Billed as "The next generation of trad' music," Irish flute player and singer Hanz
Araki is the quintessential world music musician. He has toured internationally
with Juno award-winning The Paperboys and The Casey Neill Trio
Kathryn Claire studied classical violin and voice and has performed regularly from early childhood. She has created a sound of fiddle-playing wholly her own through a broad spectrum of influences
Cary Novotny has asserted himself in the pantheon of Irish guitar players with his seemingly unending energy. Cary has recorded and performed with many great bands in the world of Irish music.
Kathryn Claire studied classical violin and voice and has performed regularly from early childhood. She has created a sound of fiddle-playing wholly her own through a broad spectrum of influences
Cary Novotny has asserted himself in the pantheon of Irish guitar players with his seemingly unending energy. Cary has recorded and performed with many great bands in the world of Irish music.
John Williams is internationally regarded as one of the foremost players of Irish
music today. With 5 All-Ireland titles to his credit, John is the only American-born
competitor ever to win first place in the Senior Concertina category. His additional
talents on flute, button accordion, bodhran, and piano distinguish him as a much
sought after multi-instrumentalist in the acoustic scene around the world.
One of the most notable Irish musicians living in the Southwest, Jeff Moore has been playing the guitar since the age of 7 and has been studying and performing trad. Irish music for the past decade. In addition to being a singer, accompanist, bodhran player, composer, arranger and producer, Jeff is an accomplished instructor.
One of the most notable Irish musicians living in the Southwest, Jeff Moore has been playing the guitar since the age of 7 and has been studying and performing trad. Irish music for the past decade. In addition to being a singer, accompanist, bodhran player, composer, arranger and producer, Jeff is an accomplished instructor.
A harper and storyteller of the Irish tradition. Doc likes to throw in a bit of historical
background, folklore or some weird story between the tunes, because he think it's
important to know the story of the music as well as the music itself.
From the moment he first touched an Irish harp in a South Austin pawn shop 18 years ago, he knew that this is what he am here to do. In this 21st century, is a link in a chain of musical and cultural tradition that goes back a thousand years or more. To that end, He is also available to teach, for those interested in learning for themselves the beauty of Irish harp music. His new harp is a wire-strung replica of the Trinity College harp(not shown); the original is the oldest Irish harp still extant, having been made sometime in the 15th century.
From the moment he first touched an Irish harp in a South Austin pawn shop 18 years ago, he knew that this is what he am here to do. In this 21st century, is a link in a chain of musical and cultural tradition that goes back a thousand years or more. To that end, He is also available to teach, for those interested in learning for themselves the beauty of Irish harp music. His new harp is a wire-strung replica of the Trinity College harp(not shown); the original is the oldest Irish harp still extant, having been made sometime in the 15th century.
Flashpoint is a new Irish music trio made of three of the finest young
musicians in the north Texas area. Flashpoint is 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 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.
Since 2007, Raising Jane has been focused on bringing forth exceptional vocal
harmonies in the Celtic and Folk traditions. They have explored old time gospel,
roots, country and a cappella pieces. And now, in addition to a full lineup of
beloved traditional Celtic songs, they continue to expand musical styles as they
begin to venture into the contemporary folk scene. Band Members:
Laura Daily - Vocals/Percussion
Hannah Lamont - Vocals/Guitar/Percussion
Mark Fisher - Vocals/Octave Mandolin/Bodhran
Adam Blumenshein - Guitar/Bass
James Anderson- Violin
Laura Daily - Vocals/Percussion
Hannah Lamont - Vocals/Guitar/Percussion
Mark Fisher - Vocals/Octave Mandolin/Bodhran
Adam Blumenshein - Guitar/Bass
James Anderson- Violin
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.
SILVER THISTLE PIPES & DRUMS
Silver Thistle’s A band is the only competitive Grade III pipe band in Central Texas.
Comprised of advanced pipe and drum corps, the band competes regularly around
the United States each year.
The band is led by award-winning Pipe Major Kenneth Liechti, a professional-grade piper from Scotland with 40 years of piping experience. Jason Whitson (pipe sergeant) and Colby Robbins (drum sergeant) support the pipe major.
The band is led by award-winning Pipe Major Kenneth Liechti, a professional-grade piper from Scotland with 40 years of piping experience. Jason Whitson (pipe sergeant) and Colby Robbins (drum sergeant) support the pipe major.
Houston's newest Irish band combines flute, fiddle, accordion, vocals, and
guitar for a vibrant rendition of the energetic traditional dance music and
song of Ireland.
