Ally the Piper
Ally the Piper is a viral internet sensation, renowned for modernizing the Great Highland bagpipe. She blends classic rock and heavy metal with Celtic influences, captivating audiences worldwide. Supported by legends like Metallica and Iron Maiden, Ally showcases her talent on various traditional instruments and is redefining the bagpipe’s place in contemporary music.
The Bagpipes & Drums of the Emerald Society
It’s a tradition – We can’t wait to have the Emerald Society return for another Irish Fest!
The Byrne Brothers
The Byrne Brothers are known for their electrifying and high-energy and performances that showcase modern traditional Irish music and world-class Irish dancing. Their music features both traditional and original tunes and songs. Their performances celebrate Irish culture and heritage, and audiences around the globe are captivated by their infectious humor, energy and talent.
Celtic Roots
Chicagoland Irish Celtic Rock Band
Colm & Laura Keegan
Irish singer-songwriter Colm Keegan and his wife, Scottish Cellist Laura Durrant, are best known as principal performers in the world-renowned singing group Celtic Thunder. They are joined by Brian McGrane.
Diversion
Diversion is a four-piece modern rocker/pop band from Dublin. They deliver a tight and punchy show with their live music with their original music and haunting melodies.
Jinty McGrath
McGrath, a singer from Mayfield in County Cork, Ireland, moved to the USA in 2014 at the age of 21 with just a bag and a guitar to pursue his musical dreams. Jinty is more than just a singer, he is a master at creating atmosphere in a room. He’s a man who can take the crowd through the motions with highs and lows like a rollercoaster all without missing a beat or taking a breath in fact.
Elias Alexander
Elias Alexander is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter whose work swells from the intersection of traditional music, electronic production, and songwriting. Using electronics, he alchemizes tradition into something healing, deeply personal, and of this moment.
The Fenians
For over thirty five years, The Fenians have delivered their potent mix of traditional Irish folk and good old rock n roll all across the USA and Ireland. With an ever expanding set of original creations, as well as contemporary and traditional tunes plucked from the panoply of the genre, these five lads and one colleen put on a live show that is second to none. Their foundation is decidedly Celtic, but there is no mistaking the complimentary influences of Rock, Folk, Bluegrass, Jazz, and World music.
Fiddle in the Middle
Fiddle In The Middle brings you the energy and emotion of traditional Irish folk music, played with passion, heart, and irrepressible joy!
Gadan
Gadan is a storming new band blending the drive of Irish trad and bluegrass with the soul of folk and Appalachian music… spiced with Italian flair! Featuring young yet seasoned Italian musicians from the Irish trad and European folk scene, they joined forces in 2024 with Enda Scahill, tenor banjo legend and founder of We Banjo 3.
Gaelic Brew
Gaelic Brew is a modern Irish Band, putting their own
stamp on some of the best well known Irish folk songs
ever written. Fusing Traditional Irish Folk and Trad with
popular Rock, the multi-instrumentalist and 2 part
harmony group create a unique sound and bring Irish
music into the 21st Century.
Gerry Haughey
The boyo on the banjo, the guy with the guitar, the man on the mandolin! Gerry’s played every Irish Fest since it began. Catch him playing in the Cultural Tent this year for Jive and Social dancing sessions.
Kieran Byrne
Limerick lad Kieran Byrne plays Irish folk and rebel music. Everyone who has seen Kieran play loves his tunes and wit!
The Kilkennys
A traditional Irish folk and ballad band, The Kilkennys are noted for their dynamic arrangements, energetic performances and charismatic rapport with audiences across the globe.
The Larkin & Moran Brothers
The Larkin and Moran Brothers started in 2002 when young Kevin Moran joined brother Terry and the Larkin Brothers; Dan, Mike and Joe, and altered their previous life as the Larkin Brothers and Terry Moran.
Meadhbh Walsh
Meadhbh Walsh is a singer-songwriter and folk artist from County Cork. She’s known for her powerful vocals, emotive performances, and versatile musicianship, playing multiple instruments. Her music blends original songs with Irish folk covers, and she has gained a large online following and completed a successful Irish tour.
On the Lash
In honor of Irish traditional music, On The Lash creates timeless sounds through original voices. With new takes on classic songs and original constructions of established standards, OTL aims to explore the inherent energy and versatility of the genre.
Rachel Walsh
Singer-songwriter Rachel Walsh from Co. Mayo has been releasing original music since 2019. Rachel is known for her upbeat, refreshingly-unique pop songs, displaying catchy piano melodies and distinctive vocal range. Her performance at Irish Fest is much anticipated after her appearance on the fest stage singing with ‘Onoir.’ She opened for ‘JigJam’ in Chicago earlier this year. and recently opened for ‘The Coronas’.
Saints in the City
Saints in the City is traveling from New Jersey to bring you the live Bruce Springsteen experience! You won’t soon forget dancing to the tunes of this Irish American singer!
Shane Beirne
Meet Shane Beirne, the singer-songwriter from the west of Ireland who blends festival energy with indie/pop vibes. From topping the charts with ‘Young Love’ to sold-out hometown gigs and a North American tour, Shane’s musical journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Shannon Rovers
Since 1926, the Rovers have been a cultural fixture in the Chicagoland area. From parades to politics, weddings to funerals, generation to generation, the Shannon Rovers have been there through it all, bringing the passion of Irish music with them.
Without U2
Without U2 recreates the sight, sound, and spirit of the legendary Irish rock band U2 in an incredible fashion. Without U2 performs all the hits, in full costume and with authentic gear
