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The 2026 Forest City Irish Fest brings together a world-class collection of traditional Irish performers that will transform Wortley Village into an unforgettable rural Ireland experience.
Paddyman
SINGER & SONGWRITER
Paddyman, real name Declan O'Sullivan, was born and raised in Co. Kildare, Ireland,
not far from Irish ballad legend Christy Moore.
Over the last decade Paddyman has performed live to over 1 million people and was the first Irish Musical Artist to be awarded the prestigious GOLDEN VISA in 2021 by Dubai Arts and Culture Authority in recognition for his contribution to the Arts in UAE.
Michael Darcy
SINGER & SONGWRITER
In 2010, Michael Darcy packed up his songs and guitar, left his home in the hills of Co. Clare, Ireland and journeyed westward across the ocean to Toronto, Canada.
Drawing from the well of rich Irish music that he grew up with, Michael’s songs bear the earthy tones of his west Clare roots and the freshness of a newly cut path, Americana.
Irish Music Magazine raved that “Darcy’s originals sit so comfortably within the genre that you’d swear they’ve been around for generations.”
Seán Gavin
FLUTE & UILLEANN PIPES
At a young age, Seán was encouraged in music by his father Mick, a fiddler from Co. Clare, and his brother Michael, a multi-instrumentalist. At age 12, he started work on the uilleann pipes with the late Al Purcell, former pupil of piper Leo Rowsome.
Seán Gavin is now one of the most highly regarded Irish musicians of his generation, and in 2016 he became the first musician born outside Ireland to win the prestigious Seán Ó Riada gold medal.
Dan MacDonald
Fiddle
Tenor Banjo
John Murphy
Ross Griffiths
Uileann Pipes & Flute
Michael Gavin
Mary Ashton
Fiddle
Michael Gavin
Singer & Multi-instrumentalist
John Dahms
Fiddle
Rob Hoffman
Button Accordion
Alan Lynch
Guitar & Vocals
Siobhán McKinney
Harp
Alison Perkins
Fiddle
Brian Taheny
Multi-instrumentalist
Paul Meadows
Paul Gribbon
Multi-instrumentalist
Fiddle
Michael Bird
Storyteller
Mary is a virtuoso on the fiddle and has been recording albums, performing with bands, and featuring in festivals for over 30 years.
Mary can also be found leading seisiúns at the Scot’s Corner, performing with the hit band Paddy Murphy’s Ghost, and providing live music for céilí dances in the Forest City.
Since 1988, Paul has shared the stage with top Canadian talent like Spirit of the West, Great Big Sea, Blue Rodeo, I Mother Earth, The Skydiggers, Serena Ryder, and Justin Rutledge.
Paul's big break was with the hit celtic/punk band Uisce Beatha (1990s), which sold over 40,000 albums.
Now, reaching his Carlsberg years, Paul's interests have expanded to curling.
Michael Gavin has been playing and teaching Irish music for over 30 years. He grew up in an environment rich in traditional music where he learned from his father, Co. Clare fiddler Mick Gavin.
A member of popular Detroit-based band Blackthorn, Michael has regularly shared the stage with such greats as Liz Carroll, Kevin Burke, and Ashley MacIsaac.
John Dahms is a traditional Irish fiddler who has been immersed in the music from a young age, learning from his father and countless sessions.
John is an All-Ireland Fleadh finalist who continues to perform and teach fiddle at festivals.
His thoughtful approach to the tradition and dedication to its style make him a welcome addition to the Forest City Irish Fest.
Rob Hoffman is a master accordion player mentored by senior all-Ireland accordion champion, John Nolan, and keeps the tradition of Irish music thriving in the Forest City.
Rob can be found leading seisiúns at the Scot’s Corner, performing with the hit band Paddy Murphy’s Ghost, and providing live music for céilí dances hosted by the London Irish Folk Club.
Originally from Dublin, Alan has been performing for more years than he can remember.
When Alan isn't taking your auditory system on a sensual journey of lyrical delights, you can find him cruising the streets of London in his exuberant convertible.
A four-time All-Ireland Champion on the Celtic harp, Siobhán McKinney is celebrated for her expressive, lyrical playing and deep commitment to the living tradition of Irish music.
Her performances blend technical mastery with a distinctive warmth and clarity, captivating audiences from intimate folk venues to large festival stages.
