The San Patricios are upholding a tradition of bringing Irish culture to the Southwest. They are the namesake of the famed Fightin’ San Patricios Irish Battalion from the Mexican-American War. This brigade joined the fight on the side of the U.S. Army in hopes of gaining U.S. citizenship. However, they soon became disenchanted with the tactics of the U.S. forces and deserted them to fight instead for Mexico. After two years of fighting, sixty of these men were eventually captured by the less than forgiving U.S. side, were branded “deserters” and hanged. No less fiery, the music group ‘The San Patricios’ choose to take on the world, instead, with their instruments. They have infused the traditional music of Ireland with a myriad of world beats and sounds.
The San Patricios began as a weekly Irish Traditional House Band at the Cincinnati Bar in El Paso’s Kern Place. From 2000-2003, the band played an informal and well-attended music performance at the bar. The band has been frequently called upon by its devoted fans in the El Paso/Juarez, Mexico/Las Cruces area to play special performances. They have played venues including the City of El Paso’s Al Fresco Friday series (Summer 2004), the City of Las Cruces’ Summer Music series (Summer 2002), Lucky Devils Bar, The Tech de Monterrey College in Ciudad Juarez, Las Palmas Hospital, and in numerous locations throughout the city. Always booked solid for St. Patrick’s Day, the band has had the privilege to play for El Paso’s premier restaurant, Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, for the past four consecutive years. The El Paso Community Foundation acknowledged the San Patricios’ prominence in the city by asking them to play as the first group inside the newly renovated Plaza Theatre, opening for the famed Riverdance troupe.
The San Patricios are:
EDDIE HOLLAND – Eddie has been involved in the El Paso music scene since moving here in 1995 from Bethel, Connecticut. A founding member of the San Patricios, he brings his skills on flute, guitar, and vocals to the band.
AILBHE CORMACK-ABOUD – A native of Dublin, Ireland, Ailbhe is an accomplished fiddler and vocalist. Her wide ranging style and influences have been the backbone of the San Patricios’ sound.
EVERETT SAUCEDO – Another founding member of the San Patricios, Everett is one of El Paso’s premier southpaw bodhran players.
JOHN BYRD – John has channeled his interest in country and old-time guitar into a solid Irish rhythm. In his spare time he is mastering the Irish tenor banjo.
TIM AQUILINA – Based on his years of experience playing persussion and melody instruments, Tim has helped transform the San Patricios’ rhythm section by introducing Cajun washboard, Didgeridoo, and spoons.
BOB LAIL – Another well-rounded and talented musician, Bob’s many accomplishments include percussion, guitar, and mandolin.
When our bodies waltz with the sun, our arms drape over its gleaming corona, and we press into each other’s ribs and step forward as one.
Some afternoons, late, when the sky blazes a torrid pink, center of sizzling steak and streaks of red melon, we pack our chests with ice to contain wild fires.
Dance is an argument between tree and sky. Our sky is never sunless and our sun inhabits all our prayers for rain. Our stomping feet must shake droplets from low-lying branches of cloud.
Adobe jaws harden speech into law: Wade in our river, dance with our sun, evening is shade enough for burning eyes.
from “The Sun Waltz” WC Summer's almost here. Enjoy.
Woo-Hoo!!! Awesome guys, I was waiting for y'all to do this. Like always sounding good...let me know when the album drops!!
MIssing you all sooooooo much!
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