THE CHIEFTAINS
Paddy Moloney's crew have achieved stratospheric success almost without comparison in Irish traditional music. Widely credited with introducing Ireland's music heritage to the world stage, the Emerald Isle's official Musical Ambassadors have claimed six Grammy Awards, collaborated with the biggest names in rock, pop and folk, and performed historic concerts on China's Great Wall and in Washington DC's Capitol Building.

Useful links:
The Chieftans Official website

RICHARD THOMPSON
The 2006 BBC Radio 2 Folk Lifetime Achievement Award winner is showing no signs of losing the passion and craft that have made him one of the most celebrated songwriters, revered guitarists and arresting performers of his time. His latest album, Front Parlour Ballads, is yet another testament to his remarkable abilities.

Useful links:
Richard Thompson Official website
BBC Music Profile

DERVISH
Eight albums into their enviable career, Irish heroes Dervish continue to produce the kind of exemplary modern Celtic music that has won the sparkling seven-piece a global army of fans, an armful of awards and the freedom of the band's spiritual home in Sligo. Their last album, 'A Healing Heart', focussed on the mellower moments in their history, but don't expect any fewer exhilarating jigs and reels in their Cambridge set.

Useful links:
Dervish Official website

MOZAIK
Andy Irvine's international super-group of string musicians -American Bruce Molsky, Bulgarian Nikola Parov, Dutchman Rens van der Zalm and fellow Irishman Donal Lunny - were gathered together for a one-off Australian tour in 2002. Thankfully, so enthusiastic was the response to their beautiful and intricate blend of Celtic and European roots music, the gigs spawned a live CD and the mouth-watering promise of further shows for the rest of the world.

Useful links:
Mozaik's Official website