After many years of playing sessions together, the band members realized they shared the same mindset, approach, and love for traditional Irish music. Thus they have created a band that remains true to tradition, yet presents the music in a creative and entertaining manner.
After many years of playing sessions together, the band members realized they shared the same mindset, approach, and love for traditional Irish music. Thus they have created a band that remains true to tradition, yet presents the music in a creative and entertaining manner.
REGIONAL PERFORMER INFORMATION
The Largest Gathering of Celts in Central Texas returns for its 16th celebration!
November 3 & 4, 2012
Fiesta Gardens on Ladybird Lake in Austin, Texas
Noon to 7:30pm Sat. & Sun.
November 3 & 4, 2012
Fiesta Gardens on Ladybird Lake in Austin, Texas
Noon to 7:30pm Sat. & Sun.
The list of musical performers along with the event schedule for the Austin Celtic Festival 2012 will be announced later in the year. For now, you can view
the list of 2011 (last year's) performers below to get an idea of the musical talent showcased at the Austin Celtic Festival.
Regional Performers please see the bottom of the page for applicant information.
Electronic press kits will be accepted from April 25 until June 01, 2012 for regional acts.
Regional Performers please see the bottom of the page for applicant information.
Electronic press kits will be accepted from April 25 until June 01, 2012 for regional acts.
FRANKIE GAVIN & DE DANNAN
CILLIAN & NIALL VALLELY & JOHN DOYLE
Brothers Niall and Cillian Vallely share one of Irish music's most thoroughbred
pedigrees, having grown up alongside the world-renowned Armagh Pipers' Club
with their parents uilleann piper Brian and fiddler Eithne. Cillian has followed his
father's choice of instrument, and currently works regularly with Lúnasa, while
Niall, a founder member of the band Nomos and Buille, is rated one of Ireland's
finest contemporary exponents of the concertina. John Doyle is an Irish musician
and songwriter. For four years he served as acoustic guitarist with the Irish band
Solas. He has written many traditional-style songs and has collaborated with the
likes of Kate Rusby, Susan McKeown, Karan Casey and Heidi Talbot.
Traditional super group De Dannan were the best in the Irish traditional music world.
But after 33 years, 14 albums and a number of changes in the line up, the group
disbanded in 2003. Now original founding member and world famous fiddle player
Frankie Gavin unleashed a new De Dannan which in his own words "will reflect a De
Dannan of the 21st century”. The official launch of the new band took place at an
exclusive De Dannan Concert at The World Fleadh Festival. After three standing
ovations from a capacity crowd, the show was deemed an unprecedented success
and audience and critical reactions to the new band have been tremendous.
MAKEM AND SPAIN BROTHERS
Every generation has a few acts that define where a musical genre is going, performers
so confident in their chosen field that they are able to completely embrace the genre
and yet introduce something new to it. In Irish folk music today, that act is the Makem
and Spain Brothers.
Not in the past 30 years has a group taken the international stage with such vocal power and stage presence, capturing the essence of their genre, while standing out as something truly unique. A host of various instruments and five male vocals, using precise three-part harmonies blend perfectly for what many have described as a wall of sound. The Makem and Spain Brothers are at their best onstage where their talent and enthusiasm draw in fans who have never experienced the joy of folk music.
Not in the past 30 years has a group taken the international stage with such vocal power and stage presence, capturing the essence of their genre, while standing out as something truly unique. A host of various instruments and five male vocals, using precise three-part harmonies blend perfectly for what many have described as a wall of sound. The Makem and Spain Brothers are at their best onstage where their talent and enthusiasm draw in fans who have never experienced the joy of folk music.
MAIRTIN DE COGAIN PROJECT
A group lead by Cork Renaissance man Máirtín de Cógáin, who is an
entertainer of unending talent.
A crowned All-Ireland Storytelling Champion twice over, a noted singer, a dancer and a heart-beating bodhrán (Irish drum) player, and actor, Máirtín has gathered a stable of the finest Irish-Yank musicians around him to bring the story of Cork to the States.
The show is entitled 'From Cork with Love' and brings the unique view of romance from the south of Ireland. Ballads of love, friendship, betrayal and a love-often-overlooked and the Project burnishes them to their original luster, all the while time poking fun at either side of the adventure.
A crowned All-Ireland Storytelling Champion twice over, a noted singer, a dancer and a heart-beating bodhrán (Irish drum) player, and actor, Máirtín has gathered a stable of the finest Irish-Yank musicians around him to bring the story of Cork to the States.
