Over 20 different acts across 3 indoor stages! From traditional Irish to Irish rock, there’s musical entertainment for everyone at the East Durham Irish Festival! Explore the lineup to see each artist and learn more about their music. It is an exciting mix this year of local, regional and international entertainment.
New York and Irish music have a long and storied history together, a collision of two cultures that results in bedlam, beauty and a lot in between. Shilelagh Law embodies all that is New York Irish music: old songs, new songs, jigs, reels, dancing, weeping, lots of laughter, plenty of drinks and the inevitable visit to the local diner at 5am. By interpreting traditional Irish music through a filter of urban grittiness Shilelagh Law helps to define the Irish-American experience that is such a part of New York town.
Eileen Ivers
Grammy-winning and Emmy-nominated, renowned career as a performer, composer, producer, songwriter, band leader, educator, multi-instrumentalist and revered pioneer in connecting her American, Irish traditional, jazz, blues, and world roots.
Eileen Ivers continues to push traditional fiddling boundaries from a folk music staple to a fiercely fresh, powerfully beautiful, intensely driving world stage experience. In a career that has spanned 30 plus years, Ivers has performed and/or toured with such diverse artists as Sting, Patti Smith, Al Di Meola, Hall and Oates and The Chieftains. She has guest starred with the London Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, over 50 symphony orchestras to date, and was the groundbreaking musical star of Riverdance, a featured instrumentalist on Back to Titanic and film soundtracks including Gangs of New York. She is a 9-time All-Ireland fiddle champion, and one of the most awarded All-Ireland Fiddle and Banjo champions ever. Eileen has been proclaimed “a national treasure” by NCTA Board Chairman George Holt.
The Narrowbacks
The brainchild of a future banker and a drop out bartender, The Narrowbacks are a fresh voice for songs and stories old and new. The Narrowbacks have brought their Irish American Odyssey from the stages of the Bowery Ballroom and the Stone Pony to the Kansas City Irish Festival and everywhere in between. They built their following in the barrooms of New York City with modern covers of old classic Irish songs but have grown to performing their own original canon of Irish American stories to the rock clubs and festivals of the Northeast and Mid-West. Make sure to follow them @thenarrowbacks on Instagram, Facebook and Spotify!
“Their music is literally and figuratively electric, and it sounds best live.” – Colleen Taylor, Irish Echo
“Like Dropkick Murphy’s songs with less aggression, better vocals and more of a singer-songwriter air about them.” – Matt Inman, Relix Magazine.
Ally the Piper
Ally the Piper is a multi-instrumentalist out of New York. She specializes in celtic instrumentation, such as the Highland Bagpipe, Scottish Smallpipe, Irish whistles, and vocals. At age 16, Ally became a world champion performing on the Highland Bagpipe and holds several domestic and international titles. She performs professionally, and virtually through her various social media platforms where she has amassed nearly three million followers, making her the most followed bagpiper on the internet.
Andy Cooney Band
Andy Cooney has nine Carnegie Hall sellouts under his belt and also filled The David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center with The New York Tenors. His outstanding voice and dynamic stage presence have long been a favorite among young and old alike. His talent and versatility provide the ability to deliver a song directly to the hearts of his audience; Andy is surely one of the greatest singing sensations on the Irish Music scene today. Christened Irish America’s Favorite Son by The New York Times, it is a title he richly deserves. Andy Cooney is one of The New York Tenors, along with New York Italian Tenor Christopher Macchio and New York Puerto Rican Tenor Daniel Rodriquez, a trio which has been receiving high critical acclaim for a number of years.
Andy has recorded 19 albums to date, including Bright Brand New Day with Phil Coulter and his Orchestra. Andy and Phil frequently tour together and in March 2017, completed a three week tour of the US. Cooney’s Album , Irish Country Skyline, was released in the summer of 2016 as a journey back to his Country music roots. This release has been getting huge airplay all over Ireland and the UK with his hit singles On The Eighth Day and My Rose of Ballinrobe, both his own compositions. 2020 turned out to be an unusual year where the Coronavirus shut down the music industry. During 2020, Andy managed to release 4 new singles during the Coronaviruses pandemic, “Take Me Back To Dublin”, “We’re All In This Together” with his son Ryan, “Come Tennessee Me Tonight” with Country Music legend Larry Gatlin to releasing his latest Album in 2021, Take Here In Your Arms. Andy Cooney is also known for his Cruise of Irish Stars which annually draws over 1,000 Irish and Irish Americans on a Caribbean Cruise enriched with the finest Irish entertainment including the great Ronan Tynan.
Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones
Derek Warfield has spent more than sixty years entertaining audiences with Irish music, releasing 13 best-selling albums, traversing the globe to perform at venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall, and playing for countless dignitaries.
The band formed in 1963 and drew its name from Irish revolutionary Theobald Wolfe Tone – playing songs harkening back to revolutionary themes and Irish traditional music. As he toured with the Wolfe Tones throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, Warfield noticed that the appreciation for Irish music was not limited to people living in Ireland.
In 2001, Warfield left the Wolfe Tones and eventually started Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones, with a mission to “bring the old tradition of Irish balladry into a new age.”
The Band: Derek calls Damaris Woods, who plays banjo, the “best banjo player and artistic banjo player in the world today.” She is a resident of County Meath. Andreas Durkin hails from County Cavan and serves as keyboardist and vocalist for the band. He has performed as a soloist and alongside his mother, Irish country singer Kathy Durkin. The youngest member of the band is Eddie Kane from County Kildare, another vocalist who also plays guitar. Kane’s mother played in a traditional Irish music band with her siblings, and he has performed with a number of other Irish singers. Brent Hopper lives in Cleveland, Ohio & has been playing music and touring for more than 25 years across the United States with several different musical configurations.
Through the medium of song, Warfield has merged this commemoration of Irish patriotism and history with the opportunity to share this tradition with younger generations.
The Wooden Nickels
The Wooden Nickels, Brian McCarthy (Drums), Jessica Semins (Fiddle, Guitar and vocals), Sean feeney (Guitar, vocals, tin whistle, mandolin), and Brian McArtin (guitar, vocals) came together out of a love of Irish, Americana, Rock, Blues, Folk and bluegrass. Together they are storming the music scene with their blend of old favorites, new twists on classics, modern day Americana and Irish jigs and reels, for good measure! Their presence in the Bronx and Yonkers Irish music scene is making a buzz that people are hearing, and they’re coming to a local watering hole and festival near you!
The Canny Brothers
The Brooklyn-based, “The Canny Brothers Band” has built a solid reputation in the NYC Irish music scene by performing their own brand of Celtic roots-rock. An exciting brew of traditional Irish music, folk, bluegrass, rock, and reflective original songs immersed in a spirit of improvisation, they regularly raise the roof at pubs, parties, fundraisers, and festivals.
Screaming Orphans
Screaming Orphans are a chart-topping all-sister Celtic folk and pop band from Donegal. They are known worldwide for their award-winning sound combining original pop songs with a unique take on traditional Irish music. From an early age, the Diver sisters entertained international audiences around Ireland accompanying their mother, legendary céilí singer Kathleen Fitzgerald. The band has always defied being pigeonholed, having masterfully developed their own unique fusion of folk and pop. The sisters’ trademark spine-tingling four-part harmony and mastery of their instruments combined with their highly energized performances take audiences of all ages on an exhilarating and emotional musical journey.
Screaming Orphans’ pitch perfect harmonies have led them to many collaborations on recordings and stage with artists such as Sinéad O’Connor, Peter Gabriel, Joni Mitchell, Baaba Maal, and Afro Celt Sound System. The band continues to tour and play extensively across America, Canada and Europe.
As of this year, the band has released 15 albums, encompassing both original pop and folk/Irish music, as well as one Christmas album. Their albums Taproom, Life in a Carnival, and Sunshine and Moss have topped Billboard, iTunes and World Music charts.
The Diddley Idols
The Diddley Idols are the NYC based dynamic duo with the full band sound, Queens native Dave Barckow (Eileen Ivers) and Dubliner, Louise Barry (Celtic Angels). A chance encounter and undeniable chemistry led to the formation of this energetic World Record holding band in 2013.
As two lead vocalists, the addition of Dave’s foot operated drum kit and guitar and Louise’s ukulele and melodic percussion prove that “great things do come in small packages!”
A “live tour de force” with their high octane mix of pop and Irish tunes and all the party rock you can handle. Their hotly anticipated Irish album is a follow up to their debut, “We Said We Would’’. The first single being their most requested song, The Cranberries anthem, Zombie. The phenomenal Eileen Ivers, lends her incredible sound to The Diddley Idols’ haunting yet raucous version.
