2026 Entertainment Schedule is coming soon!
Ally The Piper
Ally the Piper is an internet sensation with over 6 million followers, renowned for revolutionizing the Great Highland bagpipe and bringing it into the modern era. A professional bagpiper for most of her career, Ally is passionate about sharing her love of the instrument with the masses.
Blending classic rock and heavy metal with a unique twist of Celtic rock, Ally captivates audiences with vibrant energy and innovative arrangements. She has garnered support from rock and metal giants like Metallica, Iron Maiden, Dragonforce, and The Charlie Daniels Band through her electrifying covers.
In addition to the bagpipes, Ally is a singer, and plays traditional Celtic instruments such as the Irish flute, whistles, and small pipes. With a commitment to merging beloved classics with powerful original compositions, Ally the Piper is redefining the bagpipe’s place in contemporary music and inviting fans to experience a fresh take on tradition.
BIIRD
BIIRD are an all-female trad supergroup that have been mystifying the masses with their lively, zealous set and uncompromising dedication to Irish design since their inception last year. Bringing the trad session vibe from the corner of a pub to a global audience, their energy is unmatched. This is a sisterhood born out of a shared passion for keeping the tradition of Irish music alive, giving it a new look and keeping it on its toes. When they’re performing together, a magic flows between them, and that mix of skill and sorcery make them incomparable.
After appearing on the Late Late Show in February 2025 BIIRD went on to sell out every show on their debut Irish & UK tour, including their upgraded show at Vicar St… all before even releasing any music. BIIRD then went on to play Mainstage at ATN to 15,000 adoring fans.
The flock of BIIRDs is made up of Lisa on harp, banjo, vocals; Laura Doherty on fiddle and guitar; Zoran Donohoe on concertina; Sal Heneghan on fiddle and harp; Miadhachlughain O’Donnell on flute and vocals; Nicole Lonergan on fiddle; Niamh Hinchy on vocals and synth; Aoife Kelly on cello; Ciara Ní Mhurchú on fiddle; Hannah Hiemstra on drums; and Claire Loughran on fiddle and harp.
BIIRD will be at the Pittsburgh Irish Festival while on break from their tour with Ed Sheeran!
The Bow Tides
The Bow Tides is a powerhouse Celtic ensemble led by three Irish fiddlers: Ellery Klein, Jessie Burns and champion Irish dancer Katie Grennan. These dynamic women are veterans of the stage and studio, with a collective 16 years as the fiddlers with the Irish-American supergroup Gaelic Storm. Holding down the low end in the group are Grammy-nominated bassist Eric Thorin and guitarist/singer Jeff Lindblade.
The Bow Tides celebrate community and collaboration, delivering uplifting, unique Celtic music that evokes joy. Formed in 2020, the group was commissioned to produce online concerts for Spanish Peaks Irish Festival and Pittsburgh Irish Festival. Garnering rave reviews, and just one year later, they hit the main stage at Pittsburgh Irish Festival, debuting their stunning original compositions, rich harmonies and driving traditional tunes, songs and Irish dance arranged for three fiddles, guitar and double bass.
In 2023, they released their debut album Sailing On, packed full of gorgeous original compositions as well as a breadth of uniquely arranged traditional tunes from Ireland, Scotland and Galicia. 2024 has seen the Bow Tides headlining at festivals across the United States, including the nation’s largest: Milwaukee Irish Festival.
The Drowsy Lads
2024 brought 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 22 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!
Eileen Ivers & 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.
Jessica Willis Fisher
Jessica Willis Fisher is a singer-songwriter-fiddler with a storyteller’s heart. Raised playing traditional folk music from an early age, she performed with her family band (The Willis Clan) in the Irish, Country, and Bluegrass music scenes and made appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and America’s Got Talent. Her Americana-leaning debut solo album “Brand New Day” (2022) features both deeply autobiographical lyrics and foot-stomping anthems. Her sophomore record “Blooming” (2025) is an ode to the power of knowing who we are, all our beautiful scars and vulnerable strengths included.
Ladies of Longford
The Ladies of Longford of Dublin, OH are celebrating 26 years of their special brand of music. They serve up a unique blend of Contemporary Celtic, Traditional Irish and fresh acoustic styles. They are most often defined by their superb vocal harmonies and excellent musicianship. From the living rooms and back yards of intimate house concerts to the huge sound stages of renowned festivals, this high energy all woman band shares it’s inspired gifts of melody and performance to a vast range of fans.
Members:
Hilda Doyle-Guitar/Vocal
Heather Fraser- Djembe/Vocal
Stephanie Doyle- Bass/Vocal
Elizabeth Blickenstaff- Fiddle
Meadhbh Walsh
RUNA
RUNA breathes fresh life into traditional Celtic music by digging into the songs and tunes to find the universal thread that binds past to present. Celebrating 17 years together as a band, Celtic-American Roots music group, RUNA, continues to push the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues, they offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music.
Seeking to preserve and continue a traditional culture in a modern age, RUNA creates the backbone of its signature roots sound from the musical and geographical diversity of its individually established band members. Their strive for excellence and creativity blazes a trail for the future of folk music, earning them the reputation as one of the most innovative Irish folk groups of this generation.
The group has been honored internationally, winning Top Group and Top Traditional Group in the Irish Music Awards and three Independent
Music Awards including Best LIVE Album, Best World/Traditional Song, and Best Bluegrass Song.
