2019 Sherman Celtic festival performers
CLEGHORN is America's Celtic Rock Band!
The musical engine of CLEGHORN is renowned fiddler Dylan Cleghorn and his father, the legendary Texas guitarist John Cleghorn. CLEGHORN’s unique brand of “Celtic rock” mixes their original songwriting with high energy fiddle and bagpipe tunes.
The Celtic Music News review of CLEGHORN's album states: "The robust and pristine sound of Dylan Cleghorn's fiddle is wrapped in heavy pop rock rhythms that approach anthemic intensity. John Cleghorn, adding his original songwriting, screaming guitar riffs and golden vocal melodies, reveals himself as a man who truly knows rock."
The performances of CLEGHORN have enamored audiences and stirred up festivals across North America. Dylan and John have been acclaimed as charismatic performers who even go as far as leaving the stage to play among the crowd during their concerts.
CLEGHORN promotes an energetic and uplifting show for all ages that should not be missed.
The musical engine of CLEGHORN is renowned fiddler Dylan Cleghorn and his father, the legendary Texas guitarist John Cleghorn. CLEGHORN’s unique brand of “Celtic rock” mixes their original songwriting with high energy fiddle and bagpipe tunes.
The Celtic Music News review of CLEGHORN's album states: "The robust and pristine sound of Dylan Cleghorn's fiddle is wrapped in heavy pop rock rhythms that approach anthemic intensity. John Cleghorn, adding his original songwriting, screaming guitar riffs and golden vocal melodies, reveals himself as a man who truly knows rock."
The performances of CLEGHORN have enamored audiences and stirred up festivals across North America. Dylan and John have been acclaimed as charismatic performers who even go as far as leaving the stage to play among the crowd during their concerts.
CLEGHORN promotes an energetic and uplifting show for all ages that should not be missed.
Skeleton McKee
Skeleton McKee brings the best of rock and rollicking Celtic roots/folk/rock, pub songs, and a wee bit of trad, blues and country. This band keeps your toes tapping and your hands clapping with a dose of humor on the side. Skeleton McKee is a favorite working band in the DFW music scene, with Celtic infused entertainment featuring great vocal harmonies, precision instrumentation and intricate rhythms. Skeleton McKee comprises jovial, experienced musicians who combine impressively diverse backgrounds to deliver the cream of the Celtic tradition. Once you experience a live show, you’ll know why their slogan is “All for fun and fun for all!”
Members of the band include: Marj Troyer (mandolin, banjo, electric guitar, vocals); Betsy Cummings (piano accordion, bodhran, vocals); Garren Bagley (acoustic guitar, vocals); Patrick McGuire (electric bass, vocals); Trae Hamilton (drums, percussion).
Please visit our website at www.skeletonmckee.com for our up-to-date gig schedule, band photos and CD sales. You can also follow them on Facebook or send your comments at skeletonmckee@yahoo.com!
Members of the band include: Marj Troyer (mandolin, banjo, electric guitar, vocals); Betsy Cummings (piano accordion, bodhran, vocals); Garren Bagley (acoustic guitar, vocals); Patrick McGuire (electric bass, vocals); Trae Hamilton (drums, percussion).
Please visit our website at www.skeletonmckee.com for our up-to-date gig schedule, band photos and CD sales. You can also follow them on Facebook or send your comments at skeletonmckee@yahoo.com!
plunk murray
Celtic Pub Rock from Dallas, TX
If you've ever lifted a pint with good friends at a local pub, or heard a song that reminds you of an old friend, then you know the spirit of Irish music already, even if you're not Irish yourself. Dallas-based Plunk Murray brings that spirit of friendship and fun to the stage with every performance. Audience sing-alongs, pint-raising toasts and plenty of Irish humor make Plunk Murray a great fit for any event where a good time is the goal.
While primarily a Celtic band, playing everything from traditional Irish tunes from The Dubliners and The Irish Rovers to more modern Irish songs by The Pogues and Flogging Molly, you're also likely to hear a wide range of "not-so" Irish songs as well. On any given night you may here songs by Merle Haggard, The Cure, Men at Work or the Beatles.
