Presented By
NTIF 2012 Featured Performers
The following regional performers will be appearing at NTIF 2012.
BEHAN
BEHAN is all about family – family by blood and family by friendship. Anyone who has heard BEHAN has become an honorary member of their family. From the grandparents to the youngest grandchild, they have always encouraged audiences to join in and share their music (the boys need help with the lyrics sometimes). BEHAN includes brothers Barney, Michael, and Joe Behan with brother-in-law Joe Morris and lifelong friend Rusty George.
BEHAN's influences include The Clancy Brothers, The Dubliners, The Irish Rovers, Irish Rogues, Bing Crosby and Daddy Behan's predilection to inundate their young ears with jigs, reels and barn dances from old 78's. Somehow, the punk music scene, liturgical music and the Arlington Drum and Bugle Corp are factors. Combine these influences with sibling rivalry and a Guinness or two and there's bound to be a raucous time. BEHAN – Gaelic for fun.
Beyond the Pale
Beyond The Pale delivers a wild musical ride outside the boundaries of convention. Delighting audiences for over fifteen years, the band is grounded in the traditional music of Ireland, with imaginative ventures across musical borders into Americana Roots music, well-crafted original songs and "celticized" versions of contemporary songs.
Beyond The Pale's unique sound comes from blending a wide range of instruments including fiddle, flute, accordion, guitar, hammered dulcimer, tin whistle, saxophone, harmonica, concertina, mandolin and bodhran, along with stunning vocal harmonies.
The band has recorded six CD's and performs at festivals and concert venues.
Blue Fiddle
Blue Fiddle is pure Ozark Irish – as wild as a razorback, as fierce as an Irish kiss, as perfect a union as whiskey and grits. Powered by extraordinary musical talent and fueled by the band-mates' longtime friendship, Blue Fiddle delivers dazzling original and traditional Irish pub songs with rock-band energy.
Joe Hamilton's dynamic vocal chops and driving guitar, paired with Tom Ware's smoking hot fiddle and John Lindquist's scorching accordion ignite the stage. Audiences under the influence of Blue Fiddle's head-spinning jigs and reels have sworn to the authorities that they're only drunk on music.
"Blue Fiddle should be one of the 'must-see' acts on everyone's NTIF list, as well as 'must buys' as soon as possible." - Ceili Magazine.
Clandestine
Clandestine is hard-driving, toe-tapping Texas Celtic sound. Formed in 1991, the band is known for their brand of blasting tune sets and fresh songs.
Piper EJ Jones and fiddler Gregory McQueen lead the tunes with the full force of their individual musical energies. Al Cofrin brings cittern and occasionally another set of bagpipes to the mix. Percussionist and singer Emily Dugas captivates with her original song collaborations with Al, as well as her singular interpretations of songs in the Celtic genre.
EJ and Al also join Emily on vocals, with many songs now set in three-part harmony.
Dan Possumato & Jamie O'Brien
Dan has been playing traditional music since the 1970's. He plays the one-row melodeon in the old push-and-draw style, as well as a two-row button accordion. He lived in Europe for 15 years where he regularly performed in Germany, Italy, France and Holland. In 2006 Dan recorded "Land of Sunshine" in Ireland, followed in 2010 with "Pulling Out the Stops." Both CDs have received much media praise and his music has been played on national radio programs in Ireland and elsewhere, to include RTÉ, Thistle and Shamrock, Celtic Connections, BBC Ulster, and others.
Jamie O'Brien is a native of London, England, and has performed throughout the British Isles and Europe, where he has established a reputation as a fine singer and inventive accompanist. He performs annually with Grammy winner George Kahumoku Jr. as part of the "Celtic Aloha: Oceans Apart – Islands Together."
Don Gabbert
Don Gabbert has been called, "The voice of the West Texas Celts". A first generation Irish-American who was born and raised in Texas As a singer and songwriter Don provides a unique insight into the music and culture of the Irish in Texas. Don states that, "To be of Irish heritage is a great honor and to be a Texan is a source of great pride, But to be both is the most marvelous distinction there is!" Through stories and songs Don invites everyone to discover and revel in their heritage and to join him in saying, "Tejas Go Bragh".
Don Currently Lives in El Paso, Texas with his Wife Wrennah and performs throughout the Southwest.
Flashpoint
Formed in 2009, Flashpoint is a new Irish music trio comprised of three of the finest young musicians in the north Texas area. Having performed at many various festivals and other venues throughout Texas, Flashpoint is quickly establishing themselves as one of the most exciting up-and-coming performers of Irish folk music.
With a wide range of instrumentation, including fiddle, banjo, guitar, flute, whistle, mandolin, bodhran, and the occasional vocal, they bring fresh vigor and energy to the traditional music of Ireland. Their aim with their music is to create interesting performances with a variety of sounds and styles that is appealing to general audiences yet still true to the tradition of Irish music.
