PAUL BAKER- vocals and fiddle
Ringleader Paul has been playing fiddle since the ripe old age of 3. A student of the Suzuki method, he has also studied at the Interlochen Arts Academy, Cleveland Institute of Music, and Oberlin Conservatory.------
Classically trained for 13 years, Paul left the classical music scene behind and pursued a very successful career in the country, folk, and rock circuits. From concert halls and arenas, to pubs, clubs, and festivals with draws of over 100,000 people, Paul has performed either as a soloist or with a group in about every type of venue possible.-----
Paul weaves a blend of his very diverse musical background into the celtic music of Brigid's Cross. After 20 plus years of playing and performing, Paul was introduced into the celtic music scene about ten years ago, and found a style of music which he has since fallen in love withand it shows at every Brigid's Cross performance!! With over 36 years of playing and over 32 years of performing, Paul is a seasoned performer of the highest caliber.-----
His many real life "road" experiences have left him with an amazingly quick sense of humor, and an ease that few performers have with an audience. As front man for Brigid's Cross, Paul utilizes his quick wit and stage savvy to lead all in attendance on a raucous good time.-----
Paul has appeared as a guest soloist with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra on several occasions, and has performed throughout the U.S., Canada, Japan & Ireland. paulieb@brigidscross.comPEGGY GOONAN-BAKER- vocals,keys, and bodhranPeggy has been singing almost from birth. Raised in a very musical family, it's no wonder that out of five siblings, three are making their living in the music industry. Having family roots in counties Clare, Galway & Donegal, Peggy grew up listening to a wide variety of Irish music, which explains her love for it today.
Peggy has been singing professionally for most of her adult life. Her voice has been compared to the likes of Mary Black, Cathie Ryan, and Aoife Clancy. The single adjective used most to describe Peggy's voice has been "angelic." You need only to hear her poignant rendition of Tommy Sand's classic song "There Were Roses" or Dougie MacLean's "Caledonia" and you will agree.
She has also performed as an actress since her early childhood in school plays, as well as collegiate and little theatre productions. Peggy has been playing piano since her early childhood, and her skills on the keyboard is a large part of what makes Brigid's Cross sound so full. Peggy is also quite the accomplished bodhran player, and has wowed audiences across the country and in Ireland.
She plays with all the energy and strength of the world's strongest man, and the finesse of a true bodhran master. As side "person" to Paul, she plays the role excellentlyas only a "real life" wife could. The rapport she has with Paul is as natural as could be, and always entertaining. peg@brigidscross.comRICHIE REECE- vocals and guitar
Richie has been gaining high critical acclaim from industry peers and audiences alike. At the mere age of 23, Richie is truly a gifted musician and singer, who can hold his own with the best. His versatile guitar style, along with fabulous vocals & harmonies, are a sure fit for Brigid's Cross, and his youthful energy adds a real "kick" to this already energetic band.
Richie, although not blessed with multiple years of musical experience, more than makes up for that with his many talents as well as his boyish enthusiasm and charm. Richie has grown up in the Irish music and dance scene, with plenty of stage experience as a world championship step dancer. Throughout the States and in Ireland, Richie has danced with the likes of internationally acclaimed recording artists the Chieftans, and the Prodigals, and as well at several Irish festivals across the country.
Richie has also competed in the world championships held in Ireland several times, as a student of the Burke School of Cleveland, OH with a personal high of 11th place! (3rd in the U.S.) Richie has also been invited to perform with the internationally acclaimed Trinity Dance Company based out of Chicago, IL. However, his love for music and performing has led him to what is now the newest chapter of Brigid's Cross. richie@brigidscross.com
In his 5 plus years in Brigid's Cross, Richie has made many a new fan for his many contributions to the BC sound and stage show.
Richie has also displayed a gift and passion for song writing, and we are looking forward to his contributions down the line.
