****************************************************************
****************************************************************** A Native of County Limerick, Mike's musical career began with several Irish rock and roll bands where he developed 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 new partner Sean Conway in 1988. He has been instrumental in introducing many new Irish performers to his American audiences. Mike is regarded as one of the key persons responsible for the growth of Irish music and dance, not only in the twin cities but throughout America. Mike carries with him the enthusiam and energy into every performance just as much today as he did when he first arrived on the shores of America in the early seventies, " I wouldn't tell ye lies lads, i wouldn't tell ye lies". ****************************************************************** 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.
Among those Sean credits for inspiring him throughout his music career are the Kilfenora and Tulla Ceili Bands, Shaskeen, Stockton..s Wing, Martin Hayes. Perhaps his greatest inspiration and influence came from Frank Custy, who is truly an unsung hero as the traditional music instructor of many other music greats, including Sharon Shannon.
Sean's first taste of America came in 1983 while touring with Shaskeen in Boston and New York. He returned in 1986 to perform with the Tulla Ceili Band and then joined forces with Martin Hayes in Chicago. In 1987 Sean moved to Minnesota where he and Mike Walz formed the band, Spancil Hill (St. Paul/Minneapolis).He then later continued to join up with Mike Wallace becoming one half of the of the Irish Birgade in 1988.
Sean's vocal and instrumental talents, his 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 how to play and sing by attending the local traditional sessions from a very young age.He travelled to America in the late ninties to play some gigs in St Louis. This is where he met and became great friends with both Mike wallace and Sean Conway the Irish Brigade. After a few unplanned late nite jam 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, and with that became the newest and youngest member of the band and has currently been on the road with the boys for over six years now.The Irish Brigade has since went from strength to strength as the powerhouse three piece group, entertaining audiences all over the U.S, just as they have always done in years gone by.
.
******************************************************************
It was great to see and hear you again last night!!! You still have that beautiful voice that defined so many songs to me way back when!!!! And Joe is an awsome talent. when he did Charlie it blew me away!!!! hugs from OMAHA
Slainte!! All the way from Iraq! Heard you boys are in STL and I am missing you :( Hope all is well, and I will see you when I get home... Even if I have to drive up to Omaha... I'll need a holiday anyway :)
Hi friends! I haven't seen you in awhile, I hope everything is good. The next time you're at mcgurks I'll have to come up and have a pint and catch up. Maybe we'll go crazy and hit up the casino!
