New Irish Folk Fire #746

Hear tradition in motion. From soaring instrumental sets to modern folk songs with bite, this episode blends deep roots with forward momentum. Celtic music that knows where it came from—and where it’s going on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #746  -  -  Subscribe now at CelticMusicPodcast.com!

Aisling Drost Byrne, Brendan McCarthy, Conal O'Kane, Lane to the Glen, Sean Heely, Beth Patterson, Alex Sturbaum, Jen Midkiff, Possibly Irish, Sue Tillotson, Jim Cunningham, ISHNA, Countercurrent, Socks in the Frying Pan, The Crazy Rogues, Mick Craig, Julien Loko Irish Band, Irish Millie

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VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20 FOR 2026

This is our way of finding the best songs and artists each year. You can vote for as many songs and tunes that inspire you in each episode. Your vote helps me create this year's Best Celtic music episode. You have just three weeks to vote this year. Vote Now!

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC MUSIC

0:06 - Aisling Drost Byrne, Brendan McCarthy & Conal O'Kane “The Skylark's Ascension / Sonny Brogan's / The Connaughtman's Rambles" from JUMP OUT OF IT

4:06 - WELCOME

7:02 - Lane to the Glen "The Gráinne Mhaol : Malloy’s Favourite (Barndance : Reel)" from Lane to the Glen

11:31 - Sean Heely and Beth Patterson "Tilg an Drumaire/The Flying Wheelchair/Throw the Drummer off the Boat" from Stir the Blood to Fire

15:13 - Alex Sturbaum "Soundcheck Set" from River Run Wide

20:05 - Jen Midkiff (she/her) "This Moment (between Good and Pretti)" from single

24:10 - FEEDBACK

27:33 - Possibly Irish "Mary Mack" from Voyage Home

30:45 - Sue Tillotson & Jim Cunningham "Haste to the Wedding / Hats off to Dodd / Christmas Day Ida Moarnin'" from Water Horse

34:01 - ISHNA "Cucanandy" from Slí Amach

39:49 - Countercurrent “I Am The Fox” from Flow

43:06 - THANKS

44:35 - Socks in the Frying Pan "Sweetest Friend" from Waiting for Inspiration

49:00 - The Crazy Rogues "Black 'n' Tans" from Advanced Roguery

51:56 - Mick Craig "An Baile I Mo Chori" from single

56:37 - Julien LOko Irish Band "Dead Reel" from single

59:37 - CLOSING

1:00:37 - Irish Millie "WASTED" from Between Then And Now

1:05:55 - CREDITS

Support for this program comes from Cascadia Cross Border Law Group, Creating Transparent Borders for more than twenty five years, serving Alaska and the world. Find out more at   www.CascadiaLawAlaska.com

Support for this program comes from Hank Woodward.

Support for this program comes from Dr. Annie Lorkowski of Centennial Animal Hospital in Corona, California.

Support for this program comes from International speaker, Joseph Dumond, teaching the ancient roots of the Gaelic people. Learn more about their origins at Sightedmoon.com

The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was produced by Marc Gunn, The Celtfather and our Patrons on Patreon. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with Graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs. Visit our website to follow the show. You’ll find links to all of the artists played in this episode.

Todd Wiley is the editor of the Celtic Music Magazine. Subscribe to get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. Plus, you’ll get 7 weekly news items about what’s happening with Celtic music and culture online. Best of all, you will connect with your Celtic heritage.

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WELCOME THE IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST

* Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Celtic musician and also host of Pub Songs & Stories. Every song has a story, every episode is a toast to Celtic and folk songwriters. Discover the stories behind the songs from the heart of the Celtic pub scene.

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IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODFEST

Join us Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 12 to 6 PM for the Irish & Celtic Music PodFest and Arts Market at The Lost Druid Brewery in Avondale Estates, Georgia.

Spend the afternoon surrounded by live Celtic and folk music from Kinnfolk, The Muckers, May Will Bloom, and Marc Gunn. Grab a pint, enjoy the tunes, and share the energy of a Celtic gathering.

While the music plays, explore our Arts Market filled with handmade crafts, art, and unique gifts from local creators. It’s a celebration of music, creativity, and community — all in one place.

Come for the songs. Stay for the spirit. We’ll see you at The Lost Druid on March 8. 🍀

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Oh! And this is the first festival where every artist will have at least one album pin available. You can wear the music you enjoy at the festival. Supplies are limited.

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Every year, I take a small group of Celtic music fans on the relaxing adventure of a lifetime. We don't see everything. Instead, we stay in one area. We get to know the region through its culture, history, and legends. You can join us with an auditory and visual adventure through podcasts and videos. Learn more about the invasion at http://celticinvasion.com/

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I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK

What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Send me a photo. If you’re in a Celtic band, send me an audio recording of you performing live. Just audio. I’ll use it in a podcast episode later this year.

Email me at follow@bestcelticmusic.

Alied Pérez Martínez emailed: “Sláinte from sunny Miami. Hi Marc,

It's been a long time since I last wrote you. A lot has happened. I quit my job, moved from London to Miami with my family, and now I'm waiting for my Green Card. I just wanted to share a funny piece I wrote. It's a silly, just for fun, mix of urban Latin rhythms with traditional Irish

melodies. I was inspired by "Norwegian Reggaeton" (if you haven't seen it, take a look). Anyway, I just wanted to share it with you, and, if you like, it feel free to include it in your show. It's a modest way to give back to where I've received from so much.

Thank you for curating my weightlifting music, the pipes give me the strength to lift those bloody weights. Sláinte”

Dean (Mick) emailed from Australia: “New Irish/(Australian) Music.  Greetings from Australia!

I'm one of those annoying Irish descendants who claims to be the son of Gerry Adams himself, despite my lot leaving during the famine. Heck, I almost called the band 'Mick Craig and the Annoying Diaspora'.

Anyway, my grandmother was a McCuaig (Mick Craig, geddit?) and her grandfather (so, my great - great grandfather) was born on Rathlin Island and emigrated to New Zealand in the late 1800's.

I say this because the song I'm submitting is called 'An Baile I Mo Chroi' and it's about the time (recently), that I looked up my closest ancestors and went to visit the island for myself.

Kay (nee McCuaig) was 86 years old and we had the same eyes. I also saw so many of my family members in her when we came face to face for the first time.

The pub  -  I made sure  -  was once owned by a great - great - great... it goes on a bit... of mine, but I didn't go expecting a free drink, just great company and a bit of family history.

The lyrics came out pretty quickly once I got home. Sorry if my pronunciation is a bit off  -  my 'chroi' was in the right place.

Cheers,

Dean (Mick)

(Sorta/Irish)”