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. 9:30-11:00] |
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Black 47 - an Irish American legend, mix rock, reggae, ska and funk with traditional Irish sounds. Black 47 comes up with the stuff music is made of, humorous and gritty songs that are reminiscent of old Irish political tunes. Click for song samples. [Performing: Sun. 9:30-11:00 & Mon. 6:30-8:00]
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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. [Performing: Sat. 7:45-9:00 & Sun. 5:30-7:00]
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Elevation - is the most authentic U2 cover band around. Elevation, has drawn media attention from the Chicago Sun Times as well as Chicago Magazine and have been featured on CBS, FOX, WGN TV and The Discovery Channel’s “American Casino”. Gaelic Park is proud to host, Elevation, who have played over 320 venues in the Cayman Islands, Las Vegas, Los Angles and all over the Midwest. [Performing: Fri. 7:30-9:00]
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Four Provinces Ceili Band - [Performing: Fri. 8:30-10:00 Sat. 6:30-8:00, Sun. 3:30-5:00, & Mon. 5:00-6:15] |
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Hair of the Dog - Together since 1993, Hair Of The Dog has entertained thousands of fans of all ages with their unique blend of Celtic folk/rock. Their high energy sound, smooth four-part harmonies and tight instrumental attack has made them one of the top Irish acts in the world. The band has released four smash hit CDs: "Release The Hounds," "at The Parting Glass," "Let It Flow" and "Donegal." In January, 2008, the Kingston, New York Freeman Times said that "Hair Of The Dog plays with a cohesive oneness that most bands never get. They are a regional music treasure." The Dog was also recently mentioned in Billboard Magazine as one of Irish Music's biggest sellers. The band has released four smash hit CDs: "Release The Hounds," "at The Parting Glass," "Let It Flow" and "Donegal." In January, 2008, the Kingston, New York Freeman Times said that "Hair Of The Dog plays with a cohesive oneness that most bands never get. They are a regional music treasure." The Dog was also recently mentioned in Billboard Magazine as one of Irish Music's biggest sellers. [Performing: Fri. 5:30-7:00, Sat. 9:30-11:00, & Sun. 7:45-9:00] |
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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. 6:45-8:00] |
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Leahy's Luck - Leahys Luck has been performing Irish folk music for twelve years with four recordings to their credit and a Wisconsin Area Music Industry's 2001 World/Ethnic Group of the Year.. In years past they've played at the Quad Cities' Erin Feis, Peoria's Erin Feis, Chicago's Gaelic Park, Cleveland's Irish Festival, and performed at many other festivals, concerts, and gatherings throughout the Midwest. On St. Patrick’s Day and Milwaukee's Irish Fest, the worlds largest Irish Festival, the band consists of Brian and his three daughters along with Tom and his son and daughter. As the children have grown to adulthood with career aspirations, other friends have joined with the band but the nucleus remains the same. Brian and Tom continue to lead the band with guitars, bass, and distinctive vocals. Click for song samples. [Performing: Sat. 4:00-5:30 & Sun. 4:15-5:30] |
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Liz Carroll & John Doyle - Part of the new traditionalist movement in Irish music, the partnership between fiddler Liz Carroll and guitarist and singer John Doyle is exciting news in the folk and Celtic worlds. After John’s appearances on Liz’s last two CD’s, and having co-produced the latter (Lake Effect) with Liz, they have discovered a dynamism and sympathy in their creative work together that now moves from the studio to stages across the world. Liz and John have appeared in festivals and venues throughout the U.S., and in special tours of Japan and France. Click for song samples. [Performing: Sat. 5:30-7:00 & Sun. 6:00-7:15] |
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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. 7:30-9:00 & Sun. 9:30-11:00] |
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Michael McDermott - Chicago's very own, Michael McDermott is rightfully considered to be one of the greatest songwriters of his generation, with an immense catalog of cinematic, beautiful songs. His songs are marred with questionable outcomes in life and love and his naïve, yet romantic optimism sometimes prevails. Click for song samples. See what the press is saying below. [Performing: Fri. 9:30-11:00]
- "Michael McDermott is probably the greatest undiscovered rock & roll talent of the last 20 years" - Stephen King
- "Michael McDermott writes them true, and sings like he means it. This is one hell of a record" - Brian Koppelman and David Levien, writers from Rounders and Oceans 13
- "Michael McDermott deftly weaves folk and Celtic influences through his finely detailed music portraits, which range from rockers to more spiritual acoustic numbers" - Philadelphia City Paper
- "He's a singer and poet who might throw a bit of light on things" - Irish American Press
