continues to astound their audiences with unguarded sincerity in their vocals, raw fiddling and ferocious stepdancing. Searson has been taking North America and Europe by storm, performing an average of 150 shows a year. Growing up in the Ottawa Valley, Ontario, Canada, Erin, Heather and Colleen Searson began performing for audiences at a young age. Each sister was filled with an appreciation of music at an early age and from this, developed a contemporary style of high energy, roots, celtic, country and pop, a sound they are known and loved for. The multi-talented sisters play a variety of instruments and are all expert step dancers. Erin plays a boogie style of piano, organ, and mandolin. Colleen is on fiddle and joins Erin in the lead vocals with Heather on bass. Rounding out the live show they are joined by Mary Gellner, a talented and passionate musician on drums and percussion.   http://www.searson.org

COLIN GRANT BAND

 Lingering somewhere amidst the rich, soulful roots of traditional Cape Breton music and the grooves of a thousand branches of rock and funk, the Colin Grant Band has found an open ear in everyone from indie scenesters to blue-haired bingo stampers.
http://www.colingrant.ca

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

BBI

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

The members of Celtic quartet Callán may have only been together for three years, but in that time they've fought bravely to carve out a niche for their unique sound, led by Shelia Liming on the Scottish pipes." That's how the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette describes Callán, a Pittsburgh-based band that focuses on traditional Scottish and Irish music, but has made its way into the 21st century with its debut album, "The Road to Fort Duquesne."
Callán is an Irish Gaelic word that means ruckus, the ingredient we enjoy whisking into Irish and Scottish music!
www.callanceltic.com

GUARANTEED IRISH

Guaranteed Irish have been performing Irish ballads and dance music for over 20 years. Their name refers to an Irish marketing effort similar to 'Made in America' and reflects their respect and passion for the music. Paddy Folan, Bruce Foley and Jimmy Lamb combine button accordion, guitars, uilleann pipes, whistles and voices in their own distinctive and energetic way to make a sound that is true to the traditions of Irish music. Whether singing traditional ballads or interpreting modern folk/rock/pop songs, their vocal harmonies are tight and spirited. With an easy, collaborative charm the lads are equally at home in a small session or on stage in a pub, concert hall or festival.  http://www.guaranteedirish.info/

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.

MARK GUISER

Mark Guiser, on Vocals and Guitar, has performed in the greater Pittsburgh area over 16 years and in County Sligo, Ireland over the last ten years. His excellent voice carries a long note exceptionally well. Mark sings many of the ballads and contemporary songs of Ireland. He'll get you involved with audience participation songs and a guaranteed good time is in store for you!

MATTHEW CRAIG AND THE KERRY TIPPER BAND

MICHAEL MURPHY AND THE SHANNON RIVER BAND

Mark Guiser, on Vocals and Guitar, has performed in the greater Pittsburgh area over 16 years and in County Sligo, Ireland over the last ten years. His excellent voice carries a long note exceptionally well. Mark sings many of the ballads and contemporary songs of Ireland. He'll get you involved with audience participation songs and a guaranteed good time is in store for you!Michael Murphy and The Shannon River Band features leading-edgeperformers of this blend of popular styles. Their training, athletic energy and years of live performance experience mix to create an inspired and up- to-the minute show that truly connects with a broad spectrum of audiences. Both old and young, traditional and modern can't resist this rhythm-infused approach to traditional Celtic music. michaelmurphy.us

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

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

IRISH DANCE SCHOOLS

Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh  http://www.balletacademypgh.com/
Bell School of Irish Dance  http://www.bellschool.com
Burke Conroy School of Irish Dance  http://www.burkeirishdance.com/
Pittsburgh Ceili Club  http://www.pittsburghceiliclub.org/
Pittsburgh Irish Reelers http://www.facebook.com/people/Pittsburgh-Irish-Reelers/625638464
Shovlin Academy of Irish Dance  http://www.shovlinacademy.com

na Gaels

An exciting Irish group from the Pittsburgh area, it mixes traditional Irish tunes and songs with roguish Celtic rock. Most of the members have been playing and singing this music for several years and decided to come together in 2005. A versatile David Yates shows multiple talent with the tin whistle, the box, bass, and guitar. Charles May is the consummate celtic fiddle and mandolin player bar none. Gerard Rohlf does much of the lead singing and handles the rhythm guitar to perfection. Richard Henry, the percussion guy, began playing the bodhran (Celtic drum), some fifteen years ago both here and in Ireland when he visits relatives.

Devilish Merry

Devilish Merry fuses improvisation with traditional and contemporary forms of Appalachian and Celtic music. The band has created a dynamic, layered, and driving brand of music that bridges cultural roots and produces a totally unique sound. Their distinct Roots sound is created by a musical journey reaching back to the earliest transatlantic influences in Western PA from Africa and the British Isles, to the modern sounds of folk, rock, and pop

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