Andy Cooney, direct from Carnegie Hall, with his outstanding voice and dynamic stage presence has always been a favorite among American and Irish audiences everywhere. His talent and versatility provide the ability to deliver a song directly to the hearts of his audience. Andy is surely one of the greatest singing sensations on the stage today. Christened "Irish America's Favorite Son" by The New York Times, is a title he truly deserves. Andy’s latest production, “The New York Tenors” has been receiving high critical acclaim. The show stars three of New York’s premier voices, Andy Cooney, Daniel Rodriguez and Michael Amante. The New York Tenors combine the artistry of three men who alone are superb, but together provide an overwhelming, ‘can’t-miss’ showcase of some of the world’s greatest vocalists and repertoire. On Andy's latest release "It’ll Be Me" you will find songs of Country, Heritage, Faith and Friendship, Andy has truly come full circle with this release. With guest artists Crystal Gayle, Larry Gatlin and Ronan Tynan and the RTE Concert Orchestra, helped to make this CD a “dream come true”. For more information on Andy, visit his website and to listen to a clip of Andy singing his hit “Emigrant Eyes”.
Ronan Tynan, “Put courage in your dreams, Ronan, and leave the rest to the Man Above, And then you will carve your footprints in the sand.” These words have shaped the remarkable life of the Irish tenor Ronan Tynan – a proud and loving lesson of his mother’s – from his childhood milking cows on a farm in County Kilkenny, Ireland, to an ever-evolving career as a singer, bringing him worldwide fame and admiration that could have existed only in the farthest reaches of those dreams. International audiences met Tynan as a member of The Irish Tenors. Now his singular voice and irresistible appeal have led him to strike out on his own, a decision that seems to have resulted in something far more meaningful than a mere solo career. For more information on Ronan, visit his website and to listen to Ronan sing a clip of “As I Sit Here”.
Noel V. Ginnity is universally recognized as Ireland's greatest comedian, and the star of one of Dublin's longest running cabarets. Noel's eventful brand of humour has been witnessed by audiences from all corners of the globe time and time again in the Burlington Hotel in Dublin. It is also in the Burlington Cabaret that the words 'standing ovation' are not a rarity, for it is without a doubt that Noel V. Ginnity can bring a world represented audience to fits of laughter within minutes of taking to the stage. Noel has been described as being "more important to Ireland than the Blarney Stone. Listen to Noel tell you all about the “Hokey Pokey”.
Kate Purcell is one of Ireland's foremost folk artists from Ennis, Co. Clare. Kate began her musical career at local venues and secured a residency at Dromoland Castle Hotel where she still gigs regularly. Her fresh and engaging way with a song will immediately capture and thrill the audience. She has played extensively around Ireland at venues ranging from Arts Centres to major Concert Halls. Kate has released "A Dream Unfolds...", "Shadows of You" and her latest "Independent Soul". For more information on Kate, visit her website and to listen to Kate sing a clip of “Slan Abhaile”.
