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Entertainment


Featuring: Bands | Storytellers | Dancers | Variety | Cultural Events | Join our list!



Bands		 Back to top...
Gaelic Storm

Gaelic Storm's origins can be traced back to the stone age (1996), when Patrick Murphy and Steve Wehmeyer joined with Steve Twigger and Uillean piper Brian Walsh to perform at O'Brien's Irish Pub and Restaurant in Santa Monica, California, of which Murphy was the manager. This led to a number of pub performances for the next year.

In 1997, Gaelic Storm appeared in the film Titanic as the steerage band. This catapulted them into touring, where they were met with extreme success and popularity. They have toured throughout the US, Canada, United Kingdom, France and Japan.
Gaelic Storm's album Bring Yer Wellies was released on July 25, 2006 and debuted at #2 on the Billboard World Chart, #16 on the Internet Sales Chart and #31 on the Independent Album Chart. The 14 tracks capture the contagious energy of Gaelic Storm's renowned live performances. Channeling the rowdy communal feel of an Irish pub on raucous sing-alongs, driving pipe sets and spirited fiddle tunes, the band's sixth studio album was recorded in a one-month fury in April 2006 at The Zone recording studio in Austin Texas.
Bring Yer Wellies was released on the heels of the band's first concert DVD, Live In Chicago. The Hi-Def DVD was taped on September 14, 2005 before a packed audience at the House of Blues Chicago. The 2-hour video showcases the trademark energetic performance and enthusiastic audience interaction that make the band a front-runner in the Celtic music genre today.

For more information, please visit www.gaelicstorm.com.

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Ken O'Malley and The Twilight Lords

Ken O'Malley, leader of the Twilight Lords, is also the musical director of the Celtic Arts Center. As such, his comprehension of the culture from which his music is derived is no doubt scholarly, but this certainly doesn't keep him from having a great time with music. The Lord's rhythm section is undeniably tight. Guitarist Billy Watts conjures up a burnished, golden guitar tone, as thick and smooth as Irish Whiskey. The Twilight Lords are the logical connection of ancient modalities to electric instruments. Their treatment of classic songs -- such well-worn Irish chestnuts as "The Foggy Foggy Dew," "The Water is Wide" and "Carrick Fergus" -- are never overly reverential. As such, five hundred-year-old melodies and lyrics have renewed vitality, and stand as welcome testimony that the resilience of Irish Music is a counterpart to the indomitable spirit of its people. Ken O'Malley and company are fond keepers of an invaluable musical heritage, and the perfect group to experience while hoisting a few right here in the New World."

From 'Irish Whiskey, a Pint and The Twilight Lords'
By Dan Kimpel, sunsetstripradio.com

For more information, please visit www.kenomalley.com.

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Kris Colt & Black Rose Band

 Kris Colt is an American Celtic folk vocal artist, who brings with her the historical tradition of the bardic storyteller. Her focus is on the peoples of the British Isles after they arrived in America, one of the most important movements in our nation's past. Kris is an accomplished songwriter--both lyricist and composer.

Kris Colt and The Black Rose Band have played with a number of national Irish and Scottish folk acts, with one of her favorites being a Saturday night concert appearance, opening for the nationally known Fenians, at the world-famous Roxy Theatre on the Sunset Strip!

For more information, please visit www.kriscolt.com.

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Dublin 4

 Authentic Irish music requires no holidays with these boys. The rapid rise of this Irish-born foursome has had them performing non-stop, from all over Southern California & Las Vegas to their home town of Dublin. The music is strictly traditional in style and resounds with a younger generation presentation.

They have a clear vision of what music they play and how they go about their craft. The LA Times wrote, "More authentic than green beer and as rich as a pint of Guinness."

A SHOW NOT TO BE MISSED!!!

For more information, visit D4's MySpace page or visit www.gigmasters.com/Celtic/Dublin4.

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The Mulligans

 The Mulligans are an Irish band formed several years ago by Denis Murray from Dublin, and Terry McCartan, California born of Belfast decent. The Mulligans talent has taken them to various parts of the United States, Canada and Ireland. They have released four albums including Mulligan Stew, Time For One More, Irish Faire, and just recently Red Rose Café. A CD containing a selection of songs from these albums is available. The Mulligans play a wide variety of music, ranging from Irish to Country, to the standards. People are genuinely surprised when they switch from Irish to Rock with such ease but they are constantly in demand for all kinds of functions. The Mulligans are a household name within Irish circles of Southern California.

For more information, call (800) 423-1114.