The show is entitled 'From Cork with Love' and brings the unique view of romance from the south of Ireland. Ballads of love, friendship, betrayal and a love-often-overlooked and the Project burnishes them to their original luster, all the while time poking fun at either side of the adventure.
JOHN WILLIAMS & JEFF MOORE
GREGORY GRENE & JOHN DOYLE
THE HANZ ARAKI BAND
In 2008 these two award winning artists were brought together to perform for sold
out houses at the Celtic Christmas in Austin. The pairing led to Gregory Grene's
critically acclaimed album, Flipsides which featured Irish guitar virtuoso, Doyle.
John Doyle is one of the most influential and important musicians in Irish music today. He was a founding member of Irish American supergroup Solas in the 1990s and recently served as band leader for the Joan Baez band. He has just released his latest solo album "Shadow and Light." Since Christmas fans have requested another matchup and since both of these award winning artists were going to be at ACF, we took the opportunity to fullfill this request. You will only see this duo at the ACF! Gregory and John will now be joined by Prodigal bass player Trifon Dimitrov.
John Doyle is one of the most influential and important musicians in Irish music today. He was a founding member of Irish American supergroup Solas in the 1990s and recently served as band leader for the Joan Baez band. He has just released his latest solo album "Shadow and Light." Since Christmas fans have requested another matchup and since both of these award winning artists were going to be at ACF, we took the opportunity to fullfill this request. You will only see this duo at the ACF! Gregory and John will now be joined by Prodigal bass player Trifon Dimitrov.
DOC GRAUZER
THE JIG IS UP
FLASHPOINT
THE TEA MERCHANTS
RAISING JANE
ED MILLER & JOHN TAYLOR
If you would like to apply as a regional performer, please send an electronic press kit to: acfmusicpanel@gmail.com
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: JUNE 01, 2012. Your electronic press kit needs to include at least the following:
* Biographical information including the names of your band members that will be appearing at the festival if accepted.
* Contact information (email, phone number, snail mail address)
* Between 3 to 4 mp3 or .wav files of your music (this music should be demonstrative of your current band lineup). Please send the music files as attachments to your email request. You may send more than one email for each music file if needed because of size. You can direct us to where they are located online as long as we can download them from that site.
* At least two to three high res photos of your current band lineup.
We no longer accept hard copy press kits, please send email requests to the above address. You will receive a response from the panel within a few days of your submittal acknowledging your application. If you do not get an email back from us once you have submitted, then you should contact us to make sure it was received.
When applying for ACF, please remember that we are focusing on traditional Celtic music. To qualify for the ACF you must be a regularly performing musician or band playing music primarily from the Celtic tradition. You will also be required to play a traditional Celtic music set with traditional Celtic music instruments unaided by sheet music.
The ACF music panel grades and votes on applications in late June and emails invitations to chosen bands early July.
ACF has an exclusivity clause for performers disallowing performances at Celtic specific festivals within 100 miles of Austin for the 2 months preceding and 1 month after the Austin Celtic Festival.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: JUNE 01, 2012. Your electronic press kit needs to include at least the following:
* Biographical information including the names of your band members that will be appearing at the festival if accepted.
* Contact information (email, phone number, snail mail address)
* Between 3 to 4 mp3 or .wav files of your music (this music should be demonstrative of your current band lineup). Please send the music files as attachments to your email request. You may send more than one email for each music file if needed because of size. You can direct us to where they are located online as long as we can download them from that site.
* At least two to three high res photos of your current band lineup.
We no longer accept hard copy press kits, please send email requests to the above address. You will receive a response from the panel within a few days of your submittal acknowledging your application. If you do not get an email back from us once you have submitted, then you should contact us to make sure it was received.
When applying for ACF, please remember that we are focusing on traditional Celtic music. To qualify for the ACF you must be a regularly performing musician or band playing music primarily from the Celtic tradition. You will also be required to play a traditional Celtic music set with traditional Celtic music instruments unaided by sheet music.
The ACF music panel grades and votes on applications in late June and emails invitations to chosen bands early July.
ACF has an exclusivity clause for performers disallowing performances at Celtic specific festivals within 100 miles of Austin for the 2 months preceding and 1 month after the Austin Celtic Festival.
"One of the few remaining festivals that celebrate the authentic music, honed by the Celtic people. The Austin Celtic
Festival goes beyond gimmicks to highlight traditions and achievements in a way that reminds audiences of the
extraordinary craftsmanship and study that made places like Ireland & Scotland leaders in folk music and dance. "
Celtic Music
Highland Games
Workshops & Lectures
Celtic Dance
Living History
Celtic Animals