Loading ...Celtic Music in Illinois – Part 1-Chicago
Fanrealm continues to highlight great local Celtic bands and musicians with several excellent groups from the greater Chicago area. Just outside the city and right up there close to the top in visits to Fanrealm are Naperville and Plainfield, both filled with Celtic music lovers. For these two towns and the rest of Chicagoland, here are several of my favorite groups. You’ll find them playing regularly all over Chicago, the surrounding suburbs &Â counties and several close by states.
St. James Gate - This group is made up of three lifelong friends from Chicago’s South side who began their career as rockers and evolved into Irish folk singers. They’ve been making music for 30 years playing in and around Chicago. Known for their distinctive three-part harmonies and good time stage persona, St. James Gate is authentic Irish pub entertainment. Give them a listen on Myspace and if you’re in the Chicago area, be sure to take in a show. http://www.myspace.com/sjgatechicago
The Tossers – Are another outstanding group whose members hail from the South side of Chicago and are longtime friends. As a group, they’ve been around the area since the early 90s singing and playing Celtic music that’s both traditional folk and punk rock fury combined. The name “Tossers” is derived from an old reference to commode, drunk or the British currency depending on who you ask. Huge favorites of Chicago’s Celtic music lovers, with a sound that is somewhere between rage and raucousness, they are known for playing anywhere, anytime and for or with anybody. Their live shows are legendary for attracting all types of fans and are generally sold out. If you’re looking for a good time with a fun, fan loving group, see them when you have a chance and listen to a sample of their music on Myspace. http://www.myspace.com/thetossers
Kevin Flynn & the Avondale Ramblers – I REALLY like this groups’ music. “A Chicago-Irish band” is how Kevin Flynn describes their Celtic inspired sound; Gaelic music reflecting all aspects of Chicago. The band’s sound is influenced by traditional Irish music but their songs tend to be more a rowdy pub type. Definitely not your average traditional Irish folk entertainers, they are so much more and well worth seeing; a memorable group of entertainers and definitely a fun night out on the town. http://www.myspace.com/kevinflynnandtheavondaleramblers
The Larkin & Moran Brothers – Have been around the Irish music scene in Chicago for 15 years. Comprised of six musicians and vocalists, they play their own brand of Celtic/Acoustic Irish folk music. Truly an energetic fun band to see live, the band is made up of:
Dan Larkin – Their driving force, plays guitar and sings. He’s likened to a voice crossover of Christy Moore and Liam Clancy with just a touch of Davy Carton.
Mike Larkin – Plays a little of everything but mostly bodhran. He sings and enjoys telling a joke or two.
Joe Larkin – Described as raw energy, Joe plays harmonica, guitar and lends his voice to lead vocals.
Terry Moran – A session veteran who plays the mandolin, tin whistle and banjo.
Kevin Moran – Bass vocals.
Mike Murphy – Seasoned mandolin and bass player.
http://www.myspace.com/thelarkinandmoranbrothers
Baal Tinne – (pronounced “Bahl Tinnuh”) is a five member Irish music group based in Chicago and founded in the early 1980s. Playing flute, tin whistle, fiddle, bodhran, guitar and piano/keyboard, they transform Irish tunes into instrumental listening music without loosing the Celtic sound. Their goal is to explore and transform the traditional Celtic rhythms and they do this effortlessly. Baal Tinne’s sound is different and unique and yet totally familiar. They have several wonderful examples of their music on Myspace. http://www.myspace.com/baaltinne
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