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David Munnelly Band

 David Munnelly Band is led by Irish button accordion virtuoso, David Munnelly, who toured with The Chieftains from the age of 21 to 25, before forming this award-winning, and one of the hottest new bands on the international traditional Celtic music scene. Based in County Mayo, Ireland, Munnelly is taking the New World by storm with his one-of-a-kind style of playing – a living link between two centuries of West-of-Ireland culture and the Golden Age of Irish American Music of the 1920’s – incorporating the sound and feel of the Irish-American dance halls of the 1920s and 1930s.

Joined in this performance by Kieran Munnelly – flute/bodhran/snare/vocals; Fergal Scahill – fiddle/guitar; Paul Kelly – fiddle/mandolin, the singing of All-Ireland champion Shauna Mullin and the extraordinary percussive dancing of Nic Gareiss, it does not get any better than this! As featured on PBS, NPR, and BBC World Television.

For more information, please visit www.davidmunnelly.com.

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Deedee O'Malley

 Deedee O'Malley has been compared to Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crowe, Jewel and other female artists. Deedee has also been described as a female combination of James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel!

This Los Angeles Music Awards Singer/Songwriter of the Year has opened for Glen Campbell, Stephen Bishop, Al Stewart, Ambrosia and shared the stage with LeAnn Rhimes, Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers, just to name a few!

Literally every great contact Deedee O¹Malley has made in this business came from playing for a crowd of people simply for the love of sharing her songs!

For more information, please visit www.deedeemusic.com.

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Skelpin'

 Skelpin' (Gaelic for a slap, spank) is one of the nation's premier Irish-American bands. Skelpin' has been known to drive audiences to uncontrollable bouts of foot twitching and hand clapping. The band was started by fiddler/singer Patric Petrie and multi-instrumentalist Tim Foley. With the addition of internationally recognized flamenco guitarists David & Hector Maldonado, and middle eastern multi-instrumentalist, Rowshan Dowlatabadi, Skelpin' performs Irish music fused with the passion of Spain, rhythms of the Middle East, and American romantic soul. The result is a great, foot-stomping, Irish Fusion Band.

For more information, please visit www.skelpin.homestead.com.

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Wrath of McGrath

 Over the years the McGraths have performed at numerous pubs, restaurants, clubs, concerts, and festivals; most notable is their appearance at the Great American Irish Fair of Los Angles over fifteen times. The McGraths have been featured on radio, television, and stage productions. The current line up of Wrath of McGrath truly features a McGrath family venture. Evan and Terri McGrath are now joined with a son, Brendan and daughter, Kelly, with longtime friend, Jim Johnson. The Wrath’s album, “Past and Present Perfect”, features original and traditional Celtic and popular music and songs, recorded both in studio sessions and live performances. Their performance repertoire covers all types of music, from Celtic traditional and Celtic Rock, to classic and current popular music.

For more information, visit www.wrathofmcgrath.net or call (818) 636-8747.

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Storytellers		 Back to top...


Diane the Bard

 Tune up for St. Patrick's Day with "more songs and blarney than the law allows," as Texas singer/songwriter/entertainer Diane Linn unleashes her alter-ego, THE BARD O'NEILL, for a rollicking time of haunting Celtic melodies, stirring vocals and non-stop audience interaction.

An Avalon Guitars Artist (www.avalonguitars.com), Linn has engaged audiences at Renaissance, Pirate and Celtic festivals throughout the U.S. and has produced four CDs featuring her eclectic arrangements of traditional and contemporary Celtic favorites in a style she calls "American Celt."

Her most recent CD, Conversations with the Moon, also includes original songs "flavored with a taste of Texas." Her club appearances as THE BARD O'NEILL deliver all the excitement of the lusty acoustic sound, gently wicked humor and comedic mayhem of audience interaction that trademark THE BARD O'NEILL's "rambunctious meanderings" on festival stages nationwide.

For more information, visit www.dianethebard.com.

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Bill Howard

 Bill Howard presents songs and stories from the traditions of America, Europe and the world.

As an educator, Bill has used story and song as an integral teaching tool in High School and College classrooms. He has trained storytellers for the Los Angeles Office of Education, LA Unified School District, the Glendale Public Library and the Los Angeles Educational Partnership, and with Paula Randol-Smith, he authored "Round the Horn: a Sea Shanty Musical".

Bill performs all over Southern California solo, under the auspices of the Lively Arts History Association, as a member of the Flash Packet sea shanty group or as a member of Dream Shapers.

To inquire about having Bill perform for your organization, or add spice to your program, send him an e-mail at billhowardst@earthlink.net.

For more information, visit www.lahacal.org/howard.html.

