Here are the bands, dancers and pipers who performed for 2009
Wild Colonial Bhoys… They aren’t from Ireland. Nor do they claim to be. But with their impressive musicality, their blistering live shows and their ability to connect with crowds all over the nation, they have forged their own unique sound within contemporary Celtic rock music. Eschewing the straight up punk sound favored by so many within the genre, The Bhoys are an aggressive mix of harder-edged rock and Irish influences. As Paddyrock Radio says, “the best way to describe their sound is to take the Young Dubliners, The Elders, Carbon Leaf and Great Big Sea, mix them up in a blender, and you’d have a Wild Colonial Bhoys smoothie! click for more info
'The New Barleycorn' ---- present their live Irish show with vitality, passion and a touch of humor, singing and playing both contemporary folk and traditional Celtic songs and music, which they have woven into their own musical tapestry of intricate rhythms and melodies. Alec and John have performed live and also on many television and radio shows, both together and separately in such places as Ireland, U.S.A., Canada, Australia, U.K.
Returning from last year is the Honorable
Turfmen from Omaha!!!
For the past twenty-two years and over two
thousand musical performances, the Irish folk band known as The Turfmen
have been delighting midwestern audiences at concert halls, night clubs,
fairs, fundraising events, and private gigs of all types. The diverse
music they play has gained acceptance on several tours to the New
England area and Ireland.
CLick here to learn
more
Mick Doyle and Dave Marsh come together to create the musical experience
Ellis Island. Mick and Dave have played at several festivals including the Omaha Irish Festival, Weston Irish Festival, Sioux Falls Irish Festival and the prestigious Kansas City Irish Festival.
Also Returning from last year....
Brennan Irish Dancers
Named in honor of Peter Brennan,
founder of the Irish band, The Turfmen, this group was formed in early
2007 in order to promote traditional Irish dance. Performing both Ceili
and step-dancing, these ladies have entertained local audiences as well
as taken part in ethnic parades and several regional Irish festivals.
New this Year....
The Omaha Pipes and Drums have been thrilling audiences with their
repertoire of traditional Scottish and Irish music since 1970. The Band
is a registered non-profit 501.C3 teaching organization providing FREE
highland bagpipe and drumming lessons. The Band offers scholarships to
members and students to encourage participation in local, regional and
national piping and drumming schools and workshops.
The band performs for numerous service, military, civic, police, fire,
and private functions. The Omaha Pipes and Drums is a member of the
Midwest Pipe Band Association and is registered to compete in Grades 4.
Throughout the year, the band competes in a number of regional
competitions. In 2004, the Omaha Pipes and Drums competed in three games
in Scotland; North Berwick, Bridge of Alan, and the World Pipe Band
Championships in Glasgow. The band finished in 6th place in Grade 4 at
Bridge of Allan, 8th Place in Grade 4 at North Berwick, and 7th place in
the qualifying rounds of Grade 4B at the World Pipe Band Championships.
Remember to Bring Your Lawn Chairs!