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!
BillowWood
Billow Wood are an Irish folk band rooted in storytelling, close harmony, and textured acoustic arrangements. Drawing from traditional Irish music and contemporary folk, their sound is intimate, atmospheric, and emotionally grounded.
Cailíní Lua
Cailíní Lua is a lively all-girl trad band! They are renowned for their high-energy performances and their modern twist on Irish trad music
Chicago Irish Singers
Chicago Irish Singers is a premier Irish singing choir in Chicago dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of Irish and Celtic music. Through concerts, community performances, and cultural events, their choir celebrates Ireland’s musical heritage while bringing Irish music to audiences throughout Chicagoland.
Declan McShane
Declan McShane is a Chicago-based country and traditional musician.
Dennis Doyle
Dennis Doyle is a Celtic harpist, singer, and storyteller. For over 35 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. He comes from a long line of teachers and musicians which originally hail from County Wicklow, Ireland.
Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfetones
A special group of Irish men and women have been responsible for preservation of the tradition of Irish ballad singing over the past 50 years. Derek Warfield is a distinguished name among them. Derek Warfield and They Young Wolfe Tones are bringing that musical tradition forward with a reverence for Ireland’s past and the energy and optimism of a new generation of Irish musicians.
The Drowsy Lads
Boasting 5 multi-instrumentalists, brothers John and Daniel McKewen, father and son Phil and Josh Franck, and lifelong friend Bryan Brookes bring to the stage a concoction of “we dare you to hold still” Irish dance tunes and songs that have packed festivals, theatres, pubs, and halls everywhere they’ve played!
Gaelic Brew
Evin O’Riordan and Rian Norris are Gaelic Brew! Gaelic Brew is a modern Irish band that puts their own stamp on the Irish Folk songs you love! They are based out of County Cork and have played at Chicago Gaelic Park many times
Gaelic Park Players
Each year The Gaelic Park Players host the Fest’s Performing Arts stage. The mission of the Gaelic Park Players is to promote, foster and develop Irish Theater. ‘Tis great craic!
George Murphy & Friends
George Murphy is an Irish singer songwriter who hails from the Dublin suburb of Beaumont. You might recognize him as former star of The High Kings! He exploded onto the Irish music scene after his memorable appearances on the RTE Television show “You’re a Star”. Just out of secondary school at the age of 17 he very quickly took over the Irish music scene. He signed to Sony Ireland and his debut album ‘Dreamed A Dream’ went to No.1 in the Irish charts. The album eventually went on to gain triple Platinum status.
Gerry Haughey
Gerry Haughey has yet to miss a Chicago Irish Fest. A native of Teelin, at the northwest end of Donegal Bay, Gerry is the Guy on the Guitar, the Boyo on the Banjo and the Man on the Mandolin. He’s a true triple-threat, and we can’t wait to sing and dance to the songs we know so well. Catch him playing in the Cultural Tent this year for Jive and Social dancing sessions.
Going West
Going West began as a three-piece with a passion for Irish folk and indie. What started with a few jam sessions quickly evolved into something much bigger. Now a five-piece powerhouse, Going West have grown into a vibrant, full-fledged Celtic rock band with roots from traditional Irish music, indie, folk and classic rock.
Jack Kinsella
Jack Kinsella is a Chicago based trad musician from County Offaly. Catch him at the Cultúr & Céilí tent!
JigJam
JigJam is described as ‘The best Irish band in bluegrass’ and ‘sparkling, infectious’ these lads have been hailed as ‘Ireland’s answer to New Grass Revival’. Bluegrass has roots in Irish music and Irish immigration. JigJam is what happens when the Irish find their prodigal son.
Jinty McGrath
Jinty (Cork) is more than just a singer, he’s 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.
Katie Sullivan
Our roving musicians! Katie will play tunes all over the Fest grounds so guests don’t miss a beat of the fun!
Kieran Byrne
You know him, you love him, you’ve even seen him at your favorite pub! Kieran, a Limerick lad, is a great friend to Chicago Gaelic Park and to everyone he meets. He’ll charm and entertain you with the best of Irish folk and rebel music
Kilmaine Saints
Kilmaine Saints are equal parts Irish swagger, Scottish pride, and whiskey. This explosive, high-energy Celtic rock band from Central PA will lift your hearts, your spirits, and your pint when you’re not looking.
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.
Liam Durkin
Liam Durkin’s repertoire encompasses a wide variety of genres, including Country, Rock, Blues, Folk, and Irish ballads.
One for the Ditch
Dublin native Hugh Daly, Sean Mulroney, Freddy Frey, RB Green, and Tony Manno are One for the Ditch! They mix traditional Irish classics, country, and originals with a Celtic punk edge.
Shannon Rovers
Founded in 1926 by Tommie Ryan, the Shannon Rovers was originally composed of Irishmen, predominantly immigrants who settled in Chicago in the 1920s. Their mission was to preserve and share traditional Irish music within the community, and to serve as a vital social institution for the Irish immigrant population.
Socks in the Frying Pan
Socks in the Frying Pan, a multi-award-winning trio from Ennis, County Clare, Ireland—the mecca of Irish traditional music—was forged together by a fire of pure joy and passion for their art, the band comprises Shane Hayes on accordion, Calum Bell on fiddle and David McKindley-Ward on guitar.
SuperCéilí
SuperCéilí is the only show of its type which combines acoustic and digital instruments to create electronic Irish Dance Music.
Waxie Dargles
Waxie Dargles deliver high-energy performances that are sure to ignite the stage and your hearts. With driving rhythms, soaring fiddle lines, and rowdy singalongs, they bring the spirit of the Irish pub straight to the American heartland. From festival stages to rowdy pubs and honky-tonks, the Waxie Dargles are a force of musical mayhem built for big crowds and an unforgettable experience!
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