With their second single, Rocky Road to Dublin, The “Diddleys” do what they do best, turning the Traditional, UNtraditional! Dave’s unmistakable groove and percussive guitars set the tone for Louise’s fierce vocals. With help from their talented friends, featuring Ben Golder-Novick (PMJ) , it’s a must listen for all.
“We’d love to thank all who have listened, sang and danced along with us and to all the Festivals for a great season so far! You can catch the “Idols” nationwide, at their residency in Times Square, NYC and again on the “Cruise of Irish Stars” setting sail in 2025. For more visit diddleyidols.com
Kitty Kelly & Catskill Fever
Kitty Kelly is a second generation Irish American who is noted for her engaging personality on stage and her vocal ability to deliver songs from both Irish and American traditions in a manner that appeals to all ages. The talents of her band members along with Kitty’s high energy and her outstanding ability to connect with her audiences always make for a memorable performance. The Kitty Kelly Band performs throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Ohio at Festivals, Concerts, Dances, Weddings and Pubs.
Tom Comerford
Tom Comerford was a founder member of The Whole Shabang, one of the most successful, hard-working and respected Irish bands on the North American scene through the 1990s, and that’s his voice on the original version of Dreamers And Believers – the song was written specifically for him.
Since 2000 he has continued to work as a full-time entertainer, albeit in a solo capacity, and this allows him a certain amount of flexibility. Whether entertaining a group of visitors to Ireland, performing at a corporate event, or flying high at a festival, you’re going to experience Tom in his natural habitat.
Pearl River School of Irish Music
From Pearl River, New York – Irish Musicians under 21 years old – 1st TIME ACT!
Pride of Moyvane
Manhattan native, John Reynolds is most often heard playing the fiddle with his wife; Bronx born flute and whistle player Margie Mulvihill – in the “Pride of Moyvane Ceili Band”. For many years, they both had successful musical careers, but recently they have been performing for festivals and are a very popular ceili band in the New York Tri-state area known for their lively and rhythmic percussive style, perfect for dancing.
John was sent for classical violin lessons at the age of five. His mother, Eileen (from near Grange, Co. Sligo) had played the fiddle as a child. Although his father, Paul (a Boornacoola, Co. Leitrim footballer), did not play an instrument, he was very fond of traditional music and was a good whistler. After a few years of classical music, his mother sent him for Irish music lessons to the late Roscommon accordionist John Glynn who was teaching in the neighborhood. Right from the start, John took an interest in the music and spent countless hours growing up listening to Sean McGuire’s recordings and also those of Andy McGann and Paddy Reynolds. After John Glynn’s untimely passing in 1971, John was sent to study with Pete Kelly. There, John was an early member of the Shannonaires, a ceili band that Pete taught and trained which competed in fleadh cheoils and toured in Ireland in the early 1970s. Influenced by Sean McGuire’s recordings and Pete Kelly’s teaching and encouragement, John won third place in the 1972 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Listowal, Co. Kerry. Throughout the 1970s and the early 1980s, John played music for dancing competitions at the feiseana in the northeast, most often playing with Pete Kelly or Paddy Reynolds.
In the early 1980s, John started an almost 20 year association with Dublin-born ballad singer Michael Jesse Owens – a gig that started out by filling in for box-player John Nolan, who had been a fellow John Glynn student. Aside from playing lively trad music with Jesse’s band, John developed his skills for backing up Irish and folk ballads and songs of all types. Those skills have been for many years – and still are – in demand in the ballad and showband scene around New York and John often has been be heard accompanying singers like Guss Hayes, Kitty Kelly, Mike Byrne, Tom Birmingham, and John Morrison.
Margie is a wonderful whistle and flute player. Her parents both hail from County Kerry, the region in Ireland known for it’s wonderful polkas and slides. Margie started Irish dancing at a young age, training with her uncle, famed Irish dance instructor Jerry Mulvihill. She also took music lessons from the great Martin Mulvihill and played in his All-Ireland champion band, The Glinside Ceili band. Margie is the mother of four musical children, Erin Loughran (a fine fiddler who was the New York Rose of Tralee and music teacher), Blaithin Loughran (accordion player and member of Girsa), Neidin Loughran (whistle, guitar, song) and John Paul Reynolds who is 9 and playing mandolin. The family was recently featured on the HBO series “The Music in Me”. Margie and John enjoy the exchange of energy between themselves and the set dancers and know how to get the dancers and crowd going!
