North Texas Irish Festival 2005

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Regional Performers The North Texas Irish Festival is pleased to announce the regional performers for the 2005 Festival.
Amberhawke BEHAN * Beyond the Pale Bluebonnet Plague * Bounds Street Brothers 3 Cairde Cór Gaeilge Texais Gallus * Glass & Taft Irish Rogues Jiggernaut Jigsaw Jim Flanagan Kúla * Legacy	Michael Harrison NeedFire * North TX Caledonian Pipe & Drum The Rogues * Round the House * Sarah Dinan * Séamus Stout Spirits of the House Threadneedle Street Tinsmith * Trinity River Whalers Tuberville *	The North Texas Irish Festival is a production of the Southwest Celtic Music Association
	* Denotes a band making their debut appearance at NTIF 2005
For additional information and performer press kits, please contact the Regional Performer Coordinator.

Amberhawke Amberhawke’s thrilling combination of heart-rending ballads and clap-your-hands pub standards has been an audience pleaser for many years. Specializing in what has been dubbed “Celtic Weird,” the band combines music from different traditional genres into a tasty musical treat of carefully blended vocals and powerful instrumentation. At this year’s NTIF, Amberhawke will feature music off of their just-released album, “Made Behind the Bar.” The members of Amberhawke are Linda King on guitar, keyboards, and vocals; Sean Morse on bass and vocals; and Beverley Muldoon on bodhran, woodwinds, and vocals.
BEHAN BEHAN gives the festive toe-tappin' traditional pub tunes "a rousing, kicked-up spin". BEHAN are brothers Bernard "Barney" (guitar/mandolin), Michael (whistle, concertina & fiddle), and Joseph (bodhran/harmonica) Behan along with brother-in-law Joe Morris (bodhran/snare) and grade school buddy Russ George (guitar/bodhran). BEHAN's influences include The Clancy Brothers, The Dubliners, The Irish Rovers, DFW's own Irish Rogues, Bing Crosby, and daddy Behan's predilection to inundate their young ears with jigs, reels, and barn dances of the 78 player variety. BEHAN "the next generation" gets into the act at times and this year will have their own show at Urchin Street.
Beyond the Pale Beyond the Pale presents a captivating blend of their original music with traditional and contemporary tunes and songs from Ireland, Scotland, Europe, and North America. Intriguing arrangements and rich vocal harmonies give them a distinctive sound praised and enjoyed by audiences wherever they perform. Beyond The Pale are: Gordon McLeod: fiddle, guitar, vocals; Betsy Cummings: piano accordion, bodhran, percussion, vocals; Christy McLeod: guitar, harmonica, bodhran, percussion, vocals; John Delaney: flute, hammered dulcimer, tin whistle, concertina, saxophone, vocals. Pick up copies of Beyond the Pale's CDs: Queen of Skye (new release!), Strange Turns.
Bluebonnet Plague Bluebonnet Plague is an infection that originally resulted from the interaction between a disparate group of bluegrass, string-band, jug-band, folk and blues musicians, who congregated on a weekly basis in various venues during the late 1980's and early 1990's. The band has a standing engagement every year at the Lone Star Dulcimer Festival in Glen Rose, Texas, and appears at events around the state. The band consists of Rick Caster - hammered dulcimer, vocals; Kathleen Jackson - upright bass, vocals; Pat Elmes - harmonica, guitar, vocals; John Scott - banjo, vocals; and David Giddens - guitar, resophonic slide guitar, vocals.
Bounds Street Bounds Street - Ten years ago, music teacher Tim Avalon launched a new Celtic group. A gathering of curious, unsuspecting strangers met at his studio on Bounds Street. Since that fateful evening, an enduring friendship 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 are Tim Avalon (fiddle, guitar, mandolin, vocals), Mary Fitzgerald (bodhran, percussion, and guitar, Heather Mitchell (bouzouki, flute) & Susan Wellman (tin whistle, vocals). They play traditional and original dance tunes and songs with an occasional blues, old time or jazz-inspired number.
Brothers 3 Brothers 3 are an energetic, unique band performing the songs and melodies from European folk tradition in contemporary musical settings. With special emphasis on the rich musical resources of the British Isles, Brothers 3 seamlessly integrates the old and the new by blending traditional songs, poetry, and instrumental tunes with Jazz, Pop, Rock, and World Beat harmonies and rhythms. Their sense of humor and fun combined with unusual musical arrangements and terrific talent makes for an unforgettable show.
