Entertainment
World-class entertainment will perform at Ohio's Celtic and International Fall Fest. You can learn more about the entertainers below.
View the most current Schedule of Performances.
Entertainment (alphabetical order - click on a name to jump to that band)
- Barleyjuice
- The Black Sheep Pipes & Drums
- Bogside Rogues
- Celtic Connection
- Charlie and the Bhoys
- Michael Crawley
- Ciaran Sheehan
- Derek Warfield and the Young Wolftones
- The Dublin City Ramblers
- Irish American Club East Side Pipe Band
- Ladies of Longford
- Makem and Spain Brothers
- Marys Lane
- Alex Meixner
- Mossy Moran
- New Barleycorn
- Tom Sweeney
- Tartan Terrors
- The Terriers
- The Willis Clan
Barleyjuice
5 shows Friday, Saturday, Sunday
With five studio albums and a double CD collection to date, these five kilted yanks are currently one of the most beloved celtic rock bands in the USA.
Kyf Brewer's signature whiskey-soaked vocals perfectly trademark the group's quick-witted and catchy originals, and partner Keith "Swanny" Swanson is no slouch, lithely covering additional lead vocals, guitar, mandolin, whistle, bouzouki, and bagpipes. Both originally piped in the Loch Rannoch Pipe Band, and performed in Edinburgh's Millennium March for Prince Charles.
The ayes have it - Barleyjuice is a grand group of talented tunesmiths and prodigious performers, and the absolute best time you can have at a concert without removing your kilt.
Visit http://www.barleyjuice.com/
The Black Sheep Pipes & Drums
Shows TBA
We are a group of pipers and drummers with various backgrounds and experiences who enjoy the sound of the highland pipes and drums. We came together to maintain and build our musical talents.
Our mission is the learning and playing of celtic music to be enjoyed not only by us, but by others as well.
Yes, that really is a Black Kilt; the tartan, and there is a tartan pattern there, is called The Black Isle Tartan.
Visit http://www.blacksheeppnd.com
Bogside Rogues
5 shows Friday, Saturday, Sunday
The veteran Irish rock group, Bogside Rogues, is based in the Philadelphia area in the Mid Atlantic United States and is known for an upbeat sound while maintaining their traditional roots.
Drawing from the varied experience of its members, the band performs a variety of Irish and Celtic styles including ballads, rebel songs, traditional dance music (Ceili) and contemporary Irish songs.
Featuring Accordion/Tin Whistle, Guitar, Bass and Drums, each of the band's members have come together from different Celtic music backgrounds to form a striking live sound that has won over audiences wherever they go, and inspired many other musicians to take up instruments in order to continue the tradition.
Visit http://bogsiderogues.com/
Celtic Connection
5 shows, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
From Philadelphia. More information coming soon
Visit http://www.facebook.com/celticconnection
Charlie and the Bhoys
6 shows Friday, Saturday Sunday, and Monday
The band traces it's roots some 23 years ago, when they played their first concert in The Squirrel Bar near the Gallowgate, Glasgow in 1989. They are known as "The World's Number One Celtic Band" and have enjoyed a reasonable degree of success in this role, having played to audiences across the world including the USA, Canada, Middle East, Far East, Australia, throughout Europe and all across the UK and Ireland.
The band's name is derived from the nickname for Celtic Football Club, which most of their music celebrates. The Celtic Legend, Billy McNeill accidentally gave the band their name whilst placing an ad for them performing in his pub McNeill's Bar in the south side of Glasgow. At that time the band didn't have a name and Billy thought Jimmy the band leader was called Charlie. They decided to keep the name in his honour.
The biggest turn-out the band has had so far was in Seville, Prado De San Sebastian, Spain, where an estimated 15,000 turned out the night before Celtic's UEFA Cup final with FC Porto.
Visit http://www.charlieandthebhoys.co.uk/
Michael Crawley
5 shows, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
More information coming soon
Visit http://www.michaelcrawleymusic.com
Ciaran Sheehan
5 shows Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Ciaran grew up on both sides of the Atlantic dividing time between Dublin and New York City.
Ciaran comes from a family of famed singers, instrumentalists, and composers; no surprise music and theatre had a place in his future. As a child he sang in his church’s boy choir and at the age of seven was chosen to tour with a special scholar group entertaining in hospitals and retirement communities, singing in many different languages. At the age of ten his family moved permanently to Dublin and Ciaran stopped singing until the age of sixteen when he returned to the US. At sixteen he joined his first rock band made up of high school friends and during his college years he fronted a heavy metal band playing metal and rock clubs in the Northeast of the US.
Among Ciaran’s most memorable engagements have been...Four Sold Out performances at Carnegie Hall, Performing the American National Anthem at - New York State Governor George Pataki’s inauguration, Giants Stadium (Giants), Continental Arena (Nets), and Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (Twins), opening the dedication of the Irish Hunger Memorial in New York City, and soloist at the internationally televised memorial mass for John and Carolyn Kennedy Jr.
