This is your chance to check out some of music’s rising stars! Performances are included in festival admission. We have tables and chairs set up in front of the stage, but you are more than welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Please be courteous and pick a spot that won’t obscure the view of others.
Click here for a printable music schedule or scroll down for complete details.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6:
Eleyet McConnell – Matt Clarkson Band – The Ark Band – Parrots of the Caribbean
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13:
Anna Paolucci – LA band – Steve Free – Rumpke Mountain Boys
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20:
Dulahan – John Batdorf – Ladies of Langford – Bastard Bearded Irishmen
Eleyet McConnell
September 6, 2025, 12:00-1:30pm
Immersed in a multitude of genres for over 40 years, Angie Eleyet possesses a talent that will captivate you from the first moment she sings. Fierce. Soulful. edgy. Her musical tastes are so diverse, yet you will hear the many influences in her sound from Beth Hart, Led Zeppelin, Heart, Janis Joplin, and Bad Company to Merle Haggard, The Eagles, and some gospel freats. Her stage presence will draw you in quickly and she takes you on a journey you will never forget.
Well-known to the local music scene Chris McConnell has developed his musical expertise over the last 50 years. He has years of experience in live performance, touring, and studio work. His journey as a musician began at the age of 10 and continued through the years in countless projects including winning a regional star search and a home-grown album with WTUE in the early 80’s. He has a passion for writing and is a strong vocalist in his own right.
Together, their ability to tell stories through their lyrics captivates listeners. Their chemistry is palpable whether playing in an intimate, storyteller-type venue or with a full powerful band. Their songs attract music lovers from all backgrounds
Matt Clarkson Band
September 6, 2025 2:00-4:00pm
Matt Clarkson Band, founded by front man Matt Clarkson and guitarist Kelly Bush, are a high-energy Rock/Country band from Central Ohio! MCB has been providing a great blend of southern rock and country, appealing to a wide variety of listeners and viewers throughout Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee. They have been known for playing writers rounds at the Listening room in Nashville, fairs and festivals through Ohio to night clubs in Ohio and Indiana. MCB has been a top 3 nominated band of Springfield, OH in 2022, 2023 and 2024 as well as Josie Awards Nominee in 2024 and 2025. Nominations in 2024 include Fans choice, Best music video of the year “Bad News”, Best music video performance of the year “Bad News” and vocal event of the year “Bad News”. Nominations for 2025 include Group of the year Country/Rock, Song of the year “All I’ve Ever Known”, Vocalist of the year and Fans choice.
The Ark Band
September 6, 2025 – 4:30-6:30pm
THE ARK BAND was founded in 1987 by The St. Lucian Riddim Twins, Terry and Eustace Bobb. Based in Columbus, Ohio, THE ARK BAND has continually shared their distinct style of Roots Reggae, Calypso, and Soca music across the United States, Canada, and the Carribbean.
Combining heavenly harmonies with tight, crisp, performances, this powerhouse of talent captures audiences with the very first note. Their honed setlist combines originals with classic and current hits curated to entertain, educate and enlighten all people. THE ARK BAND continues to be a force expressing the love, peace, togetherness and spirituality so desperately needed in our world today!
i & i play jah righteous music to bring all peoples together inna oneness. giving thanks and praises.
Parrots of the Caribbean
September 6, 2025, 7:00-9:00pm
Parrots of the Caribbean – A Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band parrots of the caribbean about the band Together this group of five (5) musicians exemplifies a wide variety of talent second to none. Parrots of the Caribbean will bring excitement, energy and first class musicianship to your event. It’s a show you won’t soon forget.
The many faces of lead singer Dave Albrecht – Dave bought his first harmonica at the age of 18 and by the age of 30 he landed a front man position impersonating “elwood Blues” aka Dan Akroyd in a 9-piece Blues Brothers Band based in Dayton Ohio. For the next 5 years the band traveled across the U.S. performing in theaters, civic arenas and concert halls. Soon after Dave signed with “legends in Concert” a top ranked show of impersonators based at Imperial Palace Casino in Las Vegas where he was employed for the next few years. Long before the advent of the “Parrotheads”, by the early 70’s, Dave was inspired by his love for the music of Jimmy Buffet, and took his passion for musical performance in a new direction. With his previous experience singing and dancing on stage, the transition to his Buffet act was just a matter of perfecting the song lyrics. He gathered some of the finest seasoned musicians for his new band Parrots of the Carribean and over the last 8+ years has earned his acclaim as the #1 Jimmy Buffet tribute act in the country.
