Peter Miller is an acclaimed Australian finger-style guitarist known for his delicate touch and melodic approach. With a career that has taken him across Ireland, Europe, Vietnam, and Japan, Peter has shared the stage with renowned musicians like John Spillane and Ger Wolfe, captivating audiences with his expressive
performances.
His album Songs Without Words stands as a testament to his artistry, featuring collaborations with celebrated musicians such as flautist Sarah Calderwood and fiddle maestro Steve Wickham of The Waterboys. The album received widespread acclaim, and Peter has gone on to release seven full-length albums and ten singles
Peter’s talent has earned him numerous accolades, including Australian Celtic Artist of the Year and Australian Celtic Instrumental of the Year, along with recognition at the Hawaiian Big Island Music Awards for his contribution to the best compilation album.
His music has found its way to international audiences through film and television, with notable appearances on the cult UK series Skins and the Shania Twain documentary Why Not, produced by the Oprah Winfrey Network. Closer to home in South East Queensland, Peter is a familiar face at local venues and bars, where his performances continue to resonate with audiences.
Blending Celtic and folk influences, Peter Miller’s music is a journey of storytelling without words, a heartfelt expression of his passion and artistry.
“Peter Miller weaves a magic spell, do not listen too closely, cos you might get drawn in, and you might get taken away, and you might forget who you are”– John Spillane
“’Songs Without Words’ is a credible addition to any fingerstyle lover’s music collection” – UK Acoustic
“Aussie Peter Miller is in absolute control of the steel, wood and the vibrations emanating from his guitar”- www.minor7th.com
Dan Mahar is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and guitar instructor living in Sioux Falls, SD. Performing locally, regionally and internationally playing original compositions as well as cover songs.
Barth Harrington, recently retired principal of Scoil na mBuachaillí, steps on to the Clonakilty, International Guitar Festival stage for the first time!
Barth, who has been writing songs since he was a college student, has performed on television and at Cork Opera House.
With the support of the staff and pupils of Scoil na mBuachaillí, two of Barth’s most popular songs were released as Christmas Charity singles. “Home, The Clonakilty Christmas Song” was later performed at Cork Opera House, while “Butterfly Child” was performed live on RTE television.
Both songs were produced with the support of John Fitzgerald and Karen O’Regan.
A regular participant in Shanley’s Thursday night Acoustic Session, Barth has also written four musicals for children: The Great Intergalactic Rescue Mission, Don’t Give Up!, Macbeth and The Brothers Faust, all of which were performed to packed audiences over the years.
Hailing from Clonakilty, Cork, Andrew Whelton is a folk/indie singer songwriter, releasing his debut single “What If Things Were Different” in September 2024. Andrew’s influences and balance of indie, pop and folk music have contributed to a unique and delicate sound.
Although early in his music career, Andrew has played as a support act for other established artists in iconic venues such as DeBarras Folk Club in Cork and Dolans in Limerick, with names such as Alfie Hudson-Taylor and Mick Flannery. Andrew’s delicate finger picking and interpretation of modern pop through the lens of classic folk is a welcome addition to the burgeoning music industry.
Andrew will be releasing his 4th single “Highway 3” during the festival, 1 year after the success of his debut single which was also released during the festival.
Finally Andrew will be preforming alongside his new band “Intricate”, alongside James Carey and Rian McCarthy, and will be performing some of their unreleased band tracks!
Bill Shanley is an internationally renowned guitarist and producer,
working with esteemed artists such as Ray Davies, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Mary Black and Sinead O’Connor.
Dublin based, Bill is one of Irelands top session and touring guitar players and producers. Bill has established himself internationally too, through touring and contributing to albums with Ray Davies, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Paul Brady, Mary Black, Roy Harper, Alexandra Burke, Sinead O’Connor, Judy Collins, Jackson Browne to name a few.
Being an accompanist has always been of key interest to Bill, enjoying the great scope and limitless backdrop you can create as a player for the artist you’re working with. This skill was commented on in the Financial Times review of a Ray Davies show a the Royal Albert Hall…
“Is there a finer sideman around?
It’s unlikely.” – Financial Times Review, Royal Albert Hall
Solo Work – Midnight Mission
Midnight Mission is the title of Bill Shanley’s second solo album. Original recordings inspired by the excitement and melodies of early electric guitar music. The album draws on Bill’s world class guitar playing and ability to write great, timeless melodies and features special guests Ray Davies and Paul Brady. Midnight Mission is Bill’s second solo release preceded by Fingerpainting.
