Gaelic Park is proud to assemble such a wonderful list of featured entertainers. Below, you will find short introductions, links, photos, & scheduled times for many of these performers.
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American English - are hailed as the best Beatles tribute band ever. This band is dedicated to making the concert experience authentic and does so by recreating a Beatles concert performance complete with the hair, accents, costumes and even the rhythmic head-bop. This show is so great, it is promoted by Sam Leach, the original Beatles promoter. American English has shared the stage with The Grassroots, The Neville Brothers, Three Dog Night, The Ides of March, Eric Burdon, The Buckinghams, The Doobie Brothers, Badfinger and many others. American English has also been featured on WGN, CBS, FOX, 190 North, The Travel Channel, BBC, ABC and NBC. American English was also awarded the 2005 Suburban NiteLife 10th Annual “Best of the Burbs Award”. [Performing: Fri 9:30-11:00pm] |
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Bohola - "Chicago's own hometown world champions. This album NEVER puts a foot wrong, and really showcases the two lads' magic at its best. Jimmy and Pat are such a vibrant, critical part of Chicago's preeminent position as the best city in the world for Irish music lovers. Their almost insane concert schedule proves the world agrees. These are two master musicians in their day and in their prime-and this album shows all that and more. Pat's vocals get better and better and better---and no one can now touch Jimmy on that magical accordion of his." [Performing: Sun 6:00-7:30 & Mon 3:15-4:30] |
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The Bridies - fronted by the lead fiddle soloists from Michael Flatley's 'Lord of the Dance Show' and his recent 'Celtic Tiger' Show, these girls are an explosive all-female group of high-powered, high-caliber, highly talented musicians that produce a unique blend of Celtic music, song, dance and comedy unsurpassed by anything you have seen or heard before.
What people are saying: "Irish Music has never looked so good or sounded so sexy...", "This is a joy of an album. It is great fun to listen to. The musicianship is just the best. This is a winner!" Bill Margeson, The Chicago Irish American News & LiveIreland.com [Performing: Sat 7:15-9:00 & Sun 7:30-9:00]
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Denny Diamond, as Neil Diamond - "Which Mr. Diamond is it - Denny or Neil? Singer, musician and Neil Diamond impersonator Denny Diamond presents an evening of Neil Diamond music, drawing from 300 Diamond songs such as "Song, Sung Blue," "Sweet Caroline" and "Cherry, Cherry." The Daily Herald [Performing: Fri 7:30-9:00] |
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The Emerald Underground - The Emerald Underground has been playing Celtic music around central Illinois for the past seven years. From rowdy pubs to sedate concert settings, The Emerald Underground brings Celtic Music into the 21st century in a fusion of jigs, reels, ballads and rock based tunes. [Performing: Mon 3:15-4:30pm] |
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Evans & Doherty, Co. Tyrone and Waterford, Ireland - Kevin Evans & Brian Doherty have been an integral part of the East Coast music scene for twenty years. They have been together as Evans & Doherty for fourteen years. To capture the essence of an Evans & Doherty performance, take a lively blend of traditional, original and contemporary songs, add a liberal sprinkling of stories and humour, then sit back and enjoy these fine entertainers. [Performing: Sat: 9:30-11:00pm & Sun 7:45-9:00pm] |
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Frank McCaffrey, of Co. Mayo, Ireland - Frank McCaffrey is from Westport in Co Mayo. He started his musical career at an early age and formed his first band with some friends while still at school. When he left school he joined a local band ‚ ‘The Beatminstrels‚’ and then later joined ‚ ‘The Frielmen.’ In 1970 he turned professional and began playing bass guitar in ‘Margo and the Country Folk‚’ (Daniel O’Donnell's sister). Five years later he left to form his own band‚ ‘Band of Gold.’ In 1983 Frank made the decision to become a solo artist and was signed to Ritz records. He has toured throughout Ireland as well as England, Europe and America. [Performing: Fri: 8:30-10:00pm, Sat: 4:15-5:45pm, Sun 6:45-8:00pm, & Mon: 6:45-8:00pm] |
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Infinity - Infinity continues to break attendance records at Clubs and Festivals across Chicago and the Midwest. The thing that sets this band apart is the unbelievable Vocals. It’s the real thing, no sampling here! Infinity has a high energy performance and a Platinum Songlist. But more importantly, they maintain the intangible ability to include the audience and make them feel as part of the show. Infinity enjoys thousands of fans young and young at heart, which sing along and become the chorus to their music. This is the difference between performers and genuine entertainers. Perhaps this is the reason for the perpetual following and return to area Festivals and Clubs across Chicagoland year after year. [Performing: Fri 7:30-9:00pm]
Infinity is influenced by many bands including Journey, Bon Jovi, Boston, Styx, REO, Van Halen, and Foreigner. But if you listen closely you will here echoes of Chicago in Vince's playing, Led Zeppelin in Kevin's voice, Queensryche in Lenny's Guitar playing, Dream Theater in Dennis's Keys, Rush in Jim's Bass, and Steve Perry in Bob's Voice.
