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Experience the best of Irish music & dance at Naperville Irish Fest!

Join us on September 20-21, 2024, in downtown Naperville’s Central Park for an unforgettable weekend celebrating Irish culture. The Naperville Irish Fest is proud to showcase an incredible lineup of Irish music and dance that will have you tapping your feet and dancing along.

Friday, September 20

2:45 PM       Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville Bagpipers

3:00 PM       The Joyce Boys

4:10 PM       McNulty School of Irish Dance

5:15 PM       Small Batch

5:50 PM       Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville Bagpipers

6:35 PM       The Larkin and Moran Brothers

8:00 PM       Celtic Roots

Saturday, September 21

12:00 PM     Jimmy Keane & Jimmy Moore

1:10 PM       McNulty School of Irish Dance

2:10 PM       Institute of Traditional Irish Music

3:10 PM       Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville bagpipers

3:20 PM       Hogan Irish Dance Academy

4:15 PM       Bentley Academy of Irish Dance

5:00 PM       Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville bagpipers

5:15 PM       Mulligan Stew

6:35 PM       STEAM Irish Quartet

8:15 PM       The Avondale Ramblers


Check out the Musical Groups at this Year's Naperville Irish Fest!

Friday, September 20

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Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville
The Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville is a proud and dedicated ensemble that honors the rich traditions of Scottish and Irish music while paying tribute to the bravery and service of firefighters. Comprised of skilled pipers and drummers, the Highland Guard brings the stirring sounds of bagpipes and drums to ceremonies, parades, and community events, creating a powerful and emotional connection with audiences. Their performances are a symbol of respect and remembrance for those who serve, and they play an integral role in preserving cultural heritage while fostering community spirit in Naperville and beyond.

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The Joyce Boys
The Joyce Boys are a beloved family band that has been bringing the spirit of Ireland to life for over 50 years. Featuring brothers, cousins, and a son, they specialize in classic Irish folk and rebel songs, delivering heartfelt performances that celebrate the rich musical traditions of Ireland. Their deep-rooted connection and passion for Irish music make every performance a true celebration of heritage and community. 

Connect with The Joyce Boys on Facebook and Instagram.





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Small Batch
Acoustic guitar, traditional bodhran, Irish fiddle, and lush harmonies: this is the heart-warming recipe used by Jim and Patty Rielley of  Small Batch to entertain festival crowds, pub-goers, private parties and hooleys of all sorts. With a repertoire that includes traditional drinking and story songs of Ireland, rousing jigs and reels, and a touch of American acoustic favorites, Small Batch provide music that will have everyone dancing and singing along.

Including time with their previous group, The Whiskey Brothers, Small Batch has been the house band for Ballydoyle Irish Pub in Downers Grove every Sunday since 2013. They have also performed at Hughie McClafferty's, The Forge, Gaelic Park, Durty Nellies, Blue Chip Casino, and Google headquarters in Chicago.


Connect with Small Batch on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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The Larkin & Moran Brothers
An Irish folk band in the tradition of The Clancy Brothers, from the Chicago area. The band consists of two sets of brothers. The Larkins are Dan(guitar and vocals), Mike (bodran, misc, and vocals) and Joe (harmonica, guitar, vocals). The Morans are Terry (mandolin, tin whistle and banjo) and Kevin (bass). 

The Larkin and Moran Brothers started in 2002 when young Kevin Moran joined brother Terry and the Larkin Brothers, and altered their previous life as the Larkin Brothers and Terry Moran. It was said to be a tactic by Terry to gain a blood ally against the Larkin's- who at the time ironically found difficulty in not killing each other. But really it was suggested by Mike Larkin to replace Mike Murphy on bass as he left for a short period to start his band 'Leave'. When Murph returned he opted to play mandolin and the one time folk quartet became a full fledge Celtic rock band. Learn More Behind the Music, by Mike Larkin

 

Connect with The Larkin & Moran Brothers on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

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Celtic Roots
Celtic Roots is a Chicago-based band that brings the heart and soul of Irish music to life with their vibrant performances. Known for their seamless blend of traditional Irish tunes and contemporary folk, the band delivers a fresh, energetic sound that appeals to all generations. With skilled musicianship and a deep passion for Irish culture, Celtic Roots creates an unforgettable musical experience, making them a must-see act at Naperville Irish Fest. 





