Selections

NTIF Featured Performers

We apologize for the delay in making this announcement, but we can finally say that the following musicians have been invited to perform at NTIF 2010. More bio details and photos will be added shortly as we receive them from the various bands.

Abby Green

Backed by energetic rhythms on octave mandolin, Abby Green shares her rich soaring voice in Irish Gaelic and in English. As a native Texan, her love of Irish songs and tunes has been a true journey of discovery.

She enjoys unlocking the treasures of beautiful music often hidden behind the veil of the unique Irish language. Since 2004, Abby has been performing Medieval and Irish music at festivals and concert venues nationwide. With the release of her first solo Irish CD, Éíníní, in 2008, she has become a growing voice on the Irish music scene.

 

BEHAN

It is now ten years since the debut appearance of BEHAN in February, 2000 for a Behan family party, the birthday celebration of twin siblings John and Helen at the Tipperary Inn in Dallas. This is fitting because BEHAN is all about family.

For years Jim and Dorothy Behan, proud parents of thirteen children and fifty-plus grandchildren, had celebrated Irish song and dance in the comfort of their loving, Catholic home. From this background emerged BEHAN, and the project has evolved to include Barney, Michael and Joe Behan, with Joe Morris and Rusty George. Bring your “sing-a-long” voice for a rousing round of fun, laughter, traditional Irish music and song.

Beyond the Pale

Beyond The Pale delivers a wild musical ride outside the boundaries of convention. Grounded in the traditional roots music of the Celtic nations and Europe, the band will whisk you on imaginative ventures across musical borders. Expect the unexpected as fiddle, flute, hammered dulcimer, accordion, guitar, saxophone, whistles, concertina, percussion and distinct vocal styles perform well-crafted original songs to “celticized” versions of contemporary songs ranging from Americana favorites to Texas Swing; stunning a cappella pieces to rapid-firing jigs and reels!

Beyond The Pale have been featured at concerts and festivals for 15 years, and have six CD’s, including their latest, Paleontology, just released at this year’s North Texas Irish Festival.

Blaggards

Blaggards formed July 2004 in Houston, Texas. They play what is called Stout Irish Rock, traditional Irish music mixed with rock n' roll, informed by everything from Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley to Thin Lizzy and Black Sabbath. They are most frequently compared to bands like Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys and the Pogues.

Blaggards consisting of original members Patrick Devlin and Chad Smalley, plus newcomers Chris Buckley and Michael McAloon, have opened for Gaelic Storm, Brave Combo, Brother, Cowboy Mouth, David Allan Coe, Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, James McMurtry, and Royal Crown Revue. They played South by Southwest in 2008 and will be touring Ireland in March 2010 following their appearance at NTIF.

Boru’s Ghost

Boru’s Ghost has consistently entertained audiences since its inception in 1999 with a refreshing and multifaceted blend of acoustic rock, Celtic and folk music. The band’s energetic performances include inspired original compositions interspersed with thoughtfully arranged traditional Celtic songs. All are comprised with a distinctive style incorporating many instruments including but not limited to guitar, fiddle, hammered dulcimer, Irish whistles, doumbeck and the bohdran.

Boru’s Ghost seeks to entertain its audience with its intelligent arrangements and heartfelt harmonies and strives to strike a chord in the hearts and minds of its listeners.

Clandestine

Clandestine was well-known and well-loved from 1996 to 2003 for their particular brand of Texas Celtic music.

Now Clandestine has re-formed with percussionist and singer Emily Dugas, fiddler Gregory McQueen, piper EJ Jones and a new member, Al Cofrin. Al adds his cittern, voice, and another set of bagpipes to the mix. Al and EJ are joining Emily on vocals, with many songs now set in three-part harmony.

Most of the group’s blasting tune sets remain the same, complemented by some new ones in similar style. Clandestine released their new CD "ReD" in 2008 made up mostly of new compositions from the whole band.

