tag:paddygrass.com,2005:/blogs/paddygrass-the-bog?p=2Paddygrass - The bog2020-12-24T10:35:47-06:00Derek Byrne and Paddygrassfalsetag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/65070232020-12-24T10:35:47-06:002021-01-06T11:46:52-06:00Merry Christmas from Paddygrass <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/a3e36e17f06ced47326f405f2ea0e2fb264ff45f/original/patreon-cd.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> </p>
<p>First of all, Merry Christmas! </p>
<p>We hope you are all healthy and safe. We wish all the fear and suffering of this year to be over soon and the better times ahead to arrive faster. In the meantime, we have some news for you. <br>Earlier on this year, we were lucky enough to get to play outside. Now that the weather is turning, we have to find a way to keep playing. Livestream shows are the safest way. Here's where to find our upcoming livestream shows - <a contents="Our Patreon Page" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.patreon.com/paddygrass" target="_blank">Our Patreon Page</a><br>If you don't know, Patreon is a way for artists to build stronger relationships with their fans - virtually. Yes, you can watch livestream shows, request songs, interview the band, see behind the scenes footage and help support our new CD... for a very small monthly fee. These livestream shows will have multi-camera angles and live editing with professional sound and lighting. We want to give you the next best thing to a live show. Hopefully we can get enough support to do 2 of them a month. </p>
<p>Our first livestream show will be January 24th (time depending on the packers, go pack!) <br> <br>Our new CD "Paddysplash" should be out very soon after. If you are a Patron, you will be among the first to get a download. This CD is our take on "Sea Shanties". We can't wait for you to hear our new music. If you saw the livestream show in UW Whitewater Young Auditorium - that was just a taste. Our CD will be much better. </p>
<p>This is a new direction for the band, we want you here, with us all the way. Someday we will be able to perform again in indoor venues and outside in beer gardens or patios. In the meantime, nothing will stop us from sharing what we love with those we love. </p>
<p>Join us for a pint and a song on patreon.com </p>
<p>Derek and Paddygrass </p>
<p> </p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/64744612020-11-10T16:23:38-06:002022-03-28T08:05:33-05:002 Live streaming shows!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/50040ea9887a20363ed1427d2d35b052a46d3817/original/img-1900.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Dear Paddygrassers </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We have been working on new material through the pandemic. This weekend you will get to hear it! <br>2020 has been a year we all want to escape from, but where can you go? This weekend we will take you on a voyage through the seven seas - Yes! Sea shanties! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We are performing in UW Whitewater Young Auditorium on Saturday November 14th. Both performances will be live streamed. Each set will be different. If you wanted a new CD, this is it. 14 completely new songs! <br>Here are the links: </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Derek Byrne & Paddygrass – 5:00PM </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Watch Link: <a contents="https://youtu.be/b8-CUAfm07g" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/b8-CUAfm07g" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/b8-CUAfm07g</a> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Derek Byrne & Paddygrass – 7:30PM </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Watch Link: <a contents="https://youtu.be/rQwwFC6kCb4&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/rQwwFC6kCb4&nbsp;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/rQwwFC6kCb4 </a></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Also, this performance is a benefit for local food pantries so spread the word. We would like to thank everyone at UW Whitewater Young Auditorium for making this possible. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Join us for a pint and a song from the comfort of your home! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Derek & Paddygrass</span></p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/63275812020-05-23T09:56:17-05:002020-05-23T09:56:17-05:00I invented a new instrument!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/870afd5e504479fd9b4db8daab961ca1907bf8cc/original/2020-03-24-16-44-58.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>For years I have had this instrument in my head. I've always loved Sitars and Hardanger fiddles because of their sympathetic strings. This is is the best way I could relate these concepts to my love of the banjo. In November of 2019 I approached Jeff Menzies with the idea of making this into a gourd banjo. After many design changes and revisions we came up with this. The banjo body is closest to that of an Ekonting. Beyond the fifth fret is a sympathetic mandolin. The bridge has 2 rows of strings. The lower houses the mandolin strings while the upper row houses the banjo strings. There are so many possibilities with this new invention. I aim to experiment with different open tunings of the mandolin and banjo strings to build up layers of harmony. There is a much larger playing area for the right (picking) hand compared to the left (chord) hand. That's because we wanted to give much more attention to the vibrations of the sympathetic strings. When you pick or strum closer to the bridge, the sympathetics are warm and low. When you play closer to the mandolin nut, the sympathetics are high and thin. The master craftsmanship of Jeff Menzies is the very reason this dream came to life. If you ever need a unique ethnic stringed instrument, go to Menzies stringed instruments.</p>
<p><a contents="See it in action" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxNAeTd5NB0&list=PLkdvOh1bmFLsIki-PVn5P_HpPkoTU1kPM" target="_blank">See it in action</a></p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="JxNAeTd5NB0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/JxNAeTd5NB0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JxNAeTd5NB0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/60237502019-12-16T12:31:36-06:002020-09-11T22:11:57-05:00Merry Christmas from Paddygrass!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/90131b6a20784bc6a05954d339e42e604569be1a/original/photo-dec-14-10-12-55-am.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Dear Paddygrassers! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We have great news for you. WISN Channel 12 is featuring Paddygrass and <a contents="Milwaukee Irish Dance Company" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mkeirishdancers.com/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Irish Dance Company</a> on their Season to Celebrate Christmas Special! <br>The broadcast date is Wednesday December 18th at 9pm WISN Channel 12. <br>Click below for details. <br><a contents="WISN Channel 12 Season to celebrate" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.wisn.com/article/wisn-12-season-to-celebrate/30211693" target="_blank">WISN Channel 12 Season to celebrate</a> <br>Make sure to watch it with everyone you love. <strong>However you choose to celebrate the holidays</strong>, we wish you the very best of happiness and love. <br>Also we have over 20 shows on the calendar already for 2020. Be sure to keep up to date with our local tour dates <a contents="here" data-link-label="Shows" data-link-type="page" href="/shows" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a>. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Wishing you the very best in 2020 </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Derek & Paddygrass</span></p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/58627182019-08-19T12:27:59-05:002022-01-05T14:18:29-06:00Paddygrass + Dancers UW Whitewater Auditorium! Sept. 20th<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/1e5e6ce7abb884dbdb24fab226906153e367c108/original/ya-event-one-sheet-paddygrass-003.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/58261102019-07-16T10:16:57-05:002021-09-21T09:29:38-05:00New Mountain Banjo!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/4d4c5dc93435d21fe4e456f8caca10799a911421/original/photo-may-24-1-46-12-pm.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/841393288ad477d1bcaf7dc3dff7f77d7599b4f0/original/photo-may-24-12-36-02-pm.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/6fb850b8f8b83a90fff74434abf375ccf5d3b7d3/original/photo-may-24-12-37-37-pm.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I recently had <a contents="John Peterson" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.carryinon.com/" target="_blank">John Peterson</a> make me a fretless mountain banjo. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish. It has wormy chestnut hoops and a walnut neck. To say that this is a new journey that will forever change my playing is an understatement. I'm looking forward to bringing "Wormy" to more shows and discovering the magic within the wormholes. What a treat. I would highly recommend John if you are looking for a handmade work of art to play music on.</p>
