Gaelic Storm is back in full-force with their newest album, 'Cabbage.' The record held the #1 position on the Billboard World Music Album Chart for 3 consecutive weeks in 2010. 'Cabbage' is the follow up to their 2008 independent release, "What's The Rumpus?" which debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Chart. As many hundreds of thousands of record buyers and live music lovers know, Gaelic Storm is "a whirlwind ruckus" (Village Voice) that tours over two hundred days per year and play high-energy, foot-stomping, feel-good music. 'Cabbage' is further testament to the bands contagious energy, combining influences from rock, bluegrass, Jamaican, African and Middle Eastern music that may surprise those expecting purely traditional Celtic music. The quintet's new release once again showcases Gaelic Storm's signature acoustic sound with a brand new batch of crafted story-songs and driving instrumentals.

The quintet has seen a few members pass through its ranks over its 12 years together, but at the center of the band are Patrick Murphy (Cork, Ireland) and Steve Twigger (Coventry, England). As the main singer, accordion player and resident Irishman, Murphy is generally the recognizable face of the band and his knack for storytelling is the inspiration for many of the band's songs. Guitarist and vocalist Twigger is the primary songwriter in the band and produced Cabbage, with co-production by percussionist Ryan Lacey (Pasadena, CA), who has been a member of the band since 2003. Pipes and whistle player Peter Purvis (Ottawa, Canada) joined Gaelic Storm in 2004 and violinist Jessie Burns (Suffolk, England) came onboard in 2007. The band's line-up has remained unchanged for the past two album releases and the chemistry is apparent both in their studio recordings and their high-energy live performances.

www.gaelicstorm.com

In the spirit of their heroes - The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem - The Chancey Brothers sing all your favorite Irish pub songs, ballads, and rebel tunes. Adding in favorites from almost every Irish artist you can think of (such as Christy Moore, Saw Doctors, Wolf Tones, etc.), the Chanceys are a lively act for any occasion. Regular performers at most of Chicago's finest Irish pubs, the Chanceys are quickly becoming the favorite band for many folks. Featuring guitars, mandolin, whistle and fiddle, the Chanceys always liven up a party and if you are lucky they might even throw in a little rock and roll!.

www.chanceybrothers.com

Dubuque's own Irish dance troupe led by Ann Schroeder, performs soft shoe and hard shoe individual and group dance numbers.

Between the gracefully choreographed group dances, the darling girls in the tight curls and the simply gorgeous traditional irish dresses, you can't possibly not enjoy a performance by the Dubuque Claddagh Irish Dancers. 

The Cedar Rapids based Hooley favorite, Wylde Nept, returns playing both traditional and original Celtic flavored pub tunes using a wide range of instruments and multi-part harmonies to deliver live performances that are raucous and crowd pleasing.

www.wyldenept.com

Since forming in 1998, The Elders have set the American music scene on its ear, thanks to a skillful mix of amped-up roots rock, augmented with powerful vocals, blazing instrumentals and top-notch song writing   The line up consists of a group of wicked-fine Kansas City musicians with a passion for Celtic music, and a charismatic Irishman with a love of all things American. This combination makes for cross-pollination that is high octane and progressive, yet rooted in tradition. The Elders are fronted by Ian Byrne from County Wicklow, and backed by guitarist Steve Phillips (The Rainmakers), bassist Norm Dahlor (Tommy Shaw Band), violinist Brent Hoad, drummer Tommy Sutherland, and keyboardist Joe Miquelon (Asleep at the Wheel.) All are well-known veteran musicians having played in numerous recording and touring bands before forming The Elders.

www.eldersmusic.com