John Whelan (7 time All-Ireland Champion Button Accordionist) with be headlining BAF 2026! Read his short bio here:
For over 50 years John Whelan has been hailed as one of the world’s best living Irish button accordion players. Originally from England and now based on the US West Coast, the seven-time All-Ireland champion fearlessly explores the creative reaches of music, artistry, and expression while carefully preserving the musical roots from which he originally flourished, and passing those on to the next generation.
As a celebrated recording artist, John has recorded more than 15 CDs, appeared on more than 30 albums with other artists, and spent several weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard World Music Charts. John is also a sought-after composer and producer and has written more than 65 original tunes, many of which have been recorded and performed by artists all over the world. He is widely recognized for forming the John Whelan Band, and also his duo performances with Grammy Award-winning fiddle player Eileen Ivers during the first years of Riverdance.
Find out more about John Whelan at www.johnwhelanmusic.com
For over 50 years John Whelan has been hailed as one of the world’s best living Irish button accordion players. Originally from England and now based on the US West Coast, the seven-time All-Ireland champion fearlessly explores the creative reaches of music, artistry, and expression while carefully preserving the musical roots from which he originally flourished, and passing those on to the next generation.
As a celebrated recording artist, John has recorded more than 15 CDs, appeared on more than 30 albums with other artists, and spent several weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard World Music Charts. John is also a sought-after composer and producer and has written more than 65 original tunes, many of which have been recorded and performed by artists all over the world. He is widely recognized for forming the John Whelan Band, and also his duo performances with Grammy Award-winning fiddle player Eileen Ivers during the first years of Riverdance.
Find out more about John Whelan at www.johnwhelanmusic.com
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Born of a mutual love of Western Swing, the Elk Plain Rangers coalesced around a very special gig at a secluded spot in the Blackfoot Mountains of Western Montana. Accordionist Toby Hanson had been playing there for summer dances since 2011. In 2024, he invited Lydia Conway, one of Montana's best fiddlers, to join him on the bandstand. Their mix of fiddle and accordion harmonies was bolstered by Taylor Buckley's lively guitar playing and Jeff Turman's rock-solid bass lines. Together, the plucky quartet is easily at home with classic Bob Wills tunes, lonely folk songs of the Old West, raucous early jazz, or just about anything else danceable. All highly accomplished musicians in their own right, they make an intoxicating combination when they hit the stage. The Elk Plain Rangers will be put a smile on every face and set every toe tappin
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