The Drowsy Lads

The Drowsy Lads thundered onto the Irish music scene in the US over 15 years ago and their fire and comradery has won over both casual music-lovers and those steeped in hardcore Trad .  2018 brought the release of their 4th album, Everyone In, and the distinction of “Best Irish American Band of 2018”. With an undeniable genuineness that flows from their live performances, the future continues to look bright for these Lads.

Boasting 5 multi-instrumentalists, Ohio brothers John and Daniel McKewen, father and son Phil and Josh Franck, and lifelong friend Bryan Brookes bring to the stage a concoction of “we dare you to hold still” Irish dance tunes and songs that have packed festivals, theaters, pubs, and halls everywhere they’ve played.

Reviews

“…The Best Irish American Band of 2018. I was lucky to see the Lads a couple times this year and, along with their excellent cd, they put on one hell of a live performance. The five Lads… possess lots of musical talent, great voices, enjoyable stage presence and some of the best beards in Irish music.  They get the crowd on their feet and deliver a good time, every time. They have recorded several excellent cds but their new one is, by far, their best and has pride of place in my play pile.” -Jack Baker – Irish American News

“The guys are SMOKIN!”   – Bill Margeson – LiveIreland

“With all fingers on the pulse of the raw soul of Irish traditional music The Drowsy Lads will leave you kicking and screaming for more… the spirit of Irish Music in the Mid West.” -Mick Broderick (SLIDE)

“The Drowsy Lads have taken their youthful exuberance, and faithful dedication to the music, to develop a sound that is energetic and tight. Clearly one of the top Celtic bands in Central Ohio now, destined to be one of the best we’ve ever seen!” -Pat Byrne (Byrne’s Pub)

“I’ve been watching these lads for quite a few years now, and have been thrilled at their playing, live and recorded… and all are tight, accomplished players. What’s more, they have a great time together onstage, with an irrepressible joy in the music.  The audience, of course, has a great time too. It’s great to know that this kind of excellence springs from the American heartland. Keep your eyes on these lads…..” -Cindy Funk (Host WYSO)

“I would like to list a bit about a tremendously talented group! Fabulous Music, Songs, and stories. This show had our audience on their feet dancing , asking when they will return……. a delightful evening of fun and quality music!” -Maureen Kennedy (Founder – Cincinnati Irish Heritage Center)

“Your toe will be tapping and there will be a smile on your face for a long time after.  Keep an eye and ear to the ground.  You will be hearing a lot about these lads!” -Maryann McTeague Keifer (Ireland Tonight)

“It’s great to see these young guys work to preserve Irish traditional music while bringing their personality and humor to the stage. We know we can put them in any spot and they will draw a big crowd who will be on their feet by the end of the show.” -Allison Leroy (Event Manager Dublin Irish Festival)

An Intimate Evening with The Irish Tenors

The Irish Tenors have been touring together since 1998, with sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall, Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, and major concert halls throughout the world. Their faces and voices are familiar to PBS audiences through several specials, including the “Ellis Island” recordings that sold a million CDs and DVDs.

Since they first joined voices in 1998, The Irish Tenors have made countless traditional treasures breathe with new life. Moreover, they’ve proven themselves gifted interpreters of a wide range of material, with such songs as “My Heart Will Go On” (from Titanic), “Fairytale Of New York”(previously recorded by Kirsty MacColl and The Pogues) and even Jimmy Kennedy’s “South Of The Border (Down Mexico Way)”. These songs live comfortably in their repertoire alongside “Danny Boy,” “Whiskey in the Jar” and “Fields Of Athenry.” Among their best selling albums, ‘Heritage’ ranks as one of the finest with classic recordings of many of the most beautiful Irish songs. ‘We Three Kings’ is their best selling Christmas Album and includes all of superb Christmas gems that feature year after year in their legendary Christmas Tour, attending which has become a firm tradition for so many families who love their music and the special sparkle that marks their holiday programme.

The Irish Tenors powerful vocal line-up of Anthony Kearns, Ronan Tynan and Declan Kelly are unquestionably the leading brand of this genre. All classically trained singers, each having performed in leading concert halls across the world, together they combine to produce a sound and concert experience, which touches hearts and stirs the emotions. Happy songs of celebration and humour, mixed with touching melodies and songs that warm the heart.

They are surely versatile, but for many, Anthony Kearns, Ronan Tynan and Declan Kelly are synonymous with Irish music. There is an aching bittersweet quality to much of Ireland’s musical heritage, a melodic loveliness and emotional intensity that brings a tingle to the spine and a tear to the eye. The dazzling technique and depth of feeling that defines this musical genre, amplified to the third power, is the hallmark of The Irish Tenors.

The magic they’ve captured on previous releases has resulted in millions of albums sold and the upper reaches of Billboard’s music charts. The Irish Tenors have appeared on several incredibly successful and highly rated PBS specials including Ellis Island and Live from Belfast as well as The Today Show, Good Morning America, Regis and Kelly, Martha Steward, A&E Breakfast with the Arts, and are one of the best selling acts to appear on QVC.

The Irish Tenors continue to tour constantly, thrilling old fans and winning new ones all around the globe. In the United States, they are one of the most successful Irish touring acts ever, second only to U2. Whether as the powerful vocal trio in full flight, or in their cameo solo spots, a concert performance by The Irish Tenors is an experience that never fails to excite and bear witness to the power of great music when performed by true artists. Most concerts end with two, three, and sometimes four standing ovations, with Irish and American songs bringing audiences to their feet.

Despite the ultimate compliment of there being several copy versions of The Irish Tenors, this trio are regarded as the acknowledged Godfathers of Irish repertoire

Christmas with the Celts

The Celts, are Dubliner Patrick D’Arcy (U2, Sting, Josh Groban) and , Fiachra O’Regan from Connemara, Ireland, on uilleann pipes/whistles/bodhran, Maggie Lander and Luisa Marion on vocals and fiddle, Matt Menefee (Mumford & Sons) banjo, mandolin, vocals, and Nashville songwriter, producer and band leader Ric Blair on vocals, guitar, bodhrán, piano.

The Celts, (formerly The Nashville Celts) combine tight vocal harmonies with energetic, fiery Irish trad breaks and their own original songs. The Celts are known for incorporating all things Irish into unlimited genres. From retro disco dance to roots country, jazz, and rock with no restrictions to their creative freedom.

The Celts perform in Performing Arts Centers, Theaters, Festivals and have also performed at multiple revered venues such as The Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium, The Lincoln Center, NPR, WSM Radio, PBS shows Music City Roots, The Bluegrass Underground, and Woodsong’s Old Time Radio Hour.

The new Celts record entitled Traveling On featuring guest musicians Jeff Taylor (Bob Dylan, Evis Costello, etc.) Byron House (Robert Plant, Alison Krauss) on upright bass and Natalya Kay (Gaelic Storm) on fiddle is now available on Spotify and all platforms.