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Jeni Balcom

Jeni Balcom of Cincinnati, Ohio was the first receiver of our Celtic Music Award in 2019. She is a co-founder of Berea Celtic Fest and Gathering back in 2009. Traditionally she has performed with Jeni's Chickens, participated at Union Church's Irish inspired service and played her wonderful harp at Boone Tavern's lunch. Often she has been accompanied to the Berea Gathering by her two talented daughters, Simone on fiddle and Camille, who is an accomplished Irish step dancer. 

Peoples Bank, now Whitaker Bank, was named Special Friend in 2019. The bank has supported our event monetarily every year since its beginning. Typically as an Edinburgh Partner. We are very thankful the bank's local leadership and support of cultural events. 

Here local branch manager Pat Ballinger and secretary Malinda Carter with event coordinator Sune Frederiksen.

Turlach Boylan of Kansas City, Kansas received the 2022 Celtic Music Award for his outstanding support of Berea Celtic Fest through all the years. He has only missed one event as of this year. Turlach has significantly helped develop this one of a kind gathering of musicians and other to a higher level of professionalism and inclusion. We all enjoy his presence and humor, his flutes, banjo and mandolin.

Peggy and John Coyne have over the years supported Berea Celtic Fest and Gathering in multiple ways. As partners, as volunteers, as fundraisers, making food, moving stuff, and you name it. 

No doubt that they are both very proud of the Irish heritage, and we are very proud to give them the 2022 Special Friend Award.

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