2026 Entertainers
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 AT 12:00PM
Rosin Dubh
Les Lannom and Holly Kee make up the duo of Roisin Dubh. For over a decade, the pair has represented their hometown of Johnston City, Illinois, combining their talents to bring their own unique sound to traditional Celtic folk music.
Les has had a long and distinguished career, being a vital part of every aspect of the entertainment industry for nearly five decades, working with such legends as Henry Fonda, Sidney Poitier, Lee Marvin, David Janssen, and Leonard Reed. Already an accomplished vocalist and guitarist, Les took up the bagpipes at the age of 40. He teamed up with Holly in 2008 after hearing her play the piano during a visit home from California.
Holly is no stranger to the entertainment industry in Southern Illinois. She played in a rock band, Midnight 12:01, and was the only female member of The Blue Shadows, an oldies band, and currently shares her talent on the piano at the 20s Hideout in Marion every week. She also directed or assisted with several school and community musical productions including “The Music Man,” “Cinderella,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Grease,” where she directed Les in the role of “Vince Fontaine.”
The pair has expanded their sound to other musical genres and is expanding their performance venues outside of Southern Illinois.
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 AT 2:15PM
Shennanigans & Malarky
The Irish-American group Shenanigans & Malarkey consists of three talented musicians, one a music teacher, one a physics professor and one an Arkansas singer/songwriter! It’s the audiences’ challenge to guess who are the Shenanigans and who is Malarkey. Those three are Dorothy McDaniel, Ruth Ann Levinson and Tom Connelley. Each has performed around Southern Illinois for decades. Their repertoire isn’t all Irish/Celtic traditional tunes but has elements of classic and modern Americana (for lack of a better term.) One may even hear a three-part vocal harmony. Dorothy and Ruth Ann are multi-instrumentalists and Tom claims to play some banjo but refrains from doing so. You will find them highly entertaining and comical at times all the while respecting their cherished Celtic traditions. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind collection of Southern Illinois’ finest!
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 AT 4:30PM
Broken Brogue
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 AT 6:30PM
Snowbird Street Band
The Snowbird Street Band is Betsy Brink and Cody Dawkins, her on acoustic guitar, him on banjo, both singing. You could call their sound folk-rock meets bluegrass, but finding a label that does them justice is a challenge. Their music displays a fire, energy, virtuosity, and wonderful amiability. They absolutely rock, have to be seen to be believed.
The two met in Alaska, and soon migrated to Key West, where they played non-stop–everywhere from clubs and coffee houses to seaside streetcorners. A couple years ago they relocated to Southern Illinois, where Cody is from, and have become one of the region’s most popular acts.
SUNDAY, APRIL 26
SUNDAY, APRIL 26 AT 12:00PM
Skibbereen
Springfield, Illinois-based Skibbereen is a powerhouse of Celtic-inspired rock and folk, blending tradition with a modern, high-energy edge. What began as an idea from guitarist Hank Helton in 2010 quickly grew into something greater—a band that breathes new life into old tunes, crafts striking original songs, and infuses everything they touch with a vibrant, rock-and-roll sensibility.
Now a dynamic four-piece, Skibbereen delivers a rich sound driven by guitar, violin, bass, and drums, layered with soaring three-part harmonies. Whether reimagining timeless melodies or performing their own signature compositions, they create music that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly new. Tom Myers – Bass Rachel Helton – Violin, vocals Colin Helton Drums, vocals Hank Helton Guitar, vocals
SUNDAY, APRIL 26 AT 1:30PM
Gaelic Origins
Based in O’Fallon, Illinois, Gaelic Origins Irish Dance shares the vibrant traditions of Irish dance with students of all ages. Led by certified instructor Fiona Hershberger, TCRG, the school offers classes in both hard and soft shoe, community céilí events, and performance opportunities. Known for lively and engaging showcases, Gaelic Origins brings energy, tradition, and artistry to every stage.Learn more at www.gaelicorigins.com.
