We have all known each other since we were very young, growing up participating in Irish music and dance in our community of Pearl River, New York.

Most of us come from musical families, with our parents having learned Irish traditional music from such greats as Martin Mulvihill, Maureen Glynn Connelly, and Pete Kelly.  Some of our parents and their lifelong friends carry on this great tradition by teaching music in the community. 

We loved playing together so much that we started our own band just over 6 years ago and called it Girsa, which means “young girls” in Gaelic. We’ve been having tons of fun ever since!

GIRSA ARE:
• Maeve Flanagan - fiddle/whistle
• Deirdre Brennan - fiddle/mandolin/vocals
• Kristen McShane - fiddle
• Margaret Dudasik - fiddle/vocals/low whistle/dancing feet
• Blaithin Loughran - accordion
• Bernadette Flanagan - piano/bodhran/dancing feet
• Pamela Geraghty - accordion/vocals/guitar
• Emily McShane - piano/vocals/bodhran/guitar

Described as bold, unorthodox, vibrant, and evocative, the "GLENGARRY BHOYS"  hybrid of Canadian Highland Scots and French Canadian musical idioms has evolved into a sound that is weighty, authoritative, and extremely entertaining.

Their energy and good humor, as much a part of the show as their musicianship, crosses all cultures and ages. Many things have been written and reported about this world renown Canadian alt-celt group over that last decade, all depicting their musical and entertaining prowess with varied audiences the world over, but their ability to marshal large enthusiastic audiences show after show is legion and recognized.

Their objective is simple yet evocative, as stated by their lead singer Graham Wright in a CBC "Fresh Air" interview: "if our audience can only get 10% of the satisfaction we get entertaining them - then we surpass objective". Accordingly and repeatedly, they do!!

From a small Scots-French-Canadian enclave in Eastern Ontario, these Celtic-Stompers, always pushing the musical envelope but never straying too far from the traditional whence they came, have earned a reputation as entertainers that challenge you to sit still during their engaging performances.

Go ahead and try!

Of Mickey Finns, John O'Brien Jr. of OHian, says, "'It's Not the Whiskey' is vintage Mickey Finns; full bore, passionate, edgy, and fun.  Ray Kelly, Brian Tracey, and Matt Mancuso have hit their stride with these eleven songs.  Ray's voice resonates- a storyteller, a storyteller lost in the story, hooking the audiences and taking them along for the ride- whether joyful, strident, full of love or full of lament. A great version of Black Velvet Band, perfectly suited to Kelly's edgy vocals, Paddy Lie Back, Ride On, and the title track are highlights. One of the best Celtic Rock CD's we have heard in recent memory."

John Bowles of Paddy Rock says, "The Mickey Finns are the BEST Celtic Rock trio in the world hands down, and their latest ‘It’s Not The Whiskey’ is a good representation of their talents. These masterful musicians within Ray Kelly’s gritty vocals and lyrical genius to Matt Mancuso’s perfect fiddle work and Brian Tracey’s powerful and spot on percussion…. this group sounds much larger than they are. I have seen these boys live just about everywhere and I have not been disappointed once! Whether they are at a pub, street fest, or amphitheater… The Mickey Finns will have you dancing, stomping your foot, and raising your pint and singing along to the power-packed energy they bring. If you enjoy the sounds of great Celtic Rock acts like Great Big Sea, Gaelic Storm, Scythian, The Prodigals, or even Spirit of the West… you will want to buy this release for sure!"

SLIDE, IRELAND
GALWAY, IRL

The Irish Times calls SLIDE “traditional musicians with attitude” and credits the group with “bringing drawing room grandeur and high spirits together” with it’s diverse songs, which range from soulful and sorrowful to contagiously energetic. Folk Roots Magazine proclaims, ”There’s plenty of action and flamboyance in Slides’s music,” which merges “swagger with traditional expertise.”