Alan Daniel Tobin is a member of Irish band LOWmountain and honorary member of the legendary Interference. His two solo albums – Volume I & II – were recorded remotely in his garden cabin, and produced by multi-instrumentalist, Justin Grounds, from a little room overlooking the beautiful town of Clonakilty, West Cork.
Lives in Carrigaline with his wife, Catherine, and three daughters, Ada Rose, Evie May and Eliza Jean. He also works as a graphic designer, amateur film-maker and photographer. He flexes between the sadness and delight of everyday life. He paints the darkness with atmospheric soundscapes and simple words.
Hugely influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, the West Cork landscape and his family, he also has a minor obsession with lighthouses.
‘Hailing from Kilkenny, Leitrim and Cork, Smithereens is the fabrication of a long burning desire to share art with dear friends and to make them dance their little arses off. With their unique blend of jazz, funk and grunge, this is an artistic ambition that regularly comes to fruition. Emotive songwriting paired with some not-too-shabby musicianship proves to work wonders both in the studio and at live shows, where the 4 lads seem to enjoy themselves even more than the audience.
Sold out gigs in the Kino (250 cap), as well as support slots for international big hitters such as High Fade and the success of their first Irish tour show that Smithereens have an innate hunger for gigging and making music. Smithereens have been described as ‘high energy, fun, and one of a kind. Listen to their new single, Ocean Floor, out right now!’
Michael returns with 10 captivating newtracks that mark a clear evolution in his sound and solidify his place as one of the standout songwriting talents of his generation.
Including ‘Evelyn, ’ a breakout track that went viral earlier this year, racking up over 100k streams and inspiring widespread covers online. Thin White Road is rich in storytelling, drawing inspiration from literary voices like Laurie Lee, Hunter S. Thompson, and T.S. Eliot.
While honouring Michael’s classic fingerpicking style and impressive vocal range, this album expands sonically with full band arrangements, lush vocal harmonies, saxophone, and strings.
Think Laura Marling meets Leonard Cohen, a hint of Fleet Foxes, often with the raw energy of Crazy Horse. Michael made a strong debut with
Highfield Suite (2021), a bedroom lockdown project produced by renowned guitarist Bill Shanley that earned critical acclaim.
PRAISE:
“I love it! What an unexpected gem!” – Paul Brady
“I’d place Michael squarely with the likes of Leonard Cohen, John Hiatt and Ron Sexsmith. He’s that good!” – Doug Cox, Vancouver Island Music Festival
“His joy-filled performance was so irresistible, he had everyone singing along with him.” – Lisa Schwartz, Cambridge Folk Festival
“Michael is one of the most accomplished and exciting singer-songwriters that I have worked with in recent years. With the success and reactions he achieved with this album it is obvious that he is an emerging Scottish artist of huge merit.- Bill Shanley (Musician, Ray Davies, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Sinead O’Connor)
Meadhbh Hayes, Limerick’s adopted Cork native, has an enchanting voice and is a skilled guitar and fiddle player.
Hayes’ performances are intimate and soulful, deeply rooted in folk and Irish trad but with a contemporary feel. She grew up listening to and singing a lot of Irish Folk songs as well as American Folk songs. And with Séamus Creagh being her first fiddle teacher, she has a huge grá for Sliabh Luachra tunes.
Meadhbh released her first original single GÁIRE on streaming platforms in October 2024, which was produced by Limerick musician and composer Paddy Mulcahy. The song explores themes of grief and loss, fueled by the passing of Meadhbh’s mother from a terminal illness in 2020. Contrasting these themes are her gratefulness for her life in Limerick City where she currently resides.
Over the past few months, Meadhbh has performed as an opening act for John Blek, John Murry, Rua Rí, Cormac O’Caoimh, The Whistlin’ Donkeys and The Atlanders. She has also performed at festivals like Hidden Hearth and The Cork Folk Fest (“Gals At Play” concert curated by Mary Greene from Greenshine).
Meadhbh recently finished a Master of Arts in Music Composition and Creative Music Practice in the Irish World Academy in UL, in which she received a first class honours result. Meadhbh is in the process of recording her debut EP with Shane Wixted & Paddy Mulcahy (production), Seán O’Meara (guitar, banjo, vocals), Cein Daly (bass), Conor Broderick (keys), Shay Sweeney and Ben Wanders (drums).