Amberhawke
Amberhawke returns with a fresh line-up that features even more of the solid vocal harmonies that fans have loved over the years. From Gaelic sean-nos song, stirring Scots ballads, old-time gospel, and even Irish punk, Amberhawke covers all corners of the Celtic song repertoire. The vocal arrangements are intricately woven as Celtic knotwork over a fabric of gorgeous instrumentation, creating music of uncommon beauty and depth. An original founder of Amberhawke, Linda King has been a professional musician since the age of 10 playing guitar and piano. As the only guy in Amberhawke, Sean Morse, the bass player, has to take a lot of razzing. Bev Muldoon is Amberhawke's very own soprano-diva who started out as a jazz musician (all-state tenor saxophone) and music theatre
major. www.amberhawke.com
Betsy McGovern
Betsy McGovern - "We were just passing by and heard your voice, and wanted to come in and see who it was.
You're a breath of fresh air." (Sir Paul McCartney)
"I listened to [your CD] and was dazzled and just had to write and tell you that it's wonderful.
I mean really, really wonderful." (Bill Bryson)
"A wondrous voice of pure and untarnished beauty, she is capable of moving mountains with a voice like
this." (Rock and Reel Magazine)
"Great stage presence, with a sweet, natural, confidant mastery. She held the audience spellbound;
effortlessly captured them with her personality." (Craig Smith)
Betsy has a new solo CD, "Revival of the Heart".
www.betsymcgovern.com
Beyond the Pale
Beyond The Pale presents a captivating blend of original, traditional and
contemporary dance tunes and folk songs from Ireland, Scotland, Europe, and North
America. Intriguing arrangements and rich vocal harmonies give them a distinctive
sound garnering praise and enjoyment from audiences wherever they perform.
Members are Gordon McLeod (fiddle, guitar, vocals), Betsy Cummings (accordion,
bodhran, percussion, vocals), Christy McLeod (guitar, harmonica, bodhran,
percussion, vocals), John Delaney (flute, hammered dulcimer, tin whistle, concertina,
saxophone, vocals), and Richard Kean (Highland bagpipes, Scottish small pipes, tin
whistle). Pick up copies of Beyond the Pale's CDs: Strange Turns, Angel on the 7th
Stair and Life is All Chequered. For more information, contact Gordon or Christy at
beyondthepale@tyler.net. www.beyond-the-pale.com
Bounds Street
Nine years ago, performer, composer and music teacher, Tim Avalon launched a
new Celtic group. A gathering of courteous strangers met at his studio on
Bounds Street, not realizing that their lives would be forever altered. Since that
fateful evening, an enduring friendship, a discerning beer palate and a successful
band have flourished. This close bond has become the cornerstone for the
group's lauded, "tight" arrangements and diverse repertoire.
The musicians: Tim Avalon (fiddle, guitar, mandolin, vocals), Mary Fitzgerald (bodhran,
percussion, and guitar), Heather Mitchell (bouzouki, flute) & Susan Wellman
(tin whistle, vocals) The music: Traditional and original dance tunes and songs with an occasional
blues, old time or jazz-inspired number. The result: Good music, good friends and a great groove.
www.boundstreet.com
Cluan
Cluan (pronounced CLU-in) has become one of Central Texas' most sought after Irish bands. They have won multiple awards from the Austin Chronicle, including best new album and best new world music band. Cluan is rapidly becoming one of Irish music's top artists in Texas. Their first album has sold out twice and a new one is in production with legendary guitarist and producer Rich Brotherton (Robert Earl Keen, Caroline Herring). Cluan has the ability to regenerate traditional tunes with bombastic arrangements and presents them with such passion that even the most restrained audience member can't help but toe tap. Driven by the power of twin fiddles, Cluan has a fresh yet positively traditional sound, as well as including world fusion, bluegrass and country.