This rollicking band’s origins date back to Ireland in 1999,when Slide performed in various pubs for a local music festival in Bandon, Co. Cork. The group’s intoxicating music easily won over the crowd, which demanded more of the unique and colourful sound. The positive reaction inspired Slide to release The Flying Pig, which Irish Music Magaize hailed as “beautifully recorded, to preserve the brilliance and clarity of solo and ensemble playing that is positively mind-blowing.” The publication awarded Slide its Best Newcomer distinction in 2001, leading to gigs for the band throughout Europe.

In its insightful second album Harmonic Motion, Slide celebrates self-exploration and collective innovation in a series of self-penned songs that drew critical appraise. The record showcases a variety of clever arrangements – from sensitive whistle harmonies to driving, high-powered strings – and captivating lyrics that Irish Music Magazine calls “inventive and provocative.” The publication adds, “The melodies and musicianship are first-rate. …[Slide] can sing, they can write, they can dance across fingerboards and piano keys, buttons, and bows, and by crikey they can play.”

The album attracted the attention of renowned Irish talents including Grammy-winning composer Bill Whelan, singers and songwriters Liam Clancy, Damien Dempsey and John Spillane, Danú and the Progressive group Stocktons Wing - who eventually recruited Slide for their own music projects.

In 2005, Slide – which consists of concertina virtuoso Aogán Lynch, fiddler-guitarist Daire Bracken, bouzouki and mandolin player Mick Broderick, pianist-flautist Éamonn de Barra – won the Young Musicwide Award. Developed in 2001 by the Arts Council of Ireland, Young Musicwide encourages young people to pursue professional careers in traditional Irish Music, Chamber Music,and Jazz and gives promoters access to the best Irish talents. “Slide successfully combined the qualities of traditional Irish music with contemporary musical ideas. They are exceptionally talented and their music has both grace and power”, said celebrated Irish musician-producer Donal Lunny, who helped judge the competition.

Overneath is their third studio album and saw the band hone their creative abilities. It is an exciting addition to Slide’s previous two recordings with receiving great critical acclaim. Slide have recently been joined by the greatly talented Galwegian, Dave Curley who joined the group for their hugely successful 2008 US Tours. An expanded line up has provided for an even larger live sound with great new additions in songs and dance. For their fourth CD venture Slide bypassed the studio and recorded where their fans are always most excited, live from the stage.

For centuries, Ireland was ruled by High Kings. As their reign came to an end, their deeds and stories merged into the world of legend and myth and the High Kings of Ireland were no more except in story, music and song. Until now. Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey and Darren Holden, renowned vocalists and musicians, have come together to create the most exciting Irish ballad group to emerge since The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem electrified the worldwide folk revival of the 1960s.

Ireland’s Folk Band of the year The High Kings , Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey, Darren Holden and Finbarr Clancy. Coming from accomplished Musical pedigrees, The High Kings grew up in households soaked in the Irish Musical tradition and each member of the band witnessed first hand the power of well crafted Irish music on an audience.

Since The High Kings started, they have sold out hundreds of shows, in Ireland and the US, made numerous TV appearances, and achieved platinum status with both albums.

The High Kings showcase their incredible versatility and skills as multi-instrumentalists, playing 13 instruments between them bringing a rousing acoustic flavour to brand new songs as well as some old favourites. The High Kings are continuing to live up to their reputation as a phenomenal live band, serving up laughter, good times and even the odd sing along.

SCYTHIAN
WASHINGTON, DC

"Playing the I-95 corridor Scythian is developing a rabid following along with interwoven playing that is sure to deliver a grand time for all who see them . . . all of the members of the band play a variety of instruments and are natural showmen, engaging the audience on every number."

Glide Magazine

"We don't know of another local band that can churn out rebel songs, Pogues covers and traditional reels with the same levels of skill and energy."

The Washington Post

Born in Aclare Co. Sligo, Ireland in 1971, Tommy was the youngest of six children. He started singing while still at school, and soon found himself fronting his own band. A chance encounter with Phil Coulter at a charity function near his home led to a big break which soon placed Tommy on the world stage, appearing as a guest singer on Phil’s USA tour. Following a stint where Tommy performed with famed DeDanaan, he went on to achieve Multi-Platinum success from his many solo recordings.