5 Second Rule
5 Second Rule has delighted audiences with their acoustic creativity at pubs and festivals around the Southwest since forming in 2008.
Decades of experience in traditional Celtic music and bluegrass set the foundation for inventive excursions into jazz, world music, classic rock and other realms. Performing both traditional and original material, the blend of styles is eclectic, energetic, and fun!
The group features Michelle Feldman on fiddle, David Lovrien (whistles, sax, keyboards), Mike Tidwell (guitar, bouzouki), Paul Dryer (mandolin, guitar) and Rick Holt (drums, percussion). All the boys join in for vocals.
Hares on the Mountain
Hares on the Mountain is a six piece band from Denton, Texas that combines traditional Irish, English and Scottish folk music with original songs that explore different traditions of storytelling. The band creates a sound that is both ancient and new. Hares' music runs the gamut from heartbreaking ballads to fist-pumping sing-a-longs.
HOTM began as the duo of George Neal and Ryan Becker in the summer of 2010 as a way of exploring the potential of traditional folk music in an experimental setting. The duo quickly expanded to a trio, then a quintet, and finally stabilized as a six-piece outfit that includes guitars, bass, drums, fiddle and mandolin. HOTM currently are enjoying local success as the in house band at Dan's Silverleaf in Denton, Texas where they play to capacity crowds weekly. Hares on the Mountain released one album as the original duo in February 2011 and have recently recorded an album as their current line-up, which will be released in late 2011 or early 2012.
The Jig is Up!
Houston's newest Irish band, The Jig Is Up!, plays traditional instruments for a vibrant rendition of the traditional dance music and song of Ireland. After years of session playing together, band members realized they share the same mindset, approach, and love for traditional Irish music. They created this band to remain true to tradition, yet present the music in a creative and energetic manner.
The band features the driving accordion and melodeon playing of Judd Heartsill, the rhythmic guitar and vocal harmonies of Matt Lewis, the flute playing of Larry Mallette (and few of his original tunes), the grace and drive of Diehl Moran's fiddle playing, and the clear tenor voice and solid bodhran of Robert Shaddox. Whether playing flute tunes from Sligo and Roscommon, fiddle tunes from Clare, or polkas and slides from southwest Ireland, the energy generated by The Jig is Up! will be sure to set your feet to tapping.
Jiggernant
Jiggernaut is not your typical celtic band, nor are they your typical rock band. Formed in 2000, Jiggernaut is a powerful combination of Celtic, rock and folk music.
Drawing from years of experience playing rock-n- roll, and blues the rhythm section lays down a solid foundation that allows the bagpipes and vocals to soar. A live Jiggernaut performance is passionate, energetic and always fun. Jiggernaut is the rare band that appeals to audiences from six to sixty, their tunes and songs tell the ancient stories and teach lessons of today's world all in a style that is entirely their own.
So what is Jiggernaut? Celtic musicians with a rock sensibility? Rock musicians with a Celtic sensibility? You be the judge...
Jigsaw
For more than two decades, the trio JIGSAW has been one of Texas’ most prominent Irish music ensembles. Instrumentally, JIGSAW is talent rich, blending a large variety of instruments and vocal harmonies. Kevin Alewine plays flute, guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, whistle, bodhran and sings. Peggy Fleming plays fiddle and is the lead vocalist of the group while husband Ken plays tenor banjo, button accordion, Anglo concertina, guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, whistle and also sings.
As the name implies, JIGSAW interlocks multiple talents to present traditional Irish music in its most authentic form. In addition to their music, JIGSAW’s members have been leaders in the promotion of Celtic music in the region. Ken and Peggy Fleming are co-founders of both the North Texas Irish Festival and the Southwest Celtic Music Association (SCMA) of which Ken was the original director and president respectively.
Ken is also the founder of the Traditional Irish Music Education Society (TIMES) and the founder/director of the O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat. Kevin is a former director of the North Texas Irish Festival and a former president of SCMA. Both Peggy and Kevin were also former editors of SCMA’s Ceili newsletter.
Jil Chambless & Scooter Muse
From their musical beginnings in classical, rock, and bluegrass music, singer/flutist Jil Chambless and banjo/guitarist Scooter Muse, two Alabama natives, both discovered separately the wonderful world of Celtic music in the late 1980s. With their Alabama-based Celtic bands Full Moon Ensemble and Henri's Notions and more recently with Scottish singer Ed Miller, Scottish fiddler John Taylor, or just as a duo, Jil and Scooter have played concerts and festivals throughout the US as well as in Scotland, Canada, and Israel.