Anna Paolucci
September 13, 2025, 12:00-1:30pm
LA Band
September 13, 2025, 2:00-4:00pm
Thank you for considering our band for your event. We know that your event is special to you, maybe even a once in a lifetime occasion that you should be able to look back on very fondly. Our band has helped make special memories for countless people looking to impress clients, family, and friends. Our experiences have taken us along many paths and we have played our music for a very diverse cross-section of party throwers and party goers for over 40 years. During that span of time we have played for John Mellencamp, Little Anthony, Peabo Bryson, The Ohio Players, and Rick James. We have opened up for many famous rhythm and blues and jazz musicians across the country. We believe we learned a few things along the way, the most important being to help our clients have the best dance, party, wedding or concert that they can imagine all the time taking all the worry out of the music side of things so that they may enjoy that experience while it’s happening. We are dependable, on time and ready to provide music that is fun, danceable, and professional. We have a base band of 3 musicians that we can expand to 8 including female vocalist and horns. Any thing musically you could need we can supply. But the only way to find out for sure is to give us a listen and a try. Hoping to see you at “the party”…sincerely Greg Parsley for The L.A. Band.
The L. A. Band is very versatile. Although we perform songs from artists like Bruno Mars and The Weeknd, we still cover all the hits by artist such as: Earth Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Isley Brothers, Gap Band, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Cameo, Prince, Doobie Brothers, Peter Gabriel, the Motown Sound and many many more.
Steve Free
September 13, 2025, 4:30-6:30pm
Music is an emotion that each of us can experience. The mood of times. . . thoughts unspoken . . .
Steve Free writes music that evokes imagery, reflects life, its simplicity and to reveal something about ourselves that is hidden.
Between the notes is where we live and today is ours for but a moment. Steve’s music covers the gamut of folk, rock and country. Stop and listen and explore his world. A Free World!
Steve Free is an internationally acclaimed award winning singer/songwriter/recording artist. The winner of numerous Music Industry Awards including 9 ASCAP AWARDS, a Platinum Record and a GRAMMY nomination he has charted over 30 songs on the National & International, Americana, Country & Billboard Charts, including 15 #1 songs, while remaining one of Music’s Top Folk Artist both in the U.S and in Europe.
In 1996 he was named International Independent Recording Artist of the Year, in 2008 he won the Governor’s Aard as the #1 Artist in his home state of Ohio and in 2009 was honored by The Kentucky State Senate for his musical contributions to Appalachia. He is an Ohio Arts Council and Midwest Arts Council “Ohio Artist On Tour “.
In 2000 he received a lifetime achievement award from Airplay International in Nashville for his decades of international airplay. His song ‘SEIGE AT LUCASVILLE’, about the 1993 Ohio prison riot was filmed by CBS TV’s 48 Hours in 1996 and his song OUR HOMETOWN is featured in the PBS Documentary ‘BEYOND THESE WALLS’.
In 2009 he was honored by being named an Official “Ohio Treasure“.
In 2014 he has performed on PBS, NPR and THE NASHVILLE NETWORK and been featured in The AFM International Magazine, GTE Music Magazine in Nashville and numerous other music industry magazines and newspaper articles.
Rumpke Mountain Boys
September 13, 2025, 7:00-9:00pm
THE RUMPKE MOUNTAIN BOYS offer an unparalleled musical journey filled with emotional vocals, impressive command of various string instruments, and captivating special effects. This energetic quartet takes a unique approach to their performance, relying on the energy of the crowd and intuitive improvisational flow to guide their music in real time.
David Gans, host of the Grateful Dead Hour, praises the honesty and authenticity of the Rumpke Mountain Boys, who, much like Donna the Buffalo and the Grateful Dead, don’t rely on setlists or rehearsals. The four members write their own songs, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources. In this way, they constantly expand their musical abilities.
