Céad Míle Fáilte- A Hundred Thousand Welcomes

Michael Corbett

Michael CorbettMichael CorbettMichael Corbett

Michael Corbett

Michael CorbettMichael CorbettMichael Corbett
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About Michael

Michael playing at a wedding

History

Solo Performer: 1996-Present

Bands:


Roving Friars, Providence, RI 1995
Moody Street String Band, Waltham, MA 1996-2005
The Kellsmen, Boston, MA 2000-2005
Blacktorn, Savannah, GA 2005-2006
Savannah Ceili Band, Savannah, GA 2007-2019
Seldom Sober, Savannah, GA 2007-2024
The Galway Rogues, Savannah, GA 2024-Present

Corbett & Bonn, Savannah, GA 2026-Present

Corbett & Kennedy, Savannah, GA 2026-Present

Savannah Irish Festival 2026

Biography

Michael is a native of Weymouth, MA who moved to Savannah in 2005.  He plays acoustic guitar and is currently the lead singer and front man for The Galway Rogues, Corbett & Bonn, and Corbett & Kennedy, in addition to occasional solo gigs.  Michael has been performing Irish music professionally since April 7, 1995 and has been mentored by some of the finest Irish folk musicians of the twentieth century, including Robbie O'Connell and the legendary Liam Clancy.   Michael is also influenced by a variety of American folk musicians from Pete Seeger to Bill Staines.   


Michael's music has been featured on   the Love Letters Podcast from the Boston Globe and PRX (S2,E5), Marc Gunn's Irish & Celtic Music Podcast,  Georgia Traveler (E806), Hometown Homicide (S2 E3), WGPB Radio's Morning Edition, and radio shows as far away as New Zealand. 


George Naha, a NYC session musician who toured with Aretha Franklin, Roy Orbison, and others, taught Michael the basics of guitar playing in 1994.  The late Bob McDonough of The O'Reilly's taught Michael how to play folk music on guitar from 1994-1996.   While training to be a professional musician, Michael sang for Harry Belafonte in 1994 with the exclusive Fairfield University Chamber Choir.  Michael was producer and co-host of Celtic Traditions on WERS radio in Boston from 1994-1997 and hosted other iterations of the show on WRUU radio in Savannah and the Celtic Traditions podcast.

Featured Performances

Featured Performances

Support Act for Robbie O'Connell 1998 & 1999

Support Act for Aoife Clancy 2003

Support Act Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones 2007 & 2008


Savannah First Friday for Folk Music 2007-Present

Gaels of Irish Music at Emma Kelly Theater in Statesboro, GA 2009

Tybee Post Theater 2016

Charleston Music Hall 2019 & 2020

Trustees Theater, Savannah, GA 2008

MLK Arena, Savannah, GA 2013-2020

Victory North, Savannah, GA 2023-2025


Played for Grand Opening of:

Fia Rua Irish Pub, Richmond Hill, GA

McGraw's Irish Pub, Savannah, GA

Debellation Brewing Co., Richmond Hill, GA

Wexford Irish Pub, Savannah, GA


Over 30 Pubs and 50 Other Venues in 6 states


Festivals:

Beaufort Irish Festival

Camden Irish Fest

Celtic Heritage Festival

Cu Na Mara Pub Festival

Darien Fall Festival

Darien Scottish Heritage Festival

Gray's Reef Ocean Film Festival

Lowcountry Irish Festival

Savannah Folk Festival

Savannah Irish Festival 

Savannah Pecan Festival

Savannah Scottish Games

Savannah Tara Feis

Swamp Hippie Festival

Tybee Island Music Festival

Wexford Pub Summer Irish Music Fest

Wexford Pub St. Patrick's Day Festival


Awards

Savannah Folk Music Society Achievement Award

Upon the retirement of Michael's former partner, Colleen Settle (Seldom Sober 2007-2024), Michael and Colleen each received an achievement award from the Savannah Folk Music Society in recognition of their years of service and the impact they made on Irish culture in Savannah and throughout the region as Seldom Sober and also with The Savannah Ceili Band.  This award was presented at their last SFMS show on March 1, 2024.

Savannah Folk Music Society Logo

                Savannah Folk Music Society, est. 1986

Quotes About Michael

Seamus Kennesy leaping

Seamus Kennedy: Irish Musician & Humorist, Belfast Native

 "Michael Corbett's love and knowledge of Irish music in particular, and his  

grasp of folk music in general is wide-ranging. He has a large repertoire of songs to draw on, with

 tasteful guitar accompaniment, and would be the ideal performer for just about any occasion with the possible

exception of a bris."

Gerry Timlin: Irish Musician, Co. Tyrone Native



"It's becoming more and more rare to find a singer, musician, and folk artist as professional as Michael Corbett. His distinct voice and lovely guitar stylings are a tribute to his love of Irish music and song and his promotion of Irish culture. He is without doubt an accomplished entertainer. Michael is a treat to see and listen with his renditions of traditional Irish folk songs and stories. One of the best in the business."   

Savannah Irish Festival logo

Damien Shields: Emcee of Savannah Irish Festival, Dublin Native

Damien Shields: Emcee of Savannah Irish Festival, Dublin Native

 


"As an Irishman in Savannah, it is always a treat to hear solid versions of the true classics. Michael Corbett has been on the boards for a long time and has mingled with some of the best that ever held a fiddle or banjo. His tonation of the songs and lyrical interpretation is standout. He has mastered the guitar to give only what's needed, when needed to create the ideal musicality for each song sung. He's also a good guy and gives all he can when entertaining the room."  