His reputation growing, Tommy's star was burning bright, but tragically, just after securing a record deal, a car accident left the singer with a broken neck leaving his music career on-hold indefinitely. After many months of convalescents, Tommy finally returned to the stage where he re-established his reputation as one of the world's finest singers and is currently enjoying a hugely successful career, now 18 years in the making.

Tommy infuses each song with his own unique and powerful style, eliciting emotions as only a master balladeer can.

A Tommy Fleming concert is a musical experience not to be missed, with each piece seeming more haunting than the last. He has a universal appeal to all ages and backgrounds with a global fan base that is growing by the year.

Don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy the experience of a Tommy Fleming concert.

The Four Courts are Paddy Homan and Jimmy Keane (pictured), Maurice Lennon, and Dennis Cahill.

The musicians play all throughout the US and all over the world.

All four award-winning musicians tour and teach music throughout the world extensively, as well as play and record with such musicians as Liz Carroll, Martin Hayes and John Williams.

The Kilroys have been playing traditional Irish music in the city of Cleveland and throughout the Midwest for the past 25 years. Instruments are accordian, fiddle, banjo, guitar, bouzuki, bagpipes, ulliean pipes. They are a group of veteran musicians who have played at some of the larger venues in town like The Odeon and The House of Blues as well as the smaller venues like restaurant/concert type environments where people can talk, eat, and listen to good music.

The Kilroys are a group of 5 brothers and 2 sisters with ages ranging from 26-40. In the early years, their musical endeavors involved experimenting with drums and electric guitars incorporated into traditional Irish music. At the time, this was a fairly new concept, at least in the Cleveland area, and it was quite well received as very few bands did this. Over the past 10 years, though, the thirst for pure traditional music has sculpted the group’s sound into what it is today – traditional Irish music which can be enjoyed and shared with all age groups, young and old.

The siblings get together regularly for “sessions” or performances, notably at The Harp, an Irish pub on the Cleveland’s near west side. This family is the real deal. You could be sitting at Gus O’Connor’s Pub in the Doolin, Ireland on the Atlantic coast or sitting at The Harp in Cleveland, OH on the “north coast” and if you closed your eyes you might not know the difference.

Michael has been performing in local pubs, festivals and parties for several years - playing a wide variety of music - Scottish, Irish, Country, Rock and Celtic Rock. Along with singing, Michael's musical talents include guitar, bagpipes, drums, harmonica and many more. You can catch him locally at Casey Jones Tavern, Sully's Irish Pub, the West Side Irish American Club Pub, the East Side Irish American Club Pub, the Pride of Erin, PJ McIntyre's Pub and The Great Lakes Brewing Co. Michael was also a member of the former Cleveland Celtic Rock Band "Brace Yourself Bridget", "Next in Line" Ceili Band and plays with "BONFIRE" - an AC/DC Tribute Band. He is also the Pipe Major of "The 87th Cleveland Pipe Band" and Lead Drummer for "The Great Lakes Pipe Band" in Cleveland. He has also played and competed with "Windsor Police Pipe Band" of Windsor, Ontario, "78th Frasier Pipe Band" of Toronto, Ontario and the "North Coast Pipe Band" of Cleveland. Michael has recently formed the Cleveland Celtic Rock Band "Marys Lane" now playing at local pubs and festivals!

The Boston Comhaltas Ceili Band, formed in 1976, grew naturally out of sessions and musical friendships. Current band members Larry Reynolds, Sr. and Tom Sheridan played with the old Boston Ceili Band of the 50s. The current band has played out for more than 15 years, performing from Alaska to the Grecian Islands to the Caribbean, from Cleveland in the mid-west to Cape Cod in the East, at ceilis in resort hotels in the Catskills and at fabulous hotels in downtown New York City. Ready to play at both local benefits and major Irish music festivals, the band has built their reputation also in part upon their great musical depth. Seamus Connolly plays with the band occasionally. Larry Reynolds, Sr. and his sons Mike and Sean, his nephew Pat, and father and son Fergus and John Keane are band regulars. Other fine musicians play now and then: Tara Lynch, Tom Sheridan, Jimmy Hogan, and Martin Cloonan among them.