2026 ARTISTS
February 28
ALTAN
IRELAND
On Saturday, February 28, experience "the hottest band in the Celtic realm" as the legendary Altan brings the rich musical spirit of Donegal to The Franklin Theatre stage! Hailed by Dolly Parton as a "match made in heaven," this world-renowned ensemble has performed for U.S. Presidents and earned Ireland’s highest cultural honors over their illustrious 40-year career. Join us for an evening of breathtaking fiddle melodies and soulful vocals as they showcase their new album, Donegal, and the timeless traditions that have made them global icons. Don't miss your chance to see these masters of Irish music live—secure your tickets today!
SATURDAY March 14
THE GARDINER BROTHERS
on the
Grand Ole Opry
Michael and Matthew Gardiner are five-time World Champion Irish dancers. They fuse traditional Irish dance with modern music and creative storytelling. They are former principal dancers with Riverdance and stars of their own production Unleashed.
March 13
FOY VANCE
NORTHERN IRELAND
on the
Grand Ole Opry
Foy Best Vance is an Irish musician and singer-songwriter, signed to Ed Sheeran's Gingerbread Man record label. Vance has toured as a support act to British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and his music has been featured on numerous TV shows.​
March 3
THE BYRNE BROTHERS
IRELAND
The Byrne Brothers are among the most followed and sought after Irish music bands in the world. With over 50 million music video views, this "must see" festival band create unforgettable, feel-good, high energy traditional Irish music shows with a modern twist that has audiences dancing on their feet!​
SATURDAY March 14
Southern Irish Dancers
Clare Cunningham
Chloë Agnew
DJ Houndstooth
Music City Irish Fest at Skydeck is a live music and dance party celebrating the wide range of Irish-inspired entertainment. The evening kicks off with traditional Irish dancers, followed by live performances from Clare Cunningham and Chloe Agnew, and wraps up with a high-energy dance party set from DJ Houndstooth. It’s a progression from traditional to modern, ending the night on the dance floor.
This is a free show, no tickets required!
March 3
THE HIGH KINGS
IRELAND
The Rocky Road Tour will offer a high-energy live show that reinforces the High Kings’ place at the forefront of Irish folk. With its focus on storytelling, musicianship, and connection, the tour reflects the group’s ongoing commitment to honor Ireland’s folk legacy while pushing creative boundaries.
March 15
SOCKS IN THE FRYING PAN
IRELAND
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at The Franklin Theatre with the "beating heart" of Irish tradition, Socks in the Frying Pan! This multi-award-winning trio from County Clare delivers an explosive performance filled with breathtaking virtuosity, pitch-perfect harmonies, and razor-sharp Irish wit. It’s the ultimate holiday celebration—a bold, modern, and high-energy concert that proves why they are one of the most electrifying live acts in the world.
March 10
LÚNASA
IRELAND
Lúnasa brings world class Irish traditional music to City Winery Nashville for an evening of breathtaking musicianship and timeless sound. Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival honoring Lugh, the Irish god of the arts, Lúnasa truly lives up to its namesake as a gathering of some of Ireland’s most celebrated instrumentalists.
March 15
JOSH OKEEFE
NASHVILLE
The child of Irish immigrants, Derby, England, native Josh Okeefe is a folk singer-songwriter who has performed with Alison Krauss, Country Music Hall of Fame member Kris Kristofferson, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, and Rufus Wainwright. He has made appearances at the Newport Folk Festival and the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, as well as at the Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts at the invitation of British folk musician Billy Bragg.
March 7
THE NASHVILLE IRISH STEP DANCERS
NASHVILLE
The Nashville Irish Step Dancers (NISD) is a dance school that has become a beacon for the Irish community in Nashville. NISD has cultivated the centuries-old passed down traditional Irish dance steps and has bridged the gap between today's progressive dance, by creating new innovative steps of their own.
March 26
DAVID NIHILL
IRELAND
Leaving Dublin, Ireland where he was born and raised until the age of 22, David got drunk on travel and never quite hit sobriety of it. He has lived and worked in twelve countries and visited over eighty. His shows draw on his wide travels, cultural observations, attempts at language study, (occasional) international drinking session(s) and being a mildly confused immigrant.
April 1
CELTIC WOMAN
IRELAND
CELTIC WOMAN–A NEW ERA promises to be a mesmerizing fusion of timeless tradition and modern storytelling, a spellbinding tribute to the enduring power of Irish music and the extraordinary talents of the performers. Audiences can expect an unforgettable and energetic evening with renowned and breathtaking harmonies, stirring original compositions, and instrumental virtuosity brought to life by the four extraordinary Irish women performers, accompanied by Irish dancers and a full ensemble playing Celtic staples including the bagpipe, bodhran, whistles, and Uilleann pipes. From Irish classics and contemporary favorites to classical masterpieces and original songs, the performances will reflect the vibrancy of modern Ireland while honoring centuries of musical heritage.
April 3-4
RIVERDANCE 30
IRELAND
Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.
To celebrate this incredible 30th year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when show began 30 years ago.
MARCH 14
BOXING BANJO
IRELAND
On Saturday, March 14, descend into the underground magic of The Caverns in Grundy County, Tennessee, for a Celtic Celebration like no other. Ireland’s vibrant Boxing Banjo will fill the cave with lively, original music inspired by Irish roots, joined by Tommy & Saundra O’Sullivan and friends. Raise a Guinness and toast to Celtic cheer as the cavern walls come alive with music, laughter, and the spirited steps of The Caverns Irish Dancers.
MARCH 15
TIM O'BRIEN &
JAN FABRICIUS
NASHVILLE
Tim O’Brien and his wife Jan Fabricius have performed together nationally and internationally since 2015. The original songs on their 2025 release Paper Flowers offer tangible proof of a deep collaboration and serve as a narrative of the couple’s life together. Both live and in the studio, they present an acoustic music roots repertoire that’s at once both original and traditional.
Tim and Jan will be performing with Tommy and Saundra O'Sullivan from Dingle, Ireland. Bringing together the rich musical traditions of Dingle and Nashville, this special afternoon show promises heartfelt harmonies, masterful musicianship, and captivating storytelling you won’t want to miss.
MARCH 14 & 15
TOMMY & SAUNDRA
O'SULLIVAN
IRELAND
Tommy and Saundra O'Sullivan, owners of O'Sullivan's Courthouse Pub in Dingle will be playing two shows - one with Boxing Banjo at The Caverns and one at the Station Inn with Tim O'Brien and Jan Fabricius. Both shows will bring the delightful music of Dingle to Tennessee in great venues with some wonderful collaborations. Don't miss these great artists!!
