independence day PICNIC IN THE PARK

U.S. Embassy Independence Day Celebration July 3, 2015, 5-8pm U.S. Ambassador’s Residence, Phoenix Park Official Program Schedule OFFICAL CEREMONY: 5:30-6:00pm Flag Ceremony Color Guard Presentation U.S. & Irish National Anthems Remarks by Ambassador Kevin F. O’Malley

MAINSTAGE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES: 6:00-8:00pm

Featuring

New all-star American jazz ensemble

Plus three stages of emerging Irish acts inspired by American genres BOOKA BRASS BAND MOXIE BRIAN CASEY SIMI CROWNS 4 IN A BAR DUBLIN CITY ROUNDERS BUGLE BABES the bands The Bandstand Featuring nostalgic barbershop harmonies and old-timey ragtime tunes of the early 20th century. Dublin City Rounders The Rounders celebrate the romantic music of early American ragtime, blues and Western swing. Since forming, brothers Rohan and Al have released four albums that breathe new life into forgotten classics. 4 In a Bar 4 in a Bar is ’s leading male-voice harmony group, singing traditional Irish, pop and barbershop music. Voted the official IABS National Champion Quartet of Ireland four times in recent years, they’ve represented Ireland abroad, sung for the President, and written jingles for companies big and small. the Bugle Babes Irish trio The Bugle Babes are an Andrews Sisters tribute group whose harmonies are an homage to the World War II era. The babes perform 40’s swing and American jazz classics, as well as putting a vintage twist on hits from today’s charts. The Farm Stage Featuring acoustic, folk, bluegrass, blues and gospel music inspired by the American heartland. 6:00-6:20 pm Brian Casey Cork-born singer/songwriter Brian Casey thrives on an eclectic palette of influences ranging from American blues heroes of old to the nuance and open melodies of his favorite modern day singer-songwriters. His 2014 EP Rain Songs attracted national attention with radio airplay and constant touring leaving Casey labeled as ‘one to watch’ for 2015.

6:30-7:10 pm Wyvern Lingo Originally from Bray, Wyvern Lingo (Saoirse Duane-vocals/guitar, Caoimhe Barry-vocals/percussion, and Karen Cowley-vocals/piano) have achieved recognition for their soulful, powerful vocals and harmonies. Their set ranges from stripped back acoustic folk tunes to heavier compositions influenced by American girl groups such as TLC and Destiny’s Child. They have played Knockanstockan and , toured with and released their EP “The Widow Knows” in 2014.

7:20-8:00 pm Moxie Formed in late 2011 as part of the annual folk festival, Sligo Live, Moxie are a Sligo and Limerick based band that incorporates Irish traditional music with American influences including folk, rock and bluegrass. The band includes Ted Kelly (banjo, tenor guitar, vocals), Jos Kelly (button accordion, keyboard, vocals), Paddy Hazleton (percussion, vocals) accordion and melodeon powerhouse Darren Roche and virtuoso banjo & guitar player Cillian Doheny. The City Stage Featuring jazz, funk, New Orleans-style brass and R&B/hip-hop beats from the streets of urban America. 6:00-6:20 pm Simi Crowns Dublin hip-hop artist Simi Crowns was named “Best Upcoming Artist” at the 2012 Irish African Music Awards for his debut, “Better Late Than Never.” In 2014 Simi appeared at Electric Picnic in addition to high profile support slots for American rap artists including Mos Def and Pusha T and Kid Ink. His live band line-up includes David O’Gara (DJ), Michael Akano (Bassist), and Samuel Oyeniyi.

6:30-7:10 pm Booka Brass Band Booka Brass Band are Ireland’s first New Orleans style Brass Band. Based in Dublin, they have performed to festival crowds at Electric Picnic, Glastonbury and Longitude. In the past they have opened shows for New Orleans’ own Hot 8 Brass Band and the critically acclaimed Hypnotic Brass Ensemble from Chicago. Booka Brass Band are Eoin Young, Paul Kiernan, David Conway, Oisín Murtagh, Paul O’Neill, James Doherty, Jack Marks, and Rónán Scarlett.

7:20-8:00 pm FORQ Made up of Rudder founder Henry Hey on keyboards, Snarky Puppy founder and Grammy Award-winner Michael League on bass, Foe Destroyer founder and fellow Snarky Puppy member Chris McQueen on guitar, and Jason “JT” Thomas on drums, FORQ is an all-star jazz ensemble, but with the spirit and cohesiveness of a garage band. Though based in New York City, the group retains a Texas accent. FORQ’s eponymous debut album was released in September of 2014, and their second album BATCH in June 2015. the marquee Irish Defence Forces Army No. 1 Band Formed in 1923, the Army No. 1 Band has performed at major ceremonial occasions since the foundation of the State, including Irish presidential inaugurations and presentation of credentials ceremonies of ambassadors at Áras an Uachtaráin. Performances at the National Concert Hall and recitals in St. Stephen’s Green are a regular part of the band’s life.