Good tunes for great times
HEADLINERS
The Beaver Island Irish Heritage Group is thrilled to announce an extraordinary lineup of musical talent for the Emerald Isle Irish Féile, taking place on September 11th and 12th, 2026. This year’s festival will feature groups from Michigan as well as acclaimed artists traveling from Donegal and Arranmore in Ireland, promising a celebration of Irish culture unlike any other. There will be a couple more groups added to the list.
2026 Féile Tickets are on sale now – visit Tickets
Altan
Altan stands as one of Ireland’s most esteemed musical groups, recognized globally for their mastery of traditional Irish music. Rarely do festivals of our size and resources have the privilege to host artists of Altan’s caliber. Adding to the cultural significance of Altan’s appearance, the lead singer of Altan, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, has a direct connection to Beaver Island through longstanding associations with County Donegal fiddling traditions.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/altanofficial/
Arranmore Pipe Band
Making a triumphant return to Beaver Island, hailing from Arranmore Island, this traditional pipe band is renowned for their powerful performances and dedication to preserving Irish piping heritage. Their presence will permeate every aspect of the festival and bring joy to your heart.
Bastard Bearded Irishmen
With their raucous blend of punk, rock, and traditional Irish music, Bastard Bearded Irishmen from Pittsburgh, PA guarantee a rollicking good time. Though members have come and gone since their formation in 2008, the current line-up is cemented by frontman & founder Jimmy Bastard, Ryan Warmbrodt (guitar/vocals), Sean-Paul Williams (bass), Paul Dvorchak (mandolin), Steve LaRussa (drums), Luke Zacherl & Stephen Weiss (fiddle). An immensely talented and dedicated group of musicians that could hold their own on stage with The Pogues, Flogging Molly or Dropkick Murphys. No band from Pittsburgh makes me want to drink more.
Brother Crowe
This Detroit-based group is bringing the celtic rock energy to Beaver Island. The band fuses Celtic roots with Americana, delivering high-energy shows packed with original songs and Irish classics. They have played with Tommy Makem, The International Symphony Orchestra, Gaelic Storm, Seven Nations, The High Kings, The Prodigals, and many more. Band members are Derek Wikarski – Lead vocals, harmonica, bodhran, mandolin; Paul Wikarski – Guitar, banjo, fiddle, bodhran, vocals; Stephen Vilnius – Bass guitar, backing vocals; Bob Gilbert – Drums, backing vocal; Steve Lesko – Fiddle.
Website: https://brothercrowe.com/
Danny Gillespie & Friends
Danny Gillespie & Friends is a local favorite, led by Beaver Island native and BI Irish American Hall of Fame member Danny Gillespie. Influenced by his musician parents and other island legends, Danny has become a staple of entertainment for generations through performances at various venues. The group includes Brother Jim Boynton, skilled in fiddle, tin whistle, and vocals, as well as Shawnie McDonough on banjo and vocals, with occasional appearances by Timmy Baker and Jackson Smith.
Jerry Early Arranmore Friends
Jerry Early is an Irish singer and songwriter from Arranmore Island, and this group has become a staple at our festival! Jerry is supported by (some might say propped up by) the awesome Anne Connaghan and her husband John Flanagan, and singer John Gallagher. They are known for storytelling and folk melodies and great singalongs. These musicians put their all into our festival and provide authenticity and a direct link to Arranmore Island. This group also hosts cultural workshops including a Mummers demonstration, Irish dancing, and Gaelic football.
Catriona Kennedy
Catriona Kennedy is a fiddle player from Co. Meath, Ireland, who has strong links to Donegal on both sides of her family. Catriona’s fiddle playing is deeply influenced by the traditional music of south-west Donegal, learning from renowned local players in the area since she was a child. She has performed at music festivals across Ireland and abroad as part of a duet with her sister, Sinéad, and many other traditional musicians. Catriona is also passionate about teaching and enjoys sharing her love for the instrument and its rich traditions with others. In the past year, Catriona has been involved in an exciting musical partnership between Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí (Donegal) and TUNES Music Makers (Beaver Island) to teach young fiddle players from Beaver Island online
Latency
Bridging Arranmore and Beaver Island with one shared heartbeat, Latency brings together exceptional musicians whose roots run deep on both shores. Featuring Hilary Palmer and Shawn McDonough, Latency lands on Beaver Island with a sound that is fresh, grounded, and true to the idea of Two Islands, One Soul.
Enda Reilly
Enda Reilly is a Dublin-born singer-songwriter now based in Plymouth, Michigan, whose work bridges Ireland and America through story-rich songs and timeless ballads. A fluent Gaeilgeoir raised at the foot of the Dublin Mountains, Enda grew up immersed in the Irish language, folklore, and traditional music — foundations that continue to shape his distinctive voice today.
He was named Male Vocalist of the Year 2024 by Ireland Tonight Radio for his album Hy-Brasil, a collection of original songs in English and Irish inspired by the mythic Atlantic island between Ireland and America. A winner of the prestigious IMRO Christy Hennessy Songwriting Competition, Enda also co-wrote the No.1 Irish hit “All Along the Wild Atlantic Way” with Aoife Scott — now a modern anthem celebrating Ireland’s western shores.
Since moving to Michigan in 2019, Enda has become a beloved presence at libraries across the state and at Irish festivals throughout the Midwest and Pennsylvania, including Milwaukee Irish Fest, Michigan Irish Music Festival, Iowa Irish Fest, and Penn Mar Irish Festival. His programs — including Songs & Stories of Ireland, The Poetry of W.B. Yeats in Song, Ireland Rocks: The Geology of Ireland, and Songs of Irish Christmas — blend music, history, language, and storytelling in ways that delight audiences of all ages.
Website: https://endareilly.com/
Roane
With a driving acoustic sound and soaring vocal harmonies, Roane’s unique twist on 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 friends and family members later, Roane was playing festivals and events all over Michigan. From Flint’s Capitol Theater, to the Dow Event Center, The Michigan Renaissance Festival, the Tall Ships Celebration in Bay City, performances with the Flint Scottish Pipe Band, and 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.”
Website: https://roaneband.com/
Stay Happy Band
The Stay Happy Band consists of Beaver Islanders Cindy Gillespie-Cushman, Rita Palmer, Hilary Palmer, Ava Palmer-Bousquet and fiddler Ruby John. This group is made-up of Islanders who remember and build on the traditions of Beaver Island music, reminiscent of the island’s historic house parties and hall parties. This is a fun group who gets the audience involved and enjoying a collection of Irish and old country songs.
ISLAND SESSIONS
It wouldn’t be Beaver Island without great sessions with our very own. Like last year, we’ve got a phenomenal group of Beaver Island musicians that will join our headliners to help make this weekend one for the books.