2025 Entertainment Schedule is Coming Soon!
Ally The Piper
Ally is a multi-instrumentalist out of New York. She specializes in celtic instrumentation, such as the Highland Bagpipe, Scottish Smallpipe, Irish whistles, and vocals. At age 16 Ally became a world champion performing on the Highland Bagpipe, and holds several domestic and international titles. Ally has a Bachelor’s Degree in music from Penn West, where she triple focused in Bagpipe, Vocal, and Piano performance. She performs professionally, and virtually through her various social media platforms where she has amassed over three million followers, making her the most followed bagpiper on the internet. Ally will be performing at this year’s Festival with a full band!
The Brigideens
The Brigideens, a brand-new powerhouse, fiery female band came together as a group of talented musicians and singers from the Celtic and Americana traditions to perform in honor of St. Brigid, the beloved patron and mother saint of Ireland. The name Brigid means “fiery arrow” and this ensemble takes inspiration from her.
Led by Grammy awarded, Emmy-nominated, 9-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, Eileen Ivers, Eileen formed the group to showcase the mighty dimension of talent in today’s female artists. Native New Yorkers, Caitlin Maloney is featured on lead vocals, and Hilary Hawke on 5-string banjo, bass, clarinet, spoons and background vocals. Hilary was featured in the Tony award winning Broadway musical, “Oklahoma”. Anna Colliton, a Chicago native, is a master of the bodhran, the traditional Irish frame drum. Anna teaches nationwide and has performed with many top traditional music groups including Cherish the Ladies. Rounding out the ensemble from Maryland is guitarist and vocalist, Colin Forhan, who also plays tenor banjo and concertina.
Dennis Doyle
Dennis Doyle is a Celtic harpist who has been featured at the Pittsburgh Irish Fest for over twenty years. His delightful program of traditional Irish harp music, stories, songs, bits of history and jokes have been performed all over North America, Japan and Ireland. Teachers and musicians run in his family which originally hails from County Wicklow, Ireland.
Dennis has produced over ten recordings and has two published books on Celtic and liturgical music. The most recent recording is Swift River. In addition to playing on the show stages, he also helps organize and perform in the festival liturgy each year.
Though based in California, Dennis has deep personal roots in Fayette County, Pennsylvania where his grandfather William Doyle worked the mines around Uniontown. His own father, Mark Doyle, was born in Connellsville before the post-war family exodus to Los Angeles in 1949.
The Drowsy Lads
2024 brings the 20th Anniversary of The Drowsy Lads! Critically acclaimed Irish-American Traditional Folk powerhouse, The Drowsy Lads, are the epitome of “we dare you to sit still” Irish music. 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. From headlining festivals to packing out theaters, The Lads deliver a performance steeped in traditional roots with a fervor that leaves audiences wanting more. You’ll have a blast… and the band will be arm in arm beside you!
Elias Alexander
Elias Alexander is a rare performer who combines live looping and electronics with a wide variety of instruments from bagpipes to fiddle, guitar, whistle and keys. With deep roots in traditional Scottish and American music, but a boundless appetite for possibility, rhythm, and expression, Elias takes audiences on a mind blowing journey through traditional tunes, original songs, and danceable fun. www.eliasalexander.com
The Fitzgeralds
The Fitzgeralds are a sibling band comprised of 3-time Canadian Grand Master Fiddle and Step Dance champions – Tom, Kerry & Julie Fitzgerald. With roots in Canada’s renowned Ottawa Valley, their art form stems from the rich tradition of Ottawa Valley fiddling and step dancing. Over the past 15 years, The Fitzgeralds’ musical style has evolved to include a strong focus on original compositions and arrangements that fuse their traditional fiddle roots with more modern influences. They have 3 albums to their name, and were nominated for “Instrumental Group of the Year” at the 2020 the Canadian Folk Music Awards. They have toured extensively, performing at theatres and festivals across North America, Germany, and the UK. They have also been featured guests with Canada’s Natalie McMaster and Ireland’s Nathan Carter among others. In 2017, The Fitzgeralds went “viral” on Facebook via Ireland’s leading newspaper (Independent.ie), with over 8 million views of their original choreographed dance routine! Most recently, they released their debut Christmas album “A Canadian Christmas”, which was nominated for “ACTRA Recording Artist of the Year” by the Ontario Folk Music Awards 2022. www.thefitzgeraldsmusic.com
Gaelic Storm
It’s hard to imagine a band just coming into their own after 20 years of success, but that’s exactly what makes a true anomaly. Gaelic Storm, a multi-national, Celtic juggernaut grows stronger with each live performance, and after two decades and over 2000 shows, they are a true force to be reckoned with.
