2018 Performers Below.
The High Kings
Ten years ago, four Irish singers, performers and songwriters decided to take a calculated risk. The constituent parts of The High Kings each had a wealth of history in the music business behind them, but knew that in order to maintain any level of creative interest they would have to boldly go where no other Irish ballad group had gone before. In truth, back in the mid-late noughties, Ireland needed a group like The High Kings. The heyday of ballad groups such as The Clancy Brothers and The Dubliners was a distant memory for generations of music fans, and to have another bunch of Irish lads taking up the baton and continuing the tradition was great news to thousands of fans worldwide. The November 2017 release of DECADE-BEST OF THE HIGH KINGS was received with rave reviews and record sales figures with the band again topping the Irish Album Charts and returning to the Billboard World Music Charts once again. The DECADE World Tour promises a joyous trip down Memory Lane, to the music and song of yesteryear, this time performed in a contemporary style and arrangement which still remains true to the original. Here’s to the next ten years . . . Here’s to The High Kings
Visit The High Kings website for more information on the band: https://www.thehighkings.com/
JigJam
They are a multi-award winning quartet from the heart of the midlands in Ireland. Blending the best of traditional Irish music with Bluegrass and Americana in a new genre which has been branded as ‘I-Grass’ or “CeltGrass”, their onstage energy along with their virtuosic musical ability has captivated audiences throughout the world. They have now developed their own unique style of music influenced by American Folk music whilst staying true to their Irish roots. Described as ‘The best Irish group so far in bluegrass’ this sharply dressed outfit deliver an energy-fuelled, foot-stomping live performance. All multi-instrumentalists, JigJam interchange between banjos, guitars, fiddles, mandolins and double bass onstage which creates an experience which is pleasing to both the eye and the ear.
Visit JigJam website for more information on the band: http://www.jigjam.ie/
The Lads of Dubuque
Dubuque’s Own – The Lads is a collection of local talent that enjoys celebrating their Irish and American roots. Featuring vocals, piano, guitar, whistles and fiddle, The Lads play favorite Irish pub melodies, ballads and rebels songs. Should you stop down, be prepared to sing along with this group of Irish partiers because they believe the real joy of a Hooley is best realized when all are engaged and active. So bring your thirst for fun and song and be prepared to raise your voices and bevies to all that is great about being Irish American!
Band members – Kevin Walsh, Rob McCullough, Jim Mueller, Bill Thurm, Laura Calhoun and Patrick Reidy
Ballyheigue
Ballyheigue is a six piece band specializing in traditional instrumental and vocal Irish songs. Comprised of family members Jim, Allison and Emily Ott with Rob McCullough, Seth Enz and Carl Droessler. They have played at various locations around Dubuque and opened for the High Kings in 2016 , We Banjo 3 in 2017 and Gaelic Storm in 2018.