| Prodigals |
The Prodigals are one of the most successful
bands to emerge from the East-Coast Irish scene. The band combines
brilliant original lyrics and melody with a genuine passion for
the traditional music of Ireland and a funky, anarchic energy that
is pure New York. The melodic element is fronted by singer-accordionist
Gregory Grene and singer-guitarist Eamon O'Tuama, who grew up in
Cavan and Cork respectively. This is combined with the brilliant
rhythm section of Andrew Harkin and Chris Nicolo. Chris' background
is a hugely respected drummer in the competitive world of New York
jazz; Andrew is a phenom bass-player whose distinctively pyrotechnical
lines range from passionate rhythm to lead melody. |
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| Eire
Lingus |
Never has there been an Irish band to hit
the triangle area quite like Eire Lingus. They have taken us by
storm as they entertain vast audiences with their rich blend of
Celtic tunes dating back to the seventeen hundreds. Their brilliant
arrangements and melodic tunes captivate audiences with any musical
taste. They manage to entertain and delight as they invite their
listeners to participate in the music. Eire Lingus will tantalize
the senses with everything from sea shanties to rebel songs. Of
course, there are the traditional Irish tunes that will live on
forever. After hearing these talented lads, you may find yourself
humming these tunes long after their performance. This band stands
alone among all other Irish bands because of their unique ability
to communicate their enthusiasm and excitement. The growing number
of fans never miss an opportunity to hear this incredible music
because it is guaranteed to lift the spirits! |
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| Kevin
Parnell |
Kevin comes naturally to his gift for Irish
music. Growing up in New York, the house was always filled with
the songs of Ireland. Whenever there was a gathering of friends
and neighbors his father would call for his three sons to “get
the guitars out!” In the seventies, they took their music
to the pubs of New York and the popular trio, The Parnell Brothers
was born. The brothers eventually parted ways due to various careers,
but Kevin never gave up his passion for Irish music. In 1984, Kevin
put together a dynamic group of musicians called Parnell & Boru.
For eighteen years, Parnell & Boru played for audiences from
New York to California and across Canada. The groups recorded two
popular albums, “Raise a Glass” and “Here be Dragons.”
These recordings blend a wide variety of Irish music with all the
common themes: drinking, death, rebellion, the sea, and occasionally
love. Kevin’s strong baritone voice and his passion for the
music create a unique listening experience. After a recent move
to Raleigh, Kevin teamed with Ed Lavoie to form the current duo,
Eire Lingus. |
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| Edmund
(Fitzgerald) Lavoie |
Edmund hails from Boston, MA where he has
been playing music since the mid-seventies. Ed’s professional
music career started on the other side of the microphone as a sound
mixer and recording engineer. A good ear and solid technical skills
earned him a position at the renowned New England Conservatory of
Music. Ed adds a little sizzle with his lead guitar work relying
on his Ovation Legend acoustic guitar and an occasional appearance
by a Strat or Les Paul just to keep things interesting. Ed’s
strong backing vocals provide the perfect compliment to Kevin’s
solid musical performance. Musical abilities aside, Ed is the only
musician who can keep pace with Kevin when the Tullamore Dew starts
flowing. |
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| R.G.
Absher and the Celtic Connection Unit |
Absher grew up in the foothills of the Blue
Ridge Mountains in Taylorsville, North Carolina. At age 9, he began
playing the guitar and added the banjo at age 12. He and his sister
first began playing and singing music in the local community and
with other neighborhood youth during the early 1970's. Later in
college, the brother/sister duo entered and won several musical
competitions. His sister, Jeannie Farlow, continues performing today,
primarily in the bluegrass gospel field with the Farlow Family of
Trinity, North Carolina.The music of R.G. Absher blends the styles
of Celtic Music, blues and Negro spirituals in today's bluegrass
music, in a unique way that is appealing to everyone. |
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| NCSU
Pipes and Drums |
The North Carolina State University Pipes
and Drums is a non-profit Scottish bagpipe band associated with
the North Carolina State University Music Department. Through local
performances and appearances at highland games throughout the Southeast,
this award winning band promotes NCSU and the Music Department.
Organized in 1968, the band has evolved from an all student band
to one made up of dedicated students, alumni, staff and community
pipers and drummers. |
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| Baile
Daire |
| Baile
Daire (BAL-iah DAR-rah) is an old Irish Gaelic term which means City
of Oaks. Baile Daire, a Raleigh, NC based band has been presenting
traditional Irish music on acoustic instruments since 1999. |
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| City
of Oaks Pipe Band |
| The
City of Oaks Pipe Band has existed in several forms for about twenty
years. We are a competition pipe band and have frequently played or
competed in Scottish Games in the Southeastern US, such as those in
Archdale, NC; Alexandria, VA; Atlanta, Charleston, Charlotte, Gatlinburg,
Norfolk, Red Springs, NC; Richmond, and Waxhaw, NC We have won a number
of medals and trophies over the years. We have been an invited participant
at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games for the last several years.
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