<p>Happy pickin! Come hear some mountain banjo madness soon...</p>
<p><a contents="http://www.carryinon.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.carryinon.com/" target="_blank">http://www.carryinon.com</a> John Peterson.</p>
<p> </p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/56712232019-03-06T15:41:46-06:002019-03-06T20:22:32-06:00St. Paddygrass Festivities!<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/3e690d712019db1538c41e2571ea028d198dce1a/original/paddy-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">Many Irish bands book the majority of their gigs around this time of year. Even though Paddygrass plays all year round we still have more shows in March spread all over the midwest. If we're playing in your area, come see us in these fine establishments. If you know anyone where we are playing further away from Milwaukee, please tell your friends. Above all, be safe in your wild celebration of all things Irish.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Friday March 8th 8pm <br>Barrington Area Library <br>Barrington IL </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Shamrock Club Post Parade Party<br>Saturday March 9th<br>1pm Irish Cultural Heritage Center <br>2133 W Wisconsin Ave <br>4PM Dugout 54 <br>5328 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Monday March 11th 6:30pm <br>Bartlett Public Library <br>Bartlett IL </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Thursday March 14th 6pm <br>Rhythm City Casino <br>Davenport Iowa </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Friday March 15th 5pm <br>Riverbend Private Club <br>Kohler WI </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday March 16th <br>1pm Westallion Brewing <br>7pm City Lights Brewing </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Sunday March 17th <br>10am Mo’s Irish Pub Tosa <br>3pm Dugout 54 </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Sunday March 24th 1pm <br>St. Paul’s Church <br>Merrill WI </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday March 30th 7.30pm <br>Lyon’s Irish Pub <br>201 East Main St. Watertown</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Join us for a pint and a song </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Derek and Paddygrass</span></p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/54771372018-10-19T13:26:30-05:002018-10-19T13:30:50-05:00New Videos of our Irish Fest Show!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/67cd05d3c78e7a465d9cb2eda9fcce16241a9589/original/mg-0011-combinedv2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="CZkqsi4gThI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/CZkqsi4gThI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CZkqsi4gThI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I'm delighted to show you the best moments from our 2018 Milwaukee Irish Fest Performance. See our <a contents='"Media" ' data-link-label="Media" data-link-type="page" href="/media" target="_blank">"Media" </a>page for the new <a contents="footage" data-link-label="Media" data-link-type="page" href="/media" target="_blank">footage</a>.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We had more musicians than ever on stage and dancers from <a contents="Milwaukee Irish Dance Company" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.milwaukeeirishdancers.com/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Irish Dance Company</a> and <a contents="Beglan Irish Dance Company" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.beglanacademy.com/" target="_blank">Beglan Irish Dance Company</a>> Many thanks to Andrew Riehle for shooting the whole performance. It's about time we had some way of showing off our new line up. As you know, many wonderful musicians have played with us over our the last 10 years. We are grateful to them for shaping our history and excited for our new players, the future of Paddygrass. That's the great thing about our show, it's always evolving. Come see us soon!</span></p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/54156252018-09-05T08:59:20-05:002018-09-05T09:03:13-05:00Chill out with Paddygrass this fall<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/d0b6e1c408b0ccb3d3f852e1a05889e03304fb2d/original/city-lights.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/71b265724799a5138033b68c82c4e1eb896a9e67/original/westallion-01.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.png" class="size_s justify_left border_" /></p>
<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/a569edfa510953ad055e90b07dc6df43ff4a44ae/original/hog-logo.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_none border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/097ec60fb8565d92875094952d624550a7afb643/original/limelight.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_none border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">It's been hot and muggy lately and the only mug I really like is a cold one. Great news, all the venues we play, serve great beer. Now that the evenings are getting cooler we have the low down on where you can chill out with Paddygrass and down a few pints of malted goodness. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Here's how fall and the rest of the year brews out with us. <br>Share a pint and a song with us soon. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Derek and Paddygrass </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Tuesday, September 11th 7:30PM <br>Private Party (Hire us for yours) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday, September 15th 7:00PM <br>City Lights Brewing, <br>2200 W. MT. Vernon Ave, <br>Milwaukee, WI </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Friday, September 21st 7:00PM <br>Westallion Brewing, <br>1825 South 72nd St. <br>West Allis </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday, September 22nd 7:30PM <br>Blackhawk RV Campground, <br>3407 east Blackhawk Drive. <br>Milton </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday, September 29th 7:30PM (new earlier time!) <br>House of Guinness, <br>354 West Main St. <br>Waukesha </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday, October 6th <br>Private Party (Hire us for yours) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday, October 13th 7:00PM <br>City Lights Brewing, <br>2200 W. MT. Vernon Ave, <br>Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Solo Show in Lyon's <br>Friday, October 26th 7:30PM <br>Lyon's Irish Pub, <br>201 East Main St. <br>Watertown </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday, October 27th 7:00PM <br>Westallion Brewing, <br>1825 South 72nd St. <br>West Allis </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday, November 10th 7:00PM <br>City Lights Brewing, <br>2200 W. MT. Vernon Ave, <br>Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday, November 24th 7:00PM <br>Westallion Brewing <br>1825 South 72nd St. <br>West Allis </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Solo Show in Cedarburg <br>Friday, November 30th 5:30PM <br>Cedar Creek Settlement <br>N70W6340 Bridge Rd <br>Cedarburg </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Paddygrass Duo at Limelight <br>Saturday, December 1st 6:00PM <br>Limelight Pub, <br>1702 17th st. <br>Sheboygan </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday, December 15th 7:00PM <br>City Lights Brewing <br>2200 W. MT. Vernon Ave <br>Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Solo Show in Lyon's <br>Saturday, December 22nd 7:30PM <br>Lyon's Irish Pub <br>201 East Main St <br>Watertown </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday, December 29th 7:00PM <br>Westallion Brewing <br>1825 South 72nd St. <br>West Allis</span></p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/53119132018-06-22T16:53:12-05:002018-06-22T16:53:12-05:00Party with Paddygrass all Summer long!