Inspired by Ireland's masters of the Irish music tradition, Alison is a Co. Clare-style fiddler who resides in Detroit.
Alison has competed in the All-Ireland Fleadh and Irish Music Magazine has called her latest album “one of the best fiddle and uilleann pipes albums of the past ten years.”
String Guru Brian Taheny hails from the Irish music mecca of Sligo, Ireland. He plays Fiddle, Tenor Banjo, Guitar, Irish Bouzouki, Cittern, Mandolin, Mandola, Mandocello, Dobro and Bass guitar, and is also known for his innovative arrangements of traditional tunes.
Brian has performed on well over 100 albums, and has received two Juno nominations.
In the early 90s, Paul Gribbon fell in love with the uilleann pipes and today the pipes are his main squeeze.
Paul has learned from many legendary Irish pipers over the years and has even travelled to Co. Clare, Ireland, to further his study.
Paul has performed as a guest with the London Symphony Orchestra, Paddy Keenan, Cairdias, and the Chieftains.
Scottish-born storyteller and musician Michael Bird is now based in Co. Antrim.
A man of mystery and delectable delights, Michael brings a lifetime of tales and songs rich with wit, wisdom, and tradition.
Emma Donoghue
Writer & Guest Speaker
Paul Gribbon
Christine Genders
Storyteller
Ross Griffiths
Uileann Pipes & Flute
Multi-Instrumentalist
Rachel & Johnny
Concertina/Vocals & Tenor Banjo/Bouzouki
Dan MacDonald
Fiddle
In the early 90s, Paul Gribbon fell in love with the uilleann pipes and today the pipes are his main squeeze.
Paul has learned from many legendary Irish pipers over the years and has even travelled to Co. Clare, Ireland, to further his study.
Paul has performed as a guest with the London Symphony Orchestra, Paddy Keenan, Cairdias, and the Chieftains.
Originally from Ironville, Cape Breton, Dan was a 2018 Solo Instrumental Artist of the Year Nominee (CMFA).
Dan began playing the fiddle at a young age under the instruction of his father, Lloyd MacDonald, a respected Cape Breton fiddler.
Now, Dan can be found leading seisiúns in Toronto and playing for the hit band, North Atlantic Drift, across North America and Ireland.
John Murphy
Tenor Banjo
Lisa Reilly
Fiddle
Maria Whatton
Storyteller
Justin Thompson
Vocals & Guitar
Don Penzien
Guitar
Justin Thompson
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Emma is an award winning novelist, screenwriter, playwright, and literary historian.
Her 2010 novel Room was a finalist for the Booker Prize and an international best-seller. Donoghue's 1995 novel Hood won the Stonewall Book Award and Slammerkin won the Ferro-Grumley Award.
A breathtaking storyteller of traditional tales, Christine is currently the storyteller in residence at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum in Lichfield, UK.
Christine has performed at venues across the UK and Ireland, and her captivating storytelling keeps her audience on the edge of their seat.
At a young age, Ross began his musical journey within the ranks of a Canadian highland regimental pipe band.
Ross is now an accomplished uilleann piper and flutist who has performed across Ireland and North America.
Quench your thirsty ear as Johnny Hewerdine and Rachel Genders Boyd bring the distinctive East Clare style to life with concertina, tenor banjo, bouzouki and song.
When they’re not in Ireland, they’re building the Irish music community right here at home - through seisiúns, céilís, and the Forest City Irish Fest.
Vocals & Guitar
Guitar & Fiddle
Originally from Foxford, Co. Mayo, Ireland, John is a level five wizard on the Irish tenor banjo.
Now living in the GTA, John is a musical leader within the Irish community through the Comhaltas, traditional Irish seisiúns, and performing with Michael Darcy and the Atlantic Tramps.
Considered a hidden musical gem within the deep green depths of the traditional Irish community, Lisa is a fiddling maestro who lives locally in the Forest City.
Spending summers with her family in Co. Galway, Lisa learned the Irish fiddle from the masters of tradition.
Not to be missed, Lisa's fiddle style is a direct link to the Irish fiddle legend Charlie Lennon.
Winner of Outstanding Female Storyteller of Great Britain in 2013 (British Awards for Storytelling Excellence) she is renowned for her compelling, vibrant performances.
She has a vast knowledge of traditional stories passed down by her Irish father and grandmother which she brings to life with her lucid, engaging style.