This talented band has made a name for themselves with electrifying performances at festivals across the country, such as the Northwest String Summit and the John Hartford Memorial Festival. They have collaborated with various renowned artists, including Leftover Salmon, Del McCoury, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Ralph Stanley. With an ever-growing fan base, the Rumpke Mountain Boys show no signs of slowing down.
To stay up to date on the latest news, tour dates, merchandise, and more, keep checking our website at www.rumpkemountainboys.com, and sign up for the newsletter. Don’t miss your chance to catch this powerful creative force in a city near you.
Dulahan
September 20, 2025, 12:00-1:30pm
Dulahan has been performing regionally at festivals, pubs and concert venues for over 24 years, including a number of appearances at the Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival. The band has recorded 11 albums of all original Celtic flavored material, including their most recent,“Bumps in the Road”, released in 2024. Dulahan’s music is a Celtic/Americana hybrid that pays homage to the traditional, but incorporates all the varied musical influences of the four members into its sound. The result is a unique blend of creative songwriting and musical energy that draws on contemporary genres and traditional Celtic but also contains unmistakable hints of Americana and Bluegrass, with a bit of Celtic Rock as well.
The interplay of the multiple layers of instrumentation, combined with the powerful multi-part part vocal harmonies within the band’s original compositions, generates a sound that connects with fans of the traditional and the contemporary and draws new fans wherever their music is heard.
John Batdorf
September 20, 2025, 2:00-4:00pm
John Batdorf’s journey through the world of music is a testament of passion, perseverance and the enduring power of authenticity. From singing Elvis Presley classics as “Little Johnny” in nightclubs to becoming an influential figure in the West Coast folk-rock scene, Batdorf’s story is one of continuous evolution and a deep love for his craft.
Surrounded by a family steeped in music, Batdorf’s destiny seemed inevitable. Picking up the guitar at the tender age of five, his earliest performances were alongside his father, captivating audiences with his renditions of Elvis hits. However his path was forever changed at age 12 , when he saw The Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan show. That electrifying moment cemented his ambition to pursue music professionally.
By age 15, Batdorf had left his Ohio hometown for Los Angeles, embracing the uncertainty of chasing fame and fortune. This leap of faith paid off when when he and collaborator Mark Rodney formed Batdorf and Rodney. The duo signed with Atlantic Records under the legendary Ahmet Ertegun, recording their debut album “Off the Shelf” in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The album’s 1971 release marked the beginning of Batdorf’s prolific career.
Hearing his music on the radio remains one of Batdorf’s fondest memories. He recalls an iconic moment when he and Rodney played their latest songs for Ertegun, only to hear their record already playing in his hotel room. As Ertegun proudly said “Boys, we made our mark,” Batdorf knew he was part of something significant.
Throughout the 1970s, Batdorf continued to build on that foundation. His sound, a blend of West Coast acoustic folk-rock, drew from inspirations like Crosby, stills & Nash, Buffalo Springfield, and the Beatles. This unique style style, coupled with deeply personal songwriting, became his hallmark.
Batdorf’s career wasn’t without it’s hurdles. After forming the band Silver in 1976 and achieving a hit with “Wham Bam,” creative differences with Arista Records curtailed the bands potential. Faced with uncertainty, Batdorf turned to studio work, lending his vocal talents to jingles, television shows, movies, and albums by artists like Motley Crue and Dwight Yokam.
Even as a studio singer, Batdorf remained committed to songwriting, securing cuts with acts like America and Dan Seals. A serendipitous moment in 2017 brought “Wham Bam back into the spotlight when it was featured in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol II, introducing his music to a new generation of fans.
As John Batdorf looks to the future, his excitement for music remains undiminished. With a new solo album on horizon and plans to continue performing through 2025, he is passionate as ever. Each new project represents another chapter in a career defined by creativity, resilience, and an enduring love for music.
