Makem & Spains Concert: Kickoff Performance for the Irish American Hall of Fame Gala.
Not in the past 30 years has a group taken the international stage with such vocal power and stage presence, capturing the essence of their genre, while standing out as something truly unique as the Makem and Spains have. A host of various instruments and five male vocals, using precise three-part harmonies blend perfectly for what many have described as a wall of sound. The band is at their best onstage where their talent and enthusiasm draw in fans that have never experienced the joy of folk music.
The band of brothers who were once considered the new kids on the block, have honed their craft over nearly two decades of international performances and are now one of the truly stalwart, road-tested Irish vocal groups available. They have played before millions of people from Canada to Texas, from California to the Caribbean and over to Ireland, highlighting national PBS specials and popular Irish talk shows along the way.
The Makem Brothers; Shane, Conor and Rory, were born in Drogheda, County Louth. They continue the lineage of one of Irish music's dynasties, begun by their grandmother Sarah Makem, who was sought after by song collectors for her store of traditional Irish songs. Their father is Tommy Makem, the modern day Bard of Armagh. Now considered an icon, he helped to bring Irish music out of the corner and into the international spotlight, where it has remained ever since.
The Spain Brothers, too, learned Irish songs at their father's knee. Mickey's rich, baritone voice and Liam's mastery of stringed instruments quickly found a home when the Makems met the Spains and the brothers realized the power of their combined talents. But folk songs are engrained in both families and their songwriting contains the timeless qualities of folk classics, songs of the worker, songs of the sea and Irish culture.
The Irish American Hall of Fame Concert is Friday, April 27 at 8pm. Tickets are $15 for IAHC members and $20 for guests and can be purchased at the door or by calling 773-282-7035, ext. 10 or clicking the link on left.