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The Kreellers - The Kreellers are a trio out of Detroit. Their title track, "Sixth and Porter" is a combination of original and traditional Celtic music with great harmony, acoustic guitar, a bit of the harp and strong percussion. "Just A Hero" is a song dedicated to Derek and Paul's father. Traditional songs such as "Boys of the Old Brigade" and "Tell Me Ma" are powered by Derek's harmonica playing and an infectious drum beat.
Where's the bag pipes, Irish whistle or fiddle you say? You won't miss them for a second! The percussion will get your head moving and your foot tapping. I had no idea what to expect when I first saw them, but it re-ignited my passion for Celtic music. I love the album and give it Two Thumbs Up! They put on a great show and constantly interact with the crowd. - Review by Billy Crafton of Crafton Photography. November 2008 [Performing: Mon 6:30-8:00pm]
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The Larkin & Moran Brothers The Celtic Rat Pack's influences range from Shane MacGowan to the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem; the Dubliners to the Saw Doctors. Throw in the Beatles and Johnny Cash just to make it interestng. Click for song samples or here for their myspace page. - [Performing: Mon 6:45-8:00pm] |
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Makem & Spain Brothers - The Makem Brothers, Shane, Conor and Rory, were born in Drogheda, County Louth, about an hour north of Dublin. They continue the lineage of one of Irish music’s dynasties, begun by their grandmother Sarah Makem, who was sought after by song collectors for her store of traditional Irish songs. Their father is Tommy Makem, the modern day Bard of Armagh. Now considered an icon, he helped to bring Irish music out of the corner and into the international spotlight, where it has remained ever since. The Spain Brothers, too, learned Irish songs at their father’s knee. Mickey’s rich, baritone voice and Liam’s mastery of stringed instruments quickly found a home when the Makems met the Spains and the brothers realized the power of their combined talents. But folk songs are engrained in both families and their songwriting contains the timeless qualities of folk classics, songs of the worker, songs of the sea and Irish culture. They tell the tale of Ireland and its people - a culture that has undergone terrible strife, but remains strong. [Performing: Sat 7:00-9:00pm & Sun 9:30-11:00pm] |
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Marc Roberts, of Co. Galway, Ireland - Marc's career began 1997, while representing Ireland on the international stage, singing in the Eurovision Song Contest before 300 million TV viewers. He came second with Mysterious Woman, and it officially launched his career as he went on to perform on top TV shows that included the Late Late Show, Richard & Judy, Open House, and the Kelly Show. Since the glory days of Eurovision, Marc has been carving out a lifestyle as a live performer, singer/songwriter and even finds time to host a popular Saturday afternoon radio show on Galway Bay FM. He has enjoyed critical acclaim for his tribute concert to the late John Denver, who is one of his influences along with other singer/songwriter legends like James Taylor, David Gates, Dan Fogelberg, Janis Ian and Carole King.
Now its time for us to sit back and enjoy his wonderful talent. [Performing: Fri 5:30-7:00, Sat 5:30-7:00, Sun 4:15-5:30, & Mon 5:00-6:30] |
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Mick Flavin & Band, Co. Longford, Ireland - In 1986 following a Charity Night in Cairnhill in Drumlish, Mick was encouraged by Declan Nerney to record his first album. In June of that year they went in to a recording studio in Athlone and put down 10 tracks, which were released at Christmas of the same year. This album was an unprecedented success on the Pirate Radio Stations, which were very popular in Ireland at that time. Success followed, and he recorded with Harmac and Ritz Records recording a total of 12 Albumns and 3 Videos. Silver and Gold Discs are some of the honours Country Music has rewarded him with. This year, 2005, Mick has been nominated for the Country Music Asociation Global Artist Award. This is the first time that an Irish Country Artist has been nominated for this prestigious award and is an indication of the significance of his contribution to Country Music in Ireland and beyond. [Performing: Fri 6:30-8:00, Sat 8:30-10:00, Sun 2:45-4:00, & Mon 5:15-6:30] |
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Paddy Homan & Friends - Paddy Homan, a Cork man now living in Chicago, sings traditional and contemporary Irish songs that reflect many aspects of Irish history and culture. He is a balladeer of the best of Ireland's rich musical heritage.
