Boxing Banjo

Members of the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame, Blackthorn offers shows that involve a musical ramble across Ireland. Traditional songs of emigration, ballads, shanties and jigs and reels combine with some of Ireland’s best contemporary songs for a musical experience that is uniquely Irish. This band has been bringing a rich tapestry of Celtic music to southeast Michigan and beyond for 40 years, and they’re a must-see for those who want to know the deep traditions of Irish music in Michigan.

After three years of breakout touring at some of the biggest roots festivals in the United States and Canada, and another three years locked out of the live performance world they have so ambitiously cultivated, Doolin’, France’s premiere practitioners of Irish and Celtic music, return in early 2023 with a new album entitled CIRCUS BOY.

From humble beginnings in the Highlands of Scotland, to playing on global stages, Elephant Sessions create a progressive blend of intricate tunes with mandolin and fiddle fusing with a backline of bass and drums that celebrates the very best in trad, funk and electronica. Creating a modern sound for a modern world, their brand of indie folk has graced some of the world’s best festivals including Glastonbury and their latest album “For the Night” stormed straight into the Official Uk folk charts at No 3

Tartan Terrors bring their Celtic Invasion to festivals and shows across North America, blending the energy of a rock show with humor and step dance. With a distinctive sound and proud tradition of making Celtic music fun and accessible to any audience, the Tartan Terrors have performed on 4 different continents, in some of the most prestigious Festivals, Highland Games and theaters of North America. Join the phenomenon of the Tartan Terrors and see why Celtic Beat Magazine hails them as “the heirs apparent to the [Celtic] mayhem.”

Socks in the Frying Pan was formed in 2014 in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland–the mecca of Irish traditional music. Forged together by a fire of pure joy and passion for their art, the band comprises Aodan Coyne on guitar and lead vocals, Shane Hayes on accordion, and younger brother Fiachra Hayes on fiddle.Their ‘Socks Sound’ combines virtuosic musicianship with a burning passion for the music and tradition, pitch-perfect harmonies, and a big splash of quick wit and banter. Their electrifying performances and on-stage charm have established them as the kingpins on the Irish Traditional Music scene today.

Born of a session in Paisley, Scotland, and named for the town’s historic weaving industry and local poet laureate Robert Tannahill, the Tannahill Weavers have made an international name for their special brand of Celtic music, blending the beauty of traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms. Now in their 53rd year, the Tannahill Weavers are one of the world’s premier traditional Celtic bands, their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, original ballads and lullabies, and humorous tales of life in Scotland.

The only tenor group with a truly global audience, The Celtic Tenors will give you a night to remember. Whether playing a neighborhood cathedral or major concert halls in international cities like New York, Amsterdam, or Shanghai, the tenors deliver a professional, sparkling and most of all good-humored performance. They genuinely love what they do, and you’ll see that shine through in each rendition of beautiful Celtic songs, exhilarating classics, a capella pieces, and popular contemporary songs.

The Ark’s annual Crossroads Ceili is a great way to mark the turning of the year. It’s a gathering of local Celtic-oriented singers, instrumentalists, and dancers, all sharing the stage to get your Celtic music year off to a good start. If you’d like to get an idea of the depth of southeastern Michigan’s Celtic music scene, the Ceili is a great place to do it. Fiddler Mick Gavin, the organizer of the Ceili and a frequent performer there, was recently inducted into the Irish Music Hall of Fame.