The Cape May Ceili Band features Traditional Irish Music Hall of Fame members Jimmy Kelly, Sr. who has drummed with the Tulla Ceili Band when in the U. S. and he’s been to the late, great Paddy O’Brien’s hometown in Nenagh,Tipperary; and Felix Dolan whose introduction to Irish traditional music goes back to his childhood, when he and his mother played accordion together at local dances and gatherings, he took a hiatus while his children were young and began playing in public again in 1994. Along with All-Ireland Accordion Champion John Whelan, who was named Traditionalist of the Year by The Irish Echo and well-known New York Fiddler Bernadette Fee who is a veteran performer and is very active in the traditional music circles. She has played at numerous festivals and enjoys bringing the love she has for the music to the stage. The band was formed 5 years ago in Cape May, NJ and have played at the Dublin, OH Irish Festival, Milwaukee Irish Festival, Cape May Dance Weekend in Rehoboth Beach, DE and the Irish Arts Week in East Durham, NY. To hear a clip of John Whelan play “Jackie Coleman's Reel”
The Kitty Kelly Band is from the Albany, NY area and perform in East Durham, NY and festivals-dances-restaurants throughout the tri-state area. Whether you’re a confirmed lover of Irish music or not, Kitty's "Catskill Fever" is a CD that will capture your attention with its musical purity, lyrical clarity, and direct sincerity, for as Kitty readily admits she is an avid advocate of the Catskills, and uses music to help the cause. She uses music as a vehicle to promote the Catskills and to promote the CD, it helps all the Irish bands and the region. The title track, "Catskill Fever" written by Irish veteran musician and family friend Carl Corcoran was selected, because it captures that feeling for the Catskills that she wants all folks to have. For more information on The Kitty Kelly Band, visit their website and to hear a clip of Kitty sing“Catskill Fever”
Paddy Noonan came to America from County Cork at the age of 11. It was not long before he was in demand as a performer. At a very young age he became a bandleader and toured all the Irish Dance Halls of the day. The sixties brought about the Paddy Noonan Variety Shows. Paddy gathered together many great talents from Ireland and America and gave them their start. Paddy still performs today and runs cruises and trips the world over. For more information on Paddy, visit his website and to hear a clip of Paddy playing “The Stack of Barley” 
The Screaming Orphans are four fun, high-spirited, musically-obsessed sisters from Donegal who all confidently play their own instruments and write their own songs. The four Diver sisters, Gráinne, Marie Thérèse, Angela and Joan are accomplished songwriters. They are a pop-rock band with musical influences from the Beatles, R.E.M. Indigo Girls, Abba to traditional Irish music. They have released "listen & learn", "Screaming Orphans", "Back to Dublin", "Circles", "Belle's Isle" and their latest "East 12th Street". For more information on The Screaming Orphans, visit their website and to hear a clip of the sisters sing “City of Chicago”.
The McLean Avenue Band features Padraig Allen on guitar and vocals and Jessica Semins on fiddle, harmonica and vocals. Padraig has truly become one with the music industry, playing shows in both America and Europe for close to twenty years, although he will tell you he still feels as though he has just begun playing music. After spending eight incredible years as the singer and bass guitarist for the band The Whole Shabang, toured with great groups like The Prodigals, The Dublin City Ramblers, Foster and Allen, McCabes, The Mickey Finns, Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones he has moved along to setting up this new group 'McLean Avenue'. Jessica is from Long Island and has been playing violin since she could walk. As a teenager she took an interest in Irish traditional music and learned from renowned Galway fiddler, Pete Kelly. For more information on The McLean Avenue Band, visit their website and to hear a clip from their new CD "Easy and Free", the title track “Easy and Free”.
Pauline Wells is a full time Police Lieutenant with the Cambridge (Massachusetts) Police Department. As a vocalist and performer, she has become well known for her American and Irish genres. Her greatest demand comes as a patriotic artist. Her rendition of the National Anthem of the United States is recognized throughout Metro Boston. Pauline is committed to charity work and devotes nearly all appearances to worthy causes. For more information on Pauline, visit her website
Devri is an exciting and dynamic band from greater Boston with major ties to Ireland and is composed of Declan Houton, Larry Flint, Steve O'Callaghan and Chuck Parrish. The band plays all styles of Irish music as well as classic and modern rock, country and folk. They will be playing with Pauline Wells. For more information on the band, visit their website. and to hear a clip of the band perform “Beautiful Affair”.
The Willie Lynch Band have been singing traditional Irish music in pubs, VFW halls, festivals, church basements, political fund-raisers, cruises, weddings and wakes famously in New Jersey. Born the last of eight children in the Dublin suburb of Cabra West, Lynch was raised by his mother, Lily MacDonald, who sang "Pal of My Cradle Days" around the house, a tribute to a mother's sacrifices. Willie now sings it in her memory, and of the 60 or more songs in his repertoire it's the one that makes him sentimental. "He plays traditional Irish songs with a Vegas kind of flair...he's one of the backbones of Irish culture." Guitarist Jim Cox and accordionist Paddy Yorke, have been with him 27 years. All the members of the Lynch band can play several instruments, though they don't bother much with a fiddle or banjo, preferring the sound of an accordion-mandolin-penny whistle combo. For more information on The Willie Lynch Band, visit their website and to hear a clip of the band perform “Sally Gardens”.