Ladies of Longford
September 20, 2025, 4:30-6:30pm
Celebrating 19 years of their special brand of music, the Ladies of Longford serve up a unique blend of Contemporary Celtic, Traditional Irish and fresh acoustic styles. They are most often defined by their superb vocal harmonies and excellent musicianship. They have performed on stage with several national and internationally known Irish artists including Chloe Agnew (Celtic Woman), Eileen Ivers (Immigrant Soul), Cherish the Ladies and Aoife Clancy to mention a few. From the living rooms and back yards of intimate house concerts to the huge sound stages of renowned festivals, this high energy all woman band shares it’s inspired gifts of melody and performance to a vast range of fans. The group consists of Hilda Doyle and her two daughters, Stephanie Doyle and Heather Doyle Fraser and Elizabeth Blickenstaff.
Bastard Bearded Irishmen
September 20, 2025, 7:00-9:00pm
Pittsburgh-based Bastard Bearded Irishmen is one of the most entertaining and energetic live shows today. Their sound is an original, ferocious blend of traditional and contemporary Celtic music, mixed with punk, gypsy and high-energy rock n’ roll.
Bastard Bearded Irishmen, or BBI, was originally intended to be a one-night-only tribute for a dear, departed friend. Jimmy Bastard and Ben Jaber shared a passion for Irish music and enlisted Dan Stocker on drums and Danny Rectenwald on mandolin to form the nucleus of the band.
What began as a tribute in local pubs, turned into three records, constant touring, and sharing the stage with everyone from The Rumjacks to Gogol Bordello. They have one of the best St. Patrick’s Day shows in the country. They’re hard-partying and always in good spirit. The group’s lineup is rounded out by Paul Dvorchak on fiddle, Ryan Warmbrodt on rhythm guitar, and Sean-Paul Williams on bass.
Bastard Bearded Irishmen concerts are a non-stop barrage of party anthems, dancing tunes and maybe even the occasional whiskey-fueled ballad. The experience is always organic, and sometimes, unpredictable. Jimmy climbs the rafters and Danny jumps into the crowd. Maybe you get to do a solo. Who knows? Quite simply, the guys want you to have as much fun as they’re having.
The band’s third album, “Drinkin’ to the Dead,” will be released wide May 2018. It’s a tribute to fallen friends and family, one of the reasons Bastard Bearded Irishmen formed in the first place; a respectful remembrance of those who have passed with an acceptance to go on and live your best life. Standout tracks include “Green Side of the Hill”, “Drunken Drinkin’”, the cover of “Dirty Old Town” by Ewan MacColl and the epic ending and album-titled “Drinkin’ to the Dead.”
“Drinkin’ to the Dead” is full of surprises and new stretches for the band. The album further demonstrates that Bastard Bearded Irishmen is not just a St. Patrick’s Day band.
One other special note: this is first album where mandolinist and background vocalist Danny Rectenwald steps out to lead vocals on four tracks. Jimmy Bastard still leads vocals and is the principal songwriter on the remaining songs.
Bastard Bearded Irishmen is sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey and Iron City Beer.
BBI was voted “Best Rock Band in Pittsburgh” four years in a row (’12,’13,’14, ‘15) by the readers of the ‘Pittsburgh City Paper’, and “Best Bar Band” (2014 & 2015) by ‘Pittsburgh Magazine’. The band continues to make a name for itself, both regionally and nationally. They’ve opened for Dropkick Murphy’s and Stiff Little Fingers on the “Shamrock N Roll” tour in Pittsburgh, played with Gogol Bordello, Street Dogs, Chuck Ragan, The Rumjacks, Gaelic Storm, The Mahones, Reel Big Fish, Guttermouth, Rusted Root, The Clarks, as well as rocking regional festivals, “MusikFest” (Bethlehem, PA), “Roar on the Shore” (Erie, PA), “MountainFest” (Morgantown, WV), “Flood City Music Festival”(Johnstown, PA), “OC Bike Fest” (Ocean City, MD), Dublin Irish Fest (Dublin, OH), Celtic Classic (Bethlehem, PA), Indy Irish Festival (Indianapolis, IN), Pittsburgh Irish Festival, and three rock cruises, Sail Across the Sun (‘16, ‘17, ‘18) with national artists Train, Michael Franti & Spearhead, among others, and was quickly a boat highlight.