Since the band's inception in 2013, Plunk Murray has impressed crowds at the North Texas Irish Festival, The Sherman Celtic Festival, pubs all across Texas and Oklahoma and at countless private functions.
Founded by DFW music scene veteran, Johnny Zercher, the band boasts a group of incredibly talented multi-instrumentalist musicians who play accordion, mandolin, tenor banjo, Irish whistle, acoustic guitar, bass, drums, Irish percussion along with fantastic 3 or 4 part vocal harmonies.
Named after Johnny’s Great Great Grandfather, a 19th Century Scots-Irish immigrant, Plunk Murray is proud of the reputation they've established as one of the most fun and exciting Irish bands in North Texas. At home on large festival stages, small pubs and just about everything in between, Plunk Murray always puts on a great performance that will have you singing along, lifting a pint and cheering for more.
If you've ever lifted a pint with good friends at a local pub, or heard a song that reminds you of an old friend, then you know the spirit of Irish music already, even if you're not Irish yourself. Dallas-based Plunk Murray brings that spirit of friendship and fun to the stage with every performance. Audience sing-alongs, pint-raising toasts and plenty of Irish humor make Plunk Murray a great fit for any event where a good time is the goal.
While primarily a Celtic band, playing everything from traditional Irish tunes from The Dubliners and The Irish Rovers to more modern Irish songs by The Pogues and Flogging Molly, you're also likely to hear a wide range of "not-so" Irish songs as well. On any given night you may here songs by Merle Haggard, The Cure, Men at Work or the Beatles.
Since the band's inception in 2013, Plunk Murray has impressed crowds at the North Texas Irish Festival, The Sherman Celtic Festival, pubs all across Texas and Oklahoma and at countless private functions.
Founded by DFW music scene veteran, Johnny Zercher, the band boasts a group of incredibly talented multi-instrumentalist musicians who play accordion, mandolin, tenor banjo, Irish whistle, acoustic guitar, bass, drums, Irish percussion along with fantastic 3 or 4 part vocal harmonies.
Named after Johnny’s Great Great Grandfather, a 19th Century Scots-Irish immigrant, Plunk Murray is proud of the reputation they've established as one of the most fun and exciting Irish bands in North Texas. At home on large festival stages, small pubs and just about everything in between, Plunk Murray always puts on a great performance that will have you singing along, lifting a pint and cheering for more.
selkie girls
Originally formed in 2013, The Selkie Girls have firmly established themselves as a mainstay in the North Texas folk music scene. With dozens of music and art festivals under their belt, as well as numerous television appearances, the band has toured throughout the States, never failing to captivate audiences with their unique instrumentation, lush harmonies, and dynamic arrangements. The band (Alli Johnson: vocals/guitar, Jaycie Skidmore: vocals/flutes/penny whistles, Dave Ervin: vocals/guitar/mandolin, Joel Black: upright and fretless acoustic bass, Martin McCall: percussion, and Linda Mudd: harp) draws upon a vast repertoire of ancient and contemporary ballads, traditional Irish and Scottish songs (often sung in the native tongue), and foot-stomping jigs and reels, creating a truly eclectic and affecting musical experience.
Their debut album, The Parting Glass (2013) has been well-received both critically and commercially, with the title track garnering international attention. For their sophomore effort, Long Time Traveling (2015), the band expanded its sound with more intricate arrangements, further pushing the envelope of contemporary folk music. The lead-off track, “The Gaelic Song,” won the Celtic Radio Music Award for “Best Song of 2015” in the Roots Traditional category. For their third album, The Pirate Queen (2016), the band focused on strong female historical figures, including Grace O’Malley and Princess Louise, and continued to refine their sound, amalgamating more influences—both modern and past—in yet another distinct sonic expression of melody, harmony, and rhythm. All three albums have received rave reviews—from both fans and press alike—and have sold steadily at live shows and online via iTunes and Amazon, with numerous tracks receiving airplay on stations throughout the world.
