Seamus Kennedy

Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Seamus 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.

"His rapport with the crowd provides entertainment above and beyond that of a normal singer."
-- Irish Insider, Rochester, NY

Over the past twenty years, GUARANTEED IRISH has delivered the music of Ireland to audiences throughout the eastern United States. They also have a successful tour of the West of Ireland to their credit. Based in Pittsburgh, Paddy Folan (button accordion), Bruce Foley (guitar, tin whistle, pipes) and Jimmy Lamb (guitar, bass) have brought an authentic and unique style to the music of Ireland. Their repertoire spans traditional reels, jigs and hornpipes, standard ballads, the new music of Ireland and
various popular folk, country and rock stet that cater to every occasion. This versatile trio displays a rich blend of instruments and full vocalharmonies that sets them apart. GUARANTEED IRISH have produced two CD's, "Out in Front" and "Guaranteed Irish Live".

Fiona Molloy

Born and raised in Derry, Northern Ireland, and now a resident of Wisconsin, Fiona Molloy has used her incredible musical talent to blaze a path from venues in the New York Tri-State Area, to the Palm Beaches and Key West, to Milwaukee, and everywhere in between.

One of the greatest female solo Irish entertainers in the United States, Fiona has performed at The White House for President and Mrs. Reagan, at the United Nations before Nelson Mandela, and sung the national anthem at Yankee and Shea Stadiums. She has entertained at Gracie Mansion when former NYC Mayor Koch hosted Paul Simon and Carrie Fisher, and aboard the Trump Princess for Donald Trump and guests. From U.S.Coast Guard Cutters, to cruise ships, often compared to Kate Smith and Joan Baez, this is one singer you just want to follow, so you can hear ALL the songs!

Halali


Halali's epertoire spans the gamut from lively jigs and reels to more sensitive slow numbers and inspiring vocals. They perform new music, as well as timeless traditional classics, and cleverly arranged covers.

"Exuberant and rhythmic, somehow both wild and innocent, delivered with captivating melodic clarity and an irresistible playfulness," says The Boston Globe about Hanneke Cassel’s playing. Such charismatic fiddling has brought Hanneke Cassel many honors and awards. She is the 1997 U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion, she holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Berklee College of Music, and she has performed and taught across the U.S., Scotland, Sweden, China, New Zealand, Australia, France, England, and Austria.

Acoustic guitarist Flynn Cohen has been active in acoustic music circles for almost ten years, having toured and recorded with John Whelan, Adrienne Young, Aoife Clancy, Malibu Storm, Footworks, and others. He has recorded two solo CDs and currently performs with Halali, The Sevens, The Chagrin River Band, and Annalivia. He specializes in Irish Traditional Music and Bluegrass and is a visiting lecturer in Music at Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts.

Singer, songwriter and fiddler, Laura Cortese lights up the stage with a radiating smile, dazzling musicianship and uninhibited delight. The fiery combination of her Irish and Italian heritage delivers a unique blend of passion and humor. Cortese chops a mean fiddle behind her rock/pop vocals. On her latest release, even the lost creek (February 2006), she couples the groove and polish of urban music with universal themes of the old world.

The Boyle Sisters, Alannah & Ellen are the daughters of Irish immigrants. They grew up immersed in Irish culture, music, and dance. They were trained in New York as dancers from the ages of 4 and 5 and have won championship competitions throughout the US and Canada. They have also won in regional and national championship Irish dance competitions; they are both two-time qualifiers for the World Championships in Ireland.

The Boyle girls have made television appearances on the Merv Griffin Show and in commercials. They have been the headliners of Celtic festivals and events and their choreographies have been performed throughout the D.C. metropolitan area. Some of their choreographies have been sold and performed by other professional dance companies.

Their School is certified and is a member of the An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha in Dublin, Ireland. The school holds classes in Alexandria, Manassas and Chantilly and has over 200 dancers.