Jil and Scooter completed many recording projects with Full Moon Ensemble and Henri's Notions, but also Scooter released a solo CD of original guitar compositions, Saddell Abbey (2005), and Jil released a solo CD of traditional and new songs, The Ladies Go Dancing (2009), which was produced by Brian McNeill. In May 2011, they released their first duo recording, The Laverock Sang, and are planning another for 2012.
Jim Flanagan
Jim Flanagan is a regular and popular favorite at NTIF. Writing in the Irish American News (December 2009), Shay Clarke has said "Jim Flanagan is a national treasure" who sings the "most beautiful Irish songs preserving all the traditional sensibilities."
A native of Baile Mhuirne, in County Cork, Jim has performed at major festivals from the Milwaukee Irish Festival to the Lake Charles Celtic Nations Festival. He is a member of the staff at Augusta Irish Week in West Virginia each summer. He performs occasionally with the Jackson, MS based band, Legacy.
He is deeply committed to the preservation of the Irish language and has taught Irish (Gaelic) at workshops through the country.
Killavil
Killavil is a group of young musicians with a continuing dedication to Traditional Irish Music.
They perform at festivals, clubs, and pubs, across the United States, England, and Ireland. Killavil incorporates music from the Galway and East Clare fiddle tradition as well as the piping tradition of Patsy Touhey and Willie Clancy.
The band consists of Michael Stribling on the uilleann pipes, tin whistle, and flute, Rachel Stribling on the fiddle, and Daniel Stribling on bouzouki, bodhran, and piano. Michael is an All-Ireland Champion on the uilleann pipes.
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. Increasingly in demand, Legacy recently has headlined festivals in Reno NV, Savannah GA, Ormond Beach FL, and Monroe LA, and performed in AL, AR, CA, CO, IA, KS, MI, MO, MS, NY, PA, TN, TX, and Ireland.
Said Dirty Linen magazine: "This band fills the bill....a delicate combination of full-speed-ahead attack and subtle finesse." Legacy is Valerie Plested (fiddle, vocals), Justin Murphy (flute, whistles, guitar, bodhrán, vocals), and Don Penzien (guitar, bodhrán, whistles, vocals). Said Len Holton, Director of the Little Rock Folk Club: "Legacy unquestionably are in the top flight of bands performing music from the Irish tradition. Their substantial loyal following is both well-earned and well-deserved."
For quality Irish traditional music thoughtfully arranged and expertly performed, give a listen to Legacy.
Michael William Harrison
Michael William Harrison makes a triumphant return to the stage this year at the North Texas Irish Festival following a two-year absence and a successful battle against throat cancer.
Michael takes the stage with a fine selection of traditional and modern songs from Ireland, Scotland, Canada and America; all with a connection to the old country. Over the years, having performed at Celtic festivals around the south, Michael has, and will continue to perform shows for children and adults at festivals in Texas and around the country.
Tom Knapp of Rambles Magazine wrote, "Michael William Harrison is the sort of authentic folk artist who keeps the genre alive and kicking. This is the core of folk music, just a singer and his music. If we don't keep musicians like Michael William Harrison sitting on their stools and strumming their guitars, all the big band projects around won't keep folk music alive."
Needfire
Blending rock guitars, bass, and drums with soaring bagpipes and reeling Celtic fiddle, Needfire offers a fresh alternative rock sound to the world of traditional Irish & Scottish music. Headlining festivals coast to coast, Texas-based Needfire invigorates vintage Celtic music with the heart of rock & roll.
Needfire is Brad Madison (Highland bagpipes, uilleann pipes, guitars, melodica); Linda Relph (fiddle, vocals); Kevin Hanlon (electric & acoustic guitars, vocals); Matt Henthorn (drum kit, percussion); Ed Walewski (bass, mandolin, dulcimer).
North Texas Caledonian Pipes & Drums
The North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums is a pipe band organization that has been promoting Scottish music and culture since the mid 1970s. It is competing at present in Grade 4 and Grade 5 (Ballantyne Memorial Pipe Band), and is a recognized leader throughout the US and Canadian pipe bands.
The North Texas Caledonian Pipes & Drums and many of its members, are available for hire for just about any occasion. If necessary, we can also help put you in touch with pipers and drummers who are not members of our organization, should our groups be out of town on the dates you need service. Fees and performance criteria for the mini-band and full band shows are arranged by their business manager.
Poor Man's Fortune
From their founding in 1997, Poor Man's Fortune has been considered one of the finest performers of Irish and Scottish music in the US, but they are North America's premier performer of the Celtic music of Brittany. This region of Northwestern France boasts Europe's largest traditional music scene, larger than that of Ireland and Scotland combined!
The Breton music tradition embraces a range of styles from the pure-drop traditional to the intensely modern, and Poor Man's Fortune embraces them all. 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.
