Directions to Pittsburgh Irish Festival, Riverplex Center

GAELIC STORM

It has now been more than a decade since Gaelic Storm’s career lifted off with their appearance in the blockbuster film Titanic. Musically, Gaelic Storm’s compelling originals and fresh arrangements steeped in Celtic traditional melody combined with their unique blend of world rhythms continue to broaden the musical horizons of the Celtic music genre creating new standards for generations to come. Highlights from their decade-spanning career include six Billboard Chart topping albums, a DVD, a full-length concert film featured on HD.net in 2007-2008, song placement on two EA Sports Games, a 2008 Hallmark greeting card featuring their song “Kiss Me I’m Irish”, countless television and radio appearances, and of course, an appearance in James Cameron’s Titanic. www.gaelicstorm.com

SCYTHIAN

Rousing and raucous, Scythian (sith-ee-yin) plays kicked-up Celtic and world music with hints of Gypsy and Klezmer, all infused with a touch of punk-rock sensibility. Take a pair of classically trained dueling fiddlers, toss in a rhythm guitar and the occasional funky accordion, then power it with the driving rhythm of a jazz percussionist, and you've got the ingredients for a show you won't soon forget. Their high-energy, adrenaline-peddling, interactive brand of music has one goal in mind; to get people on their feet and dancing. Their repertoire ranges from traditional and contemporary Celtic and folk music to the alluring and dramatic strains of Gypsy and Eastern European tunes, and then crosses back. www.scythianmusic.com

SLIDE

The Irish Times calls SLIDE(IRELAND) “traditional musicians with attitude” and credits the group with “bringing drawing room grandeur and high spirits together” with it’s diverse songs ,which range from soulful and sorrowful to contagiously energetic. Folk Roots Magazine proclaims,”There’s plenty of action and flamboyance in Slides’s music,” which merges “swagger with traditional expertise.” The positive reaction inspired Slide to release The Flying Pig, which Irish Music Magaize hailed as “beautifully recorded, to preserve the brilliance and clarity of solo and ensemble playing that is positively mind-blowing.” The publication awarded Slide its Best Newcomer distinction in 2001. www.slide.ie

CEANN

In just three years Pittsburgh Pennsylvania’s Ceann have become one of the most successful independent bands in the country. Over the last two years alone Ceann have played more shows than any other national touring Irish band in the country. Musically Ceann have made a name for themselves as one of the most fun, entertaining, and musically adventurous bands in the country. With their roots in Irish music, Ceann mix in modern musical styles and a cutting edge sense of humor that has won them fans across the globe. www.ceannmusic.com

CAHAL DUNNE

Cahal Dunne, "Ireland's Happy Man", and native of County Cork has a following of loyal admirers and friends that is unique in the rich history of Pittsburgh entertainment. Mr. Dunne credits his winning of Ireland's National Song Contest as his biggest break. With his winning song, "Happy Man", he earned the right to represent Ireland at the International Eurovision Music Contest in Israel. The song became number one in Europe and Ireland with record sales topping the 250,000 mark. Cahal Dunne is a composer, pianist, comedian, storyteller, and television personality. His style is rich and deep, reflecting the many strands in his distinguished career. www.cahaldunne.com

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Pittsburgh Irish Festival entertainment scehdule

Pittsburgh Irish Festival events and activities

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