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! 

  Hailing from Detroit—and damn proud of it—Brother Crowe has hammered through over 100 shows in a year, sometimes playing three gigs in a day. But now is their time to shine. The band consists of two brothers, Derek (vocals/harmonica/bodhran) and Paul (guitars/banjo/vocals). Brother Crowe’s purpose, is honing in on a New Country/Indie Folk sound that still possesses a somewhat traditional Celtic style. Paul, who along with his brother was influenced by his father’s love of Folk and Celtic music, is dubbed Brother Crowes’ main songwriter. The duo works on music together, jamming out the skeletons of tunes until they’re finished. “Derek will then fine tune some of the melodies and the lyrics a little bit, “Paul says. “He’s the one singing them. There are a few things that he’ll truncate or maybe he’ll change a phrase up, add a half verse or a full verse from what I originally wrote.  The songs definitely go through an element where we pound them into shape.” The focus for Brother Crowe has been on original music, while trying to branch a tad outside of the box. This is the time for Brother Crowe, with the influx of indie folk acts on the radio. “People like Mumford and Sons and the Avett Brothers come out and they have these different instruments in bands that people don’t know about and they’re making it mainstream,” Derek says. “It’s nothing to turn on the radio and hear a banjo, a harmonica, a mandolin, or even a fiddle.” Their music is going down favorably at local venues as well as well-attended festivals. That’s where Brother Crowe is at their finest. “There’s an element of spontaneity at festivals,” Derek says. “We really engage the crowd. It’s really fun that we don’t ever play the same stuff twice when we do the gigs. People love it and we love it.”
Brother Crowe – website

 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 

 After several years of upheaval in the world of live music, CrossBow is thrilled to be returning for their 7th year at the Motor City Irish Fest! 

From a casual jam session in Grand Rapids, MI, to becoming a popular favorite at Celtic festivals across the Midwest, CrossBow has been humbled and excited by every turn on their musical journey. Co-founding fiddlers, Steve Lesko and Carly Meloche, met in their high school Celtic band, the Chelsea House Orchestra. This extracurricular group also produced fiddlers, Diana Ladio (The Moxie Strings and The Elders), Kiana Weber (formerly of Gaelic Storm) and Wes Fritzemeier (The Kreellers and Thunderwüde). In 2011, Steve and Carly, along with vocalist/guitarist, Clare McMillan, founded CrossBow in a small music practice room. With just two violins and a guitar, the three young musicians never expected to showcase their traditional Irish music much beyond campus hallways and local pubs. Yet they were immediately met with overwhelming enthusiasm and the trio quickly realized they were onto something special.

Through playing private parties, local fundraisers, and wherever they could find a stage, this new and quirky group generated a following and ventured to share their music as much as they could. To date, Michigan’s premier high-energy Celtic band has performed in every major Celtic, Scottish and Irish festival in the state, and has been featured in festivals and venues in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Scotland.

By incorporating pop, rock and folk sounds into their set list, CrossBow delivers a distinct, eclectic vibe that still remains true to their traditional Celtic roots, appealing to audiences of all ages. Much of the thrill in experiencing a CrossBow performance actually transcends the music itself. This excitement stems from the contagious joy and camaraderie shared between the players, and communicated directly with their audience. Apparent from the moment they hit the stage – these high-energy musicians naturally feed off of one another, creating a toe-tapping, shenanigan-filled, dynamic, wholly unique performance that shouldn’t be missed.

Fall of 2021 marked an important milestone for CrossBow, as they celebrated their TENTH year of music-making. Like a fine whisky, they filtered, honed in on and matured the essential pieces, and are now ready to share their best version yet.

CrossBow – website

  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

 Kish Celtic Band is a family Celtic band that plays Irish folk music and will have the audience singing along to classic Irish songs. The Kish Celtic Band will be playing Friday night at the MCIF. Members are:

Kish Celtic Band – Facebook

  The Leprecons, The Leprecons, a fierce Irish band from Grand Rapids, MI with a passion for singing and enjoying a nice frothy pint, are continuing to make appearances in and across Michigan. Their innovative and individual style of entertainment has grown to be a favorite among those that love the craic, laughter, and good times.
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

 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 

 Shamrock Shore 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.
Shamrock Shore – Facebook

 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