2026 FESTIVAL PERFORMERS
THE HERE AND NOW
The band is made up of Chris Buckley (fiddle), Niamh Fahy (fiddle, vocals), Rob Forkner (Bodhrán) and Tony Davoren (bouzouki/ guitar / vocals). All accomplished musicians in their own right, together they create a rich and captivating sound full of energy that presents Irish traditional music in a contemporary context. Drawing from each of their backgrounds in Irish music, with a geography that spans the United States and Ireland, The Here & Now keep tradition at the heart of their music while widening the breadth of their repertoire with original compositions.
Their live sets demonstrate both the playful and soulful sides of Irish music; at one moment rousing you to join in a hearty sing-along and the next entrancing you with haunting and melodic tunes. The result is an experience that captures the spirit of the Irish session and the fire of the Louisiana bayou. The Here & Now has become a favorite in the Irish music scene, playing in festivals and venues throughout the United States and Ireland. Their debut album, also titled The Here & Now, was released in 2012 and features a mix of traditional tunes and original compositions. With their high-energy performances and unique blend of traditional and original music, The Here & Now is a must-see for any lover of Irish music.
WHISHT
Whisht is one of Louisiana’s newest and most exciting Traditional Irish music bands. Formed in 2022, some of the most prominent members from of South Louisiana's Irish music scene have joined forces, featuring Baton Rouge native Pete Dawson (Flute, whistles, Vocals), harpist Shannon Kelly (Harp, Fiddle, Accordion), Kentucky musician Kendall Rogers(Guitar, Accordion, Piano), and County Clare fiddler Kevin Muggivan (Fiddle, Vocals). They effortlessly combine various Celtic music genres whilst digging deep into their Irish repertoire of Jigs, Reels, Polkas and anything that will get folks smiling and heading for the dance floor. Throw in some Ballads, drinking songs and the odd sad song or two and you will feel like you are in a traditional pub in Ireland, passing a good time with the locals. Remember to hold on tight to your pint!
BETH PATTERSON
Beth Patterson was born in a swamp. Okay, more accurately, she was born in a hospital near a swamp, but that’s close enough to romanticize the origin of this Lafayette, Louisiana native. Described by audiences as “a cross between a cobra and a puppy,” multi-instrumentalist Beth Patterson is foremost a player of the eight- and ten-stringed Irish bouzoukis (adaptations of a traditional Greek instrument). Known for her razor wit and musical versatility, her performances are chock-full of drive, savage energy, and passion, laced with humor and rapport with her listeners, dishing out an eclectic repertoire of original and traditional songs. She integrates her quirky, progressive sound with Celtic music and other ethnic styles, resulting in her own sound she dubs “SWAP” (Songwriter/World/Acoustic/Progressive).
FLUTILLA
Rooted in a shared love of Irish traditional music and the joy of live performance, Flutilla brings together seasoned musicians whose diverse backgrounds converge in a vibrant celebration of the tradition.
At the heart of the group is Jil Chambless, an Alabama native whose expressive singing and masterful flute and whistle playing have carried Irish music to audiences across the United States, Canada, and Scotland since the late 1980s. A respected recording artist and guest collaborator, Jil’s artistry anchors the band’s sound with depth and authenticity.
Irish traditional flute player Scott Miller (Scot Ó Muilleora) brings the distinctive lift and driving rhythm of the Donegal style to the ensemble. An Irish speaker and practicing pharmacist, Scott balances his professional life with a deep commitment to Irish music. He also performs with Tír Chonaill Trio and The Gaulway Ramblers, energizing audiences with spirited jigs, reels, and expressive airs.
On harmonica and whistle, Steven Payne contributes a uniquely personal yet traditional voice shaped by a lifelong devotion to home-made acoustic music. A familiar presence at Irish festivals nationwide, he is widely respected within the traditional music community for both his musicianship and steadfast support of the tradition.
Wooden flute player Joseph Marino adds richness and versatility to the group. Originally an accomplished jazz upright bassist, Joseph has wholeheartedly embraced Irish traditional music, quickly becoming a fixture in Asheville, North Carolina’s thriving Irish music scene.
Providing rhythmic drive and harmonic texture, Dan Vogt brings decades of performance experience to the ensemble. A former electric guitarist in Tuscaloosa’s rock scene, Dan found his musical home in Celtic-style acoustic guitar (DADGAD tuning), later expanding to bouzouki and tenor banjo. His journey from rock to Irish folk infuses the band’s sound with both energy and depth.