Paddy's first CD, "Far from the Land", launched in March 2005, enjoying receptive acclaim during Cork's European Capital of Culture celebration that year, followed by a debut tour in the USA. The Cork Southern Star, wrote : "If you enjoy a good Irish song performed with passion and feeling, get yourself a copy of 'Far from the Land'". [Performing: Sat 1:45-3:15, Sat 4:00-4:45, Sun 12:45-2:15, & Sun 4:15-4:45] |
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Rick Saucedo - Fans have always enjoyed the balance between Rick’s impeccable Elvis style as well as his own original talent he incorporates into his shows. Rick’s creativity flows no matter what type of show he is performing. He has pioneered effects from his smoke-filled American Trilogy rendition, to being the first to direct and perform elaborate Halloween shows. He has acted in the 1989 film Elvis Stories written and directed by Ben Stiller and starring John Cusack and Mike Myers.
He was voted “Best Male Entertainer” in the reader’s poll of the Suburban Nitelife Magazine in 2001. He was awarded “Best Solo Performer”, by the readers of the Suburban Nitelife Magazine in 2003, 2006, 2007, & 2007. In 2008, he was also awarded "Best Lounge Act" in the Suburban Nitelife Magazine Poll. See his uTube videos. [Performing: Fri 9:30-11:00]
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Screaming Orphans, Co. Donegal, Ireland - The Screaming Orphans are four funny, high-spirited, musically-obsessed sisters with the good fortune to have been raised in the magic of Bundoran in County Donegal Ireland.
While we can never forget our roots in traditional Irish music, we draw on a diverse set of influences ranging from Simon & Garfunkel to REM with a strong focus on melody-driven songs with pop and rocks strains. [Performing: Sat 4:00-5:30, Sun 3:30-5:00, Mon 4:45-6:00] |
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Teada - now firmly established as one of Irish music's leading exponents on the international world music stage, continues to be driven by a fascination with the timeless, expressive force of traditional tunes inherited from previous generations of musicians.
With lush Irish orchestration, Téada, meaning "strings" in the Irish language revels in the vibrant traditional music of Ireland, deftly playing up its structural intricacies while preserving the timeless energy of the reels, jigs, hornpipes, and other lesser-known tunes in the repertoire. [Performing: Sat 6:00-7:15, Sun 5:30-7:00, & Mon 1:15-2:45] |
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Tommy Goodwin & Sharon - Sharon O'Meara is a native of County Monaghan. She comes from a musical family, her father Francis McKenna was All Ireland Violin champion and her mother, brothers and sisters sang and played various instruments. Tommy Goodwin is one of the most well-known Accordion players in the Tri-State area. Originally from County Kerry, Tommy's style of button accordion can be heard at the many festivals and Irish bars throughout New York. [Performing: Fri 3:15-4:30, Sat 6:30-8:00, Sun 2:30-4:00, & Mon 1:30-2:45] |
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Young Dubliners - There music has been sumed up as Celtic, Irish, or just plain rock.
"I like to think that our take on songwriting and performance makes the Young Dubliner's sound unique and original. Our band is made up of Irish and American natives who draw influences from just about everywhere. Our strength is in the sum of our parts. We play as a band, as one", says Roberts. [Performing: Sat 9:30-11:00, Sun 9:30-11:00] |
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Bernie Glim & Country Roads- is a seven-piece Country Rock band of master musicians and songwriters led by Bernie Glim on guitar and vocals. The ensemble includes Tom Gurney on guitar, Al Joseph on fiddle, John Falstrom on bass, Neil Holmquist on drums, and Karen Glim and Rachel Glim on vocals and percussion. [Performing: Fri 5:30-7:00]
Joe Cullen & Kathleen Keane [Performing: Fri 3:30-5:00]
The Irish Musicians [Performing: ]
Pat Finnegan & Billy O'Donoghue [Performing: ]
Jerry Hanlon - He also fullfilled the dream of every country music performer by singing at the famous Grand Old Opry. He and his band, the Midwest Playboys, entertained audiences in Illinois and Iowa for many years. [Performing: ]
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Pipes & Drums of the Emerald Society [Performing: Sun 5:00-6:15]
The Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band [Performing: Sat 3:45-5:00]
Pat Daly & The Sounds of Green [Performing: Sat 12:45-2:00]
Gerald Haughey & The Ramblers [Performing: Sat 2:00-3:30]
Murphy Roche Irish Music School [Performing: Sun 1:30-3:00]
The Girls of Murphy Roche [Performing: Mon 12:00-1:15]
Mountain Road Ceili Bank [Performing: Fri 4:45-6:00, Sat 2:15-3:45, Sun 4:30-6:00, Mon 3:15-4:45]
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...AND MANY MORE |
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** Please Note: Schedule Subject To Change **
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