Featured Performers

Our featured  performers this year are some of the finest musicians from the local Dallas-Fort Worth area, as well as Houston, Austin, Mississippi and as far away as Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. As always, the selection process has been hard. There are just so many great musicians from which to chose, and we have just so many stages and just so much budget.

Please welcome our 2006 lineup of featured performers.

Hint! - click on their pictures to find out more about the  musicians, their schedules and available CDs. Many of them will be more than happy to play for your Christmas party, graduation, wedding or family reunion.

Amberhawke

Amberhawke, one of the mainstays of NTIF, returns this year with their strong vocal work on Gaelic sean-nos song, stirring Scots anthems, and original ballads. Their carefully-crafted vocal arrangements are as intricately woven as Celtic knotwork, hovering over a fabric of gorgeous instrumentation, creating music of uncommon beauty and depth. The members are Linda King, vocals, percussion, and guitar; Sean Morse, vocals, hand drums, and bass; and Beverley Timaeus, vocals, flute, and bodhran.

Behan

It's fitting that the debut public appearance of BEHAN was for the birthday of twin siblings, John and Helen. Earlier, at a Behan family gathering, with Clancy Brothers songbook in hand, Michael began reading then singing the lyrics to "Little Beggarman". Barney provided guitar accompaniment and the BEHAN idea was born. At that first gig, Barney Behan, Michael Behan and Carole Behan Morris performed five songs eliciting a standing ovation for their rousing effort. BEHAN has evolved to include Barney, Michael and Joe Behan, with Joe Morris and Rusty George. For years they have celebrated Irish song and dance in the comfort of their loving Catholic family. Now you can enjoy the fun as BEHAN performs regularly throughout North Texas.

Betsy McGovern

We regret to announce that Betsy McGovern has asked that she be withdraw from this year's festival for personal reasons. As many of you know, Betsy was a New Orleans resident, and was forced to leave the area after Katrina hit. She is still getting her life back in order and does not feel that she can devote sufficient time to prepare for the quality performance that she would like.

The staff of NTIF extend their thanks for this honest and professional attitude and wish Betsy all the best in the coming months. We sincerely hope that by 2007 she will be able to once more do us the honor of performing for us.

Beyond the Pale

Beyond The Pale delivers a wild musical ride outside the boundaries of convention. Grounded in the traditional roots music of Ireland and Scotland, they'll whisk you on imaginative ventures across musical borders. Expect the unexpected as fiddle, flute, hammered dulcimer, accordion, guitar, saxophone, whistles, concertina, percussion and distinct vocal styles perform well-crafted original songs to "celticized" versions of contemporary songs ranging from Americana favorites to Texas Swing; stunning a cappella pieces to rapid-firing jigs and reels; from the Beatles to Bluegrass! Beyond The Pale have been favorites at concerts and festivals for over 10 years, and have just released their 5th CD, The Music Plays Me.

Boru's Ghost

The sound of Boru’s Ghost is, in a nutshell, an eclectic mixture of acoustical rock, Celtic and folk music. You might even find the Boru’s Ghost sound unique unto itself. Even though the band has its roots deeply embedded in Celtic music, one may not even recognize an old standard performed by this five piece band. In any given performance they will play original compositions, thoughtfully arranged traditional songs and rock and roll covers. Everything they do has a style all its own. The band is based out of Oklahoma City but is ever expanding. The release of their second album is eminent and their exciting live performances can be seen locally as well as in the Dallas, Texas area.

Brothers 3

Brothers 3 has become an enormously popular fan favorite at music festivals and concert venues across Texas. What’s their secret recipe? Take 6 men and 1 woman, add 20 different instruments ranging from washboard to wind synthesizer, blend in 4 vocal harmonies, dozens of musical styles, LOTS of drums, and season with a unique sense of humor. Stir it all up with one amazing fiddle, apply megawatts of energy, and what have you created? Come see them and find out!

Roger Drawdy and The Firestarters

Roger Drawdy, of County Cork, Ireland, and The Firestarters, play a mix of traditional and original Irish music with a distinctive sound. Called "air punching acoustic rockers" by Irish Music Magizine, they deliver the goods. Thought provoking lyrics, haunting melodies, and thunderous live performances are the keys to their success. The Firestarters formed in 2000 and have played in numerous venues throughout the Midwest. Their new CD, “Open Seas, Empty Skies”, released July 2005, promises to take them to the top of the Irish music scene. The Firestarters are: Roger Drawdy: lead vocals, guitar, octave mandolin, tin whistle; Kathy Woods: fiddle, mandolin, vocals; John McBride: Bodhrán, vocals; and Aaron Zlatkin: bass guitar, mandolin, vocals.

Gallus

Gallus has delighted audiences around Texas with its eclectic mix of traditional Irish tunes and American folk music, bringing together some of the finest traditional musicians in the Metroplex. Mimi Rogers and Michelle Feldman provide fiery fiddling thanks to many years of experience as ceili and contra-dance players. Emily Bryant anchors the group on guitar while her sultry vocals blend with Mimi's crystalline voice in harmonious arrangements of traditional and contemporary songs. David Lovrien spices things up with tin whistles, keyboards and saxophone, while native Scotsman, Craig Scotland, drives the rhythm with his bodhran and other percussion.

