McGurk's has brought musicians and bands from Ireland since it opened its doors in 1978. Here are a few of the upcoming and recent talents to grace our stage.
Mike Wallace is a native of County Limerick, where his musical career began with several Irish rock and roll bands to develope his unique performing style. Arriving in America in the early seventies along with his original partner Gerry Goodwin, he brought with him a resurgence of Irish music and they became known as the Irish Brigade. Years later Gerry returned to Ireland and Mike continued on playing with various artists and bands along the way (mainly with folk group The Old Triangle) before reforming the Irish Brigade with his new partner Sean Conway in 1988.
Sean Conway was born in Larch Hill (parish of Barefield) near Ennis in County Clare, Ireland. A self-taught musician, by age 15 Sean had earned the title of All Ireland tin whistle champion. Sean’s first taste of America came in 1983 while touring with Shaskeen in Boston and New York. Joining Mike Wallace in 1988, Sean's vocal and instrumental talents became an integral part of the Irish Brigade. Sean's experience, and his love of Irish music have made him one of today's most respected Irish musicians.
Darren Crossey is a folk singer/songwriter and guitar player hailing from county Armagh in the north of Ireland. Growing up in Lurgan he learned his trade by attending the local sessions from a very young age. He traveled to America in the late nineties to play some gigs in St Louis where he met Mike Wallace and Sean Conway of the Irish Brigade. After a few unplanned late night sessions a few guest appearances with the lads on stage and many many pints, it was clear that Darren was the next chapter in the story of the Irish Brigade. Darren has been playing with the Brigade for over six years now and has also produced two solo albums.
Tommy Martin is an Uilleann Piper hailing from Dublin Ireland and currently resides in St. Louis. Tommy first took up the pipes at the age of 12 under the tutelage of Mick O’Brien. With Mick’s guidance he won his first competition at the Annual Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in 1988 (traditional music competition festival), an event run by “Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann,” (Literally, traditional musicians of Ireland). This organization was founded in the 1950’s to promote and foster Irish traditional music throughout the world as well as Ireland. In 1996.
Tommy began his professional career touring Asia from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur. Returning to Europe Tommy embarked upon a tour that included almost every country in the continent as well as America. During this time Tommy was honored to play with the Chicago Virtuosi Symphony Orchestra, Riverdance, and even recorded with the rock band Thin Lizzy. Tommy still tours from his new home in St. Louis, offering lessons in playing the uilleann pipes and even hand crafts pipes and whistles for retail.
You can find out more about Tommy and his music at www.tompipes.com.
Patrick Egan is highly regarded as one of the leading singers/guitar players in traditional Irish music. His guitar backing displays a rare sensitivity and impeccable rhythm which manages to be tasteful yet driving and uplifting. Pat is equally admired for his smooth, lyrical vocals, honest delivery and repertoire of storied songs.
Patrick tours and records regularly as a solo performer and with Paddy O’Brien and Patrick Orceau, which form the band Chulrua.
To learn more about Patrick and his music, please visit www.chulrua.com or www.patrickeganmusic.com.
Bernie and Barbara McDonald may be the best kept secret at McGurk's. Playing every Sunday and Monday evening, They have been involved in Irish music for nearly 40 years. Bernie is the vocalist and has a unique style of fingerpicking his guitar. Barbara plays the wooden flute. Their musical style encompasses very old songs from Irish history, the harp music of Turlough O'Canolan, Irish dance tunes and Bernie's own compositions. For the last many years they have been fixtures at McGurks on Sunday and Monday nights.
McGurk’s has brought the finest artists from Ireland to America for over 30 years. You’re invited to come together with neighbors, friends and family to raise a pint and enjoy some of the best music this side of County Cork. Music starts at 9pm and goes to midnight.
Barb and Bernie McDonald play every Sunday and Monday night. Bernie also hosts the acclaimed radio program, Ireland in America on KDHX 88.1 FM. His program can be heard Mondays from 8-10 am.