www.cluan.com
The Conlys
The Conlys - This Celtic band's signature harmonies and a capella singing
have won them a devoted
following throughout the South. They are familiar headliners at regional events, and have opened for
such celebrities as Tommy Makem, perhaps Ireland's most renowned balladeer and songwriter. The band
features the heartfelt baritone of leader Bill Conly (vocals, guitar, mandolin, and bodhran), Bob Jordan
(guitar, banjo, and vocals), Betty Waddoups (flute, tin whistle, accordion, and vocals) and Keith Waddoups
(bodhran and percussion). The Conlys are highly sought after as entertainers for pubs, festivals,
faires, and parties. Their fun-filled shows have taken them from Iceland to Key West and from
Orlando to San Antonio. Their toe-tapping repertoire of Irish and Scottish songs, sea chanteys,
and ballads charms audiences of all ages.
www.pointsouth.com/yallcome/conlys/
Cór Gaeilge Texais
Cór Gaeilge Texais - The Gaelic Chorus of Texas performs a wide range of Irish and Scottish
Gaelic songs from hymns to drinking songs, and marches to lullabies in traditional, unaccompanied
style. Organized in 1997, the group has performed at céilís, benefits, and festivals, including the
West Belfast, Northern Ireland Féile an Phobail in 1998. In addition to performing, the group also
teaches Gaelic language and song. The Cór released an album, Fosgail an Dorus-Open the Door in
early 2002. Cór Gaeilge Texais is soprano Jonquele Jones, altos Denice Brown, Marie Paddock, Michelle
Tietzler and Jenny Waites, and baritone Clyde Allen. For information about Cór Gaeilge's activities,
and links to other Gaelic sites, visit their website at
www.geocities.com/Broadway/Alley/9105/
The Corsairs
The Corsairs burst onto the scene in
1996, as a powerful and exciting a cappella male group.
With their unique blend of voices, they sing sea
shanties, nautical tunes, folk and Irish songs. The
members first met while performing as part of the cast
for the Scarborough Renaissance Festival (in Waxahachie,
TX) and has been a top performing group there every year
since 1996. Scarborough is still considered their home
faire, and they have traveled all over the country
performing at renaissance faires, Irish pubs and other
festivals. While the Corsairs started as a 6-member
band, four of the original members remain and are still
making incredible music. The members are Scott Goeringer
(tenor), David Hammond (baritone), William "B.J."
Hudson (baritone) and Kevin Lassiter (bass).
www.corsairs.com
The Irish Rogues
Irish Rogues - The premier pub band in Dallas, the Rogues have been together for 23 years,
entertaining crowds with their infectious style and good humor. Besides regular gigs at Trinity
Hall, the Rogues can be found at festivals, private parties and clubs all over the area at one
time or another. With their ever-present songbooks, and their good time charm, the Rogues never
fail to draw a sing-along crowd. Take home a CD that can be purchased at the festival. The Rogues
are Earnie Taft, fiddle; John Hodgins, accordion; and Ed Macke, guitar.
www.irishrogues.com
Jiggernaut
Jiggernaut - It was a cunning plan...bring together some of the best Celtic musicians in the
US, do some recording, maybe play a few gigs. But as the band's name
implies, there was just no stopping the project once it got rolling. Over
time, Jiggernaut has grown and evolved, incorporating new members, new
styles, and new material. But through it all, they've stayed true to their
original mission...binding the heart of Celtic music to the soul of rock and
roll. Check out the product sales table for their brand new CD "Evolution", and
their ground-breaking debut CD "In Search of More. Say it with us: "neo-celtic
groove-a-latious mondo-pop indulgence!" (Catchy, ain't it?).
www.jiggernaut.com
Jigsaw
Jigsaw - The members of Jigsaw are some of the most respected traditional Irish
performers in our region. For 15 years, the three have delivered energetic jigs and
reels and lovely airs and ballads in pubs and concert halls across Texas. Each
contributed to the festival in unique ways. Ken and Peggy Fleming are co-founders of
both SCMA and NTIF with Ken serving as President and Festival Director during
their developing years. Kevin Alewine also served as Festival Director. Today, they
lend support to the music by leading sessions and providing lessons to beginning
players. Instrumentally, Peggy plays fiddle; Ken plays accordion, concertina, banjo
and guitar; and Kevin Alewine plays flute, mandolin and guitar. For bookings,
contact Ken ken.fleming@comcast.net. www.fb-biz.com/music/jigsaw
Jim Flanagan
Jim Flanagan has delighted audiences with his songs and his humor at major
festivals throughout the United States from Milwaukee to Dallas and from Savannah
to Denver. A favorite in the Dallas area for many years he returns with some new
songs and new yarns that are sure to please. He has done workshops on Irish singing
and on the Irish language throughout the country. His two CD's "Here and There"
and "Blood Drops in Snow" have received rave reviews both here and back home in
Ireland. You can contact Jim at jim.flanagan@earthlink.net.
www.jimflanagan.info
Photo by Steve Farmer.
