Meet the Bands
Blackwater - 11:30AM - 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 - 1:30PM - 3:00PM - Main Stage
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!
Stephen Murray & Steven Mullarkey - 1:30PM - 3:00PM - MCA Lawn
Stephen Murray immigrated from Ireland in 2018 and comes from a
musical family. He has been playing the fiddle and singing for 24 years.
Steve Mullarkey’s parents hail from Ireland, Co.Sligo and Co.Kildare and so has deep connections to the Irish culture himself. In his spare time, he plays the guitar & whistle in music sessions around Sydney.
Celtic Tones - 2:00PM - 4:00PM - Bligh and Barney Reserve
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.
Chloéy May - 3:00PM - 4:30PM - Main Stage
Chloéy May is a Sydney-based duo consisting of Chloé Mc Carron and Michael Ianotti. Both have been in the music industry with over 10+ years of experience. Originally from Donegal in Ireland, Chloé met Michael, an Aussie, through Facebook and have been playing together for 2 years. Regulars in the Mercantile, PJ O’ Breins and The Tea Gardens, Chloéy May are thrilled to be part of this year’s festival.
DJ Podgee - 3:00PM - 4:30PM - MCA Lawn
Originally from Tipperary, DJ Podgee is Sydney’s #1 Irish DJ. Playing a mix of mashed-up classics and uplifting remixes, DJ Podgee has been entertaining crowds in Sydney for over 15 years. He is a well known member of the Irish community in Sydney, regularly DJ-ing at big events for some of the top GAA teams in Sydney such as the Macs and Michael Cusacks. You can find him playing at some big events this year including boat parties, beach parties and regular club events.
Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers - 4:30pm - 5:00PM - Main Stage
The Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers were formed by Peter McKenna, a native of County Louth, in 1958 at the Irish National Association in Surry Hills - that is now 65 years! They perform all facets of traditional Irish dance including set dancing, ceili dancing, solo dancing and two hand dances. As the dancers perform to jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas and slides it is as though they are taking their audience on a whirlwind tour of Ireland, visiting the various villages and counties which are home to the dances performed.
Strawberries and Cabbage ft Ant Vanderstichel - 5:00PM - 6:30PM
Strawberries and Cabbage is a Sydney based upbeat Irish folk band, comprised of Cara Kavanagh (vocals/guitar) and Mark Oats (fiddle). Big events need a bigger band, so for days like this they are joined by Ant Vanderstichel (drums), another well known face from the sydney pub scene. The energy Ant brings to stage is guaranteed to get toes tapping and feet dancing.