Fran Doyle playing Michael's Martin D-18, Cecilia, at the Savannah Irish Festival

Fran Doyle, Irish Musician, Dublin Native

Damien Shields: Emcee of Savannah Irish Festival, Dublin Native

  "I’ve known Michael for more years than I can count, going back to our days at Kevin Barry’s Pub and sharing the stage at festivals. When I recently saw him perform, I was struck by the depth of his repertoire, his impeccable song choices, and the infectious energy he brings to every performance. Michael’s deep knowledge of Irish history, combined with his passion for the music, makes him a true ambassador for Irish culture."   

Mickey Spain and Rory Makem

Mickey Spain: Irish Musician, The Spain Brothers and Makem & Spain

Mickey Spain: Irish Musician, The Spain Brothers and Makem & Spain

Mickey Spain: Irish Musician, The Spain Brothers and Makem & Spain

"Michael is a well seasoned performer with a generous repertoire of songs and stories. His voice is strong and pure, his guitar playing, warm and artful. His love and knowledge of folk music is clearly evident in his performances as he is able to deliver his material with a genuineness and sincerity, giving him the remarkable ability to make each song he sings his own." 

Tom O'Carroll

Tom O'Carroll: Irish Folksinger, Dublin Native

Mickey Spain: Irish Musician, The Spain Brothers and Makem & Spain

Mickey Spain: Irish Musician, The Spain Brothers and Makem & Spain

“I’ve shared the stage with Michael, and he brings great energy to his performances. He loves Irish music and delights in sharing it. Michael has a large repertoire of both traditional tunes and popular ballads.”  

Irish rock group SYR

SYR Music

Mickey Spain: Irish Musician, The Spain Brothers and Makem & Spain

Micah Bonn: The Next Generation of Irish Music

 “Michael has been a staple of Irish music in the Southeast for many years. A consummate stage artist he engages audiences and delivers the finest entertainment. Happy to have known him for many years and shared events several times. Always a pleasure to spend time personally and professionally." 

Micah Bonn

Micah Bonn: The Next Generation of Irish Music

Mickey Spain: Irish Musician, The Spain Brothers and Makem & Spain

Micah Bonn: The Next Generation of Irish Music

"Michael is a fearless troubadour of folk music. His encyclopedic knowledge of music and warmth onstage means you want to catch his performance ASAP!"

Henry D. Jones, Delta blues musician

Henry "Old School" Jones: Delta Blues Musician

Wexford Pub Customer, January 2025

George Ghiorse: Founding Member of The O'Reillys

"Michael is an outstanding musician who really impressed me when I saw him live. I’m not very familiar with Irish music, but I know a good sound when I hear it. The timing and rhythm is so good, I’d dance to it if I had any idea how.  I know a lot of outstanding musicians but the ones that stand out the most are the ones that are really playing from the heart. Michael Corbett is on that list."

The O'Reillys first album

George Ghiorse: Founding Member of The O'Reillys

Wexford Pub Customer, January 2025

George Ghiorse: Founding Member of The O'Reillys

"I have known Michael since his high school days in Weymouth, MA. He has matured to become an outstanding performer, radio host, and supporter of all things Irish, mostly its music.  His Irish music roots run deep in both Boston and Savannah.  At an early age he started supporting The O’Reillys, and he continues his friendship with and loyalty to the remaining members of the group.  Michael is a talented Irish entertainer with an extensive repertoire and a great asset to the Irish-American music scene, on and off the stage."

Jerry Stenger at the Savannah Irish Festival

Jerry Stenger: Founding Member of The Savannah Ceili Band

Wexford Pub Customer, January 2025

Wexford Pub Customer, January 2025

 “Michael’s depth and knowledge of traditional Irish music is amazing. Going back to his Boston days, he had close associations with veteran traditional Irish musicians, including the renowned Clancy Brothers. His knowledge of and friendship with Liam Clancy, one of the giants of traditional Irish music, is what brings so much authenticity to what he does.” 

Wexford Pub Customer, January 2025

Wexford Pub Customer, January 2025

Wexford Pub Customer, January 2025

"We're from the UK. We've been in this country for four years and have been to pubs up and down the East Coast, but this was the first time we've heard proper Irish music in this country. It's brilliant."

Rick Edgecombe: President, SFMS

 "Michael effectively weaves songs and story-telling into a captivating performance that brings the audience along for the ride.  His devotion to folk music shows that he is committed to reaching future generations." 

Jennifer Strickland: Co-owner of Wexford Pub




"Michael Corbett’s mastery of Irish traditional music shines through in flawless ornamentation, expressive phrasing, and tasteful accompaniment that elevates every performance, inviting audiences to sing along and participate. With warm stage presence and a deep reverence for tradition, his concerts invite listeners to engage, dance freely, and experience the Emerald Isle’s musical spirit at its best."

Becki O'Hara: Founder of Camden Irish Fest



"Michael is a talented musician and has been a passionate advocate for Irish music and culture. Irish Fest Camden has enjoyed his performances which convey his enthusiasm for Irish music and his dedication to the craft."

Patrick Murphy: President of Shipyard Men's Club

 


"For several years we have enjoyed Michael Corbett’s talented singing accompanied by his superb guitar playing at our annual St. Patrick's Day dinner. Each year we look forward to the energy and excitement that he brings to our special evening celebrating Irish heritage.  His authentic rendering of Irish music and songs bring us an engaging performance with sing-alongs and spirited dancing for all to enjoy."

Our Partners

O'Connell's Pub
Wexford Irish Pub Logos
Debellation Brewing
Savannah Irish Festival
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  • Savannah Irish Festival
  • O'Connell's Pub
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  • Debellation Brewing
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Copyright © 2026 Michael Corbett Irish Folksinger - All Rights Reserved.

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