Glass & Taft

Jenny Glass is a classical harpist who has played for the former president of Ireland, Mary Robinson, and many dignitaries. Katie Glass plays the flute and is also a champion Irish step dancer who has both played and danced with the Chieftains at Bass Hall. She and her mother recently played for the British Royal Family on their Dallas visit. Earnie Taft is an accomplished fiddler who loves playing both set dance music for dancers or cutting loose on fast paced reels. Lee Thomas keeps the band's rhythm and tempo as constant as a heart beat. Together they will blend instruments and play a diverse variety of traditional Irish tunes to please all that share their love of Celtic music.

Irish Rogues

The Irish Rogues are the premier pub band in Dallas. They have been together for 25 years, entertaining crowds with their infectious style and good humor. Besides regular gigs at Trinity Hall and Tipperary Inn, The Rogues can be found at festivals, private parties and clubs all over the area. With their ever-present song books and their good time charm, The Rogues never fail to draw a sing-along crowd. The Rogues are Ed Macke, guitar; Earnie Taft, fiddle; and John Hodgins, accordion.

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. Fueled by white-hot piping, fiery vocals, and an irresistible groove, Jiggernaut is setting out to convert the masses, and introduce new people to Celtic music. 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!" (Catchy, ain't it?)

Jigsaw

Kevin Alewine and Peggy and Ken Fleming have played together for nearly two decades as a trio. Their spirited performance of traditional Irish music has always been their mainstay and, the three are considered among the best traditional players in the region. Instrumentally, JIGSAW is talent rich, blending a large variety of instruments and vocal harmonies. Kevin plays flute, guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo, whistle, bodhran and sings. Peggy plays fiddle and remains the lead vocalist of the group while husband Ken plays button accordion, Anglo concertina, tenor banjo, guitar, mandolin, whistle and also sings. As the name implies, JIGSAW interlocks multiple talents to form one of Texas' finest ensembles playing traditional Irish music.

Jim Flanagan

A native of Baile Mhuirne in County Cork, Jim now lives and teaches in Hattiesburg, where he chairs the department of Anthropology and Sociology at the University of Southern Mississippi. A regular at NTIF, Jim has performed at some of the major festivals in the country, including Milwaukee, and of course CelticFest in Jackson. He teaches songs at Augusta Irish Week in West Virginia each summer. He performs regularly at Fenian?s in Jackson where newcomers are entertained as much by the raucously engaged audience as by the on stage performance. In his copious free time he also teaches Irish (Gaelic) at immersion weekends throughout the country but especially in Wisconsin.

Michael William Harrison

Michael William Harrison – folksinger – has been an enthusiastic member of the SCMA and a consistent NTIF performer for several years running. Michael can belt out a rousing Irish pub song and drive it home with a foot-stomping rhythm guitar; then, turn the page and sing a touching story in song with finger picking like a gentle rain. With family here, Michael performs mostly in North Texas doing over 300 shows in 2005; and, teaching “performance singing” classes at the O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat. The road, too, is no stranger to Michael who found his way in 2005 to many pub, festival and coffeehouse performances in Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi and Missouri.

NeedFire

Ready for a little rock and roll with your Celtic music? Get set for NeedFire- playing modern rock with deep Celtic roots, fire-driven instrumentals and hard-rocking songs. Energetic Celt-rock fiddler Dylan Cleghorn and award-winning Grade I Highland bagpiper Brad Madison combine with singer/songwriter/guitarist John Cleghorn, the driving percussion of Matt Henthorn and bassist Ed Walewski to form NeedFire. This five-piece Celtic-rock band from Dallas blends traditional Celtic melodies, original songs and high stage energy for an incredible show you’ll want to catch more than once.

North Texas Caledonian Pipes & Drums

The North Texas Caledonian Pipes & Drums is a recognized leader among pipe bands in the Southwest and a major competitor throughout the United States and Canada. The Band has established this standard of excellence in performance and competition under the skillful leadership of a number of dedicated Pipe Majors; most recently that of Pipe Major Don Shannon.

Founded in the mid 1970’s, the North Texas Caledonian Pipes & Drums is dedicated to furthering the great traditions of Scottish music and culture through education and demonstration. The Band routinely performs for civic, private, and commercial groups, adding a unique flair to these functions.

Over the years, the Band has established a unique standard of excellence in competition. The Band’s titles have included 1st place finishes in many competitions throughout the Southwest. The Band proudly wears the distinctive "hunting" tartan of Clan Robertson and is pleased to promote our distinctive Scottish heritage. The Band has an ongoing student orientation, dedicated to promoting programs for pipers and invites experienced drummers to audition for the corps.

Photo courtesy of Steve Farmer.