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/67cd05d3c78e7a465d9cb2eda9fcce16241a9589/original/mg-0011-combinedv2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Welcome to Summer Paddygrassers! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I'm about to go camping with my Boy Scout Troop. When I get back it's wall to wall gigs - Weddings, Pig Roasts, Festivals, Breweries and backyard shenanigans! Now that's an interesting combination. I'm just gonna lead straight into the schedule while I have your attention. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Friday July 13th <br>Wedding Ceremony and Reception <br>Yes we do! Hire us for yours... </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday July 14th <br>Pig Roast (Private Event) <br>Yes Paddygrass will play for pork, call us over if you're makin' bacon </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday July 14th 7pm <br>City Lights Brewing <br>2210 W. Mt. Vernon Ave, Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">July 20th – 21st 4pm both days <br>Northwoods Irish Fest <br>Ye Olde Shillelagh <br>35 Tower Road <br>Manitowish Waters </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Wednesday July 25th 6pm <br>St Francis Library <br>4230 S Nicholson Ave <br>St. Francis <br>(Stories and Songs with me) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday July 28th 7pm <br>Paddygrass Backyard Party <br>(Ask us next time you're hosting) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Friday August 3rd 7pm <br>Westallion Brewing <br>1825 south 72nd St. West Allis </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday August 4th 7pm <br>City Lights Brewing <br>2210 W. Mt. Vernon Ave, Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday August 18th 1:30PM <br>Milwaukee Irish Fest <br>The Snug Stage <br>Henry Maier Festival Park <br>(Featuring the whole band and <a contents="Milwaukee Irish Dance Company" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.milwaukeeirishdancers.com/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Irish Dance Company</a>) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Friday August 24th 7pm <br>Westallion Brewing <br>1825 south 72nd St. West Allis </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">August 31st - September 2nd <br>Waukesha Highland Games <br>Waukesha Expo Center <br>We are playing all three days! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday September 15th 7pm <br>City Lights Brewing <br>2210 W. Mt. Vernon Ave, Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Friday September 21st 7pm <br>Westallion Brewing <br>1825 south 72nd St. West Allis </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday September 22nd 7:30pm <br>BlackHawk RV Campround <br>3407 E Blackhawk Dr. <br>Milton </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday September 29th 7:30pm (new earlier showtime) <br>House of Guinness <br>354 West Main St. Waukesha </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Come share a pint and a song with us soon. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Derek and Paddygrass </span></p>
<p> </p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/52782152018-06-05T23:15:47-05:002020-10-22T10:47:10-05:00Welcome our new soloists to the Paddygrass family!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/5f39f4d83ee3659a9ce40bb6b97116a43a52867c/original/paddygrass-trio.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I am a lucky man to share Paddygrass with so many talented musicians. It's also exciting to discover new talent and wonder, "What would they bring to Paddygrass?" So it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to our new players. </p>
<p>Molly Noyes is a wonderful traditional Irish flute and uilleann pipe player. She has a beautiful tone on both instruments and brings a new magic to our shows.</p>
<p>Sara Fritchen is a concert flute player that combines Jazz and Irish influences together to weave a story in every improvisation. <br><br>Leah Redding is a classically trained violinist that fell in love with Irish music. You can hear grace and passion in every measure she plays.<br><br>Paddygrass is a constellation of many stars. It's not about any one person, it's about the sound, the experience and the stories shared through music. So come see our next few shows and welcome our new stars to the Paddygrass family.</p>
<p>I need to thank Cassandra Forbes for her skill and creativity with a camera. <a contents="Gilded lens photography" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://gildedlens.com/wpgildedlens/" target="_blank">Gilded lens photography</a></p>
<p>Also thanks to Jennifer McClellan for her fine work creating our logo and branding.</p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/52023692018-04-25T17:43:18-05:002018-04-25T17:46:40-05:00A busy Spring brings new growth!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/ed1d8e1dd5d239d1143be1044fae195b129fcb40/original/mg-0011-combine.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">So there comes a time in every band's life when they get really busy. We've been together 10 years. Now it's our time. Now, more brew pubs, bars restaurants and festivals are coming to us. Several venues have actually booked us the whole year. It's taken a long time to build that reputation as Wisconsin's favorite Irish, Bluegrass & Gospel party band. We've built our own genre of Kickass Celtic Bluegrass into a way of life. Our music brings people together and helps us forget everything that separates us. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">With this in mind you may have wondered why there have been so many recent changes in our line up. It's simple really, there are so many gigs that not all the same players can come to every show. Nobody has left, but it's hard to get the same Paddygrass line up for every gig. Peter Carlson, T.J. Hull and Amanda Caretta Hull, have been with us the longest and will still play whenever they can. Our band wouldn't be what it is without them, but Paddygrass is an evolving collective. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We promise that this will make each show more interesting, You will still hear all your favorite songs. New players will breathe fresh air into the songs you love. <br>Over the last 2 years the Reilly Family, Randy Gosa and Randy Foat have also become core players. They bring new life to every show. <br>James Reilly - Flute <br>Karen Reilly - Fiddle and Vocals <br>Ethan King - Accordion <br>Randy Gosa - Guitar <br>Randy Foat - Cajon Djembe and Bodhran </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We would also like to acknowledge these new guest stars <br>Heather Lewin - Fiddle and vocals <br>Chris Chan - Bouzouki <br>Rory Modlinski - Guitar Banjo and Vocals <br>Molly Noyes - Flute <br>Sara Fritchen - Flute <br>Chris Weiber - Flute </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">You will also find my kids, Cael and Keira Byrne stepping in on drums and guitar from time to time. Paddygrass will continue to evolve and we invite you to grow with us. Here's our next few dates. The sun is out and the future is bright. