BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Longtime crowd favorites, and more than a wee bit of new artists who offer traditional music, pub tunes and Celtic rock, will highlight musical performers at the 37th Celtic Classic, festival organizers announced Sunday.
Musician /comedian extraordinaire Seamus Kennedy will return to the festival after a three-year break, Albannach will bring back its tribal, Scottish sound to the festival, which celebrates all things Irish, Scottish and Welsh.
Celtic Classic is scheduled Sept. 27-29 on the festival grounds near downtown Bethlehem.
“There will be surprises every minute of the 2½ day weekend. And it will be filled with Celtic presentations ranging from dance and music to traditional competitions, lectures, food and shopping.”
Celtic Cultural Alliance Executive Director Jayne Ann Recker
The festival is among the largest Highland Games and Celtic Festivals in North America, annually drawing more than 200,000 visitors.
In all, five stages of entertainers will fill downtown Bethlehem with the sounds of tin whistles, fiddles and of course bagpipes.
The 2024 entertainment lineup ranges from traditional to Celtic rock and fusion, and “will keep toes tapping and inspire a jig or two,” Celtic Cultural Alliance said in a release.
Also back will be The Prodigals, with its strong Celtic rock vibe. And crowd favorite Emish will be back to play its last gigs before retirement.
Rounding out the lineup will be local crowd favorites Woomer & Whitaker, with its Celtic repertoire; Blackwater; On the Lash; Glengarry Bhoys.
And, of course, Gerry Timlin, who will make his 37th appearance at the festival — having never missed a Celtic Classic since the first year.
“There will be surprises every minute of the 2½ day weekend,” Celtic Cultural Alliance Executive Director Jayne Ann Recker said.
“And it will be filled with Celtic presentations ranging from dance and music to traditional competitions, lectures, food and shopping.
“With the outstanding support we’ve received from the community and from our sponsors, this year’s festival is poised to be one of our largest celebrations of Celtic heritage while still remaining a free, family-friendly event.”
The full lineup can be found here:
New names this year include Ally the Piper, an award-winning piper who plays everything — including heavy metal.
Conor Mallon will arrive from Ireland with its unusual sound and Uillean bagpipes.
The Byrne Brothers will bring its Irish influence and high-energy, award-winning musical and dance show.
For more information on the Celtic Classic, directions, volunteering opportunities and other CCA events, go to www.celticfest.org.