2024 Band Lineup

Red Hot Chilli Pipers

The most-requested act on guest surveys, the Pipers are playing our fest for the fourth time! The Chillis have never been more in demand for their infectious style of feel-good music which appeals right across the age range to people all over the world. They have a pool of the very best musicians from Scotland and across the globe – many holding World Champion titles and all serious players with impressive credentials and qualifications. Awarded ‘Best Live Act in Scotland’ twice, the band likes to call themselves Bagpipes with Attitude, Drums with a Scottish Accent, and a Show so Hot it Carries its Own Health Warning!

Doolin'

Doolin’ is France’s premiere Celtic band, who first appeared on our stages in 2019. From ballads to furiously fast jigs, from their own compositions to traditional tunes, Doolin’ offers a rich palette of sound that is uniquely their own – deeply rooted in traditional Celtic music but wonderfully flavored with French chanson, American roots music and even hip hop straight from the streets of Paris. Inspired by the purest tradition, Doolin’ combines instrumentals, vocals and original compositions in a resolutely modern style always delivered with great energy.

Onoir

Onóir (pronounced ON-oar) are a modern Irish male folk group, who sing harmony-focused songs, putting their unique stamp on the timeless Irish ballads that we all love. But be prepared for a few pleasant surprises as they delve into Americana, heart-rending soul, and a little bit of country. Come on a musical odyssey – from Onoir’s new take on traditional Irish songs, all the way through to up-tempo modern Irish classics. From tears to laughter, enjoy the onstage chemistry, excitement, and banter in a show that you will remember for a long, long time.

Siomha

Irish singer and guitarist Síomha (pronounced SHE-vah) dances the line between folk, jazz and neo-soul, taking audiences on an unexpected and unforgettable journey with her soulful melodies. Coming from a Co. Clare family steeped in music, Síomha grew up on a diet of musical greats with the sounds of jazz, trad, folk and soul creeping in. Always proud of her Irish heritage, she performs her songs in English and Irish. The beautiful and rugged nature of her native West of Ireland are a huge source of inspiration, leading her to create a soulful and unique style of music that enthralls anyone who hears it.

Eimear Arkins

Named Newcomer of the Year 2019 by liveIRELAND, Eimear Arkins is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and dancer from Ruan in County Clare, currently residing in St. Louis, Mo. She has toured and performed with numerous groups including Cherish The Ladies, The Paul Brock Band, Trinity Irish Dance Ensemble, Téada, and others throughout Europe, North America, and China. “She is a lovely singer, wonderful fiddle player and a truly accomplished step dancer. Triple threat time! Count us as major new fans of her and what will surely be a terrific career. Eimear Arkins–remember THAT name!” Bill Margeson, liveIRELAND.

The Drowsy Lads

From Columbus, Ohio, each Lad is a multi-instrumentalist, and the combined lineup includes fiddle, button accordion, tenor banjo, flute, whistle, guitar, bouzouki, Uilleann pipes, 5-string banjo, concertina, and bodhran. The Lads bring a fire and excitement that is quickly winning over audiences. One pair of brothers, a father and son, and a lifelong friend deliver “we dare you to hold still” Irish dance tunes and a full emotional gamut of songs and good humor.  Their authentic approach and deep enjoyment of people is a refreshing surprise to both casual music-lovers and those steeped in hardcore trad.

The Kings of Connaught

Multi-instrumentalists, The Kings of Connaught grew up in the West of Ireland, steeped in the tradition of Irish music. They have taken up the mantle of keeping the heritage and culture of Irish ballads alive and have been described by critics as “Exciting young balladeers who sing with a rawness and emotion that is only comparable to the singing of The Dubliners”. Since their formation in 2012, The Kings of Connaught have performed extensively in leading venues across Ireland and the UK. Their cover of “The Rocky Road to Dublin” has garnered the attention of over 10 million views worldwide!

Connor Mallon/Unearthed

Conor Mallon from Keady, Co.Armagh, has been categorized as the one leading pipers in his generation as described by folking.com, “In the week that we learned of the passing of Liam O’Flynn it was apposite to hear Conor Mallon leading the next generation of Uilleann pipe players.” He is a Senior County, Ulster and All-Ireland Champion on Uilleann Pipes in the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and has won many other awards. The Unearthed band comprises the all-star line-up of Paul Starrett; electric guitar, Jack Warnock; acoustic guitar/ vocals and Fintan Mulholland; bodhran/ whistles.