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday April 28th 8pm <br>Gingerz Sportz Bar and Grill <br>3915 S. Howell Ave. <br>Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Sunday April 29th 3pm – 7pm <br>St. Rita’s Church <br>Arnold Hall <br>60th and Lincoln Ave <br>Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser Troop 595 </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday May 5th 9:00 PM <br>House of Guinness <br>354 West Main St. Waukesha </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Friday May 11th 7:30pm <br>Lyon’s Irish Pub <br>201 East Main St, Watertown </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday May 12th 3pm <br>Clearwater Harbor Restaurant and Bar <br>N2757 County Hwy QQ <br>Waupaca </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Friday May 18th 7pm <br>Westallion Brewing <br>1825 south 72nd St. West Allis </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Sunday May 27th 7pm <br>City Lights Brewing <br>2210 W. Mt. Vernon Ave, Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday June 2nd <br>Milwaukee Highland Games <br>Hart Park Across from Leff’s Lucky Town <br>3 shows, stay all day! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday June 16th 12pm <br>Oshkosh Irish Fest <br>Leach Amphitheater <br>303 Ceape Ave <br>Oshkosh </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday June 16th 7pm <br>City Lights Brewing <br>2210 W. Mt. Vernon Ave, Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Friday July 6th 9pm <br>Clearwater Harbor Restaurant and Bar <br>N2757 County Hwy QQ <br>Waupaca </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday July 14th 7pm <br>City Lights Brewing <br>2210 W. Mt. Vernon Ave, Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">July 20th – 21st <br>Northwoods Irish Fest <br>Ye Olde Shillelagh <br>35 Tower Road <br>Manitowish Waters </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Wednesday July 25th 6pm <br>St Francis Library <br>4230 S Nicholson Ave <br>St. Francis </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Join us for pint and song soon </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Derek Byrne</span></p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/50023202018-01-01T21:05:15-06:002018-01-03T08:36:23-06:00Happy New Year from Paddygrass<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/ed511f36e74384f342ded9b3aa56b650fd479b68/original/mg-0128-1web.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">A year is made up of many things </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We want to take the time to wish you a year full of music, friendship and happiness. Our music and the venues we play at, bring people together. That's what it's about for us and it's why we play so many shows. <br>It's also why venues ask us back and why our friends come to show after show. In that spirit we invite you to tell your friends about us and our music. Please invite your family and friends to the shows below, even if you can't make it yourself. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Let's make more friends through music and beer! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/ed1d8e1dd5d239d1143be1044fae195b129fcb40/original/mg-0011-combine.jpg" class="size_l justify_right border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">January 13th 7pm - 10pm <br><a contents="City Lights Brewing&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://citylightsbrewing.com/" target="_blank">City Lights Brewing </a><br>2210 W. Mount Vernon Ave <br>Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">February 3rd 7:30pm - 10:30pm <br><a contents="Lyon's Irish Pub" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://lyons-irish-pub.com/" target="_blank">Lyon's Irish Pub</a> <br>201 E. Main St. <br>Watertown </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">February 10th 8pm - 11:30pm <br><a contents="Dugout 54&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://dugout54.com/" target="_blank">Dugout 54 </a><br>5328 W. Bluemound Road <br>Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">February 17th 7pm - 10pm <br><a contents="City Lights Brewing" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://citylightsbrewing.com/" target="_blank">City Lights Brewing</a> <br>2210 W. Mount Vernon Ave <br>Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Our very best wishes in 2018 <br>Join us for a Pint and a song soon </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Derek Byrne and Paddygrass</span></p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/49219302017-11-06T20:41:14-06:002017-11-06T20:41:15-06:00Your next chance to see Paddygrass!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/3e690d712019db1538c41e2571ea028d198dce1a/original/paddy-1.jpg?1481671593" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Can you believe we are already into November? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">These last 2 months are full of great shows. In a matter of weeks we will bring back Irish Music to <a contents='"The Holiday Folk Fair"' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://folkfair.org/" target="_blank">"The Holiday Folk Fair"</a> with the <a contents="Milwaukee Irish Dance Company" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.milwaukeeirishdancers.com/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Irish Dance Company</a>, then we will celebrate the birthday of our greatest friend and fan Dennis Devoy at Paddy's, the place where Paddygrass was born. <br>This is also the time of year where we work in some Celtic Christmas Carols. There might even be a TV appearance ... stay tuned </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Please join us at these great local venues and finish out a great year with Paddygrass. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">November 18th 10am <br>Holiday Folk Fair <br>Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">November 18th 9pm <br>Dennisfest at Paddy's Pub (All are welcome!) <br>2339 North Murray Ave <br>East Side Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">November 24th Private Party <br>November 25th Private Party <br>Book your Paddygrass Party Now! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">December 15th 7:30pm <br>Celtic Christmas Show <br>Lyon's Irish Pub <br>201 East Main St. <br>Watertown </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">December 16th 8pm <br>Dugout 54 (The 54) <br>5328 West Bluemound Rd <br>Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">December 30th Paddygrass Wedding Reception! <br>Taking bookings for 2018 now </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">December 30th 9pm <br>House of Guinness <br>354 West Main St. <br>Waukesha </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Raise a pint with us soon </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Derek and Paddygrass</span></p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/49112152017-10-29T23:52:33-05:002017-10-30T00:26:53-05:00500 shows! A milestone for Paddygrass<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/bd65998111d3bc6557050b4341613a5c9c6c68aa/original/paddygrass-live.jpg?1405701093" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><span class="font_large">I just added another show on the site and chanced a look up to the counter. 500 past shows. It's hard to put that into perspective. When I went solo after my first band Eidir, I felt like I never wanted to be a part of a band again. I needed some time to find my sound and build a concept. It was a daunting task. As I started to perform solo I noticed there were other musicians in the audience. It felt good that people I admired and respected as players took time to come see me.<br>Then it struck me. They were probably coming from another gig and still had their instrument nearby. Why not ask them up? Slowly but surely a rumor was spread that if you brought an instrument to my show, you would end up on stage. That is how the band was made. One day halfway through a show, Dennis Devoy, Will Sebern and I were all sitting in Paddy's pub on the patio and thinking, what do we call this band?<br>I must explain, Dennis and Will were not playing in the band, but they were there at the beginning. They came to all the early shows from Eidir to my first solo show and beyond. To all intents and purposes, they were in the band before anyone else. So there we were thinking, well there's Irish and there's bluegrass and there's our most common venue, Paddy's Pub. Then in unison we all shouted "Paddygrass" <br>So now when I look back on 10 years and over 500 shows, it seems incredible. We've performed in bars, houses, back yards, boats, churches, restaurants, tents, patios, civil war reenactments, pig roasts, hay rides, highland games and festivals. Through it all, there have been no normal shows. Every gig had it's own brand of crazy and we laughed and played through them all. Now we have bookings well into a year in advance and there seems no end to this wild adventure.