 

Cór Gaeilge Texais

Cór Gaeilge performs a wide range of Irish and Scottish Gaelic songs in the traditional, unaccompanied style. Organized in 1997, the group has performed at céilithe (céilís), benefits, and festivals, including the West Belfast, Northern Ireland Féile an Phobail in 1998.

Cór Gaeilge performs a diverse range of songs - from hymns to drinking songs, and marches to lullabies. The group also teaches song and language, locally and at festivals, as an important element in maintaining interest in the ancient linguistic and musical heritage of the Gaels.

Coyne & Reeves

John Coyne and Larre Reeves have been playing together since 1994. Larre, a first generation Irish American, has learned much of his music from East Galway flute players living in the U.S. Many trips to Clare over the years have influenced his concertina, flute, and whistle playing. John, a Limerick native now living in Boston, is an accomplished bouzouki and guitar player whose tasteful accompaniment lifts tune sets and traditional songs.

Crossroads

Crossroads is a trio of musicians based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The group’s focus is the music of the Celtic nations including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, the Isle of Man and eastern Canada. Crossroads was formed in December 2008 and debuted at the Scottish Club of Tulsa’s Burns’ Night Celebration in January 2009.

The following June they enjoyed a sold-out performance as part of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center's 2009 Summerstage Festival. Other high-profile performances soon followed with appearances at the 2009 Midwest Harp Festival and the 2009 O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat in Midlothian, TX. Crossroads was also selected to participate in the Harwelden Institute sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa, presenting performances in schools around Northeast Oklahoma.

Don Gabbert

Don Gabbert is known as the voice of the West Texas Celts and he performs at festivals and events throughout the Southwest.

He is a proud first generation Irish-Texan who lives in Lubbock, Texas. As an accomplished singer/songwriter and story teller, Don reminds us that to be Irish-American and from the great state of Texas is a wonderful distinction.

He asks that we all join him in proclaiming, "Tejas Go Bragh"!

 

 

5 Second Rule

5 Second Rule is the newest Celtic acoustic band in D/FW. Performing both traditional and original material, their eclectic blending of Celtic with other styles such as bluegrass and cajun have had local audiences raving over the past two years.

Their lineup features Michelle Feldman (fiddle), David Lovrien (whistles, sax, keyboards), Mike Tidwell (guitar, bouzouki), Paul Dryer (mandolin, guitar) and Rick Holt (drums). All the boys join in for vocals.

Irish Rogues

The Irish Rogues are a traditional Celtic/Irish Pub Band that performs a rich collection of rollicking sing-a-longs, ballads and brilliant, danceable instrumentals that originate from Ireland, Scotland and Australia.

The Irish Rogues band was created by Ireland’s own John Hodgins (a native of County Offlay) and his good friend Harold Herrington. Under John’s leadership, the band shares an energy and fun loving direction combined with excellent instrumentals and vocals. They are one of the longest held Celtic music groups in the Southwest.

Jiggernaut

Jiggernaut is not your typical celtic band, nor are they your typical rock band. Jiggernaut is a powerful combination of Celtic, rock and folk music. Drawing from years of experience playing rock-n-roll, the rhythm section lays down a solid foundation allowing the bagpipes and vocals to soar. Passionate, energetic and always fun, Jiggernaut appeals to audiences from six to sixty, their tunes and songs tell ancient stories and teach lessons of today’s world, in a style entirely their own. What is Jiggernaut? Celtic musicians with a rock sensibility? Rock musicians with a Celtic sensibility? You be the judge...

Jigsaw

Instrumentally, Jigsaw is talent rich, blending a large variety of instruments and vocal harmonies. Kevin Alewine plays flute, guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo, whistle and sings. Peggy Fleming plays fiddle and remains the lead vocalist of the group while husband Ken Fleming plays button accordion, Anglo concertina, tenor banjo, guitar, mandolin, whistle and vocals.

As the name implies, Jigsaw interlocks multiple talents to form one of Texas’ finest ensembles playing traditional Irish music. Whether the venue is a concert, pub, festival, wedding or special event, Jigsaw is an audience pleaser.

