Kilrush: News

Kilrush is currently booking for 2010, and dates are filling up fast, especially in March. If you are thinking you would like a high energy Celtic band for your festival, pub or other private event, now is the time to get ahold of us while there are plenty of dates open. For more information, go to our "contact" page and get ahold of Tim or Chris. 2009 was a year of great growth for us and we cannot wait to see what 2010 brings. Be sure to book us while you still can !

Hey friends, just because you haven't seen us doesn't mean we're not around. November and December is generally a time we slow down a bit and unwind, and plan what we're gonna be doing in the upcoming year. This time around, we're also busy writing new material, both instrumentals and songs as well as booking as many major gigs as we can. We are pleased to announce we will be making it to Buffalo NY on Jan. 15th, so check out the "calendar" page for more info on that. We're also having sit down sriting sessions, and plan on doing so as much as possible. There is some good stuff coming up and we can't wait to share it. Also, our WSKG episode of "Expressions" will debut in March, more on that as the time gets nearer.

Hey gang ! As you can see, the website is back up and we are working on updating it as time allows. We had some technical difficulties and it took a few weeks to sort it out. In the meantime, we have been pretty busy, be sure to check out our Calendar dates in the near future for updates on what we have been up to over the last couple months. To read about a specific gig, just click on it to read the blog feature.

Last night we filmed our episode of "Expressions" for WSKG TV and Radio in Vestal NY. What an experience. We showed up around 330 to meet the director, sound guy and everyone else and get set up. From the moment we got there the folks at WSKG were awesome, very professional but also very friendly. It's an interesting thing, because when you watch something on tv, it seems so warm and intimate, yet a tv studio outside of the set that is in the camera shot is very stark with the lighting and the cameras and all the other techie stuff I know nothing about. It is also a lot of work to make an hour long show !

After a quick wardrobe change for those who needed it, we ran through sound check, and then it was time to rehearse the whole show so that the camera people knew what angles to shoot, when, who and where. This was also good for us as it enabled us to warm up our hands and voices and do our thing. It also was good because we were doing some original material that while we practiced a lot, a little more never hurts when it comes to multi part harmonies and such.

At this point it was a "closed studio", so the folks who came to see us waited in the lobby and had some food and drink provided by the studio. That in itself was impressive, it was like a little buffet with wine, beer, ( thank God) and other stuff. We had been told in advance that the staff at the studio had to cap the number of people coming to the shoot, as they had such a strong response, in fact it was the most people they had ever had in 25 or so episodes. It was nice to see some familiar faces among family and friends, as well as new ones we would soon get to know.

We ran over just a little on the rehearsal, but still finished with 15 minutes to spare. So we retreated to the dressing room and had a cold one, relaxed a bit and hung out. We came out at 700 pm to a nice crowd seated not only in front of us but also along the sides and in back of the set, again, due to the amount of people attending, a first for the studio.

"In five, four, three, two..." applause... yeah, just like you see on, well, uh TV.

We ripped through a 40 minute set, starting off with some Trad stuff, then went on to do some songs Tim wrote, "Banks of the Margaree, Lilly's Ghost, and God Speed the Plow". We then went on to do a little tribute to the man himself, Christy Moore. I had e mailed him a month or so back and asked if we could do a couple of his songs, and he replied that we had his blessing to do so. What a thrill... we did " Smoke and Strong Whiskey" and "Two Coneeleys". After that, Tim and Chris ripped through a fiery fiddle set , a quick re-take of two songs due to tech issues and we were done. Or sort of. We figured we'd play a couple extra songs for the audience for fun and photo stuff and then called it a night.

We opened a box of cd's to give away to the audience and spent a great deal of time autographing them. That's something that never seems to get old there. We had a well deserved beer while we met all the folks, and had some of Christy's ( didn't catch her last name )husband's home made Irish creme, probably the best I have ever sampled. Again, the folks at WSKG were gracious hosts to the very end.

After that we loaded up the Kilrush mobile, and after a stop at Denny's for supper, we arrived back in Elmira around 1130.

Special thanks to Tina, Rob, Dave ( I think that was the directors name? ) and everyone else at WSKG whose name I now forget. You guys were great to us from the moment we arrived til the moment we hit the road for home.

We're not entirely sure when the show will air, most likely in March. However keep tuned here for updates and we'll let you know as soon as we find out.

August 3rd is fast approaching, and we are looking forward to taping our own episode of "Expressions" for WSKG-TV. If you are interested in attending, and can make it to the studio in Vestal by 630, let Tim or Chris know and we'll put your name on the list ! This is also open to the public, but we wanna make sure our friends and fans are able to join us for this great event as well.

We have been invited to appear on the television show "Expressions" for WSKG TV and Radio. "Expressions" is a show which features regional musical acts. We will be taping our episode in early August with a tentative air date in March.

According to their website, WSKG provides public radio and television to over one million viewers in New York and Pennsylvania.

We will post more details about the show as we get them.

Our own Tim Sanphy Jr has been asked to be one of three judges in the next "Twin Tier Idol", a local talent contest inspired and based on the popular television show "American Idol". Tim will be one of three local judges who will offer advice and critique to contestants from a musician's viewpoint. We overheard that one of the American Idol judges is leaving the show, so who knows...

