Entertainers
Devri
Hailing from Boston with deep Irish roots, Devri is a dynamic band delivering an unforgettable mix of traditional Irish ballads, modern rock, country, and folk. With a repertoire spanning The Pogues, Johnny Cash, The Dubliners, U2, Snow Patrol, Garth Brooks, The Wolfe Tones, and The Beatles, their vibrant performances feature mandolin, guitar, bass, whistles, keyboard, and drums. Drawing from global touring experience across the U.S., Europe, China, and Australia, Devri brings unmatched energy and passion to every stage, ensuring every show is one to remember.
The Pourmen
Established in 2013, The Pourmen is a New Bedford, MA based band that blends diverse Celtic, Folk, Country and Punk Rock influences to craft heartfelt songs from the “Cobblestone Streets and Salty Pubs of the Whaling City” and always delivers a rousing live performance. The band has performed more than 300 shows at festivals, breweries, Irish pubs and other venues across the New England states, and have supported national touring acts including The Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, and Gaelic Storm.
Sheridan Rúitín
Sheridan Rúitín is a New York-based indie Celtic folk-rock band that formed in 2020 in a converted garage pub. The group’s name is a playful tribute to a friend who famously broke his ankle (Irish: rúitín) while singing a rebel song at their local bar. Known for a high-energy "Celtwave" sound that blends traditional Irish jigs and reels with contemporary rock, they have become staples at major North American Irish festivals. Since their 2022 debut album, Rebels in the Night, the band has toured extensively across the United States and Canada, continuing to evolve their sound with recent projects like the 2025 album Freakshow.
Watchfire (formerly Slainte)
Watchfire is an Irish-American rock band blending traditional Irish instrumentation with a modern rock edge. Featuring group vocals, flutes and whistles, electric guitar, and saxophone, the band delivers a high-energy, contemporary sound while remaining firmly rooted in the Irish folk tradition.
Formed in a Boston College dorm room in 2013, Watchfire emerged from the Boston pub scene and has since toured throughout the Northeast, the Midwest, and Ireland.
Founding members Jon and James Harrington hail from Winchendon, and maintain deep ties to the community.
Colm O'Brien
Dublin born, now residing in Boston, Colm O'Brien is one of the most passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated devotee of the Irish ballad tradition. Born into the heritage of Irish music, stretching back generations in his family, Colm continues to celebrate those traditions today.
Career highlights include stints with Fatal Flower, the Prodigals and Rud Eile. He has shared the stage with Finbar Furey, Andy Irvine, Mundy and other legends. Colm performs today as a solo artist as well as occasionally with longtime friend Martin Butler, the acclaimed bodhran master.
Dave Try
Hailing from Mayo, Dave Try is a high-energy Irish solo performer known for his powerful voice, multi-instrumental talent, and crowd-pleasing mix of Irish favorites, popular bar standards, and original songs. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Dave brings an engaging, singalong atmosphere to every performance, making him a favorite at pubs, festivals, and events across New England.
The Flying Irish
School of Dance
Pipe Dream
New England Stonelifting
The Venue
The Robinson Broadhurst Foundation
Performing Arts Amphitheater
at Winchendon Community Park
Completed in 2023, The Robinson Broadhurst Foundation Performing Arts Amphitheater at Winchendon Community Park offers visitors an immersive experience that seamlessly blends with the natural landscape. Nestled into a sloped hillside with stone wall seating and strategic lighting, the amphitheater provides a captivating space for performances. Its innovative stage design features steel and concrete construction, with overlapping roofs framing scenic views of trees and Whitney Pond. The architecture, complemented by hiking trails, shaded picnic areas, and convenient parking, creates a harmonious setting for enjoying both nature and the arts.
Sponsors
Interested in sponsoring The Central Mass. Irish Festival? Drop us a line at info@centralmassirishfestival.com.
Contact
For inquiries or more information about the Central Mass Irish Festival, feel free to reach out to us. We are here to assist you in any way we can.