Band Lineup
The John Byrne Band
The John Byrne Band is led by Dublin native and Philadelphia-based John Byrne. With influences ranging from Tom Waits to Planxty, John’s songwriting honors and expands upon the musical and lyrical traditions of his native and adopted homes. Combining Irish and American Folk and Rock styles, the Philadelphia Daily News calls The John Byrne Band "Edgy yet accessible, in a Luka Bloom meets Dylan kind of way"
Their debut album, After the Wake, was released to critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic in 2011. John and the band followed up After the Wake in early 2013 with an album of Celtic and American traditional tunes. The album, Celtic/Folk, pushed the band on to the Folk DJ Charts, reaching number 36 in May 2015. Their third release, another collection of John Byrne originals, entitled “The Immigrant and the Orphan”, was released in Sept 2015 to a sold-out crowd at the storied World Café Live in Philadelphia and 2 weeks later to a sold-out crowd at the Mercantile in Dublin, Ireland. His next record, another selection of originals, is scheduled for release in Fall 2019.
John has toured with or opened up for acts as diverse as The Hothouse Flowers, Ian Gillan (of Deep Purple), Gaelic Storm, Murder by Death, Finbar Furey, Luka Bloom, The Saw Doctors, The Solas, Sharon Shannon, The Young Dubliners and The Greencards. Both as a solo/acoustic act, and a full 6-piece band, John logs in over 150 shows per year, building a loyal and devoted following.
www.johnbyrneband.com
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The Bogside Rogues
The veteran Irish rock group, Bogside Rogues, is based in the Philadelphia area in the Mid Atlantic United States and is known for an upbeat sound while maintaining their traditional roots. Drawing from the varied experience of its members, the band performs a variety of Irish and Celtic styles including ballads, rebel songs, traditional dance music (Ceili) and contemporary Irish songs. Featuring Accordion/Tin Whistle, Guitar, Bass and Drums, each of the band’s members have come together from different Celtic music backgrounds to form a striking live sound that has won over audiences wherever they go, and inspired many other musicians to take up instruments in order to continue the tradition.
The Shanty's
The Patriotic spirit and soul of Irish music will forever by captured at every Shantys show. The Shantys are an Irish folk and rebel band out of Philadelphia that take pride in keeping alive the musical traditions and songs of our heritage on this side of the Atlantic. The Shantys never work from a formal setlist and always take requests from our audience as they are the rock stars! This make the Shantys the most fan friendly band in Irish music today. Stop by for the craic, get up and belt out a few tunes with us or sit back and listen, one way or another you are guaranteed to be entertained.
The Celtic Christmas Band
The Celtic Christmas Band is the backing band for The Celtic Christmas Shows in Bensalem and Delco, which are held respectively on the first and second Saturdays in December. These shows are produced by Philly Fleadh Productions in partnership with The Celtic Flame School of Irish Dance. The band is comprised of an all star group of musicians from the Philly Irish Scene, many who are playing at The Fleadh in their own bands.
The Celtic Christmas performance piece performed by the band and Celtic Flame dancers was just awarded the James F Cawley Parade Director's Award for the 2022 Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day parade.
For more information and for ticket sales, check out www.CelticChristmasBensalem.com
Killen Clark
More than twenty years ago, Kim Killen and Gerry Clark were two of the founding members of Causeway, a raucous and rocking Celtic band based in Philadelphia. Built around Kim’s extraordinary vocal range and power, the group became fan favorites from the coal regions of Pennsylvania to the Jersey shore. Years later, older but no wiser, Kim and Gerry resumed their musical partnership as Killen and Clark, enchanting audiences with their humor and harmony.
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.
http://www.birminghamsix.com/
The Mike & Callie Band
What started out as a two piece acoustic duo with Mike Shackleton and Callie Pirog has morphed into one of the most successful bands in the Philadelphia and Jersey music scene. Whether they are doing a cocktail party and ceremony at a wedding or playing to 1000 people in Wildwood, The Mike and Callie band has become the favorite of music lovers everywhere.
No Irish Need Apply
No Irish Need Apply consists of five musicians from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who sing original and cover songs showcasing the austere lifestyle of the Irish people as they immigrated to America in search of a better life. The musicians proudly highlight the Irish-American work ethic and love of family through a harmonic mix of gospel, rock, folk and blues songs.
http://www.noirishneedapply.net/
Oakwyn
Oakwyn is a four-piece, upbeat, cover band playing all your favorite Irish, Rock, Pop and Party songs. Kevin O’Shea, Oakwyn’s frontman and lead singer, handles majority of the vocals as well as rhythm guitar. Conor Moore, son of legendary Irish musician, Paul Moore, is the lead guitarist for the band. The two brothers in the band are Matt and Mike Fink. Matt handles the percussion section of the band, always bringing positive and upbeat energy to the rest of the guys and the crowd alike. Mike Fink, an incredibly talented musician, is featured on the bass. The band originated in 2017 after Kevin met Conor’s father, Paul. Paul then introduced Kevin to Conor and the rest is history. The band’s name comes from the street that Conor, Matt, and Mike grew up on - Oakwyn Road.
Clancy's Pistol
Formed circa 2011, Clancy’s Pistol has evolved through many of thoughts and ideas to make it what it is today. Forever evolving and striving to be the best while promoting our heritage and traditions. Available in 3 piece full electric, acoustic and smaller acoustic setups. Irish rock and roll with traditional twist, non-traditional and classic rock covers.
The Natterjacks
Formed in 2019, The Natterjacks emerged from a core group which has been playing Irish, Rock, and Party music together in the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey area for several years. With decades of musical experience among their members, The Natterjacks set out to make sure that you, their audience, is having as much fun watching and listening as they are while performing. With a signature sound inclusive of a mix of both their Irish and Celtic heritage as well as their American heritage with quintessential rock and roll classics mixed with some of the latest and greatest party hits, there’s something for everyone in a Natterjacks’ show!
What is a Natterjack? Native to parts of Ireland and Western Europe, Natterjacks are toads that are known for their over-the-top boisterous and ridiculous mating call; also, unlike other toads, the natterjack doesn't hop but has a swaggering strut-like walk instead. ...a fitting name if ever there was one!
Stall The Digger
An up and coming Irish acoustic duo focused on playing Traditional Irish Pub, Rebel and modern/classic rock tunes. Gary O'Neill hails from County Derry, Jim Gilboyne from Northeast Philly. Both originally from Clancy's Pistol, decided to slow things down a bit and get back to their roots.
The Bill Whitman Trad Sessions
Ballad and Instrumental
The Trad Sessions at The Fleadh have proven to be one of the most anticipated events of the festival. Previously led by John Byrne and Bill Whitman, musicians from all over would attend to play music with others. We unfortunately lost Bill this past year, so our sessions our now named in his honor.
Sessions this year will be led by John Byrne and Fintan Malone, and will have representatives from multiple trad and ceili groups who come share their talents. The Scubadelphia Trad stage will be on the main stage inside the Pub at Nick's Roast Beef. So, when you need a break from the big bands and crowds, head in for a pint and some traditional Irish music.
