The Hamburg Fairgrounds Fri., Aug. 28nd -- 5pm-11pm Sat., Aug. 29rd -- 12pm-11pm Sun., Aug. 30th -- 12pm-9pm (716) 743-9348 for more info
2009 Show: Celebrating the Irish Journey to Buffalo: "UNIONTOWN" Irish Classical Theatre Company and
O'Connell & Company have joined forces to produce
an original 50-minute show telling the story of the leaving
of Ireland, the crossing of the Atlantic, and the arrival at
Buffalo, in story, song and multi-screen video.
Traditional Music Stage The Martin Wynne Branch of Comhaltas will host the first-ever Traditional Music Tent this year. Featuring the amazing talent of guitarist John Doyle; fiddler Liz Carroll; Chicago's Bua; and PA's Blackwater. They'll be hosting workshops in dance, guitar, fiddle and more, along with a Saturday night Ceili, and loads of live performances.
Genealogy and Cultural Exhibit and Seminars
Patron Sponsor
-- John S. Cullen New in 2008...
Sunday, August 30th Sacred Seisiún:* 10 am Mass: 10:30 am Celebrant: Reverend James Joyce SJ Music will be coordinated by: Kindred Theme: Remembering the Faith of our Fathers Irish Catholicism of the 17th and 18th centuries endured through the harsh persecution of the Penal Laws when Catholic churches were closed and priests went into hiding. Priests and their flocks gathered secretly around ‘mass rocks’ to celebrate Eucharist. Many were martyred and/or imprisoned for their defiance. At this Festival mass we remember them and their loyalty to the faith of our fathers. A Sacred Seisiún will be held prior to the mass. Festival musicians and singers are invited to perform meditative music and songs as we gather for this celebration. Further information can be had by calling Margaret McGrath at 310-0840 ( after Aug. 8th) or email: margaretmcgrath@msn.com
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August 28-30,
2009 The Saw Doctors
are a folk-rock band from Tuam, County Galway in
the west of Ireland. Taking their name from
itinerant craftsmen who once traveled from sawmill
to sawmill sharpening and repairing saws, the Saw
Doctors have a fervent following, especially in
Ireland and among Irish-Americans in the United
States. They hold the record for Ireland's
biggest-selling single of all time, "I Useta
Lover", which topped the Irish charts for nine
weeks in 1990. The Saw Doctors will be performing
Sunday evening at the Festival.“There is a
special place in rock’n’roll
mythology,” wrote David Sinclair of The Times,
“for that rare phenomenon, the people’s
band. The Grateful Dead, The Faces and Bruce
Springsteen during his years as leader of the E
Street Band are examples which define the
breed---the Saw Doctors are the latest in this
strangely noble line.” Christened by
The New York Times as "Irish America's Favorite
Son", Andy Cooney has taken the Irish-American
music scene by storm. His outstanding voice and
dynamic stage presence makes him a favorite with
audiences as he renders songs ranging from all-time
favorites like "Galway Bay" and "Danny Boy" to his
hit records "The Irish Wedding Song", "Boston Rose"
and "Shannon River". Andy's talent and versatility
provide the ability to deliver a song directly to
the hearts of his listeners. The Prodigals
are one of the most successful bands to emerge from
the East-Coast Irish scene. The band members grew
up largely in Ireland; their original songs blend a
funky and anarchic energy that is pure New York
with a genuine passion for the traditional music of
Ireland. They have played throughout the United
States, from Los Angeles and Las Vegas to Chicago,
Boston and Maine, as well as abroad in Canada,
Germany and Ireland, but they remain firmly rooted
in Manhattan. A quintet
comprised of some of America’s most talented,
young musicians, Bua have been described by Irish
Music Magazine as “the essence of a superb
band,” their sound “a throwback to the
playing of the 1960s and 1970s, keeping the music
down the path of tradition” and their 2006
release, Live at Martyrs’, “a work
without gimmicks, where the musicianship is of the
highest quality.” It is no surprise then that
Bua, lending to its Irish Gaelic meaning of
‘innate gift,’ have quickly risen to the
status of America’s premier traditional Irish
music ensemble. The
Orlando-based five-piece Seven Nations encompasses
a wide variety of diversity in music, but the love
for creating their own musical sound remains a
common goal. Seven Nations pushes American trad
rock and Celtic roots rock while intertwining the
brooding beauty of the mandolin, violin, bagpipes,
and horns for a worldbeat seascape of rock &
roll. Independent success has been entirely on the
band's own terms, for Seven Nations has had their
own ESPN, PBS, and CNN specials and sold more than
125,000 copies of their countless releases without
ever being promoted and signed by a major label.
