The annual Rogue Festival returns to the valley this Friday. This year, patrons can choose from performances by more than 75 entertainers at more than 15 venues throughout the Tower District area.

Since 2005, Songs 4 Pints founders Russell Noland and Deric McQueen have captivated the hearts of Fresno’s Rogue faithful.

What sets their performances apart from others is their requirement that attendees provide a steady stream of beer in exchange for Irish and Gaelic tunes.

The group has consistently sold out the Veni Vidi Vici venue for several years running. Unfortunately, this year’s Rogue Festival is scheduled to be Songs 4 Pints’ farewell set of performances.

“I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in the past and this year,” co-founder McQueen said.

Both Noland and McQueen are ready to take the next steps in their respective lives to pursue other creative and professional avenues.

“You know, it’s kind of nice to start new chapters in your life every once in awhile,” McQueen said.

The Rogue favorites are sparing nothing short of a spectacle for their upcoming events. They recently added a third vocalist, Jeanette Ione, and also invited “The Roving Blades,” a newly formed Irish-inspired instrumental duo.

Ione is a Fresno City College music student and comes from a family history rooted in professional fields of music.

“I grew up in a musical home,” she said. “My mom works at Bullard Talent and my dad was a bandmaster on a cruise ship. And my stepmom is an accompanist and she has a few CDs out of her own. I suppose you could say that it’s in my blood.”

“The Roving Blades” was founded late last year and consists of two instrumentalists who specialize in various forms of Irish-themed music. Neil Cusick performs on guitar, flute and vocals while Mark Patrick Ryan plays the fiddle and also sings. Songs 4 Pints is pleased to have the duo join them on stage.

“We’re all Songs 4 Pints, but they have their own identity as performers as well,” Noland said. “We hope to help launch them.”

Now in in their eighth appearance at the Rogue Festival, Noland and McQueen have a fond connection to the annual event.

“What’s weird about Rogue is that we get to the Rogue Festival, it comes back around, and our audience is just glued in on us,” said McQueen. “And they’re absolutely in love with anything that we do. The energy is amazing.”

Their name is not merely a catchy title, the name is a mandate. The audience buys them beer and they sing their tunes.

“We normally tell Veni Vidi Vici to have Guinness ready to go at room temperature if we can get it,” said Noland.

McQueen explained Songs 4 Pints’ reasoning behind the unique request.

“Brewed British Isle beers tend to be better at room temperature,” he said.

Songs 4 Pints is scheduled to perform at Veni Vidi Vici’s on Saturday at 3:45 p.m., on Sunday at 8:45 p.m., Wednesday, March 6 at 8:45 p.m. and Saturday, March 9 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets to the one-of-a-kind Fresno spectacle cost $5 “Rogue bucks.”

Patrons are advised to show up early to guarantee entry. Attendees should know that a very specific dress code is in effect.

“No clowns are allowed at the show,” said Noland. “Clowns will be forcibly removed.”

McQueen clarified and reiterated the restriction.

“I really hate clowns,” he said. “They’re adult men who dress flamboyantly and wear lots of makeup in order to attract children. There’s something wrong with that.”

For a schedule of performers and for more information about the festival, visit www.roguefestival.com