Saturday, September 21

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Jimmy Keane & Jimmy Moore
Jimmy Keane & Jimmy Moore are mainstays of the Irish Traditional music community for decades. They have known each other and performed together as a duo and in various groups since the 1980s. Moore’s sensitive guitar playing and singing blend well with Keane’s kindred approach to the music. You will enjoy the company of their tunes and songs ranging from century old melodies, ballads, and recent compositions within the Irish idiom. 





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Institute of Traditional Irish Music
Since 1997, the Institute of Traditional Irish Music, formerly known as the Murphy Roche Irish Music Club, has been a vibrant non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich heritage of traditional Irish music. Welcoming musicians of all ages and skill levels, the Institute offers a supportive environment for both performers and enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to learn a new instrument, enhance your skills, or simply enjoy the captivating melodies and rhythms of Irish music, the Institute provides a variety of educational programs, workshops, and community events. Join us to immerse yourself in the lively traditions of Irish music and become part of a passionate community that keeps this cherished cultural art form alive and thriving. 





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Mulligan Stew
Mulligan Stew has been a fixture in the Irish/Celtic Music Scene in Chicago since 1978. They got their start playing in several nostalgic locations such as Durty Dicks, Kilkenny Castle Inn, Glenshesk Public House, O’Sullivans, Callahans, Irish Mill Inn & Irish Eyes. More recently you will have seen them playing at many local venues like Abbey Pub, Andys, Claddagh Pub, Curragh, Moher, Celtic Knot, Bridie McKennas, Johnny O’Hagens, Carraig Pub at Gaelic Park, Fifth Province Pub at Irish American Heritage Center and many others as well as Chicago Irish Fest, Gaelic Park Irish Festival, Iowa Irish Fest and Milwaukee Irish Fest.





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STEAM Quartet
The Steam Quartet is a powerful combo of the leading exponents of traditional Irish music from the international acoustic scene. Chicago artists John Williams, Katie Grennan, Steve Morrow and Jeff Lindblade have thrilled audiences from Shanghai to Chicago and from Paris to Pittsburgh. Concertina, fiddle, bodhran and guitar ignite to raise the rafters and warm the heart. Appearances on BBC, PBS, Dreamworks, Riverdance and with the Chieftains round out their various backgrounds and their versatility embraces dance, wit, and road-tested musical integrity.





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The Avondale Ramblers

The Avondale Ramblers have been thrilling music lovers young & old with their unique brand of Celtic folk/rock since their debut on St. Patrick's Day 2007.

Having shared the bill with The Tossers, The Proclaimers, The Young Dubliners, and many more at clubs and Irish-fests across the Midwest. With a blistering new lineup line up including Dublin native Hugh Daly; Sean Mulroney; Fred Frey; RB Green (Black Angus) and Tony Manno (The Black Oil Brothers), The Ramblers are ready to fire up Naperville Irish Fest with a mix of traditional Irish standards and originals with a Celtic punk rock edge, are you ready to get Out on the Lash”.


Looking forward to Naperville Irish Fest on the 21st. See you then.


Check out the Irish Dance Groups at this Year's Naperville Irish Fest!

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McNulty School of Irish Dance

From humble beginnings in Naperville, the McNulty School of Irish Dance has grown into one of the largest, most active dance schools in the Midwest. Whether you have ambitions to compete in Irish dance, perform publicly, or simply to dance for the fun of it, we will help you reach your goals.


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Hogan Irish Dance Academy

At the Hogan Irish Dance Academy,  we use a 360° approach to Irish dance, including dance technique, athletic strength, team dance, stage performance and community outreach. Hogan Irish Dance Academy is for goal-getters who want to achieve feats that they once only dreamed of in a supportive family environment.


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Bentley Academy of Irish Dance

At the Bentley Academy of Irish Dance, dancers of all ages are nurtured in an environment that celebrates the beauty and discipline of Irish dance. Through expert instruction, students build strength, health, and confidence while mastering the art form. Each class challenges dancers to grow both technically and personally, ensuring they leave feeling inspired and empowered to achieve their dreams. At Bentley Academy, a passion for Irish dance is cultivated with care and dedication.



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West Suburban Irish, Inc.
PO Box 602
Naperville, IL 60566-0602
(630) 457-1943