National ShamrockFest 2013 - Guinness Irish Rock Bands

Seriously - this is crazy! ShamrockFest has cornered the Celtic market, with the greatest Irish rock lineup on the planet!!! An unparalleled ensemble of Celtic bands are flying in from Europe, Canada and across the US, to converge at SRF `13 and create an unforgettable Celtic rock experience - featuring an awesome array of Irish music, including Irish punk, Celtic rock, folk and straight up Irish party band… THIS IS HUGE! Check out the lineup so far (below.)

The Mahones

Toronto, Canada is well-known as one of the best music cities in the WORLD; and, The Mahones are widely viewed as Toronto's favorite son in the Punk genre! The Mahones are taking the world by storm! If you love Celtic-Punk then come fall in love with The Mahones! Not only did they win the 2012 Independent Music Award for Best Punk Band but their music is to be featured in major Hollywood motion pictures. Do not be surprised if the Mahoned... (read more)

Carbon Leaf

CARBOL LEAF.. CARBON LEAF... CARBON LEAF... Get ready to chant for this longtime ShamrockFest fave. .. Now in their 21st year of award-winning recording, all while consistently traversing America with their nonstop touring schedule, Carbon Leaf can look back at an impressive portfolio of achievements, as they continue to produce a steady stream of new music and tour throughout...

CelKilt

Get ready America!!! CelKilt has emerged as Europe's premiere Celtic Rock band and is widely viewed as one of the world's greatest live shows. ShamrockFest Management is completely stoked to have CelKilt flying in from France to pumble the Guinness Rock Stage.

Scythian

"In concert, Scythian is widely viewed as Washington's most energetic and eclectic bands… Scythian's enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around, or hoisting glasses." - The Washington Post We could not agree more! These guys ROCK!!! Rousing and raucous, Scythian (sith-ee-yin) plays kicked-up Celtic and world music with hints of Gypsy and Klezmer, all infused with a touch of punk-rock sensibility...

The Fighting Jamesons

The Fighting Jamesons are THE “interactive and energetic” Irish rock band, and they sure do bring the fun! Over the past year they have found success in the area and beyond, opening for the Dropkick Murphy’s, headlining their own shows at the NorVa, and recently releasing a brand new self-titled album with original songs and Irish classics. They are a classic case of love at first sight! They sound as good as they look!

Screaming Orphans

We are proud to announce that the Screaming Orphans, a pop band from Ireland, will be performing at ShamrockFest 2013!! We FELL IN LOVE with them three years ago and have been trying to get them to the ShamrockFest stage since! The Screaming Orphans are a pop-rock band of four fun, high-spirited, musically obsessed sisters from Ireland. Their sound has been compared to the Bangles and the Cranberries and their musical influences range from the Beatles, R.E.M., Indigo Girls, Abba, to traditional Irish Music. They’re excited to share their musical journey with you!

Killigans

The Killigans are Nebraskas answer to The Pogues and Flogging Molly. A kick ass show that you dont want to miss!" They produced one of the best releases of 2012 in Folk-Punk that will smack you in the face with each track and having you come back for more" -Paddy Rock

Murder the Stout

Murder the Stout is known to "bring a party and put on a fun show!"

Houston based Murder the Stout (MTS) formed in 2004.

They play progressive Celtic Rock music led by native Scotsman, Hugh Morrison, on lead vocals & squeezebox.

Also in the lineup are Neil DuFour, Kevin Murphy, Johnny Rioux, David Schaefer, Marcus Hollar, Jason Bancroft & Pete Sosa.

MTS have been compared to a Scottish version of The Pogues, with folk, rock, punk & ska as well as Celtic influences all apparent in their music.

MTS released a 7 track EP in early 2012 to much critical acclaim prompting multiple label interest & multiple award nominations. Work is now on for a 2nd full length studio album, to be produced by Street Dogs' Johnny Rioux, whose recent work includes Flatfoot 56 and Roger Miret & the Disasters.

MTS are in demand at most of the nations major Celtic Festivals and tour when their schedule allows.

Barleyjuice

With five studio albums and a double CD collection to date, these five kilted yanks are currently one of the most beloved celtic rock bands in the USA. Kyf Brewer's signature whiskey-soaked vocals perfectly trademark the group's quick-witted and catchy originals, and partner Keith "Swanny" Swanson is no slouch, lithely covering additional lead vocals, guitar, mandolin, whistle, bouzouki, and bagpipes. Both originally piped in the Loch Rannoch Pipe Band, and performed inEdinburgh's Millennium March for Prince Charles. While Swanson was once a member of New York's legendary Flailin' Shilaleghs, Kyf's been a pro performer since his first band, The Ravyns, produced the hit "Raised on the Radio" for the film Fast Times At Ridgemont High, and his lead vocals and writing skills soon after earned Company of Wolves high accolades for their eponymous Mercury/Polygram debut.

Backing Brewer & Swanson are a mad trio: captivating fiddler Shelley Weiss, whose training swings from classical to bluegrass within the most authentic jigs & hornpipes; drummer Gregor Schroeder, a powerhouse of driving decadence; and hopping bassist Eric Worthington, musical snake-charmer of the deep and dulcet.

The ayes have it - Barleyjuice is a grand group of talented tunesmiths and prodigious performers, and the absolute best time you can have at a concert without removing your kilt.

Wild Colonial Bhoys

Minneapolis-based Celtic rock powerhouse Wild Colonial Bhoys is excited to announce the release of Heads or Tails, their ﬁrst release for the bandʼs independent label, Steel Creek Records, and their ﬁfth overall. This double-album represents their ﬁrst release of new material since 2007ʼs acclaimed Irish in America.

Effortlessly weaving their signature blend of edgy rock with traditional Irish music-inspired hooks, the Bhoys have created their strongest album to date. The songs are upbeat and catchy, and show the bandʼs range and talent. This is the Bhoys at their best--whether playing as a ﬁve-piece rock act or as their notable two-man acoustic guitar duo, Wild Colonial Bhoys know how to put on a show, as this album proves.

The Pubcrawlers

Over a decade ago, on a cold, snowy January night in 2002, three complete strangers met in a Dover, New Hampshire pub. Record collections were compared, bands were discussed and beers were consumed; by the end of the night, fueled by alcohol and a shared dream of playing Celtic punk music full-time, The Pubcrawlers were born.

Gaelic Mishap

Gaelic Mishap is not your mother's Irish band! It's an Irish band that hails from Baltimore, MD. Gaelic Mishap has been described as lively, edgy, and dynamic; their music ranges from traditional Irish music to Irish rock. The band’s influences vary as much as their ages and include classic rock, alternative rock, folk, punk, and of course Irish music.

Here is what some of leaders in the entertainment industry are saying:

“National ShamrockFest is Washington DC’s greatest festival, hands down!”
“ShamrockFest… America’s biggest Saint Patrick’s Day party…”
“…Shamrock Festival is one of the best live music festivals in the United States”

* All info on this site subject to change without notice. Check back often for updates.