About Our Entertainers
Master of Ceremonies – Eamonn De Cogain
Éamonn de Cógáin, hailing from Cork, Ireland, is celebrated as Ireland’s most energetic MC. A native Irish (Gaelic) speaker, Éamonn has enthralled audiences across the United States, earning the affectionate title of “The Céilí King” for his unparalleled ability to bring traditional Irish dance to life.
With a rich heritage rooted in storytelling and entertainment, Éamonn seamlessly blends his talents as an actor and storyteller, captivating listeners with tales from the Emerald Isle. His smooth brogue and infectious enthusiasm have made him a staple at Irish festivals nationwide.
Éamonn has introduced thousands to the joys of Irish Céilí dancing, teaching the basic steps and movements with an easy-going nature that encourages participation from all ages. Now residing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Éamonn continues to share his passion for Irish culture, bringing the spirit of Ireland to every event he graces. His performances are not just events; they are unforgettable experiences filled with music, dance, and storytelling that leave audiences yearning for more, where every attendee becomes part of the dance, the story, and the magic that is Ireland.
‘Éamonn de Cógáin – The Céilí King’ – Éamonn de Cógáin is a celebrated Irish entertainer, MC, and dance caller, known far and wide as The Céilí King. With an infectious energy and a deep passion for Irish music and dance, Éamonn has led lively céilís and hosted major festivals across Ireland, the U.S., and beyond. Whether calling traditional dances for crowds of all ages or keeping audiences engaged as an emcee, he brings unparalleled enthusiasm and charm to every event, ensuring an unforgettable experience wherever he takes the stage.
The Byrne Brothers
The Byrne Brothers, from Donegal, Ireland, are a multi award winning family band currently taking the Irish American scene by storm!
Their achievements include a massive social media presence, winning the Young Artist Academy© Award for Outstanding Music Ensemble and being named Rising Stars of the Year by American Celtic Radio Listeners for their album “Living the Dream.”
They are also one of the biggest Irish Trad Supergroups on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram and TikTok with over 150,000 followers and 50 million views on their music videos.
They are all County champion musicians and Ulster champion Irish dancers. The band consists of Luca on accordion, Finn on banjo, mandolin, and guitar, Dempsey on bodhran and whistle, and their father Tommy on uilleann pipes, fiddle, guitar, and grade 1 bagpiper.
They moved to America in 2018 to perform at Walt Disney World where they became Youngest ever cast members in the history of Disney, and have since toured extensively across 47 US States.
The Byrne Brothers have established themselves as a significant presence in the traditional Irish music scene, attracting interest from Hollywood and receiving a reputation as a “Must See Band” at festivals.
They are well known for their electrifying and high-energy performances that showcase modern traditional Irish music and world-class Irish dancing. Their music features both traditional and original tunes and songs. Audiences around the globe are captivated by their infectious humor, energy and talent.
Their new album “The Boys of Doorin” was written, recorded and produced by Finn is getting 5 Star reviews from radio stations and press all over the world.
Brianna Brown and Friends
https://www.facebook.com/TheBriannaBrownBand The Brianna Brown Band is a traditional Irish music project from St. Louis, featuring Brianna Brown (concertina, harp, whistle, mouth organ), John Bolduan (guitar, banjo), Tim Yau (fiddle, guitar), Lisa Gilbert (flute), and Matthew Brown (bodhran)
Celtica
https://celticatradmusic.com/ Celtica is a traditional session group, playing weekly in the local area (see our Calendar Page for details). The group comprises musicians of all proficiencies, walks of life, and backgrounds in Celtic music. All participate as they are able; but the draw is all the same – an intense interest in the Celtic heritage, its music, and its people – in short, all things Celtica!
Clarkson Irish Dancers
https://www.clarksonschool.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ClarksonIrishDance The Clarkson School of Irish Dance has been sharing the art of Irish dance with children and adults in St. Louis and St. Charles for 30 years. Considered one of the premier Irish dance schools in Mid-America, our dancers compete at the local, regional, national and world level in solo, ceili and choreography dancing. We also perform throughout the year at festivals, fairs, parades, schools and special events in Missouri and Illinois. Clarkson is the only Irish dance school in Missouri with four certified TCRG teachers – and two ADCRG’s – on staff, designations that require years of training, teaching and rigorous testing by An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha in Ireland.