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True Thomas

 True Thomas the Storyteller has been storytelling for many years. He is well known in the Southern California Celtic Community as a person who brings traditional stories to life with passion and wit. He is following the Celtic Seanachai tradition, a wonderful oral tradition that is slowly fading away in it’s native tongue and countries.

He currently performs around Southern California, and teaches classes on Celtic folklore, mythology, and Early Celtic history. On this St. Patrick’s Day evening he will be featured as co-star at the “Emerald Evening Concert” at the McGroarty Art Center in Tujunga.

For more information, contact True Thomas at: truethomas@sbcglobal.net.

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Dancers		 Back to top...


McCartan School of Dancing

 An Irish festival wouldn't be complete without some Irish dancing!

Mary Beth McCartan operates the McCartan School of Irish Dance, where students learn jigs, reels and other types of traditional step dancing; appealing to Irish Americans, and non-Irish alike.

"Everyone is interested in Irish dancing," she said. "We have students from age three-and-a-half to adult classes. It's part of their culture, but it's also something where the kids really bond and the children make new friends. And it's just attractive for the social end of things as well."

For more information, please contact: McCartanSchool@aol.com.

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Cripple Creek Cloggers

 The Cripple Creek Cloggers are a dynamic clogging exhibition group from the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura and Orange County areas of Southern California. The foot stomping, hand clapping dance they perform reflects the raw vigor of the Appalachian Mountains and the fresh excitement of our early American Heritage. Performing since 1977, they have thrilled audiences of all ages and cultures with their shows which display a special blend of musical themes, including traditional bluegrass, country western, Irish and contemporary music.

For more information, please visit www.cripplecreekcloggers.com.

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The Los Angeles Set Dancers

 The Los Angeles Irish Set Dancers (LAISD) group was formed in July 2000 by Michael Patrick Breen from Derradda, Newport, County Mayo, Ireland. The group is proud to promote Irish culture through social Irish dancing for adults. The LAISD hosts the regularly scheduled Los Angeles CEILI (pronounced "Kay-Lee"), which is a social gathering for adults to enjoy traditional Irish dance, music and song. (You don't have to be a dancer, come and enjoy the music and song and make new friends.) The group also sponsors regular weekend set dancing workshops throughout the greater Los Angeles area (some with expert Dance Masters from Ireland) and holds weekly set dancing classes ALL Levels Welcome.

For more information, please visit www.irishdancelosangeles.com.

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Royal Scottish Dancers

 Royal Scottish Dancers, Los Angeles branch, is part of an international organization - The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Edinburgh, the Society aims to preserve the traditional dances of Scotland. Through their teacher-training program, their publications and their annual summer school in St. Andrews, the Society ensures that Scottish Country Dancing is done the same way throughout the world.

Scottish Country Dancing is the traditional ballroom dancing of Scotland and is part of the ordinary social life of the community.

For more information, please visit www.rscds-losangeles.org.

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Cultural Events		 Back to top...


Merlin the Magician

 Merlin The Magician, aka Joseph Derry, has been entertaining Southern California audiences with his wit and wizardry for more than a dozen years. His unique show combines magic, comedy, storytelling, and audience-participation with a renaissance/Celtic theme. Merlin has appeared at fairs and festivals throughout the west and is a performing member of the world famous Magic Castle. Merlin stars at his own Magic Dinner Theater in Orange County and has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, The Orange County Register, and Westways Magazine. This very funny and entertaining show is a must-see for all of our family audiences.

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Christopher Yates

 Christopher Yates is "Lord Rusty", and many other characters! An International Variety Entertainer, with over fourteen years, full time experience, Yates is drama and circus school trained. He has performed on four continents, in three different languages, in a variety performance genres from corporate to carnival, theater to film.

Irish/Celtic/Scottish variety arts entertainment is however, is his specialty. In this genre, he offers a range of performances, characters, and skills, which are unique. Many of which have not been seen, before in the U.S., prior to his appearances at the Los Angeles County Irish Fair and Music Festival!

His acts have appeared on stage and roving at Irish/Celtic/Scottish Festivals throughout New Zealand, Australia, England, California, and Nevada. These Include Dunsmuir, Monterey, Pleasanton, Dixon, Loch Lomond, Modesto, Calaveras, Sonora, and Campbell.

For more information about this versatile entertainer, please visit www.rustyhappenings.com.

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McCloud the Scotsman

 McCloud the Scotsmanis yet another popular persona of Christopher Yates. Keep an eye peeled, for roving performances of this comical, interactive stilt character!

For more information about this versatile entertainer, please visit www.rustyhappenings.com.



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Cultural Events		 Back to top...