One of his biggest thrills was standing on the infield of old Yankee Stadium to serenade Ed and Allison Lucas during their wedding ceremony: the only one ever held on the field of old Yankee Stadium.
Visit http://ciaransheehan.com/
Derek Warfield and the Young Wolftones
3 shows Sunday, Monday
Following a lifetime of success as a founding member and leader of the legendary Wolfe Tones for some 40 years, Derek Warfield has now assembled some of the finest young talents on the Irish music scene.
His love for our musical heritage is such, that a way to pass on our tradition was of vital importance. So a new day dawns on The Wolfe Tones legend and almost 50 years on from his debut performance, Derek Warfield is delighted to present ‘The Young Wolfe Tones’.
Having performed over 150 concerts across seven different countries in 2011 and with a nomination as Ireland’s best folk group, ‘Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones’ are known throughout the world for their quality musical presentation of Irish ‘rebel songs’ and traditional music.
Visit http://www.theyoungwolfetones.com
The Dublin City Ramblers
3 shows, Friday and Saturday
The Dublin City Ramblers have thrilled audiences worldwide with their unique blend of Ballads, Folk ,Humour, Wit and foot-tapping music. Their impressive career has spanned more than 35 years, with over 30 albums, top ten hits, several awards for best Ballad/Folk Group and, to top it all off, 8 Gold Albums. It is certainly no wonder that they are classed as Ireland’s Number One Group!
They have performed at every major venue in Ireland and abroad, including Dublin’s National Stadium, National Concert Hall, Cork’s Opera House, England’s Royal Albert Hall, New York’s Carnegie Hall and any other venue you care to mention.
Sean McGuinness has kept The Ramblers (As they are affectionately known), going throughout the years, and they are now stronger than ever.
Visit http://www.theirishexpress.net/about.html
Irish American Club East Side Pipe Band
Shows TBA
The Irish American Club East Side Pipe Band was formed in the Fall of 2001 by a few members with the mission of putting together a fun marching band for the Irish American Club, East Side.
The Band continues to grow, currently boasting a roster of over 30 members and students. The musicians in the band share the same desire of promoting our culture and heritage playing traditional bagpipe music while proudly representing the club.
The uniform the band has chosen is unique in appearance and style. The Tartan of the kilt is Ancient MacLeod of Harris, which is complemented with Lovat Green jackets. A traditional Irish Caubeen has been chosen as the headwear and is accented by the Sheillah cap badge.
Visit http://irishamericaneastsidepandd.com
Ladies of Longford
5 shows Friday, Saturday, Sunday
The Ladies of Longford serve up a unique blend of both traditional and contemporary styles. From the living rooms and back yards of intimate house concerts to the huge sound stages of renowned festivals, they share their inspired gifts of melody and musicianship. This all woman band never ceases to excite and amaze it's audiences.
"...five very talented, energetic women pouring their hearts into every note!”
Visit http://www.hildadoyle.com/TheLadies.htm
Makem and Spain Brothers
5 shows Saturday Sunday, Monday
The tradition continues.
Every generation has a few acts that define where a musical genre is going, performers so confident in their chosen field that they are able to completely embrace the genre and yet introduce something new to it. In Irish folk music today, that act is the 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.
Visit http://www.makem.com/
Marys Lane
5 shows, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
Marys Lane is a Irish American folk-rock band based in Cleveland, Ohio.
We are influenced by traditional and modern sounds, bringing them together in unique ways with a compelling and motivating quality.
The name of our band is an actual road and homage to a special place on Achill Island (County Mayo, Ireland) where women by the name of Mary were seen aplenty (which included Patrick's great-granny, also named Mary).
Band members are Michael Crawley (vocals/guitar/bagpipes), Paul Kirk (fiddle), Patrick Mulloy (vocals/guitar), Matthew Sofranko (bass/vocals), and Mark Whalen (drums)
Visit http://www.maryslane.com
Alex Meixner
Monday
Alex Meixner, a 2007 Grammy nominee, is a musical chameleon. He has performed traditional ethnic music since he was 4 years old and has extensive experiences in a wide variety of musical genres (everything from classical to jazz to pop to world music from around the world!)
His true passion lies in entertaining audiences.... he does this primarily with an international party mix of polka music.
The Alex Meixner band is equally at home playing a traditional Oktoberfest or amped up Rocktoberfest while also having the ability to meld into a swinging jazz combo, gypsy world-beat band, authentic European folk ensemble or smoking zydeco-blues group at the drop of a hat.
The most dynamic polka show on earth--- you will never see a more rocking accordion and trumpet player!
See the live show. Become a believer.
Visit http://alexmeixner.com/
Mossy Moran
6 shows Friday, Saturday, Sunday Monday
Mossy Moran with his heated style of Irish traditional and contemporary music hails from Ireland's southeast coastal city of Waterford.