Together, these musicians create a dynamic and richly textured sound rooted firmly in the Irish tradition. Moving seamlessly from driving jigs and reels to expressive airs and songs, they honor the depth, nuance, and living spirit of Irish traditional music. Whether on a festival stage, in a concert hall, or at an intimate gathering, the group delivers performances that are authentic, engaging, and deeply grounded in the tradition.
CRESCENT & CLOVER
Crescent & Clover are a New Orleans based quartet that plays traditional, contemporary, and original Irish and celtic-inspired folk music. We have performed across Greater New Orleans and in the Gulf Coast region. We have played a number of pubs and bars as well as private functions. We also perform at NOLA-based markets such as Freret, Abita Springs, Covington and Crescent City. We have played celtic festivals in New Orleans, Jackson, Gulfport and West Monroe.”
THE WHISKEY BAY ROVERS
The Whiskey Bay Rovers perform a variety of pirate songs, sea shanties, pub songs and Irish ballads using traditional instrumentation and simple vocal arrangements. The Rovers are available for festivals, faires, pub sings, and private parties and can come either in pirate garb or not.
DON PENZIEN
Don Penzien has long been a top-flight performer of Irish traditional music. It was the never- ending traditional music playing at the Irish pub he frequented while earning his Ph.D. (clinical psychology) in Athens, Ohio that inspired Don to play and where he began his exclusive use of the “DADGAD” guitar tuning with tips from such notables as Zan McLeod and Daíthí Sproule. Frequently on the road playing concerts and festivals with his many projects including Gailfean (featuring Brian Conway, John Whelan & Máirtín de Cógáin), The Máirtín de Cógáin Project, and Shared Madness (featuring Haley Richardson & Megan Irby). Don is widely recognized for his reservedDon is a Michigan native with strong roots in Irish culture and an affinity for Celtic music. Upon relocating south, he found Mississippi sorely lacking as per it’s appreciation of the Irish and Scottish traditions native to many of the state’s citizens. So he founded and for 25 years directed what has evolved into a much-revered celebration of traditional Celtic music and dance—CelticFest Mississippi. Don relocated to North Carolina in 2014 where he continues to work as a Professor of Psychiatry, Anesthesiology and Neurology at the Wake Forest School of Medicine.
And if there’s an Irish trad tune session anywhere nearby, odds are, you’ll find him there.
CATHERINE KOEHLER
Catherine Koehler has been singing and performing for a lifetime...and that’s a lot of years! Her 2nd CD, Stone Upon Stone, received a rave review in the Irish Music Times as well as notable air time on Clare FM, and numerous Irish and Celtic music podcasts. She was invited to sing with Paddy Brown at the Castle Hotel in Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day 2018, and entertained at the start of the St. Patrick’s Day parade that same year. Stateside she has appeared at such venues as The Great Lakes Gathering, North Texas Irish Festival, CelticFest Mississippi, and Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival.
Joining Catherine this year on guitar is Kendall Rogers. Kendall is a multi-instrumentalist who has been a regular in the Celtic music scene around the globe. He regularly performs throughout the United States as the “go to” musician for Ceilis and Contra dances, but is also in demand as a member of several regional/national bands one of which, Whisht!, is performing at this years Celtic Bayou Festival. He recently toured with Mari Black and with Tullamore on their Celtic in the Caribbean Music Cruise.
*SPECIAL COLLABORATION BY THE SINNERS MOVIE IRISH CHOIR*
Performances by
The Ryan School of Irish Dance
Run by Sheila Ryan-Davoren, TCRG... The Ryan School of Irish Dance is based in Lafayette, LA & New Orleans and one of only 3 Irish Dance schools in the State. Sheila is a former dancer with RIVERDANCE THE SHOW and also Lead dancer with THE CHIEFTAINS.
Baton Rouge Caledonian Pipes and Drums
The Baton Rouge Caledonian Pipes and Drums, established in 1976 as part of the Caledonian Society of Baton Rouge, provides a teaching program in the uniquely Scottish arts of bagpiping and drumming. The band's teaching program feeds the performing band which plays over 100 performances each year and is currently the state's largest band.
The Thistle Scottish Dancers and Pipers is a group of talented young people who perform the traditional Highland dances and music of Scotland. Formed in 1998 in Alexandria, VA, the Thistle Dancers and Pipers moved to Natchitoches, LA in July of 2019 where they debuted at Northwestern State University's Folklife Festival,performing with the culturally dynamic band 50 Man Machine. Since July of 2019, the Thistle Dancers and Pipers have taken the stage st the Red River Revel Music Festival in Shreveport, LA, again joining 50 Man Machine, as well as the Car Show, Farmers Market, and area Nursing Homes in Natchitoches, LA.
Dance Workshops
Irish Workshops
Irish Language Class