Legacy
Legacy has drawn the enthusiastic attention of Irish traditional music fanatics across the South and
Southwest. Their skill is undeniable, their arrangements complex and challenging, and their performances
tight and energetic. Valerie Plested (fiddle) and Justin Murphy (flute, whistles, vocals) are among the
finest and most expressive young talents in the Southwest's Celtic scene. Richie Stafford (flute, fiddle,
vocals) is a Dublin native with unparalleled expertise and love for traditional music. Don Penzien's
guitarwork provides solid, driving rhythms, a hallmark of Legacy performances. Guest singer, Betsy
McGovern of Poor Clares fame features a rich, rare voice-look for her new album "Revival of the Heart."
Said Dirty Linen magazine: "This band fills the bill.... a delicate combination of full-speed-ahead
attack and subtle finesse." www.bigfoot.com/~legacy1
Lu Mitchell and Catch-23
Lu Mitchell worked as a secretary for almost thirty years and hated every minute of it.
Now, as a full-time folksinging songwriter and grandmother of two who began her music career by
performing at the legendary Rubaiyat in Dallas, Texas, she's loving the life she leads as one
of the busiest funny ladies on the folk music circuit. Lu has appeared in concert at churches,
universities, and corporate events throughout the Southwest. She is a consistent favorite at
Uncle Calvin's Coffeehouse, Poor David's Pub, and Pocket Sandwich Theatre, her "home
base" these days. Additionally, she has shared the stage with The Kingston Trio, Tom Paxton,
John Prine and many other name acts, and has performed for children in concert and on TV. She has
released more than a dozen albums and published a songbook.
www.lonestarwebstation.com/lumtchl.html
Michael Harrison
Michael William Harrison is a veteran Dallas folksinger of American, Irish, Scottish and Canadian folksongs that appeal to hearts on both sides of the pond. A consistent performer at the North Texas Irish Festival for several years now, he can be found performing at pubs, festivals, coffeehouses and house concerts around Texas and across the U.S. A proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, Michael has headed his music back out to sea by continuing to add traditional as well as contemporary songs with a nautical theme.
Séamus Stout
Séamus Stout - The boys of Séamus Stout have been entertaining fans in Dallas/Fort
Worth for several years now. Their brand of upbeat, energetic, traditional Celtic
music makes them a favorite at festivals and pubs alike. The line up includes Jan
(pronounced Yon) Cermak on fiddle and mandolin, Jarrod Fay on tin whistle, Irish
flute and Scottish smallpipes, Cory Wells on guitar and Jason Bean on Bodhran.
They all sing with various combinations of lead and harmonies. If you're looking for
some Celtic music to clap, sing, dance and stomp along with, be sure to check out
Séamus Stout! Contact jarrod@glasslake.com for more information.
Shenanigans
Shenanigans - You've seen them on the Home Shopping Network, you've heard them on great radio programs like Celtic Crossings or Trailmix and you've chatted with them at festivals from Cleveland to Denver. Shenanigans has delighted audiences in the Midwest for over ten years! "Precision instrumentation and exciting vocal harmonies are the highlights of a performance by Shenanigans." - Gwynn Irving, Missouri Valley Folklife Society. "Shenanigans are at their best during these fast-paced, rousing songs. Their instrumental skills are superb and they have beautiful harmony." -Marsha Lytle, Midwest Irish News. "Shenanigans have the Celtic sound in their soul and the Celtic souls in their music...Their vocals are alluring and their harmonies are tight and rich."-Ernie and Patti Hill, Walnut Valley, Festival 2001 Record Review. www.omniventure.com/shenanigans/
Smithfield Fair
Smithfield Fair - Scottish traditional influence is strong in the music of Smithfield Fair.
