Equally at home as ‘The Singing Farmer’ wearing a flat cap and rubber wellies, as a Master of Ceremonies in a tuxedo, or hosting his own daily radio show (CJHR 98.7FM – Valley Heritage Radio), Dai Bassett is a versatile entertainer with a sharp wit. The amiable Welshman honed his skills through the Young Farmers’ Movement drama and public speaking...

This 6 strong band fronted by husband and wife Bradley and Michelle McMillan have built a large following with their lively fusion of traditional Irish, folk and rock music. With over 500 performances under their belts, they’ve also been busy in the studio, releasing an EP and 5 albums, most recently ‘1948’, named after the inaugural year of the Glengarry...

Tom, Kerry and Julie Fitzgerald are Canadian Grandmaster Fiddle and Step Dance champions 3 times over. With their roots in the Ottawa Valley, their love of performing resonates with audiences of all ages, and their exceptional musicianship, mind-blowing dancing, and unique sibling connection have led to guest performances with such notable artists as Natalie McMaster, Leahy, and Eileen Ivers, as...

Fánaid are a first for Celtfest, coming direct from County Down in Northern Ireland. They’re regulars on Belfast’s traditional music scene, one of the most vibrant in the world. Their unique and energetic repertoire champions the music of their native Ulster, with plenty of jigs, reels, barn dances, polkas and marches, but also looks further afield, incorporating tunes from Brittany,...

Silverfura is a duo from south-central Sweden playing engaging melodies from their region. Fiddler Sten Lindstrand and accordionist Andreas Svensson have written hundreds of tunes in the traditional style, and perform in a lively (‘and often perhaps too fast!’) way. They hope to deliver music that will make Celtfest visitors happy. It’s their first time in North America, and they...

These dedicated dancers have shared stages with the likes of Ashley MacIsaac, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra, and the Sons of Scotland, Ottawa Police and RCMP Pipe Bands. Celtic Cross shows are a lively blend of Highland, Irish and Ottawa Valley styles, featuring both traditional and contemporary, solo and group dancing. With years of experience as performers, teachers and competitors, they...

The Rats d’Swompe are proud French Canadians with a shared passion for traditional violin, songs everyone can join in with and the music of yesteryear.  As bass guitarist Martin Rocheleau declares, ‘We are trying to recreate the kitchen parties of our great-grandparents.’  Based in Ottawa, Les Rats are one of the few groups committed to the Franco-Ontarian folk tradition.  They...

James is one of the most distinctive and identifiable voices in the Canadian singer-songwriter community. His literate and layered storytelling over the course of nine recordings has earned him awards and acclaim from Australia to Scandinavia. A lover of history, his back catalogue includes timeless originals that mine the depths of the soul such as ‘Cold Missouri Waters’ and ‘Kiri’s...

Like a fine blend of the best Highland and hillbilly malts, Occasional Pudding deliver sweet sounds with a smooth aftertaste. Their repertoire spans continents and centuries, from traditional Irish and Atlantic Canadian to vintage rock to country and bluegrass classics. Jules Sisk plays fiddle and mandolin, Dan Arnott is on banjo, Mike Berrigan revels in the acoustic properties of everything...

Singer-songwriter Patrick Donnelly has been playing Celtic music in the Ottawa region for over 40 years. His music provides a bridge between traditional melodies and folk storytelling. Patrick has played in Wolfhound Road and The Beguilers and has crafted a successful solo show. Along with performing at local venues like the Cheshire Cat, Royal Oak, Celtic Cross, and previously at...