<br>When I look out past the monitor and see a familiar face, I feel they are in the band too. They are every bit as invested in the moment as we are. They came back, they brought friends, they shared a pint and a song.<br>So thank you. All of you -The hosts that book us, the friends that come back again and again, the musicians that put up with me, the dancers that steal the show.<br>Thank you for making us what we are. Paddygrass is here and will always be here, because you came.</span></p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/48776842017-10-04T19:52:26-05:002017-10-04T19:52:27-05:00Paddygrass is at a new venue near you. We need you there!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/14b8446f4914f9a19cf4dc6bb15af29d1007dc2c/medium/dugout-54.jpg?1507162749" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><span class="font_large">We are delighted to be performing at <a contents="Dugout 54" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://dugout54.com/" target="_blank">Dugout 54</a>. Back in the day this was an Irish establishment called Derry Hegarty's, then it became Burke's Irish Castle. Now it's been turned into a beautiful gastropub with an amazing selection of craft beers. It's our job to bring Irish music back to this great venue. They've taken a risk on us. Now we are asking you to back us up. Call your friends, assemble your wolf pack, get the posse together. We promise to put on our best show and sing all your favorite Irish drinking songs. The Paddygrass players joining me that night will be James Reilly on Flute, Randy Gosa on Trad guitar and Randy Foat on Cajon and Djembe.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This will be a night to remember, here's the details:</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Saturday October 7th 8pm <br>Dugout 54 (Back Bar) <br>5328 West Bluemound <br>Milwaukee</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">Can we count on you?</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Join us for a pint and a song</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Derek and Paddygrass</span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/3e690d712019db1538c41e2571ea028d198dce1a/small/paddy-1.jpg?1481671593" class="size_s justify_left border_" /></p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/48416722017-09-08T00:24:55-05:002020-09-11T22:12:32-05:00Fall is Full of great shows for Paddygrass!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/ed511f36e74384f342ded9b3aa56b650fd479b68/original/mg-0128-1web.jpg?1504847951" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This is one of my favorite times of year. There's a little bite in the air, the kids are back to school and we move from Summer Festivals to cozy Fall pubs and breweries. Now it's even better since there are plenty of shows for Paddygrass and 2 new venues for us to share with you. <br>The first is <a contents="City Lights Brewing" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://citylightsbrewing.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2ecc71;">City Lights Brewing</span></a><span style="color:#2ecc71;">.</span> It's right across the river from Potawotomi Casino. Their Coconut Porter and Irish Red Ale are 2 of my favorites. We play on the patio so it's a beautiful setting. <br>The second is <a contents="Dugout 54" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://dugout54.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2ecc71;">Dugout 54</span></a> on Bluemound Ave and 54th. Yes it's the old Derry Hegarty's. But now they have great food and a huge selection of regional craft beer. We are playing in their back bar called "The 54" <br>We really need you to help us out and come to these new venues so we can earn their trust as a band with a following. It would mean a lot to us if you brought your friends too. <br>Also later on I get to share the stage with my kids at a steampunk festival. If you know people in Augusta Wisconsin, spread the word. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Come share the beauty of fall with Paddygrass. Let's share a pint and a song soon. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Derek and Paddygrass </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">September 9th 7pm <br>City Lights Brewing <br>2210 West Mount Vernon Ave <br>Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">September 16th 1:30pm <br>Two Rivers Ethnic Fest <br>Central Park <br>1710 West Park St <br>Two Rivers <br>(Dancers too from <a contents="MIDC" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.milwaukeeirishdancers.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2ecc71;">MIDC</span></a>!) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">September 22nd 7:30pm <br>Lyon's Irish Pub <br>201 East Main St <br>Watertown </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">September 23rd 12pm <br>Byrne Family Band <br>Port Venture Steam Punk Festival <br>Augusta Senior Community Center <br>616 West Washington St. <br>Augusta </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">September 30th 9pm <br>House of Guinness <br>354 West Main St. <br>Waukesha <br>(Dancers too from <a contents="MIDC" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.milwaukeeirishdancers.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2ecc71;">MIDC</span></a>!) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">October 7th 8pm <br>Dugout 54 (Back Bar) <br>5328 West Bluemound <br>Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">October 21st 7pm <br>City Lights Brewing <br>2210 West Mount Vernon Ave <br>Milwaukee </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">October 28th 7:30pm <br>Lyon's Irish Pub <br>201 East Main St <br>Watertown </span></p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/47959482017-07-28T17:21:11-05:002022-01-05T14:17:41-06:00Gigs, Gigs, Gigs all month long!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/3119d6601f3487f5ee47662e7da15a7d69387cb2/original/mg-0011-combined-sepia.jpg?1501212975" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>It's been an awesome Summer for Paddygrass so far. The best is yet to come though. We had an amazing time at the Northwoods Irish Fest and the Wauwatosa Highland Games. There's nothing we like better than to rock out with other bands like <a contents="Warpiper" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://warpiper.com/" target="_blank">Warpiper</a>, <a contents="The Dublin O'Shea" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.dublinoshea.com/index.html" target="_blank">The Dublin O'Shea</a> and <a contents="Leahy's Luck" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.leahysluck.com/" target="_blank">Leahy's Luck</a>. Now we have a few outdoor concerts in New London, Jefferson and Two Rivers where we are the headline act! <br>Then we have a new venue for you Paddygrassers to discover. <a contents="City Light's Brewing" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://citylightsbrewing.com/" target="_blank">City Light's Brewing</a> is holding a bluegrass night. We can't wait to light up the brew pub and share a song and a bevy. Please spread the word so we can launch this new venue together.<br>Then I'm bringing one of our dancers Tanya Tachon to <a contents="McGuinness Irish Pub" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mcguinnessirishpub.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2ecc71;">McGuinness Irish Pub</span></a> in Appleton. Tanya has just placed 8th in the nation this year.<br>Just around the corner from that is the mighty Milwaukee Irish Fest! We are delighted to keep our prime Saturday spot at 4:45pm in the Snug Stage. This is our biggest show and I bring all the band members we can fit on the stage. There might be a big Surprise from our friends at <a contents="Milwaukee Irish Dance Company" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.milwaukeeirishdancers.com/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Irish Dance Company</a> so don't miss this show... <br>Then We head out to the Waukesha Highland Games for 4 shows of mayhem. We even have some tickets to give away in a competition! You'll have to like our <a contents="Facebook Page" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/Paddygrass/" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> to find out how to win. </p>
