A BEST IN CLASS LINEUP OF CELTIC MUSIC THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL!
2016 PERFORMERS FOLLOW-- STAY TUNED FOR OUR 2017 LINEUP!
DEREK WARFIELD
After spending nearly 40 years as founder/leader of the legendary Wolfe Tones (named after the 18th century Irish Revolutionary Theobald Wolfe Tone), Derek Warfield is revered as a singer, songwriter, historian and entertainer in all parts of the world where Irish roots have been put down. The Wolfe Tones enjoyed phenomenal success with 13 best-selling albums, 3 number one hits, many television appearances and shows in esteemed venues such as New York’s Carnegie Hall and The Royal Albert Hall in London.
Since breaking away from the Wolfe Tones in 2001, Derek’s solo career has yielded 11 albums to date, the most successful of them being On the One Road, The Bonnie Blue Flag and Let Ye All be Irish Tonight. With the formation and ongoing success of The Young Wolfe Tones, the legend of Derek Warfield continues.
Legacy – The Young Wolfe Tones
In 2001, after nearly 40 years performing, the legendary Wolfe Tones parted with their founder and leader – Derek Warfield. No other Irish folk group, before or since, told the story of Ireland so completely and unapologetically. But for Derek’s hunger and desire to continue to further the story of Ireland through song, an ancient tradition might have lost perhaps its most iconic figure. In 2006 Derek put together a band containing some of the finest musicians and singers in Irish music – The Young Wolfe Tones.
SEAN HENNESSY
Sean Hennessy has been bringing his love of the music of Ireland to diverse audiences with his voice and guitar for over two decades. A self-taught musician, Sean has performed as a solo artist, band member and band leader with many groups over the years. Raised in a first-generation Irish household, he split his childhood between New Jersey and his mother’s hometown of Dungarvan, in County Waterford, Ireland where he was greatly influenced by his grandfather Jack, a noted local singer and storyteller as well as by the many talented musicians and singers who come from the surrounding area known as The Deise.
Sean is also actively involved in the preservation and promotion of traditional Irish culture through Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann of which he is a branch board member for Claddagh na nGael and a regional and provincial delegate. In 2013, he was awarded the Bliain na Cruinne Medal by the North American Province for his efforts on behalf of Comhaltas and traditional Irish music, dance and language.
BIRMINGHAM SIX
Birmingham Six was formed in the Fall of 2006. Taking its name from the six men wrongfully convicted of the 1974 Birmingham Pub bombings, the band mixes traditional, rebel, contemporary and original Irish music to form its sound. The members’ influences are varied and combine nicely to create an energetic, fun live show.
In the vein of The Pogues, Flogging Molly and The Tossers with the spirit of the Wolfe Tones and Clancy Brothers. At least that's what we're going for. Hopefully it will turn out that way in the end.
Joe Arnold - Fiddle; Barry Breslin - Guitar, Vocals;
James Breslin - Bass, Vocals; Brian Kelly - Drums, Percussion
Paul Wiese -Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin
ALTERNATIVE ULSTER
Alternative Ulster is a new Celtic Pipe Punk group from Kingston, NY.
Whether it’s called Paddy Rock, Irish Punk, or Kilt Rock, makes no difference.
The group is composed of Sean Mag Shamhrain (bagpipes, vocals), Michael X. Rose (vocals, bass), Eric Pomarico, (drums, vocals), Daniel Carey (bodhran, guitar, vocals).
REBELLION! is Alternative Ulster’s first album. Released in February 2016.
The cover image and title celebrate the Easter Rising of 1916 on its 100 year anniversary. The spectral piper is dressed in the uniform of the 1916 Irish and leading a regimnet of republicans to battle. Its was created specially for the album by member Michael X. Rose.
It contains 10 originals and 6 cover songs. The originals are written mostly about the local area where the band is from, Ulster County, NY, and its county seat- Kingston- where the members met in the Ancient Order of the Hibernians (AOH) Pipe and Drum. Riot in the Rondout tells about the waterfront area (the Rondout) notorious for street brawls. Ten Guns for Kingston is about the town and The British are Burning Kingston recalls October 17 of 1777 when the British put Kingston NY to the torch. Bannerman Island Ghost Wench tells the story of a haunted island in the Hudson River that is home to a crumbling castle best seen from Newburgh, NY.
The cover songs range from bagpipe favorites like The Gael to punk classics like The Sex Pistols Seventeen to the metal of Black Sabbath’s Supernaut. All these covers are fan favorites at local pubs when the band plays live.
THE SKELS
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Band Members
Chris Skel-vocals, guitar
Henry Ryan-bass guitar
Rich Perry-drums
Scott Heath-tin whistle and mandolin
Tim Ross-banjo -
Home State - New Jersey
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Record Label- Three-Second Records
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Current Location- North Jersey
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Influences
The Pogues, The Clash, Tom Waits, The Dubliners, Big Star
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Band Interests
Whiskey, beer, fast cars, girls and long walks on the beach.
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Website