The band attributes their continued success to their fanatic audience, and it’s a well-diversified crowd for sure – attracting fans of every genre with their rich storytelling, energetic instrumentals, devotion to Celtic traditions and passion for their stagecraft. They are as loyal to their fans as the fans are to them, as front-man Patrick Murphy states, “The fans are the ones that have given us this life. We’re here for them.”
Gaelic Storm takes a true blue-collar, hard-nose approach to touring, consistently traveling the US and internationally forging a unique path in the Celtic music world. “You have to see us live. We are the true working-man’s’ band,” says longtime member Ryan Lacey. “We still, and most likely always will, tour most of the year, and that’s how we constantly hone our craft.”
This dedication to their live show dates all the way back to the mid-1990s, when Gaelic Storm kicked off its’ career as a pub band in Santa Monica, California. One which performance led to their discovery that ultimately found the band appearing in the blockbuster film, Titanic (where they performed “Irish Party in Third Class”). This laid the groundwork for a career that would eventually find them topping the Billboard World Chart six times, making appearances at mainstream music festivals, and regularly headlining the largest Irish Festivals across the country, all while gaining a reputation as a genre-bending Irish rock band whose songs mix Celtic traditions with something uniquely creative.
Recent years have seen the addition of Natalya Kay on fiddle and Parker Hastings on guitar, who both bring their own energy, musicianship and spirit to Gaelic Storm.
Screaming Orphans
Screaming Orphans, an all-sister band from Bundoran, Co. Donegal, Ireland, are one of the most sought-after Celtic bands with a powerful, award-winning sound combining their original melodic pop songs with a unique take on traditional Irish music and song. The band first came to prominence when Sinéad O’Connor asked them to tour with her as her back up vocalists and opening act.
The band is renowned for their trademark spine-tingling four-part harmony which led them to many collaborations with artists such as Sinéad O’Connor, Joni Mitchell, The Chieftains, Baaba Maal, the Afro Celt Sound system, Eileen Ivers and Martin Furey.
Screaming Orphans’ 2019 pop album, Life in a Carnival, produced by internationally distinguished producer John Reynolds, charted No. 24 in the iTunes Pop Music charts (U.S.), No. 7 in the Billboard World Albums charts, No. 1 in the iTunes Singer/Songwriter charts (IE), and No. 3 in the overall iTunes music charts (IE). The new album follows 2017’s critically acclaimed folk album Taproom which also charted at the top of iTunes and Billboard charts and was voted Folk/Pop/Rock Album of The Year.
As of this year, the band has released 14 albums of both original pop and Folk/Irish music.
Abbots Cross
Abbots Cross is a Celtic music duo made up of Alan Booth and Mike Clancy. The combination of Alan Booth’s rich vocals and Mike Clancy’s jazz background makes for an exciting musical experience. Their influences range from The Wolfe Tones to John Coltrane. Booth and Clancy’s set list includes traditional and modern Celtic music as well as original instrumentals combined with jigs and reels inspired by Brian Finnegan and Michael McGoldrick. Over the past couple of years, Abbots Cross has been featured at The Three Rivers Arts Festival, The Pittsburgh Irish Festival, and The West Moreland Arts and Heritage Festival. In October, 2016, Alan and Mike debuted their Celtic Christmas CD, “Christmas Visions,” at the very popular Christmas In The Woods Festival, in Ohio. This instrumental CD features traditional jigs and reels paired with Christmas classics.
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
Bastard Bearded Irishmen
Pittsburgh-based Bastard Bearded Irishmen is one of the most entertaining and energetic live shows around. Their sound is an original, ferocious blend of traditional and contemporary Celtic music, mixed with punk, gypsy and high-energy rock n’ roll.
