The High Kings in Riverside

About The High Kings

The High Kings are an Irish folk supergroup formed in 2008, bringing together four accomplished musicians who've spent decades in the traditional music scene. They've built a reputation for taking classic Irish songs and giving them contemporary arrangements that somehow feel both fresh and respectful to the source material. Their strength lies in tight harmonies and genuine musicianship rather than gimmickry. They've toured extensively across Europe, North America, and Australia, maintaining a steady presence on the folk circuit. The group appeals to both purists who appreciate their technical skill and casual listeners drawn to the accessibility of their sound. They've released multiple albums and continue to be fixtures at folk festivals and theaters worldwide.

Their shows have the feel of a really good pub session that got way bigger. Crowds tend to be mixed generations, everyone pretty engaged. They're solid musicians who don't oversell things, and the room usually gets quiet when it matters.

Known for The Parting Glass, Rocky Road to Dublin, Whiskey in the Jar, Finnegan's Wake, The Foggy Dew

The High Kings in Riverside News

• What’s on in Wexford – 7 things to do around the county this week The Irish Independent · Feb 4, 2026
• Comedic legends and Mardi Gras celebrations are on tap this week in CT arts Hartford Courant · Mar 1, 2025
• Stirring up a Gaelic Storm Shepherd Express · Jul 11, 2022

Live Music in Riverside

Riverside's live music scene runs the gamut, but it's never been a folk stronghold. The High Kings bring a different flavor—four-part harmony, traditional Irish songs, and careful arrangements that feel more concert hall than bar room. They'll fit best alongside the city's classical and roots-oriented audiences, though their accessibility might surprise people expecting something more niche.

Riverside road trip to see The High Kings?

Stay in the Magnolia Center area near downtown Riverside, where restored historic buildings sit alongside new boutique hotels and wine bars—it's the only neighborhood that actually feels like somewhere worth spending an evening. Before the show, dinner at Duane's, a reliable California steakhouse with real cocktails and actual craft to the food. Spend your afternoon at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum or walking through the Mission Inn's sprawling Mission Revival campus—it's genuinely stunning architecture, the kind of thing that reminds you why people actually settled this part of California.