Regular performances usually last approximately 15 to 30 minutes and can be extended with audience participation or mini-workshops. Let us know what you need.

We perform in regular class costume, Period 1900s costume or Traditional Irish Strawboy attire. (Visit our Photo Gallery to see pictures of past performances)

The Strawboys are an old Irish tradition. In days gone by it was believed to be a sign of very good luck when the Strawboys arrived, as uninvited guests, at a country wedding or party. The Strawboys were ‘disguised’ in old suits and dresses adorned with straw, wearing handmade straw hats completely covering their faces. They would perform dances and songs and play musical instruments to entertain the guests. After their performance they were usually invited to remove their disguises and join the festivities.

Michael Patrick Breen is a former member of the prizewinning Derradda Strawboys from the village of Derradda, near the town of Newport, County Mayo, Ireland. The Derradda Strawboys have performed all over Ireland at weddings, parties, conferences and conventions and also went on tour to London, England in the 1990s. They have won 1st place prizes and numerous awards at Fleadhs (Irish cultural competitions) and members of the group have appeared on Irish national television. The Strawboys of the Los Angeles Irish Set Dancers are modeled on the Derradda Strawboys.

Members of our group have performed in stage shows, cultural concerts, movies, TV shows and commercials. For availability and further information please call Michael Patrick Breen @ 818.504.2210 or email IrishDanceLA@aol.com

Past Performance/Workshops include:
• Movie Premiere – “Irish Eyes” – Harmony Gold, Hollywood – October 2002
• American Film Institute Festival – Arclight Theater, Hollywood – Nov 2002
• Willie Clancy Festival – IRELAND – July 2001, 2002 & 2003
• St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Downtown Los Angeles – March 2001, 2002 & 2003
• Burbank On Parade – 1st Place Winner (Dance Category) – April 2003
• Irish Fair – Encino – June 2001 & 2002
• NEW Los Angeles County Irish Fair – Fairplex Pomona – March 2003
• Irish Center of So. Cal. Gala Banquet – Glendale – March, 2001, 2002 & 2003
• Manhattan Beach Arts Festival – Manhattan Beach – August 2003
• Irish Cultural Concert – Pasadena – August 2003
• Summer Solstice Folk Festival – Calabasas – June 2001, 2002 & 2003
• Encino Folk Festival – “A Taste of Encino” – October 2002 & 2003
• “DANCE Santa Monica” – Santa Monica – June 2003
• “Unity Fest 2002” – Glendale – October 2002
• Gardena Heritage Festival – Gardena – October 2002
• St. Francis of Assisi Festival – Silverlake – October 2002
• De La Salle International Festival – Granada Hills – October 2002
• Irish Tourist Board Trade Show – Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills – May 2001
• Tarzana Street Festival – Tarzana – May 2001
• Democratic National Convention – Jonathan Club, Los Angeles – August 2000
• Weddings, Anniversary and Birthday Parties …

Upcoming Performances/Workshops:
• March 12th – Irish Center of So. Cal. St. Patrick's Day Gala Banquet - Glendale
• March 13th & 14th – Los Angeles County IRISH FAIR - Fairplex, Pomona
• March 17th – Los Angeles St. Patrick's Day Parade – Downtown – 11:30am
• March 17th – Irelands Own Club – St. Patrick's Day Celebration - Alhambra
• March - “Fire On The Water” – NEW Irish Musical – Kodak Theater, Hollywood
• April – “Burbank On Parade” - Burbank
• May 1st – Private Luncheon – Downtown Los Angeles
• May 15th – De La Salle International Festival – Granada Hills
• May 16th – Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest – Agora Hills
• June – Summer Solstice Folk Festival - Calabasas
• July – Willie Clancy Irish Music and Dance Festival – County Clare, IRELAND

Check our Calendar page for updates and more information.
Let us update you on new class locations, weekend workshops and upcoming events.
Join our PRIVATE e-mailing list for a regular “Irish/Celtic Community Events” email.