Jim Flanagan

"Jim Flanagan is a national treasure" who sings the "most beautiful Irish songs preserving all the traditional sensibilities" (Shay Clarke, Irish American News, December 2009). A native of Baile Mhuirne in County Cork, Jim has performed at major festivals from the Milwaukee Irish Fest to the Lake Charles Celtic Nations Festival, and is a regular and popular favorite at NTIF.

He is a member of the staff at Augusta Irish Week in West Virginia each summer. He performs regularly at Fenian’s in Jackson where newcomers are entertained as much by the raucously engaged audience as by the on stage performance. In his copious free time he also teaches Irish (Gaelic) at immersion weekends throughout the country.

Legacy

Legacy draws the rapt attention of music fanatics wherever they play. These talented multi-instrumentalists perform an extensive repertoire of tunes and songs from the Irish tradition. Their skill is undeniable, their arrangements complex and challenging, and their performances tight and energetic.

Said Dirty Linen: "This band fills the bill....a delicate combination of full-speed-ahead attack and subtle finesse." Legacy is Valerie Plested (fiddle), Justin Murphy (flute, whistles, guitar, bodhrán), Don Penzien (guitar, bodhrán, whistles), and Tim Britton (Uillean pipes, flute, whistles). Said Len Holton, Director of the Little Rock Folk Club: "Legacy are in the top flight of bands performing music from the Irish tradition, their loyal following regionally is both well-earned and well-deserved."

Needfire

Needfire is one of today’s most distinctive and original bands blending soaring bagpipes, reeling Celtic fiddles, and tribal didgeridoo with killer songwriting, blues rock guitars, and a rock n’ roll backbeat. Since 2005 these Texas-based Celt-rockers have headlined some of North America's largest Celtic and arts festivals. Currently the band is touring the U.S. and Canada in support of their latest CD "Chasing Orion".

Needfire's high-spirited, powerhouse live shows and original sound are praised by music fans of all ages and critics worldwide. "With the new album Needfire has proven that they belong to the top acts of Celtic rock" (FolkWorld, Germany); "...furious toe-tappers that owe as much to the Beatles as to Celtic music" (Ink 19); "...just at ease in the rock songs as in the ballads, Needfire is fresh and explosive!" (Highlands Magazine, France).

North Texas Caledonian Pipes & Drums

The North Texas Caledonian Pipes & Drums is a recognized leader among pipe bands in the Southwest and a major competitor throughout the United States and Canada. The Band has established this standard of excellence in performance and competition under the skillful leadership of a number of dedicated Pipe Majors; most recently that of Pipe Major Don Shannon.

Founded in the mid 1970’s, the North Texas Caledonian Pipes & Drums is dedicated to furthering the great traditions of Scottish music and culture through education and demonstration. Over the years, the Band has established a unique standard of excellence in competition. The Band’s titles have included 1st place finishes in many competitions throughout the Southwest.

The Band proudly wears the distinctive "hunting" tartan of Clan Robertson and is pleased to promote our distinctive Scottish heritage. The Band has an ongoing student orientation, dedicated to promoting programs for pipers and invites experienced drummers to audition for the corps. There are competition units in both Grades 4 and 5.

Poor Man’s Fortune

Poor Man’s Fortune is North America’s finest performer of the music of Brittany. This region of Northwestern France boasts Europe's largest traditional music scene, rivaling that of Ireland and Scotland. The Breton music tradition embraces a range of styles from the pure-drop traditional to the intensely modern. Poor Man’s Fortune embraces all these schools. No fairy tales, just fiery tunes that happen to be a century or so older than your average hip-hop jam, arranged for modern ears and played on traditional instruments with verve and exuberance. Dance music, Real music that’s been around awhile but still sets toes tapping.

Sarah Dinan

Sarah grew up in an environment filled with music and fell in love with singing at an early age. A woman of remarkable talent, Sarah has a natural aptitude and appreciation for folk music and sings in a variety of styles and languages.