Over the years, Kilrush has had a couple lineup changes and changes to the overall sound of the music. None has been more dramatic than now, and nor has it been better. While we will still bring you all the songs and tunes we have done through the years, you may hear them a little differently. Not only that, but we will be bringing you some very exciting new music, and hope you enjoy hearing it as much as we enjoy performing it.

The new linup is:
Tim Sanphy Jr. - Lead Vocals, Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin

Dirk Sears - Flutes, Whistles, Bodhran, Vocals

Chris Sherwood - Guitar, Percussion, Bodhran, Vocals

Colin Carpenter - Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals

Daniel Folkers _ Bass

Chris Sharman - Drums

Hey folks. Out of respect to the Rochester AOH who are having a big fundraiser event on June 14th, Johnny's and Kilrush have decided to postpone our show on the evening of the same date. Sure we're bummed, but we're planning on getting back up to Rochester to party with you great folks again soon !

We have added a few dates to our summer lineup, be sure and take a look at the calendar page. We will be coming to Hammondsport, Rochester and Elmira in the next month and a half, which includes teaming up once again with the Town Pants for Hogan's Summer Irish Fest in Elmira NY. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

We will be playing at a benefit for Patrick O'Toole, a young boy who was recently diagnosed with ALD, a genetic disorder that among other things causes the loss of memory, coordination, hearing and sight. Patrick is the son of some friends of Chris's, and he is currently in Minneapolis undergoing treatment including bone marrow transplants. His parents are taking turns staying with him, in an effort to both be with their son as well as hold down jobs and be with their other children. Obviously the cost of travel and treatment will mount quickly, and with this event friends and family hope to alleviate some of that burden.
The benefit will be on Saturday April 4th, at the Big Flats Legion in Big Flats NY beginning at 3 o'clock, Kilrush will begin around 7pm.

The details of this event are still being ironed out, but will involve a cost at the door, and there will be food, beverages, raffles, and of course, music by Kilrush. All proceeds of the event will go to help offset the costs the family will incur during Patrick's treatment.

If you have a couple hours, please come and be a part of this great cause.

You may notice a familiar face playing the flute at our upcoming shows. We are very happy to hear it again. 'Nuff said.

To anyone who missed the show at Johnny's Irish Pub in Rochester NY, you missed one hell of a time. We played to a completely packed house and had a "brilliant" time for The Great Guinness Toast. Johnny's is the home base for all things Irish in Rochester, so if you ever get up that way, be sure and make Johnny's a stop on your way through.

Earlier this month our version of " Green Fields of Rossbeigh/ The New Policeman" ( from our cd "Keltoi Anam ) was once again featured on the Celtic Music Podcast by Marc Gunn as one of the top songs of 2008. As with every show, listeners are able to vote for their favorite songs from the show and once again, we made the Top 5 list, placing at Number 3 out of the twenty or so listed as the best of 2008.

A big thank you to all who took the time to vote. We are truly in awe of your continued support.

Well we tried ! We left Elmira about 130 Saturday on our way to a show at The Bridgewater Pub in Kingston NY and about an hour and a half into it, we were contacted by the pub owners who told us that there forecast was calling for much more snow than originally expected and that travel in the Hudson Valley Region would be hazardous. And really, travel on 17 E wasn't getting any better besides.

Check back here in the near future, as we anticipate re-scheduling this show and getting down there to see our friends in Kingston.

If you've see Kilrush out recently, you may have noticed some changes. A most welcomed change is the addition of Colin Carpenter on the Kilrush stage, and as our newest friend. Colin brings more than his presence and energetic personality to the Kilrush mix but also a large pool of talent on bass, guitar, drums and vocals. Check out his bio...Failte, Colin!

We finally got the new website going, obviously, since you are reading this. Check back frequently to see what we're doing and wher we are. Also, be sure to join our mailing list, found at the upper right corner of the screen for updates delivered to you personally.

Kilrush jams with Colin Carpenter with future engagements planned!! Colin is a kick ass drummer, who's style takes from Slayer to the Flogging Mollys..........are you ready for this?

New Dates added at the Banshee, Sctanton for 2009 checkout the updated calendar!

Kilrush Takes 1 on Marc Gunn’s Celtic Music Podcast Show
Current mood: ecstatic


A big thank you to all of you who voted for "Green Fields of Rossbeigh/ The New Policeman" for the Marc Gunn Irish and Celtic Music Podcast Top 5. We are extremely pleased to announce we won first place, the line up being:

5 - Shooting Stars by Maidens IV
4 - St Brendan Had a Boat - by the Elders
3 - Carrickfergus - by Kevin Tyler
2 - Hermes Walk - by Damanta
1 - Greenfields of Rossbeigh/ The New Policeman - by Kilrush

As the top pick voted by listeners all around the world, "Greenfields..." will now be featured once again on the new show currently available online.

We were hoping for a top 5 finish, but this is phenominal considering it was our debut on the show. Again, thanks to all our fans, those we know and those that we have yet to meet.

Thanks to all who made it out for our CD release party at Horigan's on March 15th, 2008...we played to a packed house, gave away a lot of Kilrush T's and CD's...there was even a trivia contest...watch for the videos of that night to show up sooner or later ;)

The new CD Keltoi Anam is a collection of tunes we put together that identifies where we were and what we were doing at the end of 2007 looking into 2008...there are both the more popular festival and pub songs as well as some great instrumentals and trad stuff...if you haven't heard it pick one up! (What are you waiting for???) The CD gots national recognition and international play time on 5 celtic stations!!! COOL!?!