It is a rare and select grade of spectacular artists whose work is so boldly imaginative and clearly virtuosic that it alters the medium. It has been said that the task of respectfully exploring the traditions and progression of the Celtic fiddle is quite literally on Eileen Ivers' shoulders. The Washington Post states, "She suggests the future of the Celtic fiddle."

She's been called a "sensation" by Billboard magazine and "the Jimi Hendrix of the violin" by The New York Times. "She electrifies the crowd with a dazzling show of virtuoso playing" says The Irish Times. Ivers' recording credits include over 80 contemporary and traditional albums and numerous movie scores. Her latest CD, entitled 'Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul' continues to display why Ivers is hailed as one of the great innovators and pioneers in the Celtic and World music genres.

The daughter of Irish immigrants, Eileen Ivers grew up in the culturally diverse neighborhood of the Bronx, New York. Rooted in Irish traditional music since the age of eight, Eileen proceeded to win nine All-Ireland fiddle championships, a tenth on tenor banjo and over 30 championship medals, making her one of the most awarded persons ever to compete in these prestigious competitions.

Searson - Sunday Afternoon
Searson , three sisters from the Ottawa Valley in Ontario, deliver a strong and fiery live show throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. Growing up learning the traditional Ottawa Valley style of music and dance, Searson has developed a contemporary style of high energy roots, celtic, country and pop, a sound that they are known and loved for. The live show includes Erin Searson on lead vocals, a boogie style of piano, step dancing and mandolin, Heather Searson on bass and step dancing and Colleen Searson on lead fiddle, vocals and step dancing. Rounding out the live show from Ottawa is Mary Gellner, performing on drums with a passionate and vibrant attitude.

"Although the audience was barely reserved with the first two groups and showered the musicians with applause, it went off with the Canadian group "Searsons". The spectators were carried away by the cool rhythms, the roaring percussion, the funky...electric bass sounds. Above all, Colleen Searson turned out to be a true devil's violinist. She played her Fiddle so that the bow threatened to glow."
Diathelm Textoris, Lünen, Germany

Searson have recorded and released 6 albums thoughout their careers as musicians. A Different Kind of Light (2008) includes 12 vocal tracks, all written by the three sisters and their latest EP, Ignite, an 8 track fiddle album, again written entirely by Searson, was released in the fall of 2009.

"It is very important for the world to know and share where we come from, who we are, and most importantly to have a deeper sense of respect and education of Canadian culture through music." Searson has a unique and original sound that they are recognized and accepted for by all audiences. With pop hooks lacing the traditional roots that Searson came from, the transition from traditional to contemporary Searson music is easy.

Roger Drawdy & The Firestarters
Roger Drawdy's west County Cork background, thoughtful lyrics and trained vocal qualities have made him a stand out within the Celtic music community. Raised near the small fishing village of Baltimore, south of Skibereen, he's fished the rough waters of the Celtic Sea and northern Atlantic for hake and cod, sheared his grandfather’s sheep, had his knuckles swatted by the Christian brothers, and experienced life within the rebel county. Heavily influenced by his grandfather who himself was known to break into song at the pub, along with being a masterful seanachi (storyteller), Roger combined those rich experiences into writing his original music and the interpretations of lively traditional pub songs. The result is very genuine music delivered with fire and intensity.

Irish Singer/Songwriter Roger Drawdy and his band the Firestarters play a mix of Traditional and original music with a distinctive sound. "Air punching acoustic rockers" is how Irish Music Magazine described The Firestarters' intensity. Thought provoking lyrics, haunting melodies, and thunderous live performances are the keys to their success. The Firestarters formed in 2000 and have played in numerous venues throughout the US. Drawdy's prolific songwriting promises to take them to the top of the world/roots music scene. Before forming the Firestarters, Roger released two solo albums, "Longing for Home" and "Dance in the Heather." He gained international attention with the release of his track "For Erin's Sake" on the "Trees are Life" CD produced in Dublin, Ireland by the Earth Wisdom Foundation. Together with the Firestarters he has released five CD's: "The "Emancipated Hostage" in 2000, "Touched by the Sun" in 2001, "Live Fire" in 2003, "Open Seas, Empty Skies" in 2005 and their very latest release "Hallowed Ground" in November, 2007.

The Mickey Finns
The Mickey Finns have a unique and wholly original sound....Start with Ray Kelly's cigarette scratched and whiskey soaked voice...add his high energy, acoustic-punk guitar. Then add the wonderboy fiddle of Matt Mancuso..a technical genius with amazing taste, licks, and a great vocalist, as well. Mix in the funky world percussion of Brian Tracey and you've got The Mickey Finns....Upbeat, acoustic/punk, energetic, original & traditional Irish...all with an irreverant touch. Knockout Irish Music at it's best!!!

Liz McNicholl & The Crickstones
Liz grew up in a small village in Co. Meath, Ireland, and came to the United States in 1985. She spent a short time in Boston and later moved to New York where she established herself as a musician in the tri-state area. The plan was to be here for just a year. Needless to say, she fell in love with America and decided to stay. She has now made her home in Hamden, CT where she runs an early childhood music program called "Music Together" (DBA: “Musical Folk” ) in New Haven, Branford and Madison (www.MusicalFolk.com). In 2002, Liz released her debut solo album called "Grand Central Station" which featured Joanie Madden from Cherish the Ladies, Gabriel Donohue, and Eamonn O'Rourke. The album is a combination of folk, celtic and original tunes.

Liz started her own Connecticut based band in 2002, now called “The Crickstones” which hails some of the finest musicians in the area. Their sound has been evolving into a crisp blend of folk, americana & bluegrass style over the years with many originals songs and tunes intertwined in their repertoire. The Crickstones consist of John Hurley (guitar/mandolin), Morgan Eve Swain (fiddle), Fred McKay (bass), Peter Blossom (dobro) and Eric Howell (banjo/guitar/mandolin).

The Irish Band
As The Irish Band describes itself, they’re just four old farts havin’ a good time. Featuring John Donnelly (Bass), John Hurley (Lead Guitar), Byrne White (Drums) & Richard MacLean (Rhythm Guitar), with frequent help from Rick Crossman (Guitar), Brian Carter (Percussion) and Ali Froman (Castanets & vocals), the present a mix of Irish pub songs and ballads, and American standards, with the unbridled enthusiasm that belies their age.

School of Rock
School of Rock is the national leader in music education fr kids from second grade through high school. Students learn from professional musicians in an interactive environment combining weekly private lessons and structured group rehearsals with the ultimate goal of performing live in front of real crowds. The House Band of the School of Rock in Fairfield has put together a set of music just for their appearance at the Fairfield County Irish Festival, including tunes from U2, Drop Kick Murphys, Van Morrison and others.