Blackthorn

Irish Folk Rock, Mighty Craíc! Blackthorn is an Irish Folk Rock band from Philadelphia. But I see it. I feel it. It’s real. Once you feel it, you begin to get it.

With a melodic sound that was nurtured in the scenic and musical landscape of County Donegal and a beat that once echoed the rugged hills of County Kerry, the band has managed to create something true, something authentic, something original. You can feel that strong link to their musical roots and hear the many ways they creatively expand out onto the branches of their Irish heritage. “Irish mus

ic speaks to people in ways that can’t be described. We're lucky.” says Michael Boyce, the band’s front man. While based in the Philadelphia area, they’ve travelled quite a bit and have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in Irish Music; including Shane MacGowan and The Pogues, The Sawdoctors, The Wolfe Tones, Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul, Cherish the Ladies, John Whelan, Dolores Keane, Gaelic Storm, and The Commitments. Their sound has also created opportunities to play along with other big names such as Little Feat, The Neville Brothers, Janis Ian, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. They have hosted many local, national, and international bands as part of Irish Weekend at the Jersey Shore and as anyone with ties to the Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley Area will attest, the members of this band have a strong hometown connection. Their love for their heritage and the musical richness that it has bestowed upon them is only rivaled by their love for the people in their community. Attracting music folk of all ages and nationalities for almost 25 years, it is clear that this band connects. "It's been an amazing journey, I had no idea when all this started that we would still be doing it today", says John McGroary, button accordion player and founding member. The journey continues and the energy of the fans tends to match that of the band on stage, and there are times, where the two actually meet. Every show has a vibe to it, which must be felt to believe. And then it becomes a habit. You’ll learn. You’ll sing. You’ll dance. You will make life-time friends. It’s ‘ceoil agus craic’. It’s an Irish Thing. BLACKTHORN is John McGroary, Johnny Boyce, Michael Boyce, Casba O’Callaghan, and Robbie Dunleavy.