<p>We Love Summer time in Wisconsin, won't you share a pint and a song with us soon? </p>
<p>Derek and Paddygrass </p>
<p>August 3rd 6pm <br><a contents="Paddygrass in New London&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.newlondontourism.com/parks.htm" target="_blank">Paddygrass in New London </a><br>The Pfeifer Park Pavilion <br>509 Burton Road <br>New Berlin </p>
<p>August 5th 7pm <br><a contents="Paddygrass at City Brewing (New Venue!)&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://citylightsbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Paddygrass at City Brewing (New Venue!) </a><br>2200 West Mount Vernon <br>Milwaukee </p>
<p>August 10th 7pm <br><a contents="Paddygrass in Jefferson" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://jeffersonlivemusic.com/?page_id=7" target="_blank">Paddygrass in Jefferson</a> <br>Rotary Waterfront Park <br>301 South Gardner Ave. <br>Jefferson</p>
<p>August 12th 8pm<br><a contents="McGuinness Irish Pub" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mcguinnessirishpub.com/" target="_blank">McGuinness Irish Pub</a><br>201 South Walnut St.<br>Appleton </p>
<p>August 19th 4:45pm <br>Paddygrass at Milwaukee Irish Fest!!! <br>The Snug Stage <br>Henry Maier Festival Park <br>MIlwaukee </p>
<p><a contents="Paddygrass at the Highland Games 4 Shows&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.wisconsinscottish.org/" target="_blank">Paddygrass at the Highland Games 4 Shows </a><br>Saturday Sept 2nd 11:00am and 4:00pm <br>Sunday Sept 3rd 12:00pm and 4:00pm <br>1000 Northview Rd (Highway FT) <br>Waukesha </p>
<p>Saturday September 16th 1:30pm <br><a contents="Paddygrass at Two Rivers Ethnic Fest" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://tworiversmainstreet.com/events/two-rivers/main-street/ethnic-festival/" target="_blank">Paddygrass at Two Rivers Ethnic Fest</a> <br>Central Park <br>1710 West Park St. <br>Two Rivers Wisconsin</p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/47730292017-07-09T23:40:00-05:002022-05-21T12:41:01-05:00A Hog Roast and a Hay Ride!<p>Sometimes the best thing you can do is just go back to basics. Turn up at a farm, pull up a lawn chair and play a tune. So much the better if a roasted hog is on the menu. Great friendships renewed and memories made. We are so grateful for the hospitality of Laura Clausing and her family. I really hope this trend of simple acoustic shows continues. This was a first for our band, we got to play the last few tunes on a hayride around the farm. Cross that one off the list. What a perfect day. It was a real treat to play with Karen Reilly and Ethan King too. My son Cael joined us on drums. His beard is coming along nicely.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/829b9b13b799f64bf4954c2cf94737ac5eec81cc/original/img-3057.jpg?1499660411" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/b8b1f15392b6d55e338c262c0e946212c5566ffb/original/img-3080.jpg?1499660896/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg?1499660896" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/a4798ffa59c97159c9391447c83471e8fce10fd3/original/img-3088.jpg?1499661307" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/31692df155fb8dbe1ed48b27909f87398379d156/original/img-3135.jpg?1499661493" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/d15ca4dd62e337844c97127629d7bd446658de24/original/img-3126.jpg?1499660551" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/47570192017-06-25T23:23:36-05:002018-10-22T09:07:58-05:00Summer is time for Paddygrass garden parties!<p> </p>
<p>This Summer we had the chance to do a few different gigs. One of the most enjoyable of which were our garden party shows. It's simple really, we just show up with our instruments in your back yard and play an acoustic set. We bring our own beer, maybe even a dish to pass around. You pay $100 per musician or dancer and invite all your friends and neighbors. We'd like to do more of these because they are so intimate and fun. If you'd like to have us over for a garden party <a contents="contact us here." data-link-label="Book Us!" data-link-type="page" href="/book-us" target="_blank">contact us here.</a> <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/8bfa12da6d8c5cad7fdcc7d48ba85697a0a1dae1/original/19490307-1978950392337488-305847284-o.jpg?1498449801" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="VW21nmTcook" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/VW21nmTcook/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VW21nmTcook?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> <strong>Thanks to Cassandra Forbes of <a contents="Gilded Lens" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://gildedlens.com/wpgildedlens/" target="_blank">Gilded Lens</a> for the great pictures!</strong></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/81b2739bd886cbb4c4253a73384e66a61afb6c94/original/19532759-1978950389004155-422272028-o.jpg?1498446957" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/47313462017-06-02T12:00:51-05:002017-06-02T12:00:51-05:00Thanks to Jack Baker at Rampant Lion, Paddygrass is in the "Irish American News"!<p>Jack Baker was one of the first friends I made when I entered the Irish Music scene in Midwest America. I couldn't have been more lucky with my choice of friends. Recently, I gave him a few copies of our latest CD to sell in his store <a contents="Rampant Lion" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.rampantlion.com/index.html" target="_blank">Rampant Lion</a> . He also writes a music column "Piping it in" for <a contents="the Irish American News." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.irishamericannews.com/" target="_blank">the Irish American News.</a> America's premiere source for all the best in Irish Culture. Paddygrass is honored with his stellar review of our latest CD. <a contents='"Rooted"' data-link-label="Music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">"Rooted"</a>, celebrating 10 years of our best Irish Music.</p>
<p>Thanks Jack for your kind words<br>(See Below)</p>
<p><a contents="https://irishamericannews.com/pdf/2017/ian_0617.pdf" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://irishamericannews.com/pdf/2017/ian_0617.pdf" target="_blank">https://irishamericannews.com/pdf/2017/ian_0617.pdf</a></p>
<p>I have been particularly blessed to be able to listen to and know so many artists. One fellow who has been a joy and delight to know and to listen to is Derek Byrne and his band Paddygrass (www. paddygrass.com). Derek lives now in Milwaukee and has been a ray of sunshine on the music scene in that fair city as long as he’s been there. His band is a unique blend of influences, Irish, to be sure, and bluegrass and gospel. They have a unique sound, one that I really enjoy. It’s always a pleasure to <br>find musicians who have the courage to go where the music takes them. Their new cd, “Rooted; 10 years of our best Irish music”, is their best effort yet, with 16 tracks of <br>their most favorite Irish songs, and it is a cracker, to be sure. In the mix are several “rebel” songs, “A Nation Once Again”, “The Foggy Dew”, “The Rising of the Moon” and they are done so well that it gets the blood to pumping. These are songs you’ve heard done more times than you care to think but I doubt you’ve heard them done better. Great musicians, great singing and a genuine love for the music combine to produce one fine cd that you’ll treasure in your collection and find yourself playing <br>when your spirits need a boost. Damn, but it cheers me to hear a cd like this.</p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/47299782017-06-01T12:21:36-05:002017-06-01T12:21:36-05:00A Summer of Festivals, Weddings and Parties!<p>Ahh Yes, it's coming - I love summer in Wisconsin </p>
<p>This Summer is packed full of festivals, parties, and gigs in our favorite Irish Bars. We hope to see your smiling face at a few of them. Tell your friends too! </p>
