2011 Entertainer Biographies
Taking the Celtic scene by storm, the Tartan Terrors, North America's premiere Celtic Event, features the best in music, comedy and dance. Bolstered by the blistering piping of a Two Time World Champion Bagpiper, the driving tones of drums from around the world, and a guitar played unlike any you've ever heard, standing room only audiences understand why Dig This Magazine declares "(The Terrors) one act to keep an eye on!" Combine this musical prowess with championship calibre Highland Dancers and intentionally recognized comedic performers and this Celtic Group goes beyond the ordinary. Member of the Tartan Terrors have performed on 4 different continents; in some of the most prestigious Festivals, Highland Games and Theatres of North America; for President Clinton; Queen Elizabeth II; and Good Morning America. They're even streaming for on-demand listening in multiple international podcasts including a coveted spot on Pulse of the Planet in Spain! Join the phenomenon of the Tartan Terrors and see why Celtic Beat Magazine hails them as "the heirs apparent to the [Celtic] mayhem."
Seamus Kennedy is an Irish singer, songwriter, musician, comedian, all-around entertainer, and author. He has a huge repertoire that includes traditional Irish music, classic Country & Western, American standards, Scottish ballads, and kids' shows: entertainment for "the wee ones." Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, has been entertaining audiences all over the United States for almost four decades. An accomplished guitarist with a ready wit and a vast store of songs, he travels the country performing for thousands of people each year. Kennedy’s ability to combine a total command of the music with humor makes him unique in the industry. His strong interactive entertainment skills and his participation with his audiences have helped him create an exceptionally loyal fan base everywhere he goes. He's incredibly talented and fun!
For nearly twenty-five years, Tom Sweeney has travelled the highways and byways of Ireland, Europe and North America with his seemingly endless rattle bag of songs, stories, poetry and tunes. His one man show is replete with the very essence of Irish culture which comes as no surprise when you consider that he has been immersed in the great tradition of ballad singing since he could speak. Tom’s maternal grandmother, Sarah Makem, is generally considered to be one of the greatest sources of songs in the entire history of Irish music and as a boy he learned many of them around his granny’s kitchen in County Armagh. Having played every state in the USA and every province and territory in Canada for many years, Tom was honoured in 1998 to receive a personal invitation from President Clinton and the First Lady to perform his classic peace song “Anthem for the Children” at the White house on St Patrick’s Night. This was a short time before the signing of the Good Friday agreement in Ireland, and all those engaged in the talks were at the performance.
A great favorite in the USA and Canada, this Pennsylvania based singer has enjoyed success all over the world. He was born in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, where he developed an early interest in traditional Irish music and in folk music. From the beginning, Gerry displayed a musical talent. He moved to the USA in the early seventies, and has been delighting audiences with his smooth baritone voice and his irreverent humor ever since
The Dady Brothers are skilled and versatile singers and fine multi-instrumentalists. Performing professionally for over 30 years, they have taken their talents to venues all over the Unites States, Central America, Canada, and Ireland. Their talent combines country, bluegrass, folk, and Celtic styles. John and Joe have performed more than 5,000 concerts at churches, concert halls, nightclubs, music festivals, schools and libraries. They have shared the stage with a wide array of international artists including, Tommy Makem, Rick Danko (The Band), Ani DiFranco, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Kate Wolf, Arlo Guthire, and Bill Staines. "The Dady Brothers have it all - taste, talent, and dedication." - Tommy Makem
Burning Bridget Cleary took form on St. Patty's day of '06 when Genevieve Gillespie joined forces with the father-daughter duo, Lou and Rose Baldino. The combination sparks a blaze of Celtic sound that is perceived way beyond the sum of its parts! The girls front the band with their fiery fiddles, bringing a lively flair of youthful intensity and exuberance to traditional tunes. Lou‘s guitar bestows the dynamic rhythm and bass end, tastefully embellished with distinctive chording. Canadian native, Peter Trezzi, completes this compelling combination with the beat of the African djembe. 
Described as bold, unorthodox, vibrant, and evocative, the "GLENGARRY BHOYS" hybrid of Canadian Highland Scots and French Canadian musical idioms has evolved into a sound that is weighty, authoritative, and extremely entertaining. Their energy and good humor, as much a part of the show as their musicianship, crosses all cultures and ages. Many things have been written and reported about this world renown Canadian alt-celt group over that last decade, all depicting their musical and entertaining prowess with varied audiences the world over, but their ability to marshal large enthusiastic audiences show after show is legion and recognized. Their objective is simple yet evocative, as stated by their lead singer Graham Wright in a CBC "Fresh Air" interview: "if our audience can only get 10% of the satisfaction we get entertaining them - then we surpass objective". Accordingly and repeatedly, they do!! From a small Scots-French-Canadian enclave in Eastern Ontario, these Celtic-Stompers, always pushing the musical envelope but never straying too far from the traditional whence they came, have earned a reputation as entertainers that challenge you to sit still during their engaging performances. Go ahead and try! 
