We always work with national, regional, local and visiting artists to devise a line-up that provides the high-level talent that you have become accustomed to seeing at the Indy Irish Fest.
Performers we are working with for performances this year:
Scythian
Scythian’s (sith-ee-yin) brand of high-energy folk music found a resonance that led The Washington Post to state: “Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses.” Named after Ukrainian nomads, Scythian plays roots music from Celtic, Eastern European and Appalachian traditions with thunderous energy, technical prowess, and storytelling songwriting, beckoning crowds into a barn-dance, rock concert experience.
Founded by brothers Alexander and Danylo Fedoryka who are first-generation sons of Ukrainian immigrants, Scythian has been a search and love for the “old time, good time music” of many cultures. They were inspired by a tale told by their 92-year-old grandmother of a roving fiddler who came into her farming village every six months or so. Once he was spotted, messengers were sent to all the outlying fields and mills and worked ceased; everyone gathered in the barn where they danced all night and danced their cares away. This spirit is what has motivated Scythian from its inception and their success as an independent band is due largely to their finding a resonance of soul amongst kindred spirits that span all ages and races.
The Friel Sisters
Anna, Sheila and Clare Friel are traditional musicians born in Glasgow with their family roots firmly entrenched in the Donegal Gaeltacht (Derrynamansher). Being siblings, they achieve a close blend on fiddle, flute and uilleann pipes interspersed with songs sang in unison, many from their family and local repertoire.
They play a mixture of music interspersed with songs in English and Irish, many from their family repertoire. They have released 2 albums thus far, to massive success, playing all over the world in various venues and festivals and have appeared on stage or toured with acts such as Altan, The Chieftains, Lúnasa, Sharon Shannon, The Máirtín O’Connor Trio, Cherish the Ladies and Solas. The girls have won many prestigious titles and competitions over the years, most recently Clare receiving the huge honour of TG4 Young Musician of the Year in Ireland.
Adam & Jon Duo
Adam Agee & Jon Sousa began playing together in Boulder, Colorado in 2005. Moving to Ireland in 2008 to further immerse themselves in the music, land, and culture, they lived in Ennis, County Clare, taking part in the vibrant session community there. Moving back to Boulder in 2009, they continued to hone their sound as a duo. They now tour in the United States and internationally. As educators, Adam & Jon teach Irish tunes and technique at music camps, festivals and international schools across the world.
Ashley Davis Band
From Lawrence Kansas. Think Joni Mitchell meets contemporary Celtic and you’ll get something like the creative force of Ashley Davis, an American singer-songwriter whose voice drifts over the Great Plains, north to New York City, and across the Atlantic. While this mash-up may classify her work, Davis’s unique ability to capture and cross musical traditions ultimately transcends comparison.
Ashley’s soft-spoken music conjures a genre and world all of its own. Good Morning America, for instance, describes the Ashley Davis Band as “new music springing from ancient roots.” A culmination of the many influences that have inspired her over the years, Davis’s songwriting has captivated audiences on either side of the Atlantic—has invited them, instinctively, to dream. Ashley has excelled in Celtic folk, Americana, and even electronic, proving she can turn any musical style into a spellbinding story. Ashley is joined by Colin Ferrall (Lunasa), David Curley (Slide), and Will MacMorran (The Chieftains).
ARBO
Two brothers from Louisiana, living in Nashville, playing music, eating all the food in the green room.
Katherine Nagy
The St. Patrick’s Day Rogues Pipe Band
Richens Timm Academy of Irish Dance
Indianapolis Ceili Band
Laughing Jack
Alair
Mick McAuley and Will MacMorran
Check back later for more information.