To order any of our recordings, please send $15 for each cd ordered,
$20 for Coolin Out or The Parting Glass (they are both double disc sets)
plus $2.50 ea. for shipping and handling to:
Brigid's Cross CD's
P.O. Box 29219
Parma, OH 44129
Recordings available for mail order are as follows:
---let the freebird fly
---Over The Rainbow
---Takin the Fifth
---Coolin Out (2 disc set - $20)
---The Parting Glass
(2 disc set - $20)
---Noel
Brigid's Cross unleashes its new CD, "Shake the Tree" with all the fun you've come to know! Paul, Peggy and Richie bring back some old favorites as well as some new original cuts their fans have been waiting for. They even get some help from the Living Legend, himself, the Rooster!
CDs are available at all shows for the Faithful on the go!
You can also get "Shake the Tree" by mail order.
Just send $17.50 (includes shipping and handling) to:
BC Shake the Tree
PO Box 29219
Parma, OH
44129
Paul Baker
Phone: 216-374-4748
Email: paulieb@brigidscross.com
Influences
Sounds Like
This page was created by a family member of Brigid’s Cross. This page is for all of the many BC fans out there that just cant get enough of them. If you would like to ask BC any questions please visit their website and join their chat group or even just sign their guest book and say hello. Thank you for viewing this page and come back soon.
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Brigid’s Cross is coming to a stage near you.
That’s the goal if the band has its way. Already veteran world travelers, Paul, Peg and Richie continue to add to their list of places visited and venues played. Formed in 1996, Paul Baker, Peggy Goonan-Baker and Richie Reece bring an eclectic collection of music to the stage. From true-to-heritage traditional music to contemporary pieces, Brigid’s Cross is a never-ending show from start to finish. Audiences are pulled into a vortex of humor and pure musical sound that keeps fans coming back for more.
The Faithful, as their hard-core fans are called, come to the shows wearing t-shirts with the latest hip tribute to a frothy pint and temporary tattoos sporting the BC logo. They even have Cross Coozies to keep their drinks cool, and they know all the words to all the songs. They’re global, stretching across the United States to Irish shores, and they all have something in common – their love of Brigid’s Cross. All have been indoctrinated into the BC world, providing the audience participation that is such an integral part of Irish music. The Faithful meet at shows and festivals and online in chat rooms, all because of one band.
It has been a road of evolution for Brigid’s Cross since their first festival performance at the Riverfront Irish Festival in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, almost a dozen years ago. In that time, BC has performed at festivals all over America and in Ireland. On either side of the "pond," audiences have come to expect a high-energy performance and are given it without fail. It is an ensemble, featuring an array of voices and instruments that take center stage for a solid show of entertainment. A little bit of family politics can seep into the on-stage banter, too. You see, Peg and Paul are married, and Richie is their nephew. Add in Peg’s father, Dick “The Rooster” Goonan for a song or two, and the lineage of music comes full circle.
The good news is that Brigid’s Cross shows no signs of slowing down in the near future. With a freshly released CD, “Shake The Tree”, listeners get the expected traditional tunes as well as several original songs. It is a different, introspective look into the creative side of Brigid’s Cross that is a departure from previous albums of more well-known Irish music. One honors an uncle’s partying ghost. Another gives a nod to a community that has overcome nature’s wrath and found the strength to rebuild. It is another example of the intimate relationship Brigid’s Cross has with its audience and family.
The only bad news in all this is the wait until the next time they're in your town. Until then, raise a pint or two to keep your elbow greased.
Look for Brigid’s Cross on a stage near you. Come ready to sing and clap and forget about life for a while. Join the legion of the Faithful and make a few hundred instant friends as you listen to the group that has thrilled thousands across the world. There are many ways to spend time in this world. Spending it with Brigid’s Cross is certainly time well spent.
Hey... Peg & Paul from Brigid's Cross (the Odd Couple) will be playing at Casey's Bar in Lakewood OH tonight for their Turkey Eve Bash!! Be there, if ya can.
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