Author Archive

I really enjoy artists who can bridge genres effortlessly with their lyrics and melodies and so telling you about Enda Keegan is really an easy task for me.  I’ve been listening to The Bridge, Enda’s debut album, again and again for many months. Released September 1, 2008, it is an eclectic mix of songs, the...

“Since Kyabram” was originally released in 2004 and some would question why I’ve chosen to introduce and review an album that has been around and listened to literally for years. Well, aside from being Declan O’Rourke’s debut album, without hesitation I would counter that “Since Kyabram” is a dazzling collection of original songs written and...

The Druids are an Irish Rebel Band. For those unaware of the meaning of the term, these men sing, play and recount the history of Irish rebellion and resistance to outside rule over the past centuries. They “sing songs which have meaning in terms of peoples every day life…”      Starry Plough is The Druids...

Fanrealm just received a most gracious thank you note addressed to all From The Heart 2 charity concert artists and supporters in Ireland and the States. We are thrilled to post this for all those performing, attending last night both in Derry and vicariously, and those who’ve donated at the Foyle Search and Rescue...

I truly enjoy being able to showcase Chicago bands and musicians for Fanrealm readers all over the world and this is one of those opportunities. It is my pleasure to introduce one of my very favorite local groups to those of you outside the Midwest; Kevin Flynn & the Avondale Ramblers, Celt Rock with...

Once in a while a cause so worthy comes along that I feel compelled to write about it. This is the case with From The Heart 2, a charity concert staged for a second time to honor the memory of a vibrant, young man and beloved son lost to suicide. The concert idea was...

Under the guise of a Father’s Day treat for the man in my life, this morning I suggested a nice Irish breakfast. Men are so easy, mention bacon and they’ll follow you anywhere. I must ‘fess up though I would use any ruse to spend time in my most favorite pub.   Quigley’s Irish...

I’ve spent several weeks listening to Irish singer/songwriter Kate O’Callaghan’s brand new debut EP, To You, and can state unequivocally that she is not a vocalist content to sing traditional pub songs nor is she a storyteller of Irelands’ days past.  Kate is a genre of one, distinctive in both her writing style and...

October 8th marked the latest of many performances of greater stature for singer-songwriter, Enda Keegan as he opened up for legendary Irish superstar Finbar Furey at Nevada Smith’s in the East Village. Says Keegan “It was such a great honor to open up for Finbar, who is such an incredible artist and a true...

  Despite the frigid weather here in Chicago last weekend, Millennium Park and the Pritzker Pavilion were set afire and energized  by The ROGUES, a combination CeltRock, folk, classical band performing a mishmash of high energy, soulful wail, classic and rousing traditional music, switching between each without missing a beat. They took to the...

  This year Chicago changed both the time of year (from fall to spring) and the location of its CelticFest. Millennium Park, the crown jewel of Chicago’s downtown area, now hosts this annual gathering. Performing on Saturday night at the Pritzker Pavillion, a new state of the art stage, sound system and audience facility,...

As part of the recent release of his new album, A Mothers Lullaby, Mickey Coleman has announced a tour schedule for Easter week in and around Co. Tyrone. For those of you lucky enough to be in the area their dates, venue links and phone numbers follow.  ENJOY!!! Sunday 4th April – Bellaghy GFC Hall Co.Derry Tuesday 6th April...

Declan O’Rourke began his career on the Dublin singer-songwriter circuit in 2000 and released his debut album under an independent Irish record label in late 2004. Since Kyabram went straight in at fifth position on the Irish charts and very soon achieved Gold, Platinum and then double-Platinum status.  Even now, more than five years...

“Hope to see some of ye in the very near future folks. Slan..” The Druids are a four-piece Irish REBEL band made up of three Kildare men and a Wexford man… Paddy Mangan from Johnstown Bridge on banjo, mandolin and vocals; Gary Lawlor from Clane on acoustic guitar and lead vocals; newest recruit Darren Egan...

Timeless Traditions, released in February 2009, is Malachi Cush’s fourth album and follows successes with his debut album Malachi, New Day and Celtic Heartbeat. It is an exceptional collection of traditional Celtic songs enhanced by Malachi’s effortless laid back style and smooth mellow voice. A favorite of mine is County Tyrone. I listen and my...