Seven Nations, who formed in 1994, is comprised of
vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Kirk MacLeod, fiddle
player Dan Stacey, bassist Struby,
mandolinist/bagpiper Scott Long, and drummer Ashton
Geoghagan. They have played to over 40,000 people
at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland, and Dewar's
Scotch signed on to promote the band's mainstream
self-titled debut. Seamus Kennedy,
originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, has been
entertaining audiences all over the United States
for the past 32 years. With a ready wit and a vast
store of songs, he travels from Alaska to Florida,
Maryland to California, performing for audiences
which range from Popes and presidents to bartenders
and bricklayers, from college students to
kindergartners. In concert or
festival, in pub or club, in colleges or high
schools, Seamus Kennedy has the repertoire and the
ability to make folks forget their cares for a
while, to relax and enjoy themselves. He encourages
the crowd to sing along to silly lyrics and daft
ditties or act out the choruses of children's
songs. When he plays a lively Irish jig or a reel,
Seamus will often coax someone to jump up and dance
to the music of his guitar or bodhrán - to
the delight - and often amazement - of their
friends. His audience participation songs and
tongue-twisters have amused the ablest of
participants and the nimblest of
tongues. Part of the new
traditionalist movement in Irish music, the
partnership between fiddler Liz Carroll and
guitarist and singer John Doyle is exciting news in
the folk and Celtic
worlds.
Although
born and raised in Chicago, Liz Carroll has found a
stunning amount of success in her ancestral
homeland of Ireland. In 1975, at the age of 18, the
fiddler won the Senior All-Ireland Championship -
the first American to win that title in nine years,
she recalled in an interview last
week.
After
John’s appearances on Liz’s last two
CD’s, and having co-produced the latter (Lake
Effect) with Liz, they have discovered a dynamism
and sympathy in their creative work together that
now moves from the studio to stages across the
world. Liz and John have appeared in festivals and
venues throughout the U.S., and in special tours of
Japan and France. Formed in 1996,
Blackwater takes audiences on a musical journey
through all Celtic lands and styles. The band is
equally at home with an achingly beautiful aire, a
light and comical ballad or a blistering reel. The
performers who comprise this five piece band are no
strangers to the Celtic music scene, particularly
in the Lehigh Valley. Dynamic Vocal harmonies,
fiddle, Irish flute and whistle, button accordion,
guitars, mandolin, bouzouki, piano, and bodhran
lend the group its unmistakably traditional sound.
Original compositions and innovative arrangements
freshen the mix for a show that has been described
as “sheer ceili aerobics!” Blackwater is:
Sean Hennesssy, Allison Gillespie, Fionna Hennessy,
Tom Gillespie, and Al Keller. For nearly
twenty-five years, Tom Sweeney has travelled the
highways and byways of Ireland, Europe and North
America with his seemingly endless rattle bag of
songs, stories, poetry and
tunes.
His one man
show is replete with the very essence of Irish
culture which comes as no surprise when you
consider that he has been immersed in the great
tradition of ballad singing since he could speak.
Tom’s maternal grandmother, Sarah Makem, is
generally considered to be one of the greatest
sources of songs in the entire history of Irish
music and as a boy he learned many of them around
his granny’s kitchen in County
Armagh.
Having
played every state in the USA and every province
and territory in Canada for many years, Tom was
honoured in 1998 to receive a personal invitation
from President Clinton and the First Lady to
perform his classic peace song “Anthem for the
Children” at the White house on St
Patrick’s Night. This was a short time before
the signing of the Good Friday agreement in
Ireland, and all those engaged in the talks were at
the performance. The Dady
Brothers are skilled and versatile singers and fine
multi-instrumentalists. Performing professionally
for over 30 years, they have taken their talents to
venues all over the Unites States, Central America,
Canada, and Ireland. Their talent combines country,
bluegrass, folk, and Celtic styles. John and Joe
have performed more than 5,000 concerts at
churches, concert halls, nightclubs, music
festivals, schools and libraries. They have shared
the stage with a wide array of international
artists including, Tommy Makem, Rick Danko (The
Band), Ani DiFranco, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown,
Kate Wolf, Arlo Guthire, and Bill Staines. "The
Dady Brothers have it all - taste, talent, and
dedication." - Tommy Makem The Cabbagetown
Ceilidh Band are a modestly endowed dance ensemble
based in Toronto. Cabbagetown refers to the area of
Toronto that was tagged when tens of thousands of
Irish immigrants arrived during Ireland’s
devastating famine in the late 1840s more than
doubling the population of the city. They’ve
been on the go for a number of years now playing
weddings, parties and ceilis throughout southern
Ontario and regularly close out the Reel Blast
dance weekend in Tronna. Overheard at a
recent event; "Hey, their slides sound like, you
know, slides...". The spelling of
the word "Ceili" is a source of some discussion.
