Oakfest

The Undertones

The Undertones emerged from Derry in 1976, the result of five friends (John O’Neill, Damian O’Neill, Feargal Sharkey, Billy Doherty and Michael Bradley) learning how to play basic rock and roll. Even by the standards of that decade Derry was not the rock and roll capital of anywhere. With no live bands worth watching, they learned by listening to mail order records, reading one of the few copies of NME that made it to Derry but most of all from listening to John Peel’s wonderful show on BBC Radio One. Practicing in their bedrooms eventually led to the band recording John O’Neill’s ‘Teenage Kicks’ in 1978 on Terri Hooley’s Good Vibrations label in Belfast. The legendary DJ John Peel received a copy and liked it so much he played it twice in a row on his radio show. The Undertones signed with Sire Records and ‘Teenage Kicks’ was re-released, resulting in the band’s first appearance on Top Of The Pops. Over the next five years, John O Neill, crafted further pop gems such as `Here Comes The Summer`, ‘Jimmy Jimmy`, `You’ve Got My Number (Why Don’t You Use It)’ and ‘Wednesday Week’ whilst Damian O’Neill and Michael Bradley contributed ‘My Perfect Cousin. They also recorded four highly acclaimed LPs. Indeed, they almost enjoyed the life of professional musicians.

NoCrows

Featuring Steve Wickham from The Waterboys, NoCrows is a dynamic folk orchestra from the multicultural melting pot of Sligo’s music scene. Formed in 2005, NoCrows’ growing output of original material reflects its diverse musical roots, from Irish traditional to Latin rumba, classical, jazz, rock and Balkan music. Audiences have been astonished by the unequalled width of the band’s original repertoire, from delicate Irish airs to Russian Gypsy mayhem, from Mallorcan Jota to original songs in many styles with lush string arrangements. The musical mix reflects the folk traditions of the various members but also a lifetime of experience of the various players involved across many genres of music.

Lisa Lambe

One of Ireland’s best-known singers and performers and lead singer of Celtic Woman for 3 years. Described by the Irish Times as “The finest singer and actor of her generation”, by PBS- USA as “Inspirational”. Irish Music Magazine declared “Lisa Lambe is a major Irish voice. A stylish songwriter with a sound that is original and enduring, The BBC as “Evocative and tenderly crafted” and Red Guitar Music UK as “Gorgeous” and “Stunning”, Hotpress Magazine declared Lisa Lambe’s voice as “An absolute standout”. Lisa has just returned from a sold out London solo show in the ICC Hammersmith.

Rowan

The band’s harmoniously rich compositions are laden with melodies that bring the listener to a familiar place with a tasteful twist of their own nature.

Their acute and lucid sound is a melange of indie with influences from most other genres. A melodic style reminiscent of Arcade Fire, The Strokes & Bombay Bicycle Club.

Released in late 2020, Rowan’s debut EP No One Is Safe Here received critical acclaim. With EARMILK citing it as “One of the most touching EPs of the year”.

Makings

In case you didn’t see them at Oakfest 2019, Rick, Cairon, Julieanna, Raul, Paddy, and Barry are Makings. This 6-piece juggernaut of a band is a sonic explosion of danceable beats, heavy guitars, and fist bumping hooks that pull you in. They have been setting the world alight with a string of scintillating releases and the kind of tireless work ethic that elevates them above a good many of their peers. In short, Makings have the tunes, the attitude, and that ever-elusive it factor.

Strawman

Strawman started penning songs while at University in Galway in the mid-90s.  in the early noughties, he wrote and recorded his debut album ‘Some Belated Truths’ in Hungary under the moniker ‘Urban Hermits’. in late 2007, he played the world-famous Cavern Club in Liverpool. “Fearless’ (2020) is his second full release.. Produced by Terry McGinty of Valley Music Studio, it doffs its cap at indie-rock, soulful ballad, minor blues, and acoustic-driven pop, as is evident from the singles ‘Cycle the Volcano’, ‘Wither’ and ‘I am Enough’.. All 3 songs, along with his later single ‘Drop Tools’, got to number 1 on the prestigious website N1M (Number One Music).

Ol’ Times

Derived from diverse backgrounds such as Argentina, Italy and Ireland, Gabriele, Manuel, Kai, Nahuel, Colm and Finn have been developing their sound & energetic live set since February 2019 after a chance meeting on the musical highways of Galway City. Following the success of their inaugural year in Galway City, classic rock outfit Ol’ Times are well and truly on a path of destruction to put Rock n Roll back on the map. Combining the influences of Led Zeppelin, The Doors, and The Rolling Stones with their own

original tone to create a fiery cocktail of heart racing and intensely grooving sounds. Applying various instruments such as acoustic and electric guitars, percussion, keyboards and a hint of saxophone, Ol’ Times delivers a sound of Ol’ and new.

