The Fenians
For over twenty five years, The Fenians have delivered their potent mix of traditional Irish folk and good old rock n roll all across the USA and Ireland. With an ever expanding set of original creations, as well as contemporary and traditional tunes plucked from the panoply of the genre, these five lads put on a live show that is second to none. Their foundation is decidedly Celtic, but there is no mistaking the complimentary influences of Rock, Folk, Bluegrass, Jazz, and World music.
Through their music and voices, Terry Casey , Rob Williams , Brendan Harkins , Tardu Yegin , and Chris Pierce represent Everyman - sweet and sorrowful; brave and beautiful; angry and amused.
Since 1990,The Fenians have garnered an impressive list of accomplishments and honors, headlining theaters and festivals across the U. S. and Ireland, including: The House of Blues, The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas, The Milwaukee Irish Fest, Chicago Gaelic Park Irish Fest, the Dublin OH Irish Festival, Cleveland Irish Fest, as well as The Quays and Whelans, two of Ireland's premiere live music venues, to name but a few. They are two time winners of the "Best World Music" category at the Orange County Music Awards, and were listed as one of the top 50 bands of the decade by the OC Register. In 1999, The Fenians were inducted into the Guinness Wall of Fame.
The Fenians' catalogue of nine album includes the Universal Music Group-distributed "Best of The Fenians", 2013's Celtic Rock Radio album of the year "Take Me Home", and the "Live in Concert" DVD filmed in the band's home base of Orange County, California.
Slan Leat!
With influences spanning Townes Van Zant to the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan to Dave Matthews, Daniel Lanois to The Band, The Helm run the rugged edge of folk & country, Americana-grass-blues and rock & roll (if you lose the roll you lose the swing!) Not wanting to corner themselves to a genre, this Laguna Beach band came together after a collection of original tunes by JJ Smith was recorded by local musician & producer Andrew Corradini in the winter of 2013. Originally thought to be a solo album, many of the songs from the album ‘Fillin’ My Jug’ grew legs and needed the subtle mandolin work of Morgan Burrell, swinging backbeat percussions of Robbie Boyd and the masterful slide work and electric guitars from Ben Wagner. Later, the upright bass work of Jason Brown completed the band to its current form.
Their music can become infectious. You will find that their original tunes stay with you a while, finding yourself humming their hooks days later. Just try to get the twangy bluegrass feel of ‘Glass of Wine’ or the driving beat of ‘Built to Spill’ out of your head! Churning their favorite artists’ covered tunes like ice cream, The Helm make them their own with grooves so nice you want to hear them twice.
JJ Smith & the Helm have shared the stage supporting acts like The Fenians, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, The White Buffalo, The Alarm, and local favorites the Pawn Shop kings, Robert Jon & the Wreck, Anesha Rose, Andrew Corradini & The Farm. Make sure to check them out soon!