Meet the Bands
Blackwater - 12PM - 1:00PM - Main Stage
Blackwater is P. J. Cullen on guitar and vocals, Trish Kerr on vocals and Fiona Mc Vicar on violin and vocals. A regular at the Mercantile in the Rocks, Blackwater is also one of the most popular wedding bands in Sydney. They perform a repertoire of styles (Irish, country, blues, rock & bluegrass). PJ has played for a number of famous people including the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese & at the film premier of Michael Collins with Liam Neeson. For bookings visit blackwateririshband.com.au
Sásta - First Fleet Park, 7pm, 16th March
Sásta, which means happy in Irish, is the most dynamic Irish band in Australia today. The band is made up of multi-instrumentalists who have been playing festivals, concerts and gigs since 2010 and have released three studio albums. Pumping reels with phenomenal energy, Sásta's renditions of all of your favourite Irish songs, as well as some superbly-penned original tunes and songs will have you up and dancing in no time!
Paddy’s Craic - 11:00AM - 1:00PM - Sessions Area
Paddy’s Craic consists of four seasoned traditional Irish musicians who have been performing in various venues in and around Sydney for several years. Members include Liam, an all-Ireland banjo champion, Darragh, a mighty box player, Colm, an expert guitar player and singer of songs in English and in Irish, and Vinnie, bodhran and percussion extraordinaire player. Their good-humoured banter helps to warm the hearts of every audience.
Celtic Tones - 1:00PM - 3:00PM - Sessions Area
In the great tradition of Irish music and songs, Celtic Tones is a group of talented and passionate Irish traditional musicians based in Sydney. The group plays an impressive range of Traditional Irish and standard musical instruments including; Uilleann Pipes, Fiddle, Tin Whistle, Flute, Accordion, Octave Mandolin and Guitar. The group, made up of Denis, Don, Glen, Joao, Pelle, Russell and Steven, bring energetic, driving and heartfelt Irish Traditional music and songs to every performance.
Maria Shankey - 1.00pm - 2:00PM - Main Stage
Beginning her music career in Sligo - along the wild Atlantic way, Maria is now based in the sunny Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, After moving to Australia two years ago to work as a nurse, Maria was blown away with the variety and talent that the Irish music scene in Sydney had to offer and decided to get involved. You can usually find Maria in Shea’s, Clovelly playing gigs to the Sunday Roasters.
John Costello - 2.00pm - 3:00PM - Main Stage
An Irish solo performer from Mayo, John started playing music in pubs 2 years ago. “I learned how to play guitar from my Dad and played my first few gigs in our family owned pub after hours to entertain the locals. My music taste is mostly country music and Irish music and I just
love having the craic with a few tunes”.
Suzie T & JC (The Two Biddies) 3.30- 4:30PM - Main Stage
Hailing from Donard Co. Wicklow, Suzie T (Suzie Toomey) started her musical journey playing guitar and singing locally but has spent much of
her musical career in Australia. Suzie was the lead singer with Blackwater Irish Band, playing guitar, tin whistle, piano accordion and bodhran and was a regular fixture at a host of popular venues in Sydney as well the main stage at the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Festival.
JC (John Costello) has been playing to audiences around Sydney and internationally for as long as he dares to remember. John has played with everyone from Eric Bell (Thin Lizzy), Sinead O’Connor, Sydney’s own Shaylee Wilde and currently he “sessions” with many bands in venues around Sydney. This duo likes to keep it varied, bringing a fresh sound to all those songs you love and know so well.
The Ramblers - 4.30pm - 6:00PM - Main Stage
Taking the stage as an Irish acoustic duo, The Ramblers comprise of Niall Spriggs on rhythm guitar and Dean Carton on percussion. Both share leading vocals and accompanying harmonies.
Teachers by day and entertainers by night, The Ramblers offer an array of popular acoustic covers across many genres.
Be it folk, pop or rock, The Ramblers have something to get every generation dancing and singing along.
The group’s unique take on modern popular songs, alongside classic hits, has earned them a dedicated following around Sydney. A following which they hope can grow throughout their time in 'the land down under.'