Seán Heely Celtic Band

Internationally Acclaimed Celtic band based in Washington D.C area

Experience the Magic of Celtic Music with the Seán Heely Celtic Band!
Get swept away by the irresistible energy of the Seán Heely Celtic Band (SHCB)! With a powerful blend of ancient melodies from Scotland and Ireland, vibrant rhythms from Galicia and Brittany, and original modern compositions, SHCB creates a rich musical journey through the Celtic world. Their groove and drive will have audiences of all ages tapping their feet and dancing in their seats.
The band’s performances are woven with engaging historical narratives, creating a deep connection to the traditions they celebrate. Featuring powerful vocal harmonies and an ever-growing repertoire, their songs include Scots Gaelic (Gàidhlig) ballads, sea shanties, pub songs, and more—bringing the timeless spirit of Celtic folk music to life. Led by U.S National Scottish Fiddle and Gàidhlig singing champion Seán Heely, acclaimed multi-instrumentalist & All-Ireland singing champion Kevin Elam, bouzouki & bass player Beth Patterson, acclaimed percussionist Lucas Ashby, piper Jesse Ofgang, champion fiddler Colin McGlynn, percussive dancer Agi Kovacs, harpist Abbie Palmer. They have performed in venues such as the Kennedy Center, Strathmore Music center, Hylton Performing Arts Center, headliners at Grandfather Mountain Highland Games since 2023, Virginia Scottish games, and the Niel Gow Festival in Scotland. See them at a festival across the nation or also on Seán Heely’s Celtic Christmas tour!

For Booking of Seán Heely Celtic Band: Contact seanfiddlemusic@gmail.com

Photo credit: Jordan Koepke Photography



 


Press Quotes & Testimonials

One powerhouse of a fiddler! ~ Liz Carroll, Irish fiddle legend and National Heritage Fellow

Great music!!
— Fiona Ritchie, NPR Thistle & Shamrock

“Sean has steeped himself in the Gaelic language and music tradition. He has traveled extensively and studied with the best on both sides of the Atlantic. His performances are equally as enlightening as they are entertaining.” ~ Bonnie Rideout, 3x Grammy-nominated Scottish fiddler

"(On Edge of the Bow album) This is a hugely entertaining collection of music, and a great introduction to a fiddler who should make quite a name for himself in the next few years." ~ Alex Monaghan, Irish Music Magazine

“The Celtic soundscape created by Seán Heely and his fiddle is simply magical—the heartbreaking beauty of a ballad followed by the immense joy of a dance tune!”
~ Betty Scott (Director of Strathmore Artist in residence program)




Press Photos: Feel free to use for promotional purposes

An example of the unique Scottish Mouth music tunes (Puirt à beul). Beautiful rhythms and melody entwined together with the voice and percussive dance!