Irish Music Returns to Branson

On Friday, July 9, 2010, Irish music returns to Branson. “Eire & Brimstone” will be performing original and traditional Celtic-themed rock & roll music at Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub at Branson Landing, beginning at 10 PM, July 9.

Eire & Brimstone’s music runs the gamut from covers of favorites by U2, Flogging Molly and Great Big Sea, to new tunes like “Kings of Ireland” and “Everyone’s Irish Tonight”, penned by the band. Eire & Brimstone brings a decidedly acoustic-rock perspective on classic pub tunes like “Whiskey in the Jar” and “Wild Rover”, while retaining the folk sensibility of an Irish “trad session” band.

Excellent performers make Eire & Brimstone’s sound. With fiddle, acoustic guitar and mandolin leading the instrumentation, it’s easy to see that this is a different sort of Irish rock band than Branson has seen previously. Fan favorites “Dirty Old Towne” performed for several years with a hard-edged electric, Irish sound that was well-received in Branson. Sadly, Dirty Old Towne split in late 2009.

Helping to fill the void on the Branson music scene is Dan Richards, Dirty Old Towne alum, who anchors a driving acoustic rhythm section for Eire & Brimstone. Also in the band is seasoned performer Bonnie Riley, who is a fiddle champion, and plays locally with Delene, Joey Riley (no relation), and Penny Gilley. You will also hear mandolinist Sam Clanton, a Hometown Radio disc jockey. Tony King, host of Grand Country’s Amazing Pets show, is keeping time on drums. You have probably seen and heard upright bass player Todd Plympton, even if you don’t know him by name. He has played with numerous local bands in the past decade, most recently with Stolen Windows. Singing and writing original tunes is Michael Horn, guitarist from Branson’s Circle B Supper Show.

You will see kilt-clad lads at the Eire & Brimstone shows. You will be invited to join in toasts. And you should expect to hear everything from The Pogues to Violent Femmes – music that makes the pints go down easy and gets people up on their feet. Eire & Brimstone: Rock & Roll with a Celtic Soul!

Check out Eire & Brimstone at Waxy O’Shea’s on Branson Landing Friday July 9, beginning at 10 PM.