The Irish Association here would like to bring in a top Irish band in early June as part of a big Festival. Anyone have any inside information about bands available at that time, or else on tour in North West US or Canada? I know it is a bit short notice, and if we cannot do it then, we will do it in the Fall. Any ideas?? Thanks.
Cherish the Ladies, perhaps? 
I don’t know. If you’re looking for someone who actually lives in Ireland, you may check on Altan or Lunasa. I really don’t have any inside info, but it never hurts to check.
Slan,
BB
I don’t know their schedule for June, but there is a seven man band called Danu which is currently touring the Northeast US and have toured Manitoba, New Brunswick and Ontario in the past.
They have a web page with their current schedule at http://www.danu.net
I saw them about a week ago in Saratoga,NY and they are a top notch and very entertaining group.
They are like a young Chieftens with a great vocalist that learned and trained with Liam Clancy.
Along with the vocalist who plays the accordian, they also play bouzouki, mandola,button accordian, harmonica, guitar,fiddle and viola, flute and low whistles, bodhran and uillean pipes.
They are managed by Pier 21 Management, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Ph. 902-492-8632, e-mail quase@istar.ca
Hope this helps.
Keith
I would look at two internet sites:
Irish Music Magazine has a North American Tour listing and I bet they might be helpful in contacts for summer gigs. You might also want to look at the festivals they have listed to see who over here this summer.
There www site is mag.irish-music.net
Dirty Linen Magazine has a Tour and Festival listing of general folk music events. Many Irish groups list there!
The link is http://www.futuris.net/linen/special/tour.html
Good Luck!
Thanks for you help all.
Actually, Danu has been here a couple of times and will be here again in Feb.
You are right - they are a truly wonderful band. I will let you know what/who we come up with, then you will all be invited to the concert! Thanks again for the help.