- "McDermott’s powerful writing and new-found enthusiasm are a potent combination" - Chicago Tribune
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Scythian - Dubbed by The Washington Post as "one of DC's most energetic and eclectic bands" Scythian (sith-ee-yin) falls nothing short of a "party band". Their high-energy, adrenaline-peddling, interactive brand of music has one goal in mind - to get people on their feet and dancing. The crowd is an essential element of each show and Scythian relies heavily on crowd participation to get people involved and loosened up. As The Washington Post states, their results are always the same: ""the band's enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses." Led by a pair of young raging fiddlers, Scythian has a great respect and admiration for the traditional - the foundation of their music; nevertheless, Scythian is not afraid to wink at convention in search of a little fun, lending them an appeal to young and old alike. Click here for song samples. [Performance: Sun. 3:30-5:00 & Mon. 3:15-4:15] |
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Seven Nations - The name refers to the seven nations of the Celtic world, now known as Scotland , Ireland , Wales , Brittany , Cornwall , the Isle of Man , and parts of Spain. The even performed at the Torch Lighting ceremony at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. See what the press is saying below. [Performing: Sat. 9:30-11:00, Sun. 7:30-9:00, & Mon. 4:45-6:00]
- "Explosive Seven Nations blows Palace into orbit ... you'd be hard pressed to find a more original, unique but accessible group ... powerful self-penned tunes and transcendent live shows. A musical force to be reckoned with, Seven Nations' day has come." - Albany Times-Union
- "The music was riveting ... folks were dancing in the aisles ... the cheers were deafening." - Independent Mail
- "Seven Nations, which melds bagpipes and fiddles with blazing electric guitars and drums ... exited their tour bus and walked in to a standing ovation." - San Francisco Chronicle
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Tartan Terrors - Taking the Celtic scene by storm, the Tartan Terrors, North America's premiere Celtic Event, features the best in music, comedy and dance. Bolstered by the blistering piping of a Two Time World Champion Bagpiper, the driving tones of drums from around the world, and a guitar played unlike any you've ever heard, standing room only audiences understand why Dig This Magazine declares "(The Terrors) one act to keep an eye on!" Combine this musical prowess with championship calibre Highland Dancers and intentionally recognized comedic performers and this Celtic Group goes beyond the ordinary. Member of the Tartan Terrors have performed on 4 different continents; in some of the most prestigious Festivals, Highland Games and Theatres of North America; for President Clinton; Queen Elizabeth II; and Good Morning America. They're even streaming for on-demand listening in multiple international podcasts including a coveted spot on Pulse of the Planet in Spain! Join the phenomenon of the Tartan Terrors and see why Celtic Beat Magazine hails them as "the heirs apparent to the [Celtic] mayhem." Click here for some song samples. [Performing: Fri. 5:30-7:00 Sat. 6:00-7:15, & Sun. 2:30-4:00] |
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Willie Lynch Band - Lynch, who has had 40 years of experience playing, came to America from Dublin, Ireland. While touring with his then-band playing “pop” songs, Lynch just looked at his band during a road trip and said, “I’m going to America.” After eight years of playing in Ireland, “It just happened.” He came to Elizabeth, NJ where his brother was and began his career here.
Each person in the band can play more than one instrument; from 12-string guitar, to tin whistle, to flute, sax, and drums.
A show means more than just songs to Lynch. “It’s a lot like our earlier song, ‘Keeping the Tradition Alive’. The songs, the music, and the spirit.”
[Performing: Sun. 8:30-10:00 & Mon. 3:15-4:45]
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Bernie Glim & Country Roads [Performing: Fri. 7:30-9:00]
Joe Cullen & Kathleen Keane [Performing: Fri. 6:00-7:30]
The Irish Musicians [Performing: Sun. 12:00-1:30]
Pat Finnegan & Billy O'Donoghue [Performing: Fri. 3:30-5:00]
Jerry Hanlon [Performing: Sat. 1:00-2:30]
Pipes & Drums of the Emerald Society [Performing: Sun. 5:00-5:15, 5:30-5:45, & 6:00-6:15]
The Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band [Performing: Sat. 5:00-5:15 & 5:30-5:45]
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Pat Daly & The Sounds of Green [Performing: Sat. 2:00-3:30]
Gerald Haughey & The Ramblers [Performing: Sat. 4:00-5:30]
Sean O'Donnell [Performing: Fri. 4:00-5:30]
Murphy Roche Irish Music School [Performing: Sat. 2:00-3:30]
The Girls of Murphy Roche [Performing: Sun. 1:30-3:00]
Fiona Molloy [Performing: Sat. 3:30-5:00 & Sun. 12:00-1:30]
Joe McShane & The Silverbridge Band [Performing: Sat. 8:30-10:00]
Woodford Ceili Band [Performing: Sun. 1:45-3:00]
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...AND MANY MORE |
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** Please Note: Schedule Subject To Change **
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