Performers
CATHIE RYAN
Few Performers straddle the worlds of "Irish traditional singer" and "singer-songwriter" as gracefully - or as successfully - as Irish-American singer Cathie Ryan.
Ryan was raised in Detroit, the daughter of Irish immigrants. Her father was a singer and her mother the daughter of a beloved story-teller. Irish music was always heard at home, and she began singing as a child. She later studied under legendary shon nos singer Joe Heaney, who urged her not to ignore the other music swirling inside her American head, and to find her own voice. She first became a star during her eight year tenure as lead singer of the influential women's ensemble Cherish the Ladies, from which she launched a career as one of Celtic music's most popular and enduring singer-songwriters. www.cathieryan.com
THE DAVID MUNNELLY BAND
Irish button accordion wizard David Munnelly & his popular, multi-award winning group bring new excitement to Irish music with their jazzy Irish tunes & traditional songs, performed with a precision, passion, and energy rarely seen.
Based in County Mayo, with members from Donegal, Galway, & Dublin, the David Munnelly Band has exploded onto the international Irish music scene in the past fiveyears with hit albums in Europe, Japan & North America. Featured on a PBS-TV special, National Public Radio, & on BBC World Television's program "Destination Music," the group is acclaimed for their outstanding musicianship and exciting live shows. www.davidmunnelly.com
GEORGE CASEY
George Casey was born in a remote seaside village on the west coast of Ireland legendary for its storytelling. Growing up in a large family, George saw humor everywhere and honed his skills as a comic at the expense of his brothers and sisters.
STEPHEN'S GREEN
The outstanding duo of Dublin natives Andy O'Driscoll and Martin Doyle, collectively known as Stephen's Green, have performed at many festivals, fairs and concerts throughout the US and Europe, bringing their unique talents to a wide audience of enthusiastic and loyal fans.
Having performed at many Irish events over the years, Stephen's Green have shared the stage with such greats as The Wolfe Tones, Dublin City Ramblers, Paddy Reilly, Tommy Makem, Tommy Sweeny, George Casey, Liam Clancy, Hal Roach, Finbar Furey, Danny Doyle, the Whole Shebang, and many more. Due to their immense popularity, Andy and Martin have become a fixture on the Cruise of Irish Stars for the last ten years. During these years, they have performed with outstanding artists such as Ronan Tynan, Noel V Ginnity, Johnny McEvoy, Dermot O'Brien, Tony Kenny, Cathy and Andreas Durkin, Deirdre Reilly, Pat and Fran Marnane, and The New Barleycorns, to mention but a few. www.stephens-green.com
CRAIC WISELY
Craic Wisely is a six piece celtic-rock outfit based in West Michigan. Building a fan base throughout the midwest and Canada, Craic Wisely was proud to have their first show at the legendary Abbey Pub in Chicago. Craic Wisely's second album "Live Wisely" was picked up for national radio play in Canada, a market known for breaking similar sounding acts like Great Big Sea and Spirit of the West. www.myspace.com/craicwisely
QUINN'S IRISH DANCERS
With locations in four areas of southwestern and central lower Michigan and having over 150 students of all ages (including adults), the Quinn School of Irish Dance is becoming well known in the Midwest.
Erin Quinn began her dancing career at the age of five with the O'Hare School of Irish Dance. Throughout her championship career she has competed all over the United States, Canada, and Ireland winning many awards. She has also performed with many Irish bands including The Chieftains, The Wolftones, Cherish the Ladies, and Fonnmhor. In March of 1999 Erin was invited, with other members from the O'Hare School, to perform at the White House for President Clinton and other governmental officials at their St. Patrick's Day Celebration. Shortly after, Erin began performing with the renowned Trinity Irish Dance Company. In August of 1999, she was selected to be a member of the Riverdance Flying Squad, which she is still a part of today. www.quinnirishdancers.com
FENIAN'S PLAYERS
The Fenian Players are 7 of the finest traditional Irish musicians from throughout the state playing harp, whistle, flute, squeeze box, guitar, Irish fiddle, with Sean-Nos singing. Many of these musicians have traveled to Ireland and played along with some of Ireland's finest session musicians and performers, at pubs & workshops in Galway, Killarney, Sligo, Ennis, and beyond. Bringing to the stage the very essence of a traditional music session in Ireland. From jigs, slow airs, to reels; experience the melody and music of Ireland. www.feniansirishpub.co