Song-driven, the music is a balance of traditional songs and original tunes, lively and contemporary,
without losing the traditional focus. Jan Smith (Vocals, accordion, guitar), Dudley-Brian Smith
(Vocals, guitars, mandolin) and Frang Bladen (Vocals, bodhran, percussion) effectively utilize tight
harmonies and driving rhythms. After eight CDs (their newest is Winds of Time) and 15 years, their
music continues to receive worldwide radio airplay. The trio has performed in concert with a "who's
who" in Celtic music, but retains the warmth and intimacy of a house concert even in large venues.
Dirty Linen magazine commented that "the playing is wonderful, and the harmonies are exquisite," and
that they are "hearty singers and capable multi-instrumentalists".
www.smithfieldfair.com
Spirits of the House
Spirits of the House – Since 1998, Spirits has traveled the South playing festivals and
pubs from Memphis to New Orleans, Atlanta to Dallas. The band has won an
enthusiastic following wherever they play. Spirits are: Limerick's own John Coyne-
guitar, bouzouki; Karen Whitlow-accordion; Russell Hopper-fiddle; Steve Whitlow-
flute, whistles, guitar, bouzouki; Jim Higginbotham-percussion. "The Holland
Handkerchief" (available on compact disk) takes you to that place in Ireland where
there is the utmost of glee and a melancholy unmatched by the other cultures." - The
Planet Weekly, April 4, 2001. If you're looking for a band who plays jigs and reels
with the best of them, has three singers, each with a repertoire all their own, and plays
a smattering of world music-well now, you've found your band!
www.spiritshouse.bizland.com/
Threadneedle Street
Threadneedle Street - Want a place to kick up your heels and dance? Then take a stroll down Threadneedle Street! This quartet performs lively, toe-tappin', can't sit still in your seat, traditional dance music from all the Celtic nations. They have been performing throughout Texas for the last 13 years, and recently invaded Chicago, IL to liven up their Celtic festival! The musicians of Threadneedle Street - Peggy Turner, Jim Brunke, Bobby Bush and Melina Wilkins - have between them a combined 100 years of experience, and they have used it to create a warm, entertaining show. So, come and dance a jig with us or just give your ears some exercise! And please visit our website at
www.threadneedlemusic.com
Trinity River Whalers
Trinity River Whalers - This rowdy, Texas-based quartet swings onto the Celtic
music scene with Kathleen Jackson (vocals, guitar, mandolin, bass) bringing a
bluegrass/gospel background to the vocal mix, while rockin' the boat with 'Fred', her
upright bass. David Sparks (vocals, guitar and mandolin), Randy Christian (vocals,
congas, harmonica, pennywhistle and accordian) and Micheal Price (vocals, guitar,
and mandolin), longtime members of The Blarney Brothers and veterans of a number
of the nation's largest Celtic music venues, round out the crew. All out fun with great
harmonies, traditional favorites and new surprises! www.trinityriverwhalers.com
Wyndnwyre
Wyndnwyre performs traditional instrumental and vocal music from the Celtic countries of Ireland,
Scotland and Wales. The band performs at festivals and concerts throughout the Southwest. Wyndnwyre
is: Bill Klecka on Hammered Dulcimer, Guitar, Cittern, Bozouki, Mandolin and Vocals; Mark Johnson
on Irish Flute, Whistles, Guitar, Percussion (Bodhran, Dumbek, Bells) and Vocals; and Therese Honey
on Celtic Harp, playing Celtic dance tunes with rhythmic dexterity and grace. In addition, Therese
also teaches workshops around the country.
home.swbell.net/wyndwire
North Texas Caledonian 
Pipes & Drums
The North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums and their newly formed Grade 5 band, The Ballantyne
Memorial Pipe Band, under the leadership of Pipe Major Don Shannon and Lead Drummer Gary Smith will
be combining forces and performing medleys of traditional and contemporary music from their 2003 CD,
"A New Beginning." The CD is available at the band booth at the festival
or from their website, www.ntxcalpd.com.
They perform at many events in Dallas and Fort Worth and are the premier band in the area. They have
just completed a very successful competition season and are rehearsing hard for the new
2004 challenge. If you would like to hire the band contact their Business Manager, Don Casey @
972-414-9217 or 214-707-4941. If you are interested in joining the band, call Pipe Major Don Shannon
@ 972-307-5615 or Lead Drummer Gary Smith @ 214-562-2594.
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