Bealtaine
With uilleann pipes, bouzouki, bodhrán, and other instruments you’ve never heard of and can’t pronounce, Bealtaine plays music from Ireland, Scotland, and beyond, bringing together young and old for a good time at the pub, a party, and everywhere else
George White – Bouzouki, Mandocello, Banjo, Vocals
Conor Freeland – Uilleann Pipes, Whistles, Vocals
Bill Buchko – Bodhrán, Cajon
Andy Morrison – Mandolin, Banjo, Guitar, Vocals
Dylan Rooke – Guitar, Vocals
Bell School of Irish Dance
At the Bell School, Irish dancing is their passion and they are very serious about it. Since their inception in 1999, it has been their mission to inspire the same passion for Irish dancing in each and every one of their students. They do this through an uncompromising commitment to excellence in the instruction they provide, their relentless drive to succeed in competition, and by fostering an environment that is positive, encouraging, and welcoming to all regardless of age or skill level. http://www.bellschool.com
Corned Beef & Curry
County Mayo
County Mayo isn’t a rock band, but we can rock an Irish ballad. Our sad songs will tear at your heart strings, and our rebel songs will fill you with Irish pride. You might not immediately recognize our names and faces, but you’ll know us by our offbeat humor and clever stage banter. Our influenced were the Clancy Bros. and Tommy Makem, the Wolfe Tones, Christy Moore, Andy M. Stewart, we’ve been performing Irish, Scots and Aussie folksongs
since the early 1980s. We’ve played wakes, weddings, community concerts and AOH conventions and been the headliners at the Erie and Mahoning Valley Irish Festivals and at the Ligonier Highland Games.) Founding members of the band are Bill Lewis (Guitar, Mando and Banjo) Marcy
Meiers (Flute, Tin Whistle and Bodhran) and Ted Miller (Vocals). Our token Scotsman, Brad Campbell (Keyboard, Cajon and Vocals) and Bernie Bonnie
(Electric Bass, Guitar and Vocals) and round out our current lineup. http://www.countymayoirishband.com
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. Current members include Sue Powers (banjo/vocals), Jeff Berman (lap dulcimer/percussion), Jan Hamilton (fiddle), Burr Beard (hammered dulcimer/vocals), Kip Ruefle (bodhran), L.E. McCullough (tinwhistle/flute/harmonica). www.devilishmerry.com
Donnie Irish
Donnie Irish is a band from the Pittsburgh area and they play a mix of Traditional Celtic Rock, Irish, Scottish, and American cover tunes. They also play a wide variety of cover tunes and put some much needed drive behind some fantastic traditional Irish ballads.
Fitzpatrick School of Dance PGH
The Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance- Pittsburgh is a new Irish dance school, located right in downtown Pittsburgh. Lessons are held on Monday evenings at Brother Andre’s Cafe, under Epiphany Catholic Church. The school is run by Siobhan Gallagher, T.C.R.G. Before opening the Pittsburgh branch of this school, Siobhan ran the Sellersville branch of the Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance, in Bucks County for many years. For more information about this school, please visit www.
Jim Lamb
Jimmy Lamb has been part of Pittsburgh’s Irish music scene for more than 40 years. He was a regular fixture at Riley’s Pour House and continues to perform at Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle and the Cork Harbour Pub. As part of “Guaranteed Irish,” he performed at festivals, concerts, and pubs in cities across the US, Caribbean cruises, and two tours of Ireland. Jimmy’s repertoire stretches from the Clancy Brothers to Van Morrison to the Fureys to the Saw Doctors.
The Low Kings
As Pittsburgh’s premier Celtic rock band, The Low Kings have opened for international acts like Gaelic Storm, The Rumjacks, Young Dubliners, Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Screaming Orphans; have headlined festi-vals like Ligonier Highland Games, Horse Trading Days and the Mahoning Valley Irish Festival; and have appeared regularly at the Pittsburgh Irish Festival, Crafthouse Stage & Grill, Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, and more. Specializing in 6-piece high-energy rock shows, performances contain a mix of originals, rock takes on traditional pub tunes, and Celtic rock standards. facebook.com/thelowkings
Mark Guiser
One of Pittsburgh’s best known Irish entertainers! Mark has been a staple, playing at Pittsburgh’s most popular Irish venues for over 20 years. His pleasing and powerful voice allows him to deliver everything, from the most solemn Irish ballad, to the most upbeat Celtic rock song, as well as many favorite humorous tales. Mark’s strong Irish connection, through his wife, and best friend Fiona, has allowed him to travel regularly between Pittsburgh and Sligo. These experiences have given him his unique perspective on Irish music that many Irish American singers do not have. Stop by to catch Mark’s performance. You are sure to walk away with a smile on your face and in your heart.