For the CCB the use of Ceilidh reflects a broader
sense of the Irish and Scottish diaspora in
Ontario. Emish is a fresh
new sound made up of five very talented musicians
coming from various musical backgrounds. Their
influences include traditional Irish, classical,
jazz, rock and punk. They create an incredible
chemistry by rocking out traditional Irish tunes
mixed with some of their own original pieces as
well as classic Irish ballads. This blend has
brought a new edge to the Celtic rock genre. Emish,
hailing from all corners of New York State, brings
their sheer energy and band chemistry to the stage,
igniting every performance. Dave North, and
the Trio is a great favourite with local crowds.
Dave, who hails from Slough in England (near
London) has an amazing repertoire of traditional,
modern, comic, and just plain obscure songs that
make any evening spent listening to the "Trio" an
enjoyable one. Marc plays the base and the banjo,
while Dianne is a whiz on the fiddle. Fred, of
often joins the Trio has a blues guitar style that
won't quit, and when he brings out his slide
guitar, the audiences are enthralled. Dave himself
plays the guitar. The entertainment (whether Dave
alone, the Duo, the Trio, or the Quartet) means an
evening well spent. Seanache
Seanache, the
Gaelic term for storyteller, originated in a little
town called Kilrush. This small town is located at
the mouth of the river Shannon, in County Clare at
the southwestern end of Ireland. It was in this
small town that the founder of the band, Gerry
Dixon honed his craft; singing and playing
traditional Irish music and telling stories of his
culture. Gerry was greatly influenced by his family
and renowned artists such as Christy Moore and
Finbar Furey. Like many others from Ireland he not
only sings, but plays a myriad of instruments
including the guitar, tin whistle and Bodhran.
During his travels, Gerry met another musician who
shared a fondness for Traditional Irish and folk
music. Enter Joe Ernst, a native of western New
York. He accompanies Gerry with his banjo, mandolin
and guitar. In 2006 the O'Donnell Brothers also
Western New Yorkers joined the band,Colin on Bass
and Patrick on Fiddle. Together, through their
music, they take you on a memorable trip to the
Emerald Isle. 'Penny Whiskey'
is a brand new band with the old world sound. The
brain child of Kirk McWhorter and Tim Leonard from
the critically acclaimed Celtic band 'Kilbrannan'
'Penny Whiskey' promises to offer the best in
acoustic music from both Ireland and Scotland along
with home grown bluegrass and folk
influences. The foundation
of 'Penny Whiskey' is the melodic vocals of Kirk,
who also plays guitar, banjo, bodhran and whistles,
backed up by the solid playing of Tim on acoustic
guitar and mandolin. The quartet is rounded out by
Jon Carlson on bass and Paul Kneis also on guitar
and mandolin - and of course, everybody sings...
including the audience! With audience participation
songs, rousing pub sings, comedy tunes and tearful
ballads, 'Penny Whiskey' offers something for
everyone. The Dustmen play
Irish and Scottish pub songs, jigs and reels, rebel
songs, folk songs, and modern Celtic music In 19th
Century Ireland, the dustmen swept up the coal dust
in the streets. Today in Western New York, The
Dustmen provide the best in traditional and modern
Celtic music. No Kevin, No
Party, Know Kevin, Know Party! “Solo
Artist with a Full Band Sound” Voted Top Solo
Artist at the 2000 & 2001 Buffalo Music Awards!
With over 15 years of playing experience, Kevin
McCarthy has developed into one of the premier solo
artists in the Northeast. From his extensive
catalogue of songs ranging from pop, alternative,
original, Irish, rock, oldies, and off-the-wall,
Kevin utilizes state-of-the-art technology in his
show, with his own unique and live backing tracks
at his fingertips. This allows for a dynamic full
band sound. The Sons of the
Gaels are a Western New York based Celtic band. The
core of the band have been on the Celtic scene for
over 13 years. They have performed in such venues
as the Buffalo Irish Festival, Olcott Celtic
Festival, Amherst Scottish Festival, Riviera
Theatre, Shannon Pub, Buffalo Irish Center,
Lancaster Opera House, Kitty Hoynes and Coleman
Irish Pub in Syracuse and Milestones in Rochester
among many, many others. Kindred is the
husband and wife team of David and Felicia Meyer.
With Felicia Meyer's incredible voice and guitar,
and Dave Meyer's dynamic and versatile cello
playing, KINDRED brings to life both old and new
music in the Celtic tradition. Schooled in
theatre and classical music as well as folk and
popular song, they bring a compelling stage
presence to their wide ranging repertoire capturing
the hearts of audiences throughout the United
States and Canada. Though relatively new as a
band to the Celtic music scene, these five lads
bring a wealth of musical experience to the Celtic
table. They have now embarked on a journey which
will yield both vocal and instrumental CD releases.
