The Bands

Shilelagh Law

Shilelagh Law was born out of the close-knit Irish American neighborhoods of Yonkers and The Bronx. After a few years of wandering around after graduating college, Terence Brennan, Richard Popovic and Stephen Gardner re-connected over their mutual love of old Irish songs. They had known each other since elementary school, although their musical tastes growing up were more geared towards heavy metal, hardcore/punk and grunge. Indeed the three of them played in a band together for a few summers which was a weird mix of those three genres. But even then, back in 1993-94, a heavily distorted version of Wild Rover found its way onto their set list, which left a few people scratching their heads but many more singing and slamming along. By the time they sat back down together in 1998, Terence was playing the bodhran, a skill he learned during his year abroad at University College Dublin. Steve had swapped his guitar for a bass and Rich had traded in his electric guitar for his beloved Martin acoustic. But although the instruments had gotten more traditional, the fast and rowdy liberties they took with old Irish standards gave the songs new life and dragged them kicking and screaming into the light of a new day.

After cutting their teeth for a few years with their first fiddler Mary T., Denis McCarthy joined Shilelagh Law after hearing about them from his brother Kevin. Denny had been a powerhouse on the traditional music scene in his youth, winning multiple all-Ireland championships in a number of categories. But after walking away from music for a while, he decided to dip his toe back in the water just as SL was looking for a new fiddler. Serendipity. The music instantly gelled and the live shows took on a new energy and intensity that still has people talking about them in hushed and awed tones fifteen years later. And after occasionally sitting in over the years and contributing his masterful piano accordion skills to a few albums, Kevin McCarthy officially joined the band. The sound was complete, and the New York Irish music scene has never been the same.

 

Andy Cooney

Andy Cooney has nine Carnegie Hall sellouts under his belt and also filled The David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center with The New York Tenors. His outstanding voice and dynamic stage presence have long been a favorite among young and old alike. His talent and versatility provide the ability to deliver a song directly to the hearts of his audience; Andy is surely one of the greatest singing sensations on the Irish Music scene today. Christened Irish America’s Favorite Son by The New York Times, it is a title he richly deserves. Andy Cooney is one of The New York Tenors, along with New York Italian Tenor Christopher Macchio and New York Puerto Rican Tenor Daniel Rodriquez, a trio which has been receiving high critical acclaim for a number of years. Andy has recorded 19 albums to date, including Bright Brand New Day with Phil Coulter and his Orchestra. Andy and Phil frequently tour together and in March 2017, completed a three week tour of the US. Cooney’s latest CD, Irish Country Skyline, was released in the summer of 2016 as a journey back to his Country music roots. This release has been getting huge airplay all over Ireland and the UK with his hit singles On The Eighth Day and My Rose of Ballinrobe, both his own compositions.  2020 turned out to be an unusual year where the Coronavirus shut down the music industry.  During 2020, Andy managed to release 4 new singles during the Coronaviruses pandemic,  “Take Me Back To Dublin”, “We’re All In This Together” with his son Ryan, “Come Tennessee Me Tonight” with Country Music legend Larry Gatlin and his latest single release in November 2020, “The Waltz of the Angels”.

 

 

Slainte the Band

Slainte is an Irish-American folk rock band, formed in a Boston College dorm room in 2013. We feature four vocalists, acoustic and electric guitar, bass, fiddle, whistle, flute, mandolin, saxophone, and drums. Our style is rock-influenced Celtic folk. We love playing upbeat versions of the classic pub songs marrying rockin’ electric guitar and sax solos with traditional fiddle and whistle parts. Lots of Dubliners, Clancy Brothers, Pogues, Saw Doctors, some Flogging Molly and Dropkicks, and some more contemporary Irish artists like The Cranberries or Ed Sheeran. We also do a number of classic rock, country, pop, and 90’s non-Irish covers where appropriate. Eagles, CCR, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Killers, Foo Fighters, Billy Strings. We have a really wide repertoire of non-Irish music and are happy to tailor our set to whatever is right for your event. Our home base is the Irish pub scene downtown Boston (bouncing between The Black Rose and Mr. Dooley’s), and we travel often to New York and beyond for festivals, weddings, and special events.

 

 

Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is celebrated as Long Island’s finest Irish-American folk band, delivering dynamic covers that span a diverse range of genres—including folk, Irish, country, classic rock, and indie rock. Known for their versatility and spirited performances, they’re a go‑to choice for private celebrations, corporate events, fundraisers, hoedowns, and more

My Druthers

My Druthers, from New London, CT, is a high-energy folk-punk band that fuses Irish rebel songs, sea shanties, and outlaw country with a raw punk edge. Featuring a rotating lineup of seasoned East Coast musicians, the group is known for turning every show into a raucous sing-along, steeped in maritime tradition and rebellious spirit. Their debut album, Coming Up 3’s (2025), produced by Pete Steinkopf of the Bouncing Souls, showcases their signature mix of gritty storytelling, driving rhythms, and communal energy. Whether at a pub, festival, or seaside stage, My Druthers delivers a performance that feels like both a celebration and a battle cry.

 

 

Susan and Gerard

The Susan & Gerard Band is a dynamic New York–based Irish-American duo led by Mayo-born vocalist Susan Gillespie, the “Sweetheart of Mayo,” and Long Island–raised multi-instrumentalist Gerard Corbett. Since forming in 1999, they’ve captivated audiences with dazzling vocals, rich harmonies, and versatile musicianship, blending Irish classics with big band, country, rock & roll, Motown, oldies, international favorites, holiday songs, and spiritual music. Their shows are filled with warmth, humor, and audience engagement—whether it’s singing along, dancing, or clapping in time—making each performance feel like both a celebration and a heartfelt connection. With chart-topping singles like If You Ever Change Your Mind and a reputation for charm and showmanship, Susan & Gerard continue to delight crowds across generations.