Mike Flaherty
Mike Flaherty, Folk Singer and Balladeer is from Pittsburgh’s South Hills. His influences include The Irish Tenors, Tommy Makem, The Dubliners, and the music of Celtic Thunder. His interpretations of “Danny Boy”, “Grace”, and “Galway Girl” have been fan-favorites wherever he performs. www.facebook.com/mplflaherty
Pittsburgh Ceili Club
The Pittsburgh Ceili Club is celebrating 34 years of promoting Irish culture through music and dance. The Dance Ensemble of the club was formed in 1991 to perform for various community groups, at various cultural events and at regional facilities. Our program consists of various social dances from Ireland, including “set” dances, “ceili” or figure dances and two hand dances. We strive to give our audiences a “taste” of Ireland by including stories about the dances and having fun. Those dancing are dedicated volunteers who give of their time and talent to practice and perform. The Pittsburgh Ceili Club holds monthly “Ceilis” from October through May and hold dance instructions every Tuesday prior to a ceili at Mullaney’s Harp and Fiddle. More information about the Pittsburgh Ceili Club can be found on our website: www.pittsburghceiliclub.org.
The Pittsburgh Irish Festival Ceili
The Pittsburgh Irish Festival Ceili Band are several Pittsburgh-based fellow travelers who play for Irish ceili dancing. This year’s group consist of: Bruce Molyneaux, Jim Guay, Richard Withers, and Mike Hurley. Ceili on! Learn more.
Sean Patrick Regan
Sean Patrick Regan is a third-generation piper. A student of his father, Patrick Regan, Sean completed a degree in Music Education (Summa Cum Laude) with the Bagpipe and Percussion as dual primary instrumental focuses at Edinboro
University of Pennsylvania. He is the professor of bagpiping at his Alma Mater in addition to teaching privately.
Sean has been at the top of American solo bagpipe competition for many years, and is a former world solo piping champion, having been the highest-placing competitor in the 2012 World Online Piping and Drumming Championships.
He has competed with bands at the Midwest, North American, Canadian, European, and World Pipe Band championships, and led the first Novice Juvenile pipe band from the United States ever to qualify to compete in the final round at the Worlds.
Sean is featured as a soloist and ensemble member on several albums, including “A Band Transformed”(2006), by Steel Thistle Pipes & Drums, “Début”(2011), by The Great Lakes Pipe Band, “An Afternoon on the Pipes”(in post-production), by himself, “Chimera X”(2013), through Edinboro University, “That’s Too Bad”(2018), with Apologetix, and most recently “25… and LIVE!”(2019), with The Rogues. Additionally, Sean is published in “The Voice,” the quarterly publication of the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association, as a correspondent with several articles on bagpipe education. Sean is sponsored in part by Lindsey Bagpipes Company, Lone Star Piper, and the Saint Andrew’s Society of Pittsburgh. www.sprbagpiper.com
Shovlin Academy Irish Dance
Shovlin Academy of Irish Dance offers solo and figure dancing instruction to students ages 5 and up. Participation in the academy provides each student with the opportunity to grow physically and mentally in a supportive environment while developing an appreciation for Irish music and dance. http://www.shovlinacademy.com
The Step Sisters
The Step Sisters are “American Girls with Irish Style”. Blossoming from their roots in Pittsburgh’s Irish Culture, The Step Sisters cultivate a performance full of rich, traditional dance and music. Dancers Brigid Clark, Kalin Wilson, Kylie Garver, Sheila Mary Clark, and Beth Nist showcase the strength and beauty of the art form that is Irish dance. With lively fiddle tunes by Beth and Irish dance steps choreographed by Sheila Mary, The Step Sisters are sure to make your hands clap and toes tap for the entire show!
Weekend at Blarney’s
Weekend at Blarney’s is an acoustic pub rock duo formed in 2014 by Brad Wagner and Pat Reilly. Influenced by the Pogues, the Dubliners, the Clancy Brothers and the Dropkick Murphy’s, Brad and Pat have combined to spread foot stomping, hand clapping, sing along fun throughout the pubs of Western PA. In addition to playing the pubs, they have made several appearances on KDKA Radio and have played in Market Square for the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade in both 2015 and 2016. http://www.bradwagnerbarfly.com/
The 2024 Entertainment Schedule is Coming Soon!
*Entertainment line-up subject to change
