2022 AUSTIN CELTIC FESTIVAL PERFORMERS
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
ALTAN
The spirit and sound of Altan come from the deep and rich musical tradition of their native Co. Donegal. On one of his many visits to the Donegal Gaeltacht of Gaoth Dobhair, Belfast born flute player Frankie Kennedy met fiddler and singer Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, sparking off a deep musical connection, marriage in 1981, and a journey that took them all over the world. Their vision was to bring the unique repertoire of Donegal music to the world and that mission is still as strong as ever.
TANNAHILL
WEAVERS
"An especially eloquent mixture of the old
and the new." - New York Times
Born of a session in Paisley, Scotland, and named for the town's historic weaving industry and local poet laureate Robert Tannahill, the Tannahill Weavers have made an international name for their special brand of Celtic music, blending the beauty of traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms. As one of the world's premier traditional Celtic bands, their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, original ballads and lullabies, and humorous tales of life in Scotland.
John Doyle &
Mick McAuley
Two kings of traditional Irish music are coming together to make a dynamic music duo. One of the founding members of the groundbreaking band Solas, John Doyle is considered one the greatest guitarist in Irish music today. He is also a superb singer and songwriter who has collaborated and produced albums for countless musicians including Eileen Ivers, Liz Carroll, Joan Baez, Martin Hayes and Mary Chapin Carpenter. Multi-instrumentalist Mick McAuley (button accordion, tin whistle, singer) has also been a long-standing member of Solas and has performed and recorded with countless other artists include Solas and Sting.
Silver Thistle Pipes and Drums
For the past 40 years Silver Thistle has been a competitive bagpipe band and 501c3 non-profit organization, serving the greater Austin area by performing and teaching a mix of modern and traditional music.
Scottish Country Dance Alliance
The SCDA hosts an all-ages Scottish Country Dance workshop at the Austin Celtic Festival and also operates a popular bakery of Celtic goodies. Look on the schedule for the time and place of their workshop!
The Prodigals
Austin's favorite NYC band leader is returning with accordion led madness and rousing songs.
Gregory combines original lyrics and melody with a genuine passion for the traditional music of Ireland and a funky energy that is pure New York. The roots of the music are unmistakably traditional Irish; the branches that shoot off delve into rock, worldbeat, jazz and punk, and the result has been called “the best Irish trad-rock band.”
INISHFREE IRISH DANCE
The Inishfree School of Irish Dancing has been one of the most prominent Irish Dance classes in the state of Texas for over 15 years. In this time, children and adults have gained more than just the ability to dance. Inishfree School of Irish Dancing Texas offers Irish dance lessons to children and adults in Austin, San Antonio, Round Rock/Georgetown, and Kyle/BudaClasses focus on developing a strong work ethic, focus, achievement, and good sportsmanship, and making lifelong friends.
THE HERE & NOW
Formed in 2015, The Here & Now are Niamh Fahy (Fiddle & Vocals), Chris Buckley (Fiddle), Rob Forkner (Bodhrán), and Joseph Carmichael (Guitar & Vocals). All accomplished musicians in their own right, together they create a rich and captivating sound full of energy that presents Irish traditional music in a contemporary context.
Máirtín de Cógáin
Máirtín de Cógáin is a singing, dancing, story-telling bodhrán player who also is a noted playwright and actor. He performs in his native Ireland and all over the U.S…. and between and beyond, too! An infectious personality, Máirtín pleasantly commands the attention of any collection of people, from a concert hall to an intimate porch. Descended from a long line of storytellers and with two CCÉ All-Ireland’s for Storytelling under his belt, Máirtín gets no more joy out of life than the telling of stories.