<p>More details on our <a contents="Shows Page&nbsp;" data-link-label="Shows" data-link-type="page" href="/shows" target="_blank">Shows Page </a></p>
<p>June 3rd Milwaukee Highland Games three sets. </p>
<p>11am 3pm and 6pm </p>
<p>June 10th 3pm Oshkosh Irishfest </p>
<p>June 10th 9pm House of Guinness Waukesha </p>
<p>June 24th 3:30pm Wedding - Hire us for yours! </p>
<p>July 15th 9pm House of Guinness Waukesha </p>
<p>July 21st and 22nd 8pm Northwoods Irish fest. </p>
<p>Ye Olde Shillelagh, Manitowish Waters </p>
<p>August 3rd 6pm Pfeifer Park Pavillion New London </p>
<p>August 5th Private Party - Hire us for yours! </p>
<p>August 10th 7pm Rotary Park </p>
<p>Jefferson Live Music Series </p>
<p>August 12th 8pm McGuinness Irish Pub Appleton </p>
<p>August 19th Irish Fest The Snug Stage - time TBA </p>
<p>September 2nd Waukesha Highland Games - Showtimes TBA </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have a great Summer </p>
<p>You know where to find us </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Derek & Paddygrass</p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/38218312015-08-16T21:53:46-05:002017-01-11T08:29:53-06:00State Fair, Irish Fest and the perfect storm<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/9ac4a7d55147a82e7991d91e774031b577c108d5/original/dscn1267.jpg?1409461029" class="size_l justify_center border_" />So it's been a marathon week of performances with the amazing musicians of Paddygrass and of course our show stopping dancer James Reese. It's time to thank all the staff at Slim McGinns West for taking such great care of us and most of all giving Irish music a place to call home in Wisconsin State Fair.<br>For Six nights we played our heart out, had our fair share of adventures in drunk dancing, we sang about ship wrecks while the tent was swaying furiously in Friday night's storm. We drank Smithwicks and dined on rueben rolls until our arteries and livers were suitably punished, all for the love of music and great company. Thank you Costa, Anna Lisa, Brenna, Izzy, Jane and Slim for your hospitality, (and the 2 cooks who's names I can't remember) we can't wait until next year.<br><br>Irish Fest celebrated it's 35th year with a weekend of music and craic to beat any other festival senseless - including Summerfest. Yes I said it. Anyone who disagrees can meet me for fisticuffs and I'll bring my banjo if things get slant eyed and shirty. I met old friends from Riverdance - Eileen Ivers and Liz Knowles and we talked about the good times, the better times to come and the madness in between. I saw my local peers perform whenever I could and revelled in the incredible level of talented musicians Milwaukee has to offer. The community of Irish musicians in Milwaukee is a vibrant thriving scene. We help each other out, sit in on each others shows when needed and there's no competition, just a sharing of our passion for music and craic. <br>Milwaukee is home to the largest and oldest Irish Festival in the world. I salute all the volunteers and the organizers that sacrifice everything to bring us 4 days filled with the magic of Ireland. Not to mention the year round events that they offer to keep the tradition strong. Milwaukee's Irish musicians are the only reason I don't miss Ireland that terribly anymore. They are my chosen family and Irish Fest brings us all together in one place to live the tradition. Long may it continue till after I'm long dead and haunting the upstairs of Paddy's Pub.<br><br>Thank you to my band Paddygrass for making me a better musician. I am hungry for learning and drunk on your influence. Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/38057432015-08-05T22:33:33-05:002021-06-29T08:39:51-05:006 Shows at State Fair then Saturday at Milwaukee Irish Fest - Get your Paddygrass on<span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/656a2cf953a429723ebf0be1600afbacbffa2729/original/irish-fest-35.png?1442440787" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The next 2 weeks are a high point of the year for us. Almost as big as St. Paddygrass day. (not to be confused, St. Paddygrass chased all the sober folk out of Ireland)<br><br>Wisconsin State Fair at Slim McGinn's west stage is one of my best memories of every year. So many great people, such great food and not to mention the beer and Ice Cream floats. We are so grateful to Slim and Jane, they have given so much to the Irish community in Milwaukee it's an honor to perform for them. Every night we are bringing a different trio of musicians and our dancer James Reese. I'm happy to share that James Reilly from Atlantic Wave is joining us with his family for 2 nights. If you read my last post about the Reilly family you know what a great show you are in for. Slim McGinns West is right next to the Cream Puffs. it's a great spot to be because no matter what the weather you are protected by the tent and surrounded by friends.<br><br>Here's what you need to know:<br>Friday 7th Saturday 8th, Monday 10th, Tuesday 11th, Thursday 13th and Friday 14th all at 6:30pm Slim McGinns West<br><br>Then Milwaukee Irish Fest our biggest show of the year, all the band gets together with our dancer James Reese and plays only our best crowd pleasers. Every year the show gets more wild. Bartenders are dancing and the crowd is shouting along all the lyrics. This will be my 15th year at Irish fest, I'm so happy and honored to be a part of the biggest Irish festival in the world. This is Milwaukee Irish Fest's 35th anniversary so it's extra special.<br><br>Here's where you need to be:<br>The Snug stage right next to the Irish dogs and the sky glider facing the lake.<br>Saturday 3pm<br><br>So there you have it, I'm a lucky man to be living the dream with Paddygrass <br><br>Come join us Milwaukee!</span><br><br><br> Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/37994112015-08-01T17:25:30-05:002017-01-11T08:29:53-06:00The Byrne Family Band<span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/79bb16f73f68d0db71e90aa2757f3e0ef5aa88a9/original/byrne-family-band.jpg?1442441074" class="size_l justify_center border_" />So this weekend I performed at Friday night live in Waukesha. It was an earlier show so I took the chance to bring the kids. After my last post about playing with a family to tell the truth I couldn't wait.<br>Cael has always had a great sense of rhythm. Since a very young age he has played on my drums. (He actually has his own drum now but still prefers mine) Keira sings all the time and has written many songs, so I knew one day she would want to sing in the band.<br>Over the years both of them have gotten so much better, now I can hear Cael adding in accents and fills all by instinct. Keira's voice has become stronger and you can hear the smile in every note. It's pretty funny to hear a 9 year old singing "I spent all me money on whiskey and beer". I can't describe the pride and joy I feel as a Dad to share my love of music with my kids. Especially since it was their idea. I can only hope that it's something my kids will remember for the rest of their lives because I know I will. Any time spent with my kids making music is the best time of my life.<br>Cael has begun to experiment with a small keyboard and now Keira has told me that she wants a guitar. This is becoming as much of a passion for them as it is for me. This is a journey, one of many, that I am happy to share with my kids. Whether this will become their profession doesn't matter to me, only that they enjoy it.<br>Any Man can become a father, the key is to find a way become a Dad.</span>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/37909362015-07-24T22:26:50-05:002021-01-29T10:20:22-06:00Take a look at our new site design! Lots of shows this month too...<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/ef4e81e9c1ee5e60fafd46565a8357055289ef45/original/paddy-1.jpg?1436279102" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Peter Carlson, one of my closest friends and band mates suggested we needed some more professional pictures and a press kit. So I listened! <a contents="Take a look at our site" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://derekbyrnemusic.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Take a look at our site</strong></a>. It's gone through a complete redesign from top to bottom.