Irish Fest of the Fox Cities

Gaelic Storm​

A force to be reckoned with on the global stage, after 20 years and more than 2,000 live performances, Gaelic Storm is back on the road with their 2021 We Missed You tour stop in Appleton, Wisconsin. With a touch of country storytelling, a dash of bluegrass instrumental, and of course a tip of the cap to good old Irish traditions, the band continues to create an experience familiar to everyone but unique to Gaelic Storm. As band member Ryan Lacey states “You have to see us live. We are a true working-man’s band.”

Hearthfire

A desire to share their Irish heritage brought them together. Hearthfire is a high-energy group that blends innovative arrangements with audacious style. They fuse rock, punk, Americana and classical elements with a bit of Gypsy soul.

Kevin Huss & the Third Class Minstrels​

Native to the Fox Valley, Kevin Huss and the Third-Class Minstrels are the go to for the true sounds and songs of Ireland. This three-piece band has a strong following across Northeast Wisconsin and after a few songs and a raised pint, you’ll know why.

Schauer School of Irish Dance

This Semi-Professional dance troupe from Hartford, Wisconsin has performed at the Holiday Folk Fair International, Scoop deville, and the ShamROCK as well as a number of other events in Central and Northeast Wisconsin and will be showcasing wide age group of Irish dancers.

The Kissers​

Forged during legendary Monday nights at Madison’s O’Cayz Corral, and honed through 1,000 nights on the road. The Kissers bring a fresh, original kick to Celtic music. Rock musicians who learned Irish music, the Kissers explore the roots of that tradition while retaining their own unique essence.

Skerryvore​

With an incredible mix of fiddle, accordions, pipes, whistles, guitar, and strong vocals, underpinned by driving bass, drums and keys, the Scottish band Skerryvore is one of the hottest contemporary groups in the world today. The band’s recent single “Everyday Heroes” reached #1 on the Scottish and British charts,  and has raised thousands of dollars for charity. Having won the Live Act of the Year award on two occasions, the band's high energy performances excite and captivate audiences.

Ian Gould

Originally from Belfast, Ireland, Ian has been sharing his Irish wit and striking voice with American audiences since 2001. Nominated for numerous awards, Ian brings a touch of the Irish spirit to each show.

Leahy's Luck​

A Milwaukee band that has been preforming Irish folk music for twenty-one years, playing at festivals and performing art centers throughout the Midwest. The band features brothers Tom and Brian Leahy as well as world renowned bayanist Stas Venglevksi.

The foxfire affair

Daniel and Claire make up this duo. These multi-instrumentalists entertain with guitar, mandolin, cajon, and other instruments to complement their varied musical selections. From sea shanties to Irish folk music, they bring energy and a distinct love for music to the stage.

The Moxie Strings​

2019 Billboard Top 10 Classical Crossover Album Diana Ladio & Alison Lynn offer listeners the unique opportunity to experience some of the world’s best-known instruments though an electric, innovative lens.

Atlantic Wave​

A Milwaukee Irish band playing the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland, and Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Their contemporary trad style features a pair of fiddlers, a lead singer on guitar, and a bodhran player, along with occasional accordion, hurdy gurdy and banjo. They are known for their lively, high-energy live shows that combine jigs, reels, strathspeys, and the like, with songs and ballads both old and modern.

Irish Sport

Learn about Ireland's official sport of Hurling and hugely popular Rugby.

Join the Fox River Hurling Club and the Fox Cities Gargoyle Rugby Club as they provide a view into these fast-paced field sports with Celtic roots.

Milwaukee Academy of Irish Dance

The Milwaukee Irish Dance company is a professional company that pushes the boundaries by mixing traditional Irish dance with fusion choreography. A true must see!

The Gleasons

Preforming and recording out of Milwaukee since 2002, The Gleasons bring their unique mix of country, Celtic, pop and rock back to the Fox Valley. A regular on the Irish festival scene, the bands many influences shine through during their high energy performances as many the songs that you will hear are band originals.

The Speako Chords

A duet from right here in Northeast Wisconsin, Bernie and Kate are local favorites often found paying pop, classic rock and of course Irish folk songs in local wineries, breweries, and Irish pubs. Bernie and Kate bring the violin and guitar and encourage you to join them with the vocals in true Irish Pub style.