42nd Highlanders Pipes and Drums

 The mission of the band is to promote fellowship, the music of the Great Highland Bagpipe, Highland dance and the Celtic arts, and to pay honors to the pipers and military veterans of all nations. Our music is dedicated to the sacred honor of veterans of military arms of all countries.


For more information, please visit www.42ndhighlandersband.org.

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Alexandria Rifles

 Honoring the Irish Immigrants of the American Civil War


Visit the 4th Annual Los Angeles County Irish Fair & Music Festival, while each side has pledged to hold this fragile cease fire during these celebrations you can step back in history to the life and times of the American Civil War. You will see patrols roaming the grounds to monitor this lull in the fighting, with tensions running high, be prepared for any unforeseen outbreak of gunfire as these two armies are prepared to clash on the battlefield at a moment’s notice.

Union Forces: With the affects of the disaster of the Potato Famine still in their minds, large numbers of the Irish began a massive migration to America. Many arrived at the Port of New York only to be pressed into military service. A war not of their making. The renowned 69th New York State Volunteers, “The Fighting Irish” formed from the streets of New York and served with great distinction throughout the war from the first skirmishes to Appomattox.

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Celtic Arts Center

 Celtic Arts Center, of Southern California, "Preserving and Promoting the Cultures and Languages of All the Celtic Nations".

For more information, please visit www.celticartscenter.com.

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Temecula Gunfighters

 An Irish Immigrant goes West

The old west was rough on everyone, but harder still on the Irish. After fighting in the Civil War and proving themselves as equals, they still could not find a decent job. Many hired on to build the railroad from East to the West, yet they found themselves unwanted even in the wilderness. They dressed different, they worshipped different being Catholic and they were known as drinkers & brawlers.

Join the Old Town Temecula Gunfighters as they portray the life of one Irish immigrant from soldier, to spike driver, to banker, to a solid citizen. Can one man overcome the prejudice of an era that said, “ Help Wanted -- No Irish need apply” to gain respect as an equal in this new country Out West?

Presented by: The Old Town Temecula Gunfighters, Lobooldwst@temecula.com.

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Connemara Ponies

 Connemara Ponies, featuring Cashel's Award Winning Stallion, Rock of Ages!




Rock of Ages' Accomplishment include:
  • 2002 USDF 1st PLace All Breed Award 3rd Level 2002 CDS Top 4
  • 2002 WCCS Regular Working Hunter Champion
  • 2002 Amateur Hunter Champion
  • 2002 WCCS"Crickets Do Flutter By" Performance Champion
  • 2002 Custasha's Cashel Rock Champion Stallion Award
  • 2001 Supreme Connemara Champion WCCS
  • 2001 Adult Amateur Hunter Champion WCCS
  • 2001 USDF All Breed Awards 1st Place Second Level
  • 2000 ACPS Gold Medal Winner Dressage
  • 2001 ACPS Gold Medal Winner Dressage

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Emerald Society Pipes & Drum Band

 Los Angeles Police Emerald Society, or better known as LAPES is a multi-agency, social-fraternal organization founded in 1992 with the objective of fostering goodwill among the members of the numerous law enforcement officers. LAPES is a member organization of the National Conference of Law Enforcement Society. LAPES is an organization that celebrates their American-Irish culture and history. They take pride in performing with the Bagpipes and Drums. LAPES performs at a variety of events: Irish Parades, Community Parades, Weddings, Charity Events, Fallen Officers Funerals, Police Social Events, and more!!!

For more information, please visit www.emeraldsociety.net.

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Sheepherding Demonstrations

 Ted Thompson Ondrak, founder of So Cal Herding has more than 15 years of full-time experience in herding training and competitions. Ted is television's favorite herding expert, and has been featured on NBC, ABC, A&E, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Animal Planet, The Family Channel, and Good Day LA.

At his ranch in California, and other locations across the country, he offers herding classes. training, and clinics for all herding breeds. He performs herding shows throughout Southern California, and will again be featured this year (along with his students and their dogs) at the wonderful Los Angeles County Irish Fair and Music Festival.

He has been featured in Time magazine, Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, Daily News, Antelope Valley Press, Ventura Star, and has been published in the companion book to the A&E special Big Dogs, Little Dogs and the book Working Dogs.

Co-founder of the San Fernando Valley Herding Association, founding member of the Greater Los Angeles Stockdog Club, and the Antelope Valley Stockdog Club, Ted Ondrak is also a licensed herding judge for the American Kennel Club, the American Herding Breed Association and the United States Border Collie Handler's Association.

For more information about herding, call 661-433-0000 or visit www.socalherding.com.

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