Cairde Cairde (pronounced CAR-djuh) is the Gaelic word for "friends" and features Laura Brown on flute/whistle/vocals, Peggy Loyd on lead vocals/guitar/bodhran/whistle, Joe Ott on bodhran/bones, and Bill Thurman on fiddle/vocals. Cairde plays Celtic dance music, such as lively jigs, reels, polkas, slip jigs and hornpipes; and sings songs with traditional Irish themes of immigration, love and longing, Irish rebellion and the pleasures of a good pint. Look for Cairde's debut CD, "Blessings Rare," (limited supply available) featuring traditional and original tunes and songs. Cairde is based in Little Rock, Arkansas. This marks their second year at NTIF.
Cór Gaeilge Texais Cór Gaeilge Texais - The Gaelic Chorus of Texas - performs a wide range of Irish and Scottish Gaelic songs in the traditional, unaccompanied style. Organized in 1997, the group has performed at ceilithe (ceilis), benefits, and festivals, including the West Belfast, Northern Ireland Feile an Phobail in 1998. Cór Gaeilge performs a diverse range of songs - from hymns to drinking songs, and marches to lullabies.
Gallus Gallus (ga-luss) - Dialect, chiefly Scot. ~adj. 1, self-confident, daring; cheeky. 2. stylish, impressive. This group is certainly living up to their name! This is an exciting, eclectic ensemble of some of the finest traditional musicians in the DFW area, and they are currently working hard to bring you a fine repertoire of tune sets from all over the celtic nations as well as original tunes from the band. The members are Michelle Feldman - Fiddle, Mimi Rogers - Fiddle and vocals, David Lovrien - whistles and sax, Emily Bryant - Guitar & vocals, Craig Scotland - Bodhran & percussion.
Glass & Taft Glass & Taft perform spirited jigs and reels combined with O'Carolyn airs, old time banjo and bluegrass. They are: Jenny Glass - harp, accordion, electric bagpipe, and vocals; Katie Glass - flute and dance; Earnie Taft - fiddle, mandolin, and vocals; and Lee Thompson - banjo, guitar and vocals. This band can blend the Celtic harp with the heart pounding rhythms of Irish and Scottish music, and the excitement of bluegrass and dance. Each member of the group has years of experience performing both Celtic music and bluegrass. Together they blend their talents to achieve an unforgettable musical experience.
Irish Rogues The Irish Rogues are the premier pub band in Dallas. They have been together for 22 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 song books, 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.
Jiggernaut It was a cunning plan...bring together some of the best Celtic musicians in the US, do some recording, maybe play some gigs. As the band's name implies, there was just no stopping the project once it got rolling. Over time, Jiggernaut has grown and evolved. 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. Their sound is a rich mixture of old and new, traditional and contemporary...appealing to all ages and musical tastes. Say it with us: "neo-celtic groove-a-latious mondo-pop indulgence!"
Jigsaw Jigsaw is some of the most respected traditional Irish performers in our region. For years, they have delivered energetic jigs and reels and lovely airs and ballads in pubs and concert halls. 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 lead sessions and provide lessons to beginning players. Instrumentally, Peggy plays fiddle; Ken plays accordion, concertina, banjo and guitar; and Kevin Alewine plays flute, mandolin and guitar.
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.
Kúla Kúla is an exciting new Irish music band from Rose Creek Village. These seven friends growing up together have created a bond that clearly shows through in their musical performance. Kúla weaves the sound of fiddle, accordion, flute, uilleann pipes, guitar, bodhran and ethnic hand percussions together into an explosive style of Irish music that people are calling "totally energetic and contagious". Kúla is: Brian Copenhaver on button accordion, David Dickerson on guitar, Joel Dickerson on flute and whistles, Nathan Hobbs on bodhran, Paul Hobbs on fiddle, Ray Tyler on uilleann pipes, and Zemar Riggans on hand percussions.
Legacy Legacy has drawn the enthusiastic attention of Irish traditional music fanatics across the South and Southwest. 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. Said Dirty Linen magazine: "This band fills the bill....a delicate combination of full-speed-ahead attack and subtle finesse."
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.
NeedFire Modern rock with deep Celtic roots. Fire-driven instrumentals and hard-rocking songs. Bassist Ed Walewski, bagpiper/guitarist Jim Folstad and award-winning singer/songwriter/guitarist John Cleghorn (all formerly of The Killdares) have joined forces with the energetic fiddling of Dylan Cleghorn and driving percussion of Ryan Hawkins to form NeedFire. This 5-piece Celtic-rock band from Dallas takes traditional Celtic melodies and brings them into a modern context with original lyrics and hard-hitting performances. Electric, acoustic, traditional, original - this band combines multiple strands of music into a single powerful sound that you'll want to catch more than once.
North Texas Caledonian Pipes and 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. 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 2005 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.