Dave Curley & Colin Farrell

Dave is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and dancer from Corofin, Co. Galway, and often plays our fest. Dave is a member of award-winning bands Slide and Runa, with dynamic trio One for the Foxes, and paired with Mick Broderick at PIF 2023. Colin’s heritage is from very musical families from Co.Galway and Co.Cavan, and has made a name for himself performing and recording with an array of great musicians such as Lunasa, Cherish the Ladies, Karen Casey, The Elders, Natalie Merchant , Mary Chaplin Carpenter, The Michael McGoldrick Band and others. Both men currently live in Florida, bringing an amazing synergy of talent sure to please everyone.

Hannah Flowers

Lovers of Ireland’s official national symbol will enjoy Hanna Flowers. She hails from St. Paul, Minn., but studied music, the Irish language, and Ancient Harping Techniques in Ireland. As a singer, Hannah found herself drawn to traditional songs in the Irish language with an ear for the more modern sounds and techniques of Irish lever harp. Her active performing schedule includes many solo shows, programs, and workshops across the US and Ireland. She is a sought-after harp and song teacher privately and at the Center for Irish Music (MN), a non-profit community music school dedicated to handing down the tradition.

Grainne Fitzgibbon & Grace Galligan

Gráinne is a performer and teacher of the harp from Banogue, Co. Limerick. She grew up surrounded by traditional music as her mother taught to children across Limerick. She is twice All- Ireland harp champion, toured with Comhaltas, worked professionally as a harpist at Bunratty castle, and has earned many awards. Grace is a performer and teacher of the Uilleann pipes, tin whistle and flute from Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. She comes from a musical family, and has competed and toured on the uilleann pipes, harp, flute, tin whistle and singing. Both are currently studying advanced degrees in Irish Music at the University of Limerick.

Bogside Zukes

Better known simply as The Zukes, this group is an Irish/Folk band from right here in Peoria and they perform regularly at pubs, festivals, parties and concerts across the area. Come see what all the excitement is about and you’re sure to be clappin’ along and tappin’ your toes!

 

 

Barry Cloyd

Barry Cloyd is a Midwestern based, touring singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, performing over 200 shows per year, who has spent a lifetime creating a performance style that weaves the genres of Blues, Folk, Celtic, Original and Roots music into a unique blend all his own. A strong vocalist and multi-instrumentalist as well as a storyteller, theatrical performer and historian, Barry delivers his music on a multitude of guitars (6 & 12 string, Dobro, high-strung, etc.) and other stringed instruments, such as 5-string banjo, mandolin, requinto and bouzouki. Don’t miss him!

Skibbereen

Formed in 2010, Skibbereen plays Celtic music, but with a nod toward many other popular styles. So, if Skibbereen sounds like a rock band on one song and a reggae band on another, it’s the band’s M.O. of borrowing, adapting, and finding new ways to arrange traditional tunes. Just as Celtic music has influenced others, Skibbereen sees themselves as an extension of where this music has traveled and evolved. And it’s a beautiful thing.



Broken Brogue

Broken Brogue is a four-piece Irish band based in Decatur, Illinois that plays a variety of Celtic music rooted in the time-honored artistic traditions of Ireland and Scotland.  Noted for their relaxed and warm-hearted performing style, their performances are informed by the diverse musical backgrounds of the members, which include the Irish-born, the doctoral educated, the pipe band veteran, and the classically trained violinist. Be sure to check them out!

Morning Larks

One night in 2018, three women walked into a pub, each wielding an instrument. They were shirttail musical kin, though never having played together until that serendipitous moment when their three-part harmonies and stringed instruments blended together beautifully. Today, ukulelist Emily Williams, guitarist Christina Eltrevoog, and Irish fiddler Sarah Arter are known as The Morning Larks, delighting audiences with original compositions, traditional Irish ballads, lively fiddle tunes, and unique interpretations of Irish songs.

 

Roundstone Buskers

Despite being the smallest Irish ensemble in the Peoria area, the Roundstone Buskers really know how to fill a room—both with their sound and an audience. Consisting of Shannan Sullivan (fiddle, vocals), Tom Jones (bodhran, percussion, whistle, vocals) and Bruce Burton (guitar, bouzouki, vocals), the acoustic power trio has been pleasing crowds with its untraditional Celtic repertoire since 2007. Having all served stints in the Bogside Zukes in the ‘90s, the Buskers are longtime friends and have collaborated numerous times over the years before they finally brought their talents together.