Paisley Close

Paisley Close's vision of Celtic music has left long-time fans with a renewed appreciation while making converts to the vibrant musical heritage of Celtic music. Cidnie MacNamee and Amy Price began playing music together in 1996. In late 2003, Cidnie and Amy met guitarist Bernard Schreiber and musical sparks flew. Paisley Close was born. Paisley Close made their debut in March 2004. In January of 2005, they released their first album 'All on A Day'. Paisley Close is Cidnie MacNamee - vocals; Amy Price - violin & mandolin; Bernard Schreiber - guitar & bouzouki; Rabbit Boyett - bass guitar. Their rhythm section drives compelling beats, while melodic fiddle lines ground the sound with graceful, sing-able hooks. Paisley Close's music bridges Folk, Celtic and Pop!

Poor Man's Fortune

At the core of Poor Man’s Fortune is a profound love and understanding of traditional Irish and Breton music, and almost a century of combined experience performing it. No fairy tales, just fiery tunes arranged for modern ears and played on traditional instruments with verve and exuberance. Poor Man’s Fortune doesn’t study Celtic music “under glass,” but breathes life into great melodies that happen to be a century or so older than your average Hip-hop jam. Prepare yourself to laugh, to dance and to be moved. Serge Laîné - dulcitare, vocals, accordion, bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy; Larry Rone - flutes, whistles, bombardes, rustic oboe; Mark Stone - bodhrán, vocals, keyboards.

Sarah Dinan

Sarah is a natural vocal talent being hailed by both critics and audiences as ‘breathtaking’, ‘angelic’, ‘enchanting’ and ‘beautiful’. She grew up in an environment filled with music and fell in love with singing at an early age. Since her 2003 Irish music debut, Sarah has performed with some of Texas’ most highly respected Celtic musicians. Her love of music and storytelling is evident in her performance and her voice has been described as, 'refreshing', 'awesome' and 'majestic’. Often compared to Mary Black and Sinead O’Connor, Sarah’s clear alto is perfect for her lilting songs and haunting ballads. Performing a repertoire of engaging songs from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England, Sarah and her band are a Celtic tour de force.

Seamus Stout

Séamus Stout has 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!

Tea Merchants

The Tea Merchants were formed a few years ago by Chris, Charlie, and Rob as a method by which to procure grocery money and a free evening tab at the bar. The name of the group comes from a certain evening when Chris was asked by the local music newspaper what the name of the act was. Chris, having thought the matter through carefully, suggested that the name of the group was "The Boys of the Town". Rob, reacting to the possible implications of the name, reminded Chris that the local Austin fraternal establishment "The Boyz Cellar" was located just across from where the regular Tuesday gig occurred and that the association of names might result in legal matters of copyright infringement. So, struggling to think something up, Chris chose the moniker "Delaney's Tea Merchants" (which was then shortened to just "Tea Merchants" due to limited print space for unknown acts in the music newspaper) because the name had nothing to do with anything at all. Since the little group got together, they have played nearly 200 gigs in just under 3 years and have had their band name painted in golden letters on the wall at Fado.

Threadneedle Street

If you?re looking for great, traditional instrumental Celtic music, look no further. You've found it here on Threadneedle Street! This lively quartet delivers terrific toe-tapping dance music from all the Celtic nations. Come and join Peggy Turner, Jim Brunke, Bobby Bush and Melina Shaffer as they take you on a musical tour from the Shetlands to Bretagne.

Tinsmith

Tinsmith is a high-energy folk band that plays the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland and Appalachia. 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 1998. Led by core members Rowan Corbett (guitar, bouzouki, bones, djembe) and vocalist Brooke Parkhurst (banjo, Irish flute, tinwhistle), the group also includes superb bassist Henry Cross and their newest member, guitar and mandolin virtuoso Avril Smith.

Trinity River Whalers

The Trinity River Whaler sound has strong folk/bluegrass roots with a twist of Celtic, and a splash of salt-sea spray. The Whaler Crew includes: stylish crooner, songwriter and front-man extraordinaire, Micheal Price, on guitar; Randy Christian belting out his favorite rowdy tunes while beatin’ time on the congas, turning soulful on the harmonica, adding a bit of accordion or a lilting touch of pennywhistle; Kathleen Jackson, who flat out rocks on ‘Fred’, her upright bass and blends her rich warm vocals into the mix like honey; and singer/songwriter, ‘Mighty’ Marj Troyer heats it all up with spicy lyrics and hot licks on guitar and mandolin.

ONYA

Singer songwriter Onya has exploded onto the Irish Music scene as Ireland's premier female singer songwriter, rock chick and entertOnyar. After an excellent performance in RTE's 'You're a Star'. she is in huge demand. Onya was one of the biggest success stories of the show. However, Onya was known to many before being 'discovered' by the cameras.

24 year-old Áine has been a full time singer-songwriter since she left college. Áine's unique vocals and lively performances have won her fans all over Ireland and Europe. She has received widespread accolades, with thumbs up from artists including Mark Geary, Damien Dempsey & Jerry Fish. She has appeared on Dave Fanning's 'Last Broadcast' and is currently poised to begin recording her debut CD with favourites such as 'Pass the bottle' and 'Frozen' much in demand from her many fans.

Onya will be appearing at NTIF with her good friend Niamh Hamill who manages “Adventure Ireland,” an educational and cultural program for American teens to experience Ireland in a summer camp environment.

Heirloom