The Rogues The Rogues - Formed in Houston, Texas in 1994, The Rogues have become international performers, with appearances all over North America and Scotland. They have shared the stage with Natalie McMaster, The Battlefield Band, Steeleye Span, and Eric Rigler (Bad Haggis), and have become the favorite act at numerous festivals and Scottish events around the country. The band recently completed their sixth album, as well as their first DVD, "Made in Texas." Their fifth album, "The Rogues 5.0," and their fourth release, "Off Kilter," have put them in the Grammy book six times.
Round the House Round the House combines dynamic tune sets with catchy arrangements of traditional songs - the pure drop with a twist of Tucson. Known across the southwest for high-energy performances and engaging onstage chat, this foursome makes audiences feel right at home. Grounded in the Irish tradition, they also play driving old time and Quebeçois dance music. Their recent CD, 'Til the Wee Hours", was voted "best new release" by the Tucson Weekly. Round the House members Dave Firestine (mandolin, bouzouki, banjo), Sharon Goldwasser (fiddle), Claire Zucker (vocals, bodhran, feet), and Mike Smith (guitar) say: "This is fun, lets play!"
Sarah Dinan Sarah Dinan is a natural vocal talent being hailed by both critics and audiences as breathtaking', 'angelic', 'enchanting' and 'beautiful'. Often compared to Mary Black and Sinead O'Connor, Sarah's clear alto voice is perfect for the lilting songs and haunting ballads she sings. Sarah and her band are a Celtic tour de force that performs a repertoire of engaging songs and tunes from Ireland, Scotland and Brittany. Discover what critics and audiences across America are calling 'refreshing', 'awesome' and 'majestic'!
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 Seamus Stout!
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: Karen Whitlow-accordion, piano, vocals; Steve Whitlow-flute, whistles, bouzouki, guitar, vocals; Chuck Bishop of Idle Road fame-banjo, mandolin, flute, whistles; Jim Higginbotham- bodhran, percussion; and Limerick’s own John Coyne; guitar, bouzouki, vocals. Their CD, The Holland Handkerchief takes you to that place in Ireland where there is the utmost of glee and a melancholy unmatched by other cultures. If your looking for a band who plays jigs and reels with the best of them, has three singers and plays a smattering of world music-well now, you’ve found yer band!
Threadneedle Street Threadneedle Street - This quartet performs lively, toe-tappin', can't sit still in your seat, traditional dance music from all the Celtic nations, as they've done for the last 14 years. The musicians of Threadneedle Street - Peggy Turner, Jim Brunke, Bobby Bush and Melina Wilkins - have between them a combined 100 years of experience, and that experience helped create a warm, entertaining show. The band invites any and all dancers at the festival to come and dance a few jigs and reels with them - the rest of you can just give your ears some exercise!
Tinsmith Tinsmith is a high-energy folk band playing traditional Celtic music in a new way. Citing influences from blues to bluegrass, from funk to jazz to mountain music, they bring traditional songs and tunes into the new century. Known for their fun and energetic performances and for the taste and delicacy of their arrangements, Tinsmith has been making audiences dance since 1997. Led by core members multi-talented Rowan Corbett (guitar, bouzouki, bones, djembe) and Wammie-winning vocalist Brooke Parkhurst (banjo, Irish flute, tinwhistles), the group also includes superb bassist Henry Cross and their newest member, guitar and mandolin virtuoso Avril Smith.
Trinity River Whalers The Trinity River Whalers sound has strong folk/bluegrass roots along with a Celtic twist, giving it a unique Texas flavor. The crew includes David Sparks with balladeer-style vocals and signature finger-picking on guitar and mandolin; 'stylish crooner/ jokester', Micheal Price, playing a mean rhythm guitar and mandolin; and Randy Christian belting out his favorite rowdy tunes, turning soulful on the harmonica or adding a dash of accordion or pennywhistle. Kathleen Jackson flat out rocks on Fred, her upright bass, adding rich warm vocals, while Marj Troyer heats things up with hot licks and spicy lyrics. Too good to miss!
Tuberville Tuberville - Take a mix of styles from renaissance, classical, modern, ragtime, traditional American and Celtic. Add a generous helping of traditional folk instruments. Stir in insightful arrangements and some original compositions and you end up with Tuberville, one of the Southwest's spiciest traditional dance bands. Tuberville is Brian Horn - violin; Steve Horn - mandolin, banjo. Flute; Mark Davis - bodhran, bones, claves, seed pot shaker and triangle; Leon Ashley Peek - guitars, concertina, mandola; and Elaine Davis - keyboards and harp.

Regional Performers