Always a fun time, the band's motto is "Don't Get
Mad, Get Plaid" ! The Martin Wynne
Chapter of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann is dedicated
to renowned Irish Fiddler from Ireland, who also
made his home here in Western New York. Credited
with many tunes, many of which bear his name, ...
Martin Wynne was both an outstanding musician and
teacher. He was also a mentor for many to live an
learn from. Members of his family still reside here
in the Western New York area. Cairde is Irish
for friends. They play a mix of traditional Irish
music and songs about Ireland, Scotland and the
other Celtic Nations. Cairde is a band that plays
in pubs, bars and other entertainment
venues. Almost
Seamus Almost Seamus is
a group of vibrant young musicians who perform
everything from traditional Irish fiddle tunes to
Celtic ballads and rousing pub songs. The band is
comprised of Amanda Craver, Devin Flynt, Lydia
Herren and Scott Panfil. Along with some fierce
fiddle playing, Amanda also shows that the cello is
not meant to be reserved for the concert hall.
Devin is an amazing drummer, and is also perfectly
at home on the guitar or singing a rousing song.
Along with having angelic and powerful voice is
Lydia is also a fantastic fiddle player and
guitarist. Scott rounds out the group by adding a
great bass line, strong vocals and a witty banter
that will make your sides hurt. Expect an
entertaining and high energy show! Amhran
O'Ciar Celtic Music School Amhran
O’Ciar, School of Celtic Music, under the
direction of Donna Kerr, was founded in the summer
of 2004 in an effort to keep the rich heritage and
spirit of Celtic music alive in our children and
community. Lessons are offered in tin whistle,
flute, fiddles of all kinds, guitar, bodhran and
voice at the Buffalo Irish Center. Children and
adults are welcome. The Celtic
Spirit Pipe and Drum Band is an upcoming force in
the celtic music community of Buffalo and Western
New York. The band is composed of 26 members, who
together have over 200 years of performance
experience. The band was drawn together in 1999 and
quickly matured into an ensemble that presents a
wide range of piping music. Traditional tunes are
accompanied by lively sets with instumentals, which
add a new dimension to our pipe & drum
concerts. We are
Swallowtail Trio! Irish and Old time Music for All
Great Fiddle tunes! Hand clapping Sing- alongs! And
just enough humor to keep a smile on your face!!
Come with us and enjoy the Craic!! Emerald
Isle A four-piece
Irish group with fiddle, accordian, bass, guitar,
mandolin, bodhran and banjo playing lively
instrumentals and sing-along pub songs. The music of
Poor Ould Goat is a melting pot of Irish, Scottish,
traditional, global folk, world rhythms, and rock.
Played on a variety of traditional and
non-traditional instruments from all over the
planet, the sound of Poor Ould Goat is Hooley at
the Irish pub meets party at the hoppin' bar. The
shows are informal and entertaining with
sing-alongs, shout-alongs, dance-alongs, and
drink-alongs. It is not uncommon to see a former
Céilí dancer give it another whirl to
Morrisons Jig or the like. The LeftOvers
have captivated audiences for over five years. The
band’s strong emphasis on Irish rebel songs,
witty stage banter and pure showmanship makes them
one of the most unique Celtic bands. Tom Callahan is
a veteran performer whose first public performance
was with the Piarist Boys Chorale in 1961. As a
musician, Tom has played solo and in both local and
touring bands. Tom plays several instruments
including guitar, banjo, bouzouki, mandolin,
tinwhistle, bodhran, and keyboards. His signature
instrument is the 12-string guitar, which he has
played since the age of fifteen. Tom's unique voice
is rich, powerful, and expressive and his music is
captivating. Tom's audiences are often inclined to
join in on a rousing chorus of a pub favorite, or
touched by the powerful emotion from within his
songs. Blarney
Bunch Reardon
& Garvey Joe
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School of Irish Culture The Sunday Session, from 12:30pm until 1:30pm, in the Smithwick's Traditional Music Building ... Basic conversation - "Hello, my name is ...", "How are you?", etc. The Irish you need to know at the festival "Where is the music?", "Where is the beer?".... The children's song "Heads, shoulders, knees and toes" in Irish... pretty funny. Basic commands "Stand up, sit down, ..." We're also offering individualized nametags (first name only) in Irish. Proudly wear your Irish name around the festival. See us in the Smithwick's Traditional Music Building, and we'll offer nametags from 6-9 on Friday, noon-8 on Saturday, and noon -6 on Sunday. Cost is only 50 cents per nametag! |
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