Since launching her solo career in 2003, she has performed with some of Texas’ most respected Celtic and Folk musicians and added children’s music shows to her regular performance schedule. Sarah’s love of music and storytelling is evident in her performance and her clear alto voice is perfect for the lilting songs and haunting ballads she sings.

Seamus Stout

Your pint has never tasted as good as it does with Seamus Stout. This “upbeat Celtic” group has established themselves in the North Texas area over the last 10 years as a crowd favorite at many area festivals and pubs.

With Jan (pronounced “Yon”) at Fiddle, Banjo and Mandolin, Jarrod at Whistle and Irish Flute, Billy at Guitar, Damon at Bodhran and all singing, these guys provide a lively set that will keep your toes tapping, your hands clapping and a smile on your face. From the first jig to the last reel, you’ll love your pint of Seamus Stout!

Shift

The word "shift" means to change emphasis, direction or focus. The band Shift has solidly established itself in the Dallas-Forth Worth area as one of the driving forces behind the transformation of traditional Irish music into an innovative and powerful musical experience.

Building on diverse backgrounds in traditional music, band members Jason Huntley on fiddle, Emily Bryant on guitar and Craig Scotland on bodhran lend their talents to this trio’s expressive blend of slow airs, fast-paced tunes and catchy songs.

Teribus

Teribus is a bagpipe and drum quartet playing Celtic music influenced by musical traditions from around the world. Led by Kevin Hartnell, Richard Kean, EJ Jones, and Al Cofrin, the Teribus lineup has many years of experience playing pipes and drums at outdoor festivals. Their love of performance in a variety of settings is evident from the high energy and spirit of fun they bring to every show. Although their classical training and desire to please the musical academics in the crowd is always in the back of their minds, Teribus is equally likely to engage in antics never before seen in concert halls, creating the perfect combination for any festive event.

Threadneedle Street

The North Texas-based musicians of Threadneedle St have been together for 20 years, delivering strong traditional instrumental music from all the Celtic nations with a driving pulse that makes it ideal for dancing.

Whistle player Peggy Turner, fiddler Melina Shaffer, percussionist Jim Brunke and guitarist Bobby Bush have appeared at many venues in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma and at large national festivals such as the Chicago Celtic Festival and the Dublin Irish Festival as well as the North Texas Irish Festival.

The band has produced two well-received CDs, Having a Tune and Underground.

Trinity River Whalers

Trinity River Whalers’ "wall o’ vocals" brings strength to sea songs, rowdiness to pub tunes and moving harmonies to ballads with a blend of instrumentation that makes each song a separate adventure, and leaves no doubt The Whalers are an entire evening's entertainment, not just a set of songs.

The Trinity River Whaler sound rocks with a Celtic heartbeat and the crew includes: singer-songwriter, front-man extraordinaire and former Blarney Brother, Micheal Price, on guitar; Randy Christian who began playing the harmonica, penny whistle, percussion and assorted noises with the Blarney Brothers belts out the rowdy tunes. Marj Troyer‘s intricate guitar playing, versatile songwriting power-house mandolin playing is an awesome combination, kicking the Whalers’ sound up more than just a notch, and when she picks up the electric guitar – look out! Steve Harrison chimes in on lead vocals, harmony, lead and rhythm licks on guitar, bouzouki, banjo and didgeridoo. Rodger Harrison keeps the beat on the electric bass and adds a wide vocal range to the mix with both lead and harmony.

Tullamore

With twelve seasons and two well-received tours of Scotland and Ireland under their belt, Tullamore is one of the Heartland’s premiere Celtic bands. Mark Clavey, Mary Hanover, and Rachel Gaither deliver the music of Scotland and Ireland in rich and clear vocals, tight harmonies and instrumentals, and cool and clever arrangements. The KC trio draws from diverse musical experiences and influences for their hallmark sound - contemporary American-folk body and traditional Celtic soul. Across the country and across the ocean, from arts-centers and theatres to Irish Festivals and Scottish Games, Tullamore draws rave reviews from their audiences everywhere they go.