Declan Aungier is from Rathangan, County Kildare, he began studying the Piano Accordion at the age of 9 and in 1987 became All-Ireland Under 18 Piano Accordion Champion. He became a professional musician in 1991 and embarked on a career that has taken him all over the world. He works exclusively as a solo entertainer providing music ranging from Country and Irish, some Irish Traditional music and music from present day. In 2007, Declan recorded a tribute to the late Dermot O’Brien, in February 2008, his song was awarded ‘Single of the Year’. “More than any other artist, Dermot O’Brien has been, and continues to be a huge influence on me, so I felt it appropriate to write and record a tribute song to the great man. For me, O’Brien will always be King.” For more information on Declan, visit his website and to hear a clip of Declan singing “O'Brien from Ardee”.
Bill Lewis is an acclaimed pianist/accompanist, arranger and performer and has enjoyed a professional career for forty years. He is the Associate Music Director for the Natchez Opera Festival and Head Vocal Coach for the Central City Opera House Festival. Since 2001, Bill has been appearing with Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan in concert. In addition to his concert appearances, Bill also serves as official pianist for several important vocal competitions. As a teacher, Bill has served on the faculties of both the Boston and New England Conservatories and at Rutgers University. He has taught Master Classes across the United States and has a private studio in New York City. To hear a clip of Bill singing from "Ronan and Billy Live" “Blackberry Winter”.
Stephen's Green have since firmly established themselves on the Irish music scene in the United States, performing in Irish venues across the country where they are acclaimed as one of the hottest Irish duos on the circuit. Martin Doyle and Andy O'Driscoll, both natives of Dublin, by chance combined their outstanding musical talents several years ago. Andy is a gifted balladeer, equally at ease with traditional and contemporary favorites. Martin, an exceptionally capable musician, performed for several years on the music scene in and around Dublin before coming to America a few years ago. He holds Irish and International awards for his performing ability as master of the accordion, and is regarded as an exceptional keyboard artist. Together, Stephen's Green provide an outstanding array of haunting ballads, rollicking jigs and reels and hand-clapping sing-a-long favorites, as well as first-rate original compositions. Their friendly, engaging ways and outstanding stage presence have won them a legion of fans wherever they perform. For more information on Stephen's Green, visit their website and to listen to a clip of Stephen’s Green perform "Fiddlers Green".
Tom Comerford has been playing music since 1988, and has been fortunate enough to do it as a profession, since 1990. After a vast amount of mileage, countless tours, and three well received CDs with The Whole Shabang, Tom decided that it was time to concentrate on a career closer to home. Tom is still one of the most sought after entertainers in the South East of Ireland, where he works in a solo capacity. Possessing a fine ability to read an audience, Tom's repertoire is vast and varied, and continually growing. Anyone who has been to a show can recognize that he is equally happy whether singing the old classics or the newer contemporary Irish songs that are destined to become classics. Recording is still a top priority with Tom, having just released "Celtic Connections"; other CDs include “A Tour Of Ireland”, "Face the Music”, “Organized Rhyme”, “Celtic Christmas”, and “Celtic Classics”. The emphasis is on fun, sing -a-long, audience involvement...you don't need to know a whole bunch of Irish songs to enjoy one of the gigs...Tom Comerford knows more than enough Irish songs for everyone to have a good time. For more information on Tom, visit his website and to listen to a clip of Tom singing “Galway Girl”.
Susan Connors is the Founder and Director of the Ballyclare Irish Dancers, an adult dance group from Binghamton, NY. Susan will be instructing Irish dance lessons - The Gay Gordons, Siege of Ennis, Two Hand Reel, The Highland Fling, Stack of Barley and The Haymakers Jig. Learn these basic dances to dance on the cruise or at a festival, experienced and new dancers are welcome. For many years, Susan co-hosted the Irish Radio Show on Sunday mornings, where you could always hear music from all of these wonderful performers. Call Cruise Specialists today to book your cruise and let them know you want to join in on these fun dance lessons. Dates and times of lessons will be on your daily ship schedule. Click here for her flyer and for more information on Susan, visit her website.
