2026 MCIF Headline Bands

Ally The Piper

Born and raised in Co. Cork, Ireland, Meadhbh Walsh is a captivating fiddle player, singer, and songwriter whose rich vocals and evocative storytelling have earned her international recognition.

At just 23, she has carved out a unique space in contemporary Irish folk, blending traditional melodies with her own modern songwriting. She began her music journey busking in Killarney at just 14, quickly building a fanbase drawn to her authenticity and stage presence. During the pandemic, she gained a loyal following online and now boasts over 250,000 followers across her social media platforms.

Meadhbh has released three full-length albums, with her highly anticipated fourth due out before the end of 2025. Her latest, On My Own (2024), debuted at #1 in Ireland, earning praise for its emotional honesty and originality. She recently completed a nationwide tour of Ireland, with standout performances at INEC Killarney and Monroe’s in Galway. She also played sold-out headline shows in London and Glasgow, strengthening her growing reputation as a live performer. Internationally, she has performed in Dubai, Florida, and many locations along the East Coast of the United States. With an upcoming U.S. tour this August and September, Meadhbh plans to expand her horizons in America, connecting with even more audiences and Irish cultural communities across the country. She has been featured by RTÉ, Irish Music Magazine, and the Irish Independent, and is proudly
supported by Culture Ireland on her musical ventures abroad. “I absolutely love the States,” she shares. “There’s something so special about sharing Irish music with people who truly embrace it—it feels like home away from home.” Currently working on her next album, Meadhbh continues to collaborate with top Irish folk acts such as Dan McCabe, The Whistlin’ Donkeys, The Young Wolfe Tones, Trasna, George Murphy, and many other celebrated artists—offering a modern voice rooted deeply in heritage.

Her goal remains simple yet powerful: to bring people together through the magic of Irish
music. “I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.                         

Blackthorn

Blackthorn welcomes you to the rich tapestry of Celtic music. Traditional songs of emigration, sea shanties, lively jigs and reels, and ancient airs combine with some of Ireland’s best contemporary songs for a musical experience that captures the history and legend of Ireland and its people.

What makes a Blackthorn show unique is the variety of tunes, tempos and textures. Each member of the band plays multiple instruments, including wooden flute, accordion, tin whistle, five string banjo, cittern, bones and more. These instruments complement the lead vocal of Belfast native Richard McMullan and the band’s tight blend of four part harmony.

Blackthorn has played throughout the Great Lakes region since 1984. Based in Detroit, they can be found regularly at O’Mara’s Pub and Restaurant in Berkley. Other venues include concert halls, universities and festivals, including main stage appearances at the prestigious Michigan Irish Festival and world renowned Milwaukee Irish Fest.

Metro Detroiters fondly remember Blackthorn’s annual appearances on J. P. McCarthy’s St. Patrick’s Day show on WJR radio in the 1980s and 1990s, and later with Paul W. Smith. They have released seven CDs, and have performed with guest musicians such as members of the Michigan Opera Theater and the Motor City Brass Band. In 2010, Blackthorn was voted “Best Folk Band/Artist” by the readers of The Detroit Metro Times.

From large festival, to pub, restaurant or intimate performing arts center, Blackthorn provides time tested entertainment. Chuck Ward of the Milwaukee Irish Fest says this about the band, “Blackthorn was very well received at Milwaukee Irish Fest, they impressed everyone with their strong and well blended songs. They are strong ambassadors in their commitment to continuing the Irish ballad tradition and a crowd pleasing addition to any festival.”   Blackthorn website

2026 Irish music bands! 

The Kreellers are a Celtic roots rock band out of the Motor City, blending Irish tradition with a gritty Detroit edge. Fueled by driving rhythms, rich melodies, and a modern folk-rock sound, they deliver a powerful live experience built for festival stages and concert crowds. From reimagined classics to original tunes, The Kreellers bring a bold, authentic sound that stands out wherever they play.  The Kreellers Website     

  The Barley Brothers are a trio of Irish singers made up of siblings Pat and Dan Joyce and their old, tall friend Alan Mickiewicz. Saucy songs, flagon-swinging fanfares, and beautiful ballads are all to be heard when these boys take the stage. Pat and Dan got their love of Irish songs from generations past and spent many a Friday night strumming and drinking in the living room, until one fateful day they realized: “Wait. Someone might pay us to do this.” Several parties resulting in hazy memories of singing sea shanties and drinking songs with their friend Alan completed the trio. Now they range far and wide (read: mostly in Corktown) playing songs that one bar patron once dubbed “way too Irish.” Armed with three-part, whiskey-soaked harmonies and knowledge of the same amount of chords, The Barley Brothers want to remind everyone of their motto: The more you drink, the better we sound! The Barley Brothers Facebook page.