Justin Thompson is a London-based multi-instrumentalist performing on guitar, mandolin, bass, and vocals.
His thoughtful accompaniment, rhythmic feel, and experience across genres help shape his band's (The Derelicts) warm, organic, and dynamic sound.
Don is a Michigan native with strong roots in Irish culture and an affinity for Celtic music.
Don is widely recognized for his reserved backing style and his dexterous work on DADGAD-tuned guitar provides solid, driving rhythms to traditional tunes as well as perceptive and sensitive accompaniments to songs and airs.
Justin Thompson is a London-based multi-instrumentalist performing on guitar, mandolin, bass, and vocals.
His thoughtful accompaniment, rhythmic feel, and experience across genres help shape his ba's (The Derelicts) warm, organic, and dynamic sound.
Feed the Ducks
Guitar/Vocals & Fiddle/Whistles
Greyhound Riders
Guitar & Fiddle
Mike Carver
Ben Heffernan
Singer & Songwriter
Trevor Haggis
Singer & Songwriter
Percussionist
Geraldine MacWilliams
Piano Accordion
Jim Overboard
Singer & Songwriter
Mike Carver is a London-based multi-instrumentalist performing on banjo, guitar, percussion, and vocals.
With roots in both traditional Celtic music and classical percussion, he has spent years performing with ensembles and bands across Southwestern Ontario.
Marty Somberg
Fiddle
Paul Meadows
Fiddle
Mike Carver
Percussionist
Louisa O'Keane
Vocals & Bodhrán
Feed the Ducks is a dynamic duo that brings a fresh, modern twist to the rich tradition of Celtic music.
The band features the talents of Devon Martene on fiddle, whistles, and percussion, and Becky Van Harn on guitar and vocals.
Together, they blend their passion for ancient melodies with contemporary energy, creating a sound that is both rooted in tradition and excitingly new.
The Canadian folk/roots duo, Greyhound Riders, is made up of Tony Nesbitt-Larking (Juno nominated) and Celina Marie Di Cecca (Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Invitee).
Together they write original and sophisticated folk-based music with a mix of jazz, newgrass, Celtic, and old-time. It truly is a blend rooted in Canadiana.
Ben's polished folk-pop sound has graced stages around the Forest City for over a decade.
Ben is an indie-pop artist who has been nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award, as well as a Forest City London Music Award.
He has brought his brand of introspective pop-rock across Canada and Ireland, playing over 350 shows since 2014.
Trevor Haggis (aka Trevor Lewington) has spent the last 30 years writing music and touring with the Celtic rock band, Enter the Haggis.
Career highlights included Regis and Kelly, A&E, a feature-length PBS documentary and a performance at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
As of 2026 Trevor has been performing throughout the US with his new band, Haggis X-1.
Geraldine MacWilliams is an award-winning piano accordionist and member of the renowned Quinn Family of musicians, who were inducted into the Canada Eastern Hall of Fame for Traditional Irish Music in 2018.
Born in Belfast, Ireland, she has performed at music seisiúns throughout Canada and has represented the country at the All-Ireland Fleadh.
Jim is the lead singer of Paddy Murphy's Ghost and has been playing and performing for 35 years.
Originally from New Brunswick, Jim is a songwriter who has authored more than sixty songs and has recently returned to live performance to share the love of music.
Marty Somberg has developed a driving, lyrical fiddle style that he applies to traditional Irish music.
Marty has toured with many successful bands, recorded multiple albums, and now resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he hosts a world-renowned traditional Irish seisiún.
Since 1988, Paul has shared the stage with top Canadian talent like Spirit of the West, Great Big Sea, Blue Rodeo, I Mother Earth, The Skydiggers, Serena Ryder, and Justin Rutledge.
Paul's big break was with the hit band Uisce Beatha (1990s), which sold over 40,000 albums.
Now, reaching his Carlsberg years, Paul's interests have expanded to curling.
Mike Carver is a London-based multi-instrumentalist performing on banjo, guitar, percussion, and vocals.
With roots in both traditional Celtic music and classical percussion, he has spent years performing with ensembles and bands across Southwestern Ontario.
Louisa O'Keane is a versatile performer and is beautiful singer and bodhrán player for Paddy Murphy’s Ghost.
Louisa has over 20 years of stage experience as a singer, actor and choreographer. She has appeared in countless musicals and revues across Canada and is a seasoned concert and cabaret soloist.