Wayne Weible is a former newspaper publisher and columnist who became interested in the alleged apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to six young Croatians in the tiny farming village of Medjugorje in Bosnia-Hercegovina, in October 1985. He has authored five books on his experiences and investigations of the reported apparitions, all which have become international best sellers. Mr. Weible is presently working on his sixth book, titled “A Child Shall Lead Them”, a collection of youth stories of spiritual conversion through the apparitions at Medjugorje, scheduled for release through Paraclete Press in the fall of 2005. In the past 19 years, he has lectured on this phenomenon in virtually every major city in the US, and most in Canada. He has also appeared on numerous national, regional and local television and radio programs. Mr. Weible has traveled to Medjugorje more than 60 times and has become personally acquainted with all of the visionaries. For more information on Wayne, visit his website.
Patricia O'Reilly a Dublin born journalist, and her crew once again will be on board to film for the TV show "Out of Ireland", which is produced and hosted by Patricia. Out of Ireland, based in New York, is a weekly half hour television show created for the large Irish-American and Irish born populations living in the United States. Out of Ireland is a news, culture and entertainment program presenting the best of modern Ireland in a magazine format. Every week the program features highlights of the news from Ireland's national broadcasting service, RTÉ. The show also includes interviews with Irish and Irish-American celebrities and politicians and showcases Irish music and entertainment. "What we are trying to do with Out of Ireland is produce a fast paced entertainment program that mixes current news with historical perspectives and showcases Irish contributions in the arts, politics and business." This will be Patricia and Out of Ireland's third Cruise of Irish Stars. For further information on the television show, visit their website.
Seamus Mulligan will be the emcee at our shows. Seamus hosts "Feast of Irish Music" on Sunday's from 1pm to 5pm on WROL, Boston, MA. On the air since 1988, "Feast of Irish Music" showcases Ireland's songs and stories of unmatched beauty, complex music, witty and wise proverbs and sayings, vernacular architecture and the devout folk prayers. "Feast of Irish Music" runs the gamut: ballads, biographies, ceili, comedy, commentaries, contemporary, folk, Irish country, poetry, Scottish, traditional, new age, and from time to time other music performed by outstanding Irish artists. The show consists of the finest Irish entertainment - a radio journey into the history, culture, lore and traditions of the Emerald Isle.The Andy Cooney Band
Colm Graham plays guitar in the Andy Cooney Band and sings lead and background vocals, he hails from the County Tipperary. Colm released “Celtic Landscapes”, his first all instrumental album for acoustic guitar, all music written and arranged by Colm, and recently released his first solo album, “Songs of Home” that includes pub sing-a-longs and a couple of songs written by Colm and his brother, Brendan Graham. For more information on Colm, visit his website and listen to a clip of Colm singing “Black Velvet Band”.
Jimmy Kelly plays drums and sings lead and background vocals and occasionally guitar in the Andy Cooney Band. Jimmy lives in Albany, NY and is from an extensive line of Irish musicians. Jimmy recently was in Riverdance on Broadway and took third in the All Ireland for ceili drumming. To listen to a clip of Jimmy singing "Spancil Hill".
Brian “Bugsy” Moran is a multi talented musician and plays keyboard and sings lead and background vocals in the Andy Cooney Band. Brian worked the New York City music scene performing in many of New York’s premier Irish establishments with Irish entertainer and songwriter Mike Carroll. Brian formed the very popular band, “Bugs Moran and the Trouble Boys, featuring some of New York City’s best rockers. Listen to a clip of Brian singing “It Had To Be You”.
John Whelan grew up near London and was raised on the fiddle and pipe music of Ireland. His father Denis, from County Wexford, didn't have any major vices - his only addiction was to Irish music. At age 14 John recorded his first album, "Pride of Wexford". He moved to the U. S. in 1980 and soon was performing with Riverdance fiddler Eileen Ivers. In 1997 John formed the John Whelan Band and has recorded several albums. For more information on John, visit his website and listen to a clip of John performing “Fermoy Lasses/The Old High Reel”.Performers subject to change without notice.