SUNDAY, APRIL 26 AT 2:15PM
Stitchgivers
2025 PERFORMERS
On the Lash
A fiery force in the world of Irish traditional music, On The Lash reimagines the genre with raw energy, fearless originality, and a deep respect for its roots. Seamlessly blending classic ballads with inventive arrangements and fresh interpretations, this dynamic ensemble captures the boundless spirit of Irish folk music.
Formed in early 2021, OTL hit the ground running with a debut tour through Pennsylvania and Delaware, and they haven’t slowed down since. Their high-caliber performances have taken them to major festivals and concert halls across the U.S., from the KVMR Celtic Fest in California to the Longs Peak Highland Festival in Colorado. Beyond the stage, OTL is passionate about sharing their knowledge, offering educational workshops to inspire the next generation of musicians.
John Robey – Fiddle, vocals Patrick Hartson – Guitar, vocals Joel Tyrone Myers – Mandolin, vocals Elizabeth June – Flute, lead vocals
Based in O’Fallon, Illinois, Gaelic Origins Irish Dance shares the vibrant traditions of Irish dance with students of all ages. Led by certified instructor Fiona Hershberger, TCRG, the school offers classes in both hard and soft shoe, community céilí events, and performance opportunities. Known for lively and engaging showcases, Gaelic Origins brings energy, tradition, and artistry to every stage.Learn more at www.gaelicorigins.com.
Southern Illinois-based duo Róisín Dubh (Pronounced Rowsheen Dove) blends the soul of Irish and Scottish folk with its own distinctive flair. Featuring the powerful Great Highland Pipes, Ceilidh bagpipes, and an array of instruments including guitar, whistle, harmonica, vocals, and keyboard, this duo brings traditional melodies to life with energy and authenticity. Whether performing stirring ballads or lively dance tunes, Róisín Dubh delivers a rich and captivating musical experience.
Holly Kee – Keyboard, vocals Les Lannom – Pipes, guitar, whistle, harmonica, vocals
Hailing from Milwaukee, Cat and Hare is a vibrant Irish traditional music quartet that breathes new life into the reels, jigs, and airs of Ireland and Scotland. Armed with fiddle, concertina, tenor banjo, bodhrán, and bouzouki, the group weaves together archival gems, classic recordings, and modern inspirations to create a sound both timeless and fresh. Founded just before the Great Pause of 2020, Cat and Hare has since become a staple of the Milwaukee folk scene. Its members are also dedicated educators, teaching at the Irish Fest School of Music and performing in various Irish music groups across the region.
Amy Richter – Bodhrán, spoons, percussion Olivia Langby – Fiddle, concertina Christian Wandzala – Tenor banjo, harp, bouzouki, voice, tin whistle Jeff Ksiazek – Bouzouki, tin whistle
True to their name, na Skylark (“the skylarks” in Irish) soars through the old tunes and songs of Ireland and the Celtic lands with grace and artistry. This accomplished trio specializes in historical instruments and traditional melodies, weaving them into an immersive musical journey that is as moving as it is mesmerizing. Their performances leave audiences smiling, laughing, and with a deeper connection to the heartbeat of Celtic tradition. Lorinda Jones – Irish harp, tin whistle, appalachian dulcimer Cathy Wilde – Uilleann Pipes, Irish flute, tin whistle, bodhran Jannell Canerday – Vocals, fiddle, anglo concertina
Springfield, Illinois-based Skibbereen is a powerhouse of Celtic-inspired rock and folk, blending tradition with a modern, high-energy edge. What began as an idea from guitarist Hank Helton in 2010 quickly grew into something greater—a band that breathes new life into old tunes, crafts striking original songs, and infuses everything they touch with a vibrant, rock-and-roll sensibility.
Now a dynamic four-piece, Skibbereen delivers a rich sound driven by guitar, violin, bass, and drums, layered with soaring three-part harmonies. Whether reimagining timeless melodies or performing their own signature compositions, they create music that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly new. Tom Myers – Bass Rachel Helton – Violin, vocals Colin Helton Drums, vocals Hank Helton Guitar, vocals