And in recent years, she has taken up the roll of tradition bearer as she has taught dozens of children to play music in the well-known Irish enclave of Pearl River, New York. Before starting up the Pride of Moyvane, Margie was a member of the fabulous traditional music and singing group, Morning Star. Margie and her family were featured in the HBO documentary
Perfect Strangers
A brother duo from County Down, Ciaran and Ronan Murphy, Perfect Strangers play an upbeat style of Irish, Pop and Country music. For the last 3 years they have been playing in bars all around New York and Boston. Musical influences such as the Wolftones, Dermot Kennedy, Ryan McMullan and Mumford and Sons.
Sheridan Rúitín
Sheridan Rúitín is a young Celtic band from the suburbs of New York, rooted in tradition and fueled by innovation. They weave a tapestry of ancient musical heritage with contemporary flair – from lively jigs and reels to poignant ballads and ethereal harmonies. The group invites listeners on a musical journey that transports them to the rolling hills of Ireland, filling the gap between Celtic rock and traditional Irish folk ballads.
Sláinte
Sláinte is a 6-piece Irish-American folk rock band, formed in a Boston College dorm room in 2013. They play upbeat arrangements of classic Irish pub songs and American rock & roll, featuring rockin’ electric guitar and sax solos married with traditional fiddle and whistle parts.
Celtic Fare
Celtic Fare is a four-member band playing traditional, contemporary, and original Irish songs and fiddle tunes for pubs and restaurants, cafes, coffeehouses, weddings, private parties or any purpose.
Sean Quinn was raised on the music of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, and his father Tom’s extensive repertoire of Irish and American folk songs. Currently, he plays mandolin & Irish tenor banjo and sings melody & harmony with Celtic Fare, and plays guitar and sings with the bluegrass band Washington County Line. He also enjoys playing Old Time clawhammer banjo and guitar when the opportunity arises. He lives in Schenectady, NY, with his extremely tolerant and supportive wife, Kristen.
Mike Yates is a retired teacher, educator and hypnotist. Mike’s singing will captivate any audience and leave them wanting more. He loves singing and playing ‘oldies’ from the 50s and 60S. He plays the guitar and keyboard. He resides with his family in Saratoga Springs NY.
Julia Richard wanted to play the violin in 3rd grade, but her public school only had violas left to borrow. Playing the viola brought many lessons, concerts, and high school competitions, then the Empire State Youth Orchestra and the SUNY Albany Orchestra. The viola then took a backseat for 30 years to getting married, managing a family and working full-time. She visited Ireland many times to immerse herself in the “Irish Trad” culture, most recently attending the Willie Clancy School in County Clare and joining sessions in pubs throughout Ireland.
Rick Hawes has been playing mandolin and guitar as well as singing for decades. He is very active playing traditional Celtic/Irish tunes in regional sessions as well as playing professionally.
The Coleman Brothers
Born in his native Ardboe County Tyrone Raymond Coleman, With his unique, rich melodic vocals he is quickly making a name for himself in the Irish/ American music world. He has an unusual inborn ability to tell a story as he sings with a robust yet often gentle timber in his voice. As he sings and plays the guitar with ease and natural ability he carries you along on his singing journeys. With his vast knowledge of music you never know where that voyage may go. You will enjoy the songs along the way and often won’t want the trip to end. He lives in Philadelphia so you can catch one of his magical music journeys in many different Irish/ American pubs or clubs along the east coast.
Mickey Coleman’s talent for penning songs, which in some way or another have shaped his life and which have captured the hearts of many in his live performances, has been well documented in songs such as ‘The Brantry Boy’, ‘My Coalisland Girl’ ‘The Holylands Belfast’ and ‘Kilkeel Fishermen’.
Mickey has released his much awaited third album “Last Glance” In this album his thoughts have been transformed into verse with his poetic and artistic talent he has written these wonderful songs.
A former GAA all-Ireland medallist, (2003) Mickey comes from a background of artists and musicians. His mind is as free and determined as the eels that travel from the Sargasso Sea each year to reach the shores of Lough Neagh where Mickey was brought up in Ardboe Co Tyrone.