 

 

 The Codgers are an Americana group from Detroit, Michigan. They got together in the Corktown neighborhood in 2006 and cut their teeth playing Irish pub favorites on the city’s west side. Their original tunes are about ordinary working folk and places across the Great Lakes region. Acoustic guitar, accordion, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bodhrán, bass, and vocal harmonies all mix into a unique Celtic-tinged Americana sound. The Codgers – Facebook 

CrossBow: From a spontaneous jam session to becoming a festival favorite across the Midwest, CrossBow’s journey has been a whirlwind of energy, passion, and unforgettable performances.

  Irish folk singer and songwriter Enda Reilly carries his hometown of Dublin with him through his songs. He has performed on the streets, in the pubs, libraries, schools, theatres and festivals of his hometown, Dublin, Ireland and is now finding his feet in the USA having performed at Motor City, Milwaukee and Pittsburgh Irish Fests 2021. 

As a songwriter Enda is a winner of the prestigious IMRO Christie Hennessy Songwriting Competition and co-wrote many songs with Aoife Scott including “All Along The Wild Atlantic Way”, which got to no.1 in Ireland and the title track from her current album “Homebird”. 

As a singer and guitarist Enda produces his own albums from start to finish cottage industry style including his contribution to keeping the Irish language alive “Amhráin Nua i nGaeilge – New Songs in Irish” ; “Whorls” songs which bring the poetry of WB Yeats off the page and into the ears; climatechangesongs.com, songs which explore our interaction with the environment ; “Where The Sweetest Waters Flow” a mini best-of Enda in English ;The next installment is “Whisperings”, simple fresh arrangements of classics including The Lakes Of Pontchartrain, Danny Boy, The Foggy Dew, Caledonia and Red Is The Rose. 

Enda has performed guitar with many of Ireland’s foremost gaelic poets and has shared the stage with Téada, John Spillane, Liam O Maonlaí, Kila, Sive, InniK, Aoife Scott, Shane Hennessey, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (Altan) and Séamus Begley, among others. Check out the Enda Reilly Live Stream online and listen to his music over at www.endareilly.com 
Enda Reilly – website

 Ironwood is a Celtic folk, husband & wife duo from Troy MI, featuring fiddle, mandolin, guitar, electric bass and more. They are mainly dedicated to creating a repertoire of original tunes, heavily inspired by the Celtic genre. They play fast fiddle tunes, slow love songs, hoppin’ Folk, traditional Celtic songs, and more. Ironwood’s lively music will have you on your feet!
Ironwood – website

 There are few like the Leprecons. A band committed to playing and promoting Irish pub songs that set your toes a-tapping and your pint glasses a-swaying!  Even if you’re one of those who say you don’t know or don’t love Irish music & fun (like we do), you’re certainly encouraged to sing along. Whether you know the words or not.
Founded in 2016, they’ve performed at a variety of venues, parties and festivals such as Holland Celtic, Irish on Ionia, Sparta Celtic, Saline Celtic, Wayland Balloon Fest and the Lowell Harvest Festival.  They’ve also entertained at many a pub and party in Grand Rapids, Caledonia, Wayland, Lansing, and Muskegon. The Leprecons continue to expand their presence with their unabashed pub-crawl sound and will continue to do so if there be a pub filled with lads, lasses and glasses
The Leprecons – Website

 Madigan’s Attic has been sharing its music with folks in Southeast Michigan for the past fourteen years. They cherish their regular appearances at the Gaelic League, St. Patrick’s Day Parade and local charitable events. They are proud to be featured at this year’s Motor City Irish Fest and will bring a wonderful mix of favorites, and perhaps an original or two. Madigan’s Attic Website

