Celtic Festival Musicians

***Check Back Soon for Updated Information for 2012***

Albannach - The band name Albannach is Scots-Gaelic for "Scottish" or "Scotsman" - that's exactly what they are. All born and bred in Scotland, the members of Albannach have made it their purpose in life is to share their intriguing culture, history and heritage with you by means of music.

Not just another Scottish 'Pipes & Drums' band; they bring a new and exciting form of music. A championship winning piper, an extremely talented main drummer, bass drummers and bodhran musician bring you a brand new approach to percussion and Celtic music.

Their style of music is exciting, energetic and enchanting & promises to leave you begging for more.

Albannach Website - Myspace - Facebook - YouTube

Belfast Connection - Those who’ve been attending the Shawnee Celtic Festival for a few year may recognize some of the members from Paddy’s Well. Former members Frank Reed, Laine Walker, and Joe Hughes have joined forces and formed Belfast Connection!

These three close friends infuse each performance with expert musicianship and energetic performances that tell the story of Ireland and her people. Having spent years honing their craft in front of audiences, Belfast Connection is a musical amalgam of the well-known Irish songs everyone loves to sing along to in a local pub and folk and country influences that highlights the band's versatility and musicianship.

They invite you to share some good times and a pint or two. Sláinte!

Belfast Connection's Website - Facebook

Michael Black - is a wonderful singer, guitarist and banjo player. His solo album Michael Black was voted "Album of the Year" by Celtic Connections (Radio show broadcast in 22 states). Michael believes that songs and music "are good for the soul" and this inherent love of music continues to give him an emotional lift that can only inspire musical endeavors in the years to come.

Michael Black's Website - Myspace

The Barley Boys -

Michael Babick, singer, guitarist, and songwriter has been a professional musician for over 25 years. His inspiration for Celtic music comes from researching his lineage; trips to Ireland solidified his sense of heritage.

The lively lowland fiddling of virtuoso Arty Arymiw blends with Mike Babick’s rocking guitar and vocals; a foot stompin’ rhythm section featuring Mike Kurman on bass and Brian Fanning on drums bring it all together in a powerful sound they call their own. These multi-talented musicians bring years of experience and a fire to the already enthusiastic Barley Boys.

The Barley Boys have taken their live performances of classic tunes and popular originals from the local pub scene to the festival stages across the nation.

The Barley Boys Website - Myspace - Facebook

The Irish Lads - Performing for over three decades, The Irish Lads are the pride of the Irish Poconos. Tom, Mike and Rich like to say they perform "real Irish Music" and no matter where they perform, are great ambassadors for the Emerald Isle. They are performing in the Shawnee Pub both days - so get there early - the place will be packed!

The Irish Lads Website

The McManus Band -

Fans rave that The McManus Band is “a fresh new sound that never gets old or disappoints!”

The McManus Band is a local favorite that is spreading like a wild fire having performed at pubs, local colleges and festivals! Fronted by two energetic, fancy fiddling siblings (Grace and Jimmy McManus), The McManus Band is known for their rockin’ twist on traditional Celtic music and witty stage presence. The McManus Band weaves intricate fiddle passages with driving, rockin’ sounds from guitar, bass, and drums to produce a modern, “can’t get enough of it” sound.

Grace and Jimmy McManus have competed and won numerous prestigious fiddle competitions, but they take greater delight in spreading the love of Celtic music to new and loyal audiences. The selected crew is a bunch of well seasoned, multi-talented musicians (Ralph Venezia, guitar; Adam Whitmer, bass; Greg Burzinski, drums), having diverse musical backgrounds. Currently, the McManus Band is working on an album to be released early this summer. If you like Celtic music, rock, or folk music, you will love them!

The McManus Band's Website - Facebook

Timlin & Kane - Gerry Timlin and Tom Kane have been playing music and performing together for 36 years and have been traveling to major Festivals, Concert Halls, Colleges and Universities all over the United States. They also appear regularly at Gerry’s Restaurant, The Shanachie Irish pub and Restaurant in Ambler, PA (pronounced Shanna-key)

Timlin and Kane continue year after year to delight audiences with their offbeat humor which is a great part of their appeal as well as pure and compelling presentations of the traditional and contemporary Celtic music they love. They are invited back year after year to all the major venues they play as their music and approach is always fresh and the audience always entertained!

Timlin & Kane's Website

Juggernaut String Band- Pete Tawny and his musical henchmen serve up their goofy good times for all ages, mixing up electric banjo and fiddle jigs with those irresistable singalongs, often accompanied by intrepid audience members on jug band instruments. Cat Burbage on drum kit, vocals, celtic and world percussion; Dave the Rave Larrison on bass. GREEN BEER IS A YEAR 'ROUND TREAT!