Their debut album, The Parting Glass (2013) has been well-received both critically and commercially, with the title track garnering international attention. For their sophomore effort, Long Time Traveling (2015), the band expanded its sound with more intricate arrangements, further pushing the envelope of contemporary folk music. The lead-off track, “The Gaelic Song,” won the Celtic Radio Music Award for “Best Song of 2015” in the Roots Traditional category. For their third album, The Pirate Queen (2016), the band focused on strong female historical figures, including Grace O’Malley and Princess Louise, and continued to refine their sound, amalgamating more influences—both modern and past—in yet another distinct sonic expression of melody, harmony, and rhythm. All three albums have received rave reviews—from both fans and press alike—and have sold steadily at live shows and online via iTunes and Amazon, with numerous tracks receiving airplay on stations throughout the world.
string theory
String Theory is a Celtic folk band that specializes in high energy Irish trad tunes and songs. Recently ranked one of the top 4 Irish Bands in Texas by the Dallas Observer, the band features Jesse Ramirez on guitar and mandolin, D/FW fiddle legend Linda Relph, Nathan Kennedy on fiddle, Bill Zauner on upright bass, and Matt Cook on vocals, octave mandolin and bodhran.
The band premiered in 2015 with performances at The Celt and Trinity Hall and has since had over 60 shows between those two pubs. In 2015 they were selected to open for Celtic Thunder’s Emmet Cahill. They performed at NTIF in 2016 and 2017, Irishfest Atlanta in 2016, the 2015 O’Flaherty Retreat, the 2017 and upcoming 2018 McKinney Celtic Music Festival, 2017 and 2018 Sherman Celtic Festival and 2018 Irving Canal Fest. The band was the headline performer at the 2016 and 2017 City of Allen’s Shamrock Shindig St. Patrick’s festival. They also have an active Celtic wedding and private party schedule. You can find them at StringTheoryIrish on all social media and www.stringtheoryirish.com. Their recently re-released CD self titled String Theory is available at Amazon and iTunes.
The band premiered in 2015 with performances at The Celt and Trinity Hall and has since had over 60 shows between those two pubs. In 2015 they were selected to open for Celtic Thunder’s Emmet Cahill. They performed at NTIF in 2016 and 2017, Irishfest Atlanta in 2016, the 2015 O’Flaherty Retreat, the 2017 and upcoming 2018 McKinney Celtic Music Festival, 2017 and 2018 Sherman Celtic Festival and 2018 Irving Canal Fest. The band was the headline performer at the 2016 and 2017 City of Allen’s Shamrock Shindig St. Patrick’s festival. They also have an active Celtic wedding and private party schedule. You can find them at StringTheoryIrish on all social media and www.stringtheoryirish.com. Their recently re-released CD self titled String Theory is available at Amazon and iTunes.
three pints and a glass
“Three Pints and a Glass” are a group of skilled traditional musicians assembled from across the United States and the globe. Their passion for traditional music transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, developing into a unique sound stemming from the group’s collective array of backgrounds, life and musical experiences. Their driving fiddle, banjo and mandolin melodies, captivating uilleann piping, masterful bouzouki playing, and brilliant bodhrán beating is based in the Irish tradition, but includes influences from Scottish, Cape Breton, American Folk and other genres. After years of playing together informally, and ultimately forming a group in 2016, “Three Pints and a Glass” are thrilled to be making music together on stages both large and small.
North Texas School of Irish Music
The North Texas School of Irish Music is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization that is part of the School of Irish Music Inc. The school was formed to provide goals, structure, and performance opportunities for young people who are interested in learning Irish music. We also provide an avenue for private lessons for adults, and help them connect with other playing outlets such as the Dallas Slow Sessions adult learning group operated by Jim Wells (www.dallasslowsessions.com).
The school was originally formed as part of the Traditional Irish Music Education Society, but as the success of the school quickly grew along with its size, TIMES unanimously agreed to spin off the organization into its own entity. The school owes much to the leadership of TIMES for their support and guidance and looks forward to continued good relations.