In conjunction with the band’s 16-Year Anniversary Tour, RUNA released their eighth album, “When the Light Gets In”, on St. Patrick’s Day 2024!
For the past several years, RUNA has collaborated with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, working on a cultural and musical project based on the Choctaw Donation in 1847. The band was honoured to participate in the official unveiling of “Eternal Hearts” sculpture at the Choctaw capitol in Tushkahoma, Oklahoma in August 2024. The sculpture represents the ongoing friendship between the Irish and Choctaw peoples since 1847. It’s sister statue is located in Middleton, Co. Cork, Ireland.
Receiving international praise on both sides of the Atlantic, “TEN: The Errant Night”, has been nominated for Best World/Traditional Song (“An Buachaillín Bán”) in the Independent Music Awards!
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
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
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.
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
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
DENIZEN
DENIZEN is a hypnotic, electrifying force exploring the relationship between movement shaping sound / sound shaping movement through a living conversation between Celtic roots and Bluegrass traditions of Western PA. The group’s spellbinding shows feature performers Garrett Coleman, Drama Desk Award-winning choreographer and 2x World Champion of Irish Dance; Conor Coleman, champion Irish Dancer and Bodhran player; Samuel Barton, Baron of Banjos; Griff Bear, ecstatic Fiddler of St. James’s Gate; and Matthew Rotchford, eclectic bassist also of St. James’s Gate, among others.
Devil Take the Women
Devil Take the Women is a rowdy Irish trio performing traditional pub songs with a ‘devilish’ twist! Featuring Lauren on guitar, Megan on fiddle, and Chris on drums, the band mixes high-energy Irish favorites with 90’s throwbacks, unexpected one-hit wonders and favorite country singalongs until the sun comes up! Off-the-cuff, upbeat, loud and proud — Devil Take the Women delivers the kind of wild pub atmosphere that feels like a party from the first song to last call!
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.
Full Course (The Corned Beef & Curry Band Experience)
For more than two decades the members of The Corned Beef and Curry Band have entertained fun-loving crowds across the country. They are indeed Pittsburgh’s favorite interactive pub band with John McCann on guitar, Hamish (Who the heck is Hamish?) and Bob Banerjee on fiddle, mandolin, and bad jokes. All three provide vocals and harmony for all genres of music from 50’s classics to favorite classic rock to modern Celtic Rock.
They have packed the house at numerous events including the Pittsburgh and Erie Irish Festivals, Music on the Bay in Tampa, and Meeting of the Minds in Key West. This year they have added good friends and primo musicians Drew Halter and Brian Berkheiser on lead guitar and stand-up bass to expand their musical range even more. You get the Corned Beef and Curry experience in Full Course! Just imagine a Steely Dan tune that morphs into an Irish jig…One thing is for certain – this highly energetic band appeals to all generations who like to clap their hands, stomp their feet, sing loud with the band and… enjoy some drinking, dancing, craic and comeraderie. Spoil yourselves and get to their gigs!
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.
Johnny Gallagher
A familiar face in the Pittsburgh pub scene, Johnny Gallagher has been bringing the soul of Ireland to the Steel City since 2013. Johnny’s music is a bridge between the old world and the new, keeping the rhythm of his heritage alive in every chord.
His musical journey is deeply personal, rooted in the legacy of his late father, Michael Gallagher. A local legend in his own right, Michael spent over half a century performing Irish music throughout the Pittsburgh region. Today, Johnny honors that 50-year tradition, carrying forward the same songs and spirit that his father once shared with the community.
When he isn’t behind a microphone, Johnny serves the city as a Lieutenant with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire. His dedication to his community is matched only by his devotion to his faith and family. He and the love of his life, his wife, Siobhan, are the proud parents of four children, raising the next generation to appreciate the deep roots of their ancestry.
The Gallagher household is a true hub of Irish Catholic culture. While Johnny fills the air with music, Siobhan directs the Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance, ensuring the art of Irish movement continues to thrive in Pittsburgh. Together, Johnny and Siobhan are committed to preserving the vibrant American Irish heritage, ensuring that the traditions of the past remain a living, breathing part of the city’s future.
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
A Pint of Plain
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.
The RichPatrick Celtic Trio
The RichPatrick Celtic Trio has been performing traditional and contemporary Irish, Scottish, and popular folk music to audiences in Pittsburgh PA, MD, DC and NY since 2009. Their music is lively and engaging and will have you tapping your toes and singing along. All three band members sing lead vocals during the show. The band has successfully published four CDs which are currently streaming on Spotify. Rich Lange plays acoustic guitar, Jim Borowski plays the Bodhran, and Sue Borowski plays fiddle, mandolin, Irish bouzouki, and Irish whistle.
http://www.richpatrick.com
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 Traditional Irish Arts Academy
At The Traditional Irish Arts Academy, students learn to dance for the love of it! TIAA offers recreational, and performance-based dance classes for ages four through adult. Founded in 2024, the Traditional Irish Arts Academy brings a refreshing, non-competitive take on Irish dance to the Pittsburgh area. TIAA has class offerings that give students the ability to cultivate their love for the Irish arts while remaining true to its traditional roots.
TradIrishArts.com
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 2026 Entertainment Schedule is Coming Soon!
*Entertainment line-up subject to change