'Penny Whiskey' is a brand new band with the old world sound. The brain child of Kirk McWhorter and Tim Leonard from the critically acclaimed Celtic band 'Kilbrannan' 'Penny Whiskey' promises to offer the best in acoustic music from both Ireland and Scotland along with home grown bluegrass and folk influences. The foundation of 'Penny Whiskey' is the melodic vocals of Kirk, who also plays guitar, banjo, bodhran and whistles, backed up by the solid playing of Tim on acoustic guitar and mandolin. The quartet is rounded out by Jon Carlson on bass and Paul Kneis also on guitar and mandolin - and of course, everybody sings... including the audience! With audience participation songs, rousing pub sings, comedy tunes and tearful ballads, 'Penny Whiskey' offers something for everyone.
The LeftOvers established a following throughout Western New York in 2001. With music ranging from popular drinking songs to the historical and poignant rebel songs of Irish past, the LeftOvers offer a large variety of rebel tunes and ballads. They drink a lot, they tell bad jokes, and they won’t play songs that make you think too much. The band was founded by Jerry Shea and Pat Gerken, under the philosophy that good music will always bring people together. Joined by piper Ryan Young, bassist Dave Pruski, percussionist Greg Kent, and singer Elizabeth Shea, the LeftOvers offer something for every Celtic heart. 
Dave North, and the Trio is a great favourite with local crowds. Dave, who hails from Slough in England (near London) has an amazing repertoire of traditional, modern, comic, and just plain obscure songs that make any evening spent listening to the "Trio" an enjoyable one. Marc plays the base and the banjo, while Dianne is a whiz on the fiddle. Fred, of often joins the Trio has a blues guitar style that won't quit, and when he brings out his slide guitar, the audiences are enthralled. Dave himself plays the guitar. The entertainment (whether Dave alone, the Duo, the Trio, or the Quartet) means an evening well spent.
Inspired by cultural diversity and fueled by a deep artistic passion, Stone Row weaves a rich tapestry of Celtic and world music, creating a seamless fusion of traditional and contemporary genres and showcasing it in their own inimitable style. Captivating originals and fresh arrangements make for a unique and exciting musical experience with a loyal and ever-expanding following. Long-time fans and first time listeners concur that this talented and highly motivated group of professionals knows how to thrill an audience. There is something for everyone at a Stone Row show. The material is influenced by elements of world music, folk, country and rock, with rich vocal harmonies and virtuosic instrumentals. Heartfelt performances are tastefully delivered with a fun-loving and outgoing stage presence that showcases the humor and uncompromising musical integrity of these contemporary minstrels. Stone Row creates their unique alchemy by featuring visionary musical interpretations as well as unparalleled original material. The music has a strong Celtic foundation but also benefits from the complimentary influences of African, Middle-Eastern and tribal rhythms along with a healthy infusion of modern attitude. Effortlessly shifting from a foot-stomping pub sing-along to a tender love ballad, or from a haunting ancient folk melody to a rousing battle song, this dynamic and musically sensitive group blends diverse musical elements to create a signature sound which reaches out to fans from every conceivable demographic. Formed by a collective of versatile performers united by a common love of music, this high-energy ensemble combines their talent and crowd-pleasing charm to make every show an event which captures the hearts of the audience. From the onset of a Stone Row performance, it is immediately apparent that there is magic at work. Refusing to be limited by the confines of convention, Stone Row forges ahead with new creative ideas, refining their stage presentation, cultivating their commitment to artistic excellence and celebrating the joys and mysteries of life.
Pat Shea
Pat Shea came to the attention of fans across the United States and Canada when he triumphed over nearly 200 other competitors, week after week on the nationally televised "Star" talent search. Emerging as the champion and grand prize winner, Shea went on to appear numerous times as a guest on the popular television show "Nashville Now". Shea has performed at venues throughout the U.S. and Canada. Some of his favorites have been in Nashville,appearing at writers nights at clubs such as Douglas Corners, 12th & Porter, The Ace of Clubs, and the prestigious, world famous Bluebird Cafe. In 2004 Pat Shea was inducted into the New York State Country Music Hall Of Fame. Pat Shea's musical tastes are diverse. His concerts are noted for the spontaneous energy between the audience and the artist, yet are carefully crafted to showcase his talent as a songwriter,the beauty and power of his three octave vocal range, and his love of all types of good music. Labels and boundaries don't appeal or apply to Pat Shea. "The hardest question I am ever asked is to describe my music, or "what style of music do you do?" . In my writing I try to deal honestly with feelings and emotions, whether they be something I have experienced personally or something I observe. If I've had these feelings, chances are that the listener has had similar feelings, and that is why I think people respond to what I've written. Everyone has experienced love,loss,joy etc., I'm able to put those feelings in words and music. In my shows, I sing music that I love".
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