Photo by Mary Payne
Irish Millie, the rising 18-year-old fiddler and multi-instrumentalist, earns a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for her single "You Were There" alongside recognition as Folk Music Ontario’s Performing Artist of the Year, and will be performing a year-starting hometown show on January 23 at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre! The track, from her acclaimed EP Between Then and Now, showcases her blend of East Coast drive, Bluegrass energy, and contemporary folk grit. Praised by Celtic greats Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, Millie continues to captivate audiences across Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
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PETERBOROUGH, ON / TORONTO, ON – Irish Millie, the 18-year-old Canadian fiddler, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer who is taking the roots scene by storm, has released "You Were There," the standout single from her acclaimed EP Between Then and Now.
The track has earned the young artist her seventh Canadian Folk Music Award nomination, this time for Single of the Year. Simultaneously, she earned her fifth consecutive nomination for Young Performer of the Year, having been recognized in that category every year since the release of her debut album Thirteen in 2021.
Produced by Martin at Electric Alchemy and mastered by Gregory Pastic, the song exemplifies Millie's gift for crafting emotionally resonant material that honors tradition while pushing boundaries. The EP's four tracks, including "Allison," "Mystery to Me," and "WASTED," reveal different facets of Millie's artistry. From the intimate fiddle and guitar interplay of "Allison" to the fuller arrangement of "WASTED" featuring piano and drums, the collection demonstrates her versatility as both performer and composer.
Her ability to play fiddle, vocals, piano, guitar, and foot percussion gives her music a distinctive sonic signature that has captivated audiences across Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Her previous album GRACE earned praise from Celtic music royalty Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, who called it "Fresh, lively... cool tunes and great playing".
Alex Monaghan of FolkWorld Magazine wrote, "What most grabs me about Irish Millie's music is the passion, full of fun, fire, and feeling for the music she loves".
Irish Millie embarked on her second East Coast Holiday Tour with long-time music collaborator Luka Hall from December 27, 2025, to January 2, 2026, performing five intimate shows across Ontario. The mini-tour continues a growing holiday tradition for the pair, blending Millie's lively Celtic folk fiddle tunes and Luka's soulful acoustic songwriting. Each stop features stories, spontaneous collaborations, and plenty of audience sing-alongs, offering a cozy, communal way to close out the year and ring in the new one with music, laughter, and connection.
A past Peterborough Folk Festival Emerging Artist of the Year and recipient of the Peterborough Civic Award for Community Betterment for her "Fiddling for Fox" campaign, Millie is currently studying Music Industry & Technology at the University of Toronto while maintaining an active touring and recording schedule and performs a HOMETOWN show on Jan 23 2026 at 7pm at Peterborough's Market Hall Performing Arts Centre entitled
"An Evening With Jeanne Truax, Irish Millie and VANCAMP" sponsored by Peterborough Folk Festival. "this is going to be a night to remember! What happens when you put 3 emerging artists on one bill? We are going to find out! Tickets are LIVE for this unforgettable event!" says Irish Millie
She is supported on stage by her father, Murray Shadgett, on guitar.
Stay tuned for dates as they are planning a July 2026 tour across Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes which is currently underway.
including:
Party in The Pantry Feb 6 2026 8pm Brewer's Pantry Bowmanville, ON
Friends of Cultivate: Hibernate Fundraiser Feb 13 2026 Port Hope United Church
An Afternoon with Friends of Hibernate Festival Feb 14 2026 Port Hope, ON
Ty Wilson Band at The Agricultural Showcase for OAAS Feb 20 2026 5pm Sheridan Parkway Motel Richmond Hill,ON
Irish Millie Opens for East Coast Experience March 13 2026 7pm The Spire Kingston, ON
Irish Millie Opens for East Coast Experience March 14 2026 7pm Bronson Centre Ottawa, ON
Farmhill Weddings March 15 2026 12pm Peterborough, ON
St Patty's Celebration March 17 2026, 1pm The Snug Newcastle, ON
Brewer's Pantry March 17 2026 8pm Bowmanville, ON
Coach House Concert Series March 28 2026 Glenhyrst Art Gallery Brantford, ON
Canadian Folk Music Awards April 9 2026 4pm to April 12 2026 7pm Calgary, AB
Norwood Hospice Fundraiser April 18 2026 Norwood, ON
Furnace Fundraiser April 19 2026 4pm Christ Lutheran Church Peterborough, ON
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