 McLaughlin’s Alley  

McLaughlin’s Alley – website

 The Metro Detroit Police and Fire Pipes and Drums honors police officers and Firefighters killed in the line of duty by playing music at funeral services free of charge. The corps was founded in 2002 after the death of Hazel Park Police Officer Jessica Nagle-Wilson. Today, Metro Detroit Police and Fire Pipes and Drums pay tribute to and honor fallen officers and firefighters throughout Michigan upon the request of their families, law enforcement agencies and fire departments.
Metro Detroit Police & Fire Pipe & Drum Band – website

 Roane – With a driving acoustic sound and soaring vocal harmonies, Roane’s unique twist on the traditional and original compositions have earned them a devoted following.  Roane began in 2012 when two vocal performance majors discovered their shared love of all things Celtic.  A few friend and family members later and Roane was playing festivals and events all over Michigan.  From Flint’s Capitol Theater, to the Dow, The Michigan Renaissance Festival, Tall Ships Celebration Bay City, the Performances with and for the Flint Scottish Pipe Band and on to Pubs at home and in Ireland, Roane’s audiences agree that their shows “spark joy”.  One fan writes, “Roane is my favorite.  I could stand in the pub and listen to them all day.”  Along with the Motor City Irish Festival, catch Roane at the Indigo Farms Lavender Festival, Michigan Medieval Festival, Irish Night at Jimmy John’s Stadium, Thumbfest and more.  Look for their latest album, Slan Abhaille (Safe Home) coming in summer 2022. 
Roane – Facebook 

  Celtic Isles is one of Detroit’s premier Irish bands and has been playing around the metro Detroit area for over 30 years. The group enjoys playing traditional sing-a-long songs as well as adding a Celtic rock flair to jigs and reels.
Celtic Isles – Facebook 

Sionainn Laoi (Shannon Lee) is a compelling Irish traditional music duo based in southeast Michigan with Hannah Harris on fiddle and voice, and Alberto (Bear) Whitmer on guitar and bodhran. Their name pays homage to their formative experiences in Ireland–Harris studied at University College Cork along the River Lee (Laoi), while Whitmer honed his skills at the University of Limerick near the River Shannon (Sionainn). They initially connected at The Ark’s Gavin Family Crossroads Ceili and local sessions in Plymouth and Ann Arbor.

  Stone Clover is a high energy rock and roll band formed in Detroit, Michigan, that utilizes influences from both the Motor City rock and folk scenes. The band uses modern sound with traditional instruments to push musical boundaries into a heavier and more singular style. Years of packing clubs and winning over festival crowds has helped them to forge a new genre called “Paddy Swag”.

Stone Clover’s music, formed around driving guitar and soaring violin over infectious rock beats, carries them across every stage. With unique instrumentation and musical prowess, they create a visually and aurally stunning presence on stage that engages audiences of all backgrounds and ages. This original approach allows them to gather crowds everywhere from folk festivals to high profile rock stages.

Embracing their roots, while also looking to the future, Stone Clover has released their latest EP THIEVES on all streaming platforms. Opening and providing direct support for multiple high profile national acts, including Ben Folds, AWOL Nation, Cheap Trick, Uncle Kracker, The Verve Pipe, and more, as well as spending time on the road with the final Vans Warped Tour, has further pushed their live performance into an action packed display of intense musicianship and gnarly showmanship. With a continuously expanding library of infectious music, Stone Clover continues to bring fun, friendship, and “Paddy Swag” to stages around the world. Stone Clover Website

 Wakefire –  Whether they’re putting their own spin on traditional and modern celtic tunes, or weaving enchanting stories with their own original material, Wakefire is sure to put on a tight, high energy show.  Formed in 2017, Wakefire has appeared at numerous events and festivals around the state of Michigan and beyond including the Michigan Renaissance Festival, Highland Celtic Festival, Irish on Ionia, and of course, the Motor City Irish Fest. They have released three albums: To a Distant Shore in 2017, Midnight Circus in 2018 and their latest, Meaning of Life in 2021. Wakefire’s music will put a smile on your face, get you up and dancing and have you humming the songs long after the show!
Wakefire – website