Raging Sea
Playing 100's of shows in the past two year - from pubs, concerts, to traditional music festivals, Raging Sea showcases the haunting melodies of the western European people who immigrated to the Allegheny Mountains of the United States centuries ago.
A fourth generation fiddler and multi-instrumentalist, Shawn Craver (MadFiddler) is a native of this region and specializes in these forgotten jigs, reels, and songs. Guitarist Joshua Luper (MOD) and vocalist/percussionist Justin Wolfe (Wolverine) also grew up immersed in music, and the band's live sound is currently being described as "unbridled earth energy."
Their intoxicating live shows, Shawn's original songs, and strict adherence to traditional music, make each Raging Sea show a spiritual and uplifting musical experience. Based in Wichita, Kansas, Raging Sea is one of the leading exponents of the ever growing European 'Trad.' movement in the United States.
Sarah Dinan
Sarah and her band are a tour de force that performs a diverse repertoire of songs and tunes from around the world. The middle of 5 children, 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's love of music and storytelling is evident in her performance and her voice has been described by both critics and audiences as "breathtaking", "crystal clear", "angelic", "beautiful", and "enchanting".
Sarah sings a variety of genres and has performed with some of Texas' most respected Celtic and Folk musicians. She has a natural aptitude and appreciation for folk music and her clear voice is perfect for the lilting songs and haunting ballads she sings.
Sarah is joined by Alexis Buffum on fiddle, Dana Martin on guitar and Nick Mitchell on drums and percussion.
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!
Sweet Colleens
The Sweet Colleens are David Bade, Dave Bille, Jeremy Greenhouse, Wolf Loescher and Pete Sandvik – accomplished multi–instrumentalists who together fuse their diverse musical backgrounds into a high energy, infectious, and crowd–pleasing mix of "Celtic folk–rock and alt. country/Americana, with Cajun and Caribbean seasonings."
With infectious original songs, warm vocal harmonies, and fiery instrumental arrangements, the Sweet Colleens are winning a loyal local following and fans across the Midwest and beyond.
The Sweet Colleens are currently working on a third full–length CD release, scheduled for release in Winter 2011.
Tea Merchants
The Tea Merchants are an Austin based, high energy, traditional Irish music trio that has been together since 2002. The band got its start playing tunes for grocery money and a free evening tab at the pub. Over the last several years the Tea Merchants have traveled extensively, performing at venues and on festival stages across the country. To date the Tea Merchants have released two albums, with a third in production. Both their recordings and performances have garnered many accolades and much critical praise, culminating with the reception of the Austin Music Award for Best World Music Group. The Tea Merchants feature the musical talents of Charlie Branch on bouzouki, Chris Buckley on fiddle, and Michelle Hedden on Bodhran.
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
Rockin' and rowdy at the local pub or coaxing a concert audience to its feet, the Whalers are an adventure you don't want to miss.
An eclectic mix of influences has carved a groove the band slips into snugly, and whether it's Celtic music with a Texas twist or Texas music with a Celtic twist, you'll find toes tapping and hands clapping. Lead and harmony vocals by all five Whalers create a dynamic vocal variety and impressive wall 'o' sound, running the gamut from salty sea songs to drinking songs best belted out, to carefully crafted tunes.
The Whaler crew includes mandolin maven Marj Troyer trading-off on acoustic and electric mandolin and electric guitar, Steve Harrison on bouzouki, lead and rhythm guitar and didgeridoo, Micheal Price on rhythm guitar, Rodger Harrison playing the bass and Randy Christian on accordion, pennywhistle and percussion.
Tullamore
Fifteen robust seasons and three international tours have made Tullamore one of the Heartland's premiere Celtic bands.
Diverse musical influences and experiences lend them an unmistakable sound - an American-folk body with a traditional Celtic soul. Their take on Celtic music is rich and clear vocals, tight harmonies and instrumentals, and cool and clever arrangements.
Across the country and across the ocean, from arts-centers and theatres to Irish Festivals and Scottish Highland Games, Tullamore are favorites wherever they go.
Vintage Wildflowers
Acclaimed for their instrumental prowess, onstage charm and soulful vocals, Vintage Wildflowers has developed an enthusiastic legion of fans with their vibrant blend of Celtic harp, Irish flute, fiddle and harmony vocals. Mix in bits of banjo, mandolin, whistle, and guitar and you have an idea of what it's like to spend an evening with these women. Their music can be heard on radio stations from Alaska to the British Isles. With the release of their second CD "Lovely Madness" and their recent performances on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and on the Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour, they've earned national acclaim and a growing reputation for creating music that is respectful of tradition yet distinctly their own.
© 2010-12 Southwest Celtic Music Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.