Sheerbuzz

Formed in 2017, Sheerbuzz have become a major name in the northwest scene in recent years. After making the airwaves multiple times on Steve Lamacq’s BBC radio 6 show, hitting 250,000 streams, and making their TV debut on BBC 2 NI this year, their aim to test how far an unsigned band can get in today’s market is going quite well. Back from a long, covid and exam ridden break from live music, they’re back with a 2-year build-up of new material and a lot of gigging to catch up on.

Rory & the Island

Donegal singer/songwriter Rory Gallagher has used the project name “Rory & the island” since 2010.
Rory and The Island has had 10 top 40 songs in the Irish iTunes charts, with “Jimmy’s Winning Matches” breaking through to the actual overall Irish top 10 in Oct 2012.
Rory was the bass player and lead vocalist with Irish Indie group ‘The Revs’ from 2000 to 2007. The Revs had 2 top 5 albums in Ireland and after disbanding Rory moved to Lanzarote where he later opened up “the island bar” in 2013.
The Island bar became the No.1 recomended live music venue in Lanzarote for 5 years on TripAdvisor.
Rory has worked with artists as varied as Sharon Shannon, Finbar Furey, Steve Brown (The Cult, Manic Street Preachers), Paul Brady, Paul Harrington, Wallis Bird, Shane McGowan and Nick Seymour to name a few.

Ryan Sheridan

Returning to Oakfest for the first time since 2018, when he completely blew everyone’s socks off, Ryan Sheridan joins us again on Saturday 10^th as a headliner. Since his last visit, Ryan has become an ambassador for Emerald Guitars and now uses their products all over Europe. A supreme talent, he toured the US with Riverdance for four years and then spent two years performing at the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway. Since the release of Jigsaw in 2010, chart-topping Sheridan has been touring extensively across Ireland, Germany, and the rest of Europe. In 2015 he also added Australia to his touring list. He is touring Ireland this Autumn and is fitting in his gig here between one in Limerick and Dublin. His latest album entitled Americana is available now and we are hugely excited to have them back this year!

Mickey Joe Harte

An artist who needs no introduction in these parts, the man from Lifford, Co. Donegal, a mere ten minutes from Oakfield, plays here in 2022. Harte won the RTE televised competition You’re a Star in 2003. The show set records for Irish TV ratings over the period of November 2002 to March 2003 and Harte came out on top, earning the opportunity to represent Ireland at Eurovision Song Contest 2003 in Riga where he performed “We’ve Got the World” – a track that reached number one on the Irish Singles Chart. He performed at Croke Park during half-time in the 2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final between Cork and Donegal. After Donegal won the Sam Maguire Cup the next month, he performed at their homecoming in Donegal.
Mickey Joe has been a mainstay of the Irish roots and popular music scene for more than 15 years. He has multiple Platinum records to his credit including #1’s and many Top 20 hits on the Irish charts. His latest single, Only You was recorded with fellow Oakfest artist Rory Gallagher in Donegal in Attica studios on the Swerve Music Label with all proceeds from Sales to the Peter McVerry Trust.

Davy K Project

Returning to Oakfield Park for a third time, and Emerald Guitar ambassador, Davy K and band are on the Saturday bill this year. Eloquently described by roadloadmag.com, “The Davy K Project, a tight trio fronted by Davy K, a blistering guitarist who can shred with the best of them. They have a gnarly sound all of their own, gritty and raw packed with attitude and with Davy’s intricate guitar work you can’t help but be mesmerized by their highly engaging set.” Davy is based in Co Tyrone, but is currently performing all over Ireland, both solo and with The Davy K Project. His latest album “Lockdown” is available now.

Sailor Bill Band

After a thoroughly impressive performance at The Saturday Stretch in Oakfield Park in May, Sailor Bill play at Oakfest this year for the first time, and as a seven-piece band. Sailor Bill are an Irish rock band, playing a blend of rock with a hint of Celtic flare, all the energy of a traditional session with the raw power of rock n roll!

Tanya McCole

Again, making a third appearance in Oakfield Park, Tanya McCole is one of the finest singer/songwriters in this isle of Ireland and beyond. Her songs touch the soul in such a way that I have no doubt they will be enjoyed for many years to come. Tanya grew up in Ardara, Co. Donegal, moved to London in 1994 before returning to Ireland and Galway city.
Tanya returned to Donegal in 2005 and has performed with many of Irelands leading artists, including Sharon Shannon, Mundy and Shane MacGowan to name a few. 2009 saw the release of her first album “Love, Hate & The Blues”, which was well received by audiences and radio stations alike.
In 2018 Tanya went back to the studio with a fresh batch of songs and recorded “Because Of You”. In stark contrast to “Love, Hate & The Blues”, this new album is stripped back to reveal her uniquely distinctive voice and song writing ability.

Kevin Quigley Band