Flannigan’s Right Hook
https://www.flannigansrighthook.com/
Based out of Kansas City, Flannigan’s Right Hook plays high-energy Irish-infused-rock with just a dash of Irish traditional and bluegrass. earning them the title “Kansas City’s Best Local Band” in The Pitch Weekly’s Best of Kansas City Awards in 2018 & 2021, and earned lead singer Cameron Russell the title “Best Male Vocalist” in Kansas City Magazine’s Best of Kansas City Awards in 2021.
Since 2006 when Flannigan’s Right Hook began to spread their wings, they have now played over 1,500 shows in the Midwest and nationwide to rave reviews from audiences of all ages and earning the respect of peers.
In addition to festivals including the Kansas City Irish Fest, Topeka Irish Festival, Tulsa Irish Festival, and Weston Irish Festival, The Celtic Fling (PA), Celtic Street Faire, and Drop of Dublin, the band and its members have also performed at clubs, corporate events, and other venues throughout Kansas City, the Midwest, and across the country.
Flannigan’s Right Hook is Cameron Russell (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Drums), Michael Cochran (Drums, Vocals), Coleen Dieker (Violin, Vocals), and Paul Greenlease (Bass, Vocals). As university-trained musicians, all members excel individually and raise the performance of each other to new levels.
Performing a wide variety of music – from rock and country covers to Irish traditional to band originals – the unique mix of genre’s and covers truly offers something for everyone. With three studio albums to their credit, Flannigan’s Right Hook inspires their devoted fans to renew their love for all kinds of music covering the 60’s through today – and it works! Their strong following is evidence that love for music shows no limits.
We owe our fans and friends a huge debt because without you, all this wouldn’t have been possible! You guys keep following us. Slainte’ (that’s ‘health’ in Gaelic – or Cheers!) Our thanks go out to all our “Hookhead” fans for your continuing support!
Lead Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Drums / Cameron Russell
Drums, Vocals / Michael Cochran
Fiddle, Vocals / Coleen Dieker
Bass, Vocals / Paul Greenlease
O’Faolain Academy of Irish Dance
Since 2007, the O’Faoláin Academy of Irish Dance (OFA) has been teaching the tradition of Irish dance to children and adults in the St. Louis and Southwestern Illinois region. Irish dance is a beautiful and active sport that fosters strong friendships and teaches valuable life lessons such as discipline, teamwork, confidence, and sportsmanship. OFA welcomes dancers of all abilities and ages, four and up. Beginner through Open Championship, and adult classes are offered at the Edwardsville, Illinois, and Webster Groves, Missouri, studios.
Simon Peters
Simon Peters, 24, is a multi award winning singer and songwriter from Donegal, Ireland, who has played gigs and toured all over Ireland, Scotland, England and the USA! He’s won awards for “entertainer of the year”, “best male vocalist of the year” and more. He was invited out to Nashville to perform at the age on 9 years old on Ernest Tubb’s Midnight jamboree, live on WSM radio and the cowboy church where he performed alongside George Hamilton IV And members of Johnny cash’s family. Simon has appeared on many popular national television shows including RTE’s late late show, RTE’s Elev8 and also on the late late toy show.Simon started out at a very young age of 7 years old performing and writing his own music. He started out playing Guest spots at events and doing one man gigs in local clubs and bars. His loyalty and love has always lay with traditional country music, A love which he got from his father who has always been a huge fan of traditional country music. Ever since he was a boy growing up at home in Newtowncunningham, Co. Donegal, he knew that he wanted to be a singer and “nothing is gonna change my mind” says Simon
Simon has recorded and released 3 full albums to date and 2 DVD’s of music video’s. The music videos have got tremendous views online with the you tube channel reaching well over 1 million views in a short space of time. Simons music videos also frequently appear on a lot of sky TV country music shows including Hot Country Tv and the showcase TV channel.
Simon is going from strength to strength with his airplay growing dramatically with his latest singles!
Simon is currently in the studio working on his 4th album. He also continues to release new singles from the forthcoming album.
Simon also continues to write his own music with some of his recent singles being from the pen of himself, “Michael’s Song”. A song that means a lot to Simon is one he wrote it about an uncle of his who past away sadly at the age of 40! Check the song out on all digital streaming platforms now!
“”Thanks for visiting my website folks, I hope you can take the time to check out my music on iTunes and Spotify and follow me on all my social medias to stay up to date with everything going on in my musical journey. I hope to see yous all very soon on the road.
Thanks again! Simon x