<br>Our friend Steve Smith went to the bar where Paddygrass was born and took some amazing pictures. Paddy's Pub on the east side of Milwaukee is an amazing setting and we are so glad to pay tribute to this bar that we call home.<br>Jen McClellan designed our new logo. It sets us up as a much more professional looking outfit.<br>We would love feedback from our "Paddygrassers" on the <a contents="site." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://derekbyrnemusic.com/" target="_blank"><strong>site.</strong></a> <br>The whole idea is for us to aim at bigger venues and festivals so we needed to take our web presence to the next level.<br><br>Towards the end of the month I am back in Waukesha at the Clarke Hotel for Friday night live. Then we embark on 6 shows at Wisconsin State Fair and finish off the week with our biggest show of the year at Milwaukee Irish Fest.<br>Make sure you mark our <a contents="shows" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://derekbyrnemusic.com/shows" target="_blank"><strong>shows</strong></a> on your August calendar <br><br>Come along and join in the momentum. Paddygrass is going places</span></p>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/37814942015-07-17T11:39:36-05:002017-01-11T08:29:53-06:00Playing with new friends - the joy of Paddygrass<span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/236ac66d4fc9393caf3f47ca01879c4f1ecbf207/original/paddys-front.jpg?1442441938" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>I love my band. We have a lot of fun on stage and I hope it comes across. But every now and then I book a gig and discover most of the band has other engagements. Then rather than turn down the chance of playing for new people I take a chance and play with new friends.<br><br>One of these occasions was last week at Paddy's. I had played with James Reilly before in Chicago at the Columbia Yacht Club. In fact he came to my rescue, when my voice broke during St. Paddy's week! Even though it could have been a disaster, I knew that I could find anyone's best points and bounce off them to make a fun evening. It turned out to be one of the best shows I've been part of. I played bodhran, cajon and djembe accompanying his flute on jigs, reels, hornpipes and polkas. We found a groove and kept it lit.<br><br>There a few venues that are very important to me so I book them a year in advance and plan the rest of my year around them. Paddy's is one of these, it's where Paddygrass was born. Sometimes family events come up for the band members and I find myself looking for players. To be honest I was hoping to get a chance to play with James again anyway.<br><br>Little did I know that his wife and son were equally talented on Fiddle and Button Accordion. So he brought them along and boy did we have an adventure. I had never played with a family band other than my own children. There is a certain harmony, a connection or a pulse that strikes you when you witness a family playing together. It sweeps you along and suddenly your cheeks are sore from grinning and you are worried that your dimples might become permanent poc marks.<br><br>I know this came across to the crowd as we had many of our core friends there that night. They thought they knew what to expect and were ecstatically bouncing with joy at the spontaneity of it all. <br><br>So here is my point. Music should be shared and the relationship should be wide open. My regular partners in crime take a lot of risks in learning new songs on the fly or discovering new arrangements of old favorites. <br><br>But me, I need to take more risks and step out of the norm more often. I'm daring myself to take a leap at every show, to find the "geronimo" moment.<br><br>Come to the next show and take a leap with me...</span>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/35159072015-02-08T22:58:02-06:002022-06-28T12:19:44-05:00Listen to the Apostle's Mead and watch it live on You tube<span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/5263ad1a7fe4c0fe1344e33be03dde826acab69f/original/mead-cover.jpg?1421688805" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The time has come to listen to our new CD <a contents='The Apostle"s Mead' data-link-label="Funded on Kickstarter - The Apostle's Mead - February Release!" data-link-type="page" href="/funded-on-kickstarter-the-apostle-s-mead-february-release" target="_blank">The Apostle"s Mead</a> and I want to hear what you think. Every time we record a CD I think we learn a little more, get a little better but now thanks to this blog I can hear your opinion. So come on make a comment or better still share this blog with a friend and spread the word.<br>But that's not all.<br>Thanks to our friend Brian Theisen we have the whole night on film. If you came to the recording you might even be on one of the <a contents="videos." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIWtQWePSvE&list=PLkdvOh1bmFLvHY7gtWf_cJDcz2-SHhupQ" target="_blank">videos.</a><br>And remember, nothing happens without you.<br>Keep coming to our shows<br>Keep spreading the word<br>And we will keep on making our best music ... with you</span>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/34671612015-01-14T21:23:03-06:002017-01-11T08:29:53-06:00The new CD is going to press!<span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/2815c3e62e2562cec9f1d9e67d9d1fbd5ef2ece5/original/mead.jpg?1427343943" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I've been so busy the last couple of months with artwork and recording that right now I'm not sure what to do but crash! <br>But no, I have to share the news. So here is the link so you can see the 3D animated artwork.<br><br><a contents="http://duplication.cdbaby.com/AVLFlashViewer/?p=3Az9LuTe15sNK7YoY9cKDg%3D%3D#.VLcwIUfF-a-" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://duplication.cdbaby.com/AVLFlashViewer/?p=3Az9LuTe15sNK7YoY9cKDg%3D%3D#.VLcwIUfF-a-" target="_blank">http://duplication.cdbaby.com/AVLFlashViewer/?p=3Az9LuTe15sNK7YoY9cKDg%3D%3D#.VLcwIUfF-a-</a><br><br>I'm assured the CDs should arrive at my door by early February and I can't wait for you to hear it. Many thanks to Christian Tomsey for the beautiful cover picture.<br>Thanks to white winter winery for the mead and the Potter's shop in Waukesha for the exquisite chalice.<br><br>Most of all I am grateful for my band Paddygrass and you, for sharing this musical adventure with us.<br><br>There will be a new song on the wind soon!<br><br>Derek and paddygrass</span>Derek Byrne and Paddygrasstag:paddygrass.com,2005:Post/34575242015-01-08T11:35:21-06:002017-01-11T08:29:53-06:00The Apostle's Mead is almost brewed!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/21680/cbe8630407ee2996836ae5fddaca0375298f442f/original/apostles-mead.jpg?1415762962" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><span class="font_small"><span style="line-height: 1.5em; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 1.4em; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">Latest News:<br>We are almost done recording extra parts and backing vocals. They really add a nice finish to the live set. Our bonus studio track "Oh Happy Day" is a real folked up version of a Gospel classic and is easily among the best material we have ever recorded! I'm designing the cover with great pictures taken by our friend Christian Tomsey of <a contents="Blackthorn Folly" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://blackthornfolly.com/" target="_blank">Blackthorn Folly</a> (another great Irish Band)<br>The cover will feature a chalice designed by Vince Meuhlbauer of <a contents="The Potters Shop" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.potteryinwaukesha.com/" target="_blank">The Potters Shop</a> and locally sourced mead thanks to <a contents="White Winter Winery " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://whitewinter.com/" target="_blank">White Winter Winery </a>. We hope to release this new CD some time in February... I can't wait! Check out our <a contents="youtube channel " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/derekbyrnemusic" target="_blank">youtube channel </a> for some of the "Raw" live video shot by our friend Brian Theisen on the night.<br>It's all coming together into a fine brew and I cant wait to share it with you....</span></span><br><br> Derek Byrne and Paddygrass