In his first band at age 15, Mossy led with incredible vocals that kept his Irish fans coming back for more. As his talent grew, so did his audiences. At age 19 Mossy made his act a solo one, singing songs and telling stories of the Irish People all over Ireland’s southeastern coast, and made a break for the United States in 1996 to sing his foot stomping brand of Irish music here.
"You just can't believe that he is just one voice and a guitar!" is often heard by audiences who have heard Mossy perform for their first time. His deep, baritone voice coupled with a thundering velvet hand on his guitars cause people to stop and listen. His Irish wit and stage presence is infectious.
Derek Warfield of the Wolfe Tones commented that Mossy is one of the finest Irish solo acts he's seen in years. Danny Doyle, Ireland's finest Balladeer, believes Mossy is on his way to great things as he keeps his country's history alive with songs and stories from the past and present. No one can sing 'em like Mossy can!
Visit http://www.mossymoran.com/
New Barleycorn
6 shows Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
Both Alec and John were born and raised in Ireland in counties Dublin and Down where they learned to play music at an early age. Both have performed professionally since their teenage years each has enjoyed considerable success.
The New Barleycorn 'present their live Irish show with vitality, passion and a touch of humor, singing and playing both contemporary folk and traditional Celtic songs and music, which they have woven into their own musical tapestry of intricate rhythms and melodies.
Alec and John have performed live and on many television and radio shows, both together and separately in such places as Ireland, U.S.A., Canada, Australia, and the U.K.'
Visit http://www.thenewbarleycorn.com/
Tom Sweeney
6 shows, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
Tom Sweeney is a genuine ‘rarity’ in the field of Irish singing. His audiences range from four and five year-olds right up to the thousands who regularly attend his performances on the stages of the U.S. and Canada’s premier Irish music festivals.
Along with brother Jimmy, the late Donegal fiddle player, P.V.O’Donnell and fellow Omagh man, Brian Doherty, known collectively as Barley Bree, Tom spent nearly twenty years in Nova Scotia, Canada plying his musical trade.
The Tyrone balladeer, songwriter and storyteller remains a firm favorite at most of the summer Irish music festivals across North America and has done so for over thirty five years. He is seen as a high profile performer at the huge Milwaukee Irish Fest for the past twenty five years. Tom wrote and recorded the theme song for the festival’s twenty-fifth anniversary.
Tom is considered by some to be one of the last of the ‘true’ ballad singers because many of his songs have been handed down through a line of family singers. These include his mother, Mona, his uncle Tommy Makem and his maternal grandmother Sarah Makem, known as one of the world’s great ‘source’ singers and even further back to his great grandmother.
Many of the songs in Tom’s repertoire are steeped in the old Irish ballad tradition and deal with history, emigration, love songs, songs of working people, humorous pieces and poems. It has been remarked upon often that his spoken introductions are one of the highlights of his performance.
Visit http://www.tomsweeneymusic.com
Tartan Terrors
4 shows Saturday and Sunday
Taking the Celtic scene by storm, the Tartan Terrors, North America's premiere Celtic Event, features the best in music, comedy and dance. Bolstered by the blistering piping of a Two Time World Champion Bagpiper, the driving tones of drums from around the world, and a guitar played unlike any you've ever heard, standing room only audiences understand why Dig This Magazine declares "(The Terrors) one act to keep an eye on!"
Combine this musical prowess with championship calibre Highland Dancers and intentionally recognized comedic performers and this Celtic Group goes beyond the ordinary. Members of the Tartan Terrors have performed on 4 different continents; in some of the most prestigious Festivals, Highland Games and Theatres of North America; for President Clinton; Queen Elizabeth II; and Good Morning America.
They're even streaming for on-demand listening in multiple international podcasts including a coveted spot on Pulse of the Planet in Spain! Join the phenomenon of the Tartan Terrors and see why Celtic Beat Magazine hails them as "the heirs apparent to the [Celtic] mayhem."
Visit http://www.tartanterrors.com/
The Terriers
5 shows Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
The Terriers have found a love of traditional Irish music and have quickly grown to be one of the Cleveland areas most exciting Celtic folk bands.
Formed in late 2006 by members and friends of the pipes and drums of the East-Side Irish American club in Euclid, Ohio, The Terriers have quickly grown to be one of the Cleveland areas most exciting Celtic folk bands. Playing a mix of Irish, Scottish, and American traditional folk music, The Terriers provide a lively dose of entertainment for a variety of occasions.
Visit The Terriers on Facebook
Willis Clan
5 shows, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
The Willis Clan is a family of amazing musicians, dancers, athletes, writers, and artists. Living in middle Tennessee, they merge their Irish roots with other music and dance genres to create a unique blend of the old and new.
As they say, "God has blessed us greatly and we enjoy a rich and rewarding life. It is also a lot of hard work. With twelve children, just keeping their names straight can be a challenge. All twelve children's names start with the letter “J”.
Some families go for quantity, some for quality. But we ask, is it too much to ask for both? Not with the Willis Clan.
Visit http://thewillisclan.com
Come back often for Updates