The school was originally formed as part of the Traditional Irish Music Education Society, but as the success of the school quickly grew along with its size, TIMES unanimously agreed to spin off the organization into its own entity. The school owes much to the leadership of TIMES for their support and guidance and looks forward to continued good relations.
Giants of the Causeway
Giants of the Causeway is a band of siblings Joseph, Libby and Caroline Davis and their lifelong friend, Audrey Dalton. Their sound includes traditional Irish tunes and songs, American Folk and they will occasionally sneak in a show tune.
Caroline, on Celtic harp, piano and flutes, and Joseph, on guitar, have performed throughout the Dallas area at music festivals and events as members of Harps Accord. Festivals include NTIF, the Sherman Celtic Festival and Highland Games, Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games, Sherwood Forest Celtic Gathering, and the McKinney Celtic Music Festival. Libby joins her siblings playing bass and Cajon. Audrey, with her musical theater background, adds a powerful and emotive voice to the band’s tunes.
Caroline, on Celtic harp, piano and flutes, and Joseph, on guitar, have performed throughout the Dallas area at music festivals and events as members of Harps Accord. Festivals include NTIF, the Sherman Celtic Festival and Highland Games, Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games, Sherwood Forest Celtic Gathering, and the McKinney Celtic Music Festival. Libby joins her siblings playing bass and Cajon. Audrey, with her musical theater background, adds a powerful and emotive voice to the band’s tunes.
sarah copus
Sarah Copus is an award-winning, Billboard charting singer/songwriter and harpist. She has been performing and recording for over 7 years with her parent's platinum selling band, 2002, and more recently as a solo artist. For a musician under 16, she has had some extraordinary success: two albums hit the Billboard charts that feature her as lead singer, radio airplay across hundreds of stations worldwide, and a Best Vocal Album award at the Zone Music Reporter Awards Show in 2015. Her 2017 album “Moorland Winds” was accepted into the first round voting for the 60th GRAMMY Awards.
Her first recordings in the Irish language appear on the album “Winter Air” in 2013 when she was only 9 years old. Sarah has also been featured as a soloist at concerts with major touring artists like Celtic Woman and The Irish Tenors. In July 2016, she sang a duet with Emmet Cahill of Celtic Thunder during his performance in Dallas. She has also performed as an opening act for Irish musical sensations, Téada at their “Irish Christmas in America” tour.
Sarah is an active member in the Texas Celtic music scene, performing at venues including: Allen Civic Auditorium, North Texas Irish Festival, Trinity Hall, The Celt, Sherwood Forest Faire, Poor David’s Pub, Lone Star Wine Cellars, Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games, and The Sherman Celtic Festival. Sarah sings in Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Italian, Welsh, and English.
Her first recordings in the Irish language appear on the album “Winter Air” in 2013 when she was only 9 years old. Sarah has also been featured as a soloist at concerts with major touring artists like Celtic Woman and The Irish Tenors. In July 2016, she sang a duet with Emmet Cahill of Celtic Thunder during his performance in Dallas. She has also performed as an opening act for Irish musical sensations, Téada at their “Irish Christmas in America” tour.
Sarah is an active member in the Texas Celtic music scene, performing at venues including: Allen Civic Auditorium, North Texas Irish Festival, Trinity Hall, The Celt, Sherwood Forest Faire, Poor David’s Pub, Lone Star Wine Cellars, Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games, and The Sherman Celtic Festival. Sarah sings in Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Italian, Welsh, and English.
gaelic youth chorus
The North Texas Gaelic Youth Chorus is a youth group of singers age 8-18 who perform Irish folk songs harmonized in a chorus. The songs are mostly in the Irish and Scottish languages (called Gaelic) and are traditional in nature. The chorus is part of the North Texas School of Irish Music. The group has performed with many leading touring shows including with:
- Celtic Woman
- Irish Tenors
- Celtic Thunder
- Teada/Irish Christmas In America