His fine voice reaches everyone who listens. Mickey has shared the stage with some of the world and Irelands top folk artists such as The Chieftains, Cara Dillon, Francis Black, Liam Reilly and Bagatelle, Steve Cooney and many more.
Bobby Morrill
A solo acoustic guitarist, harmonica player, and singer playing the songs of Jimmy Buffett, Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and more.
Reagh Greenleaf, Jr.
Reagh Greenleaf, Jr. Singer, bodhrán player, and visual artist from the Green Mountains of Vermont – Reagh specializes in Irish ballads, sea chanteys and Traditional rhythms. Coming of age in the NH Seacoast folk scene, in 2000 he attended the 1st Tommy Makem International School of Song in Co. Armagh. Reagh was a core member of Tom Lanigan Band from 2010-2015, and subsequently formed the Irish-jam-rock duo, The County Down, with Dan Brown. He also performs with Gypsy Reel, and has recorded alongside Claudine Langille of Touchstone, Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki, and Damaris Woods of Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones.
Check out his RambleTree shop here at the festival for original Celtic art and apparel.
Farrell School of Irish Dance
Michael Farrell, TCRG is celebrating his 50th year instructing all levels and ages of dancers. Farrell School dancers have performed at hundreds of Irish festivals, Off-Broadway, and at MANY private and public events.
Michael’s dancing career began as a highly accomplished champion level dancer as a student of the legendary Cyril McNiff at the McNiff School in NYC. He earned his TCRG certification in 1974, and the Farrell School of Irish Dance was opened in Queens, N Y. Michael’s early students would travel from as far as the Albany area to Queens weekly. In the mid-80s, as Albany & East Durham grew and Michael met his future bride Jeanne, East Durham and Albany became the official locations of the Michael Farrell School of Irish Dance.
The Farrell School is a multigenerational institution. Previous dancers have returned as adults, their children have danced with FSID, and now the grandchildren are part of the student base. Some of FSID’s “mature” dancers have joined as assistant teachers and are also progressing through the certification process.
Michael encourages parents and students to be active in the Irish-American community. Michael, Jeanne, parents and students of FSID can be counted on to work and volunteer, oversee and organize, support and attend Irish & Irish-American cultural clubs, venues, shows, events and activities.
Michael is a member of:
An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha
Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America
Irish Dance Teaching Association of North America, Mid-Atlantic Region, Inc.
An Clar School of Irish Dance
An Clár School of Irish Dance opened in 2011 in Albany, New York, followed by Byram (Sussex County), New Jersey in January 2012. All classes are taught under the direction of Lexa Hickey, ADCRG. Registered & vetted member of An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha (CLRG), IDTANA, & Mid-Atlantic Region.
Irish Dance is so much more than just “Irish dance” and is not just for those of Irish heritage. Through Irish dance at An Clár, students will enjoy all the benefits of dance: coordination, physical activity/exercise, self discipline, listening skills, socialization, and fun, with the added benefit of exposure to a centuries-old culture. Classes are available to children age 3 & up from tiny tots to championship level for new & experienced dancers. All students will have the opportunity to compete at the local, regional, national & international level. Along with competition, students will also be given the opportunity to perform at dance-outs and at the annual An Clár dinner dance .
Pipe & Drums of Greene County
‘The Pipes & Drums of Greene’(Also referred to as the 33rd
County) is the first Bagpipe Band
organized and based in Greene County, New York. The Pipe Major is John M. Gallagher, Drum
Major Bill Jamieson, Pipe Sergeant- Joanne Beirschenck, and Drum Sergeant- Josh Fitzgibbons.
Demographics of players vary in both Country of Origin and years in their respective discipline of piping or drumming, ranging from 2 years to 40 years of experience. For this band, it’s all about the history and sound of the music we make , consisting of mostly Irish & Scottish with a touch of Americana for seasoning. Our band is the out growth of the old ‘Middle Fort Pipe Band’ that was originally based in
Middleburgh, NY during the 1990’s and early 2000’s. The band tartan is Ancient Sutherland.
The Pipes & Drums of Greene currently does not compete, but rather performs in approximately a dozen or so parades and concert settings annually. Band practices are currently every Wednesday at 4:30 pm, at Gallagher’sBanquet Hall located at 513 MainStreet, Cairo, NY. The band offers bagpipe and drum lessons for entry level players as well.