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Written by Erin Frustaci
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Wednesday, 05 July 2006 |
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 No, it’s not the Creature from the Black Lagoon causing a stir in the Foote Lagoon in Loveland. It’s the six-member Irish band The Elders.
The tradition-rich Celtic rock band from Kansas City will liven Loveland with its folk lyrics and Irish melodies Thursday at the Foote Lagoon. The rich sound tempts listeners to grab a pint, toss an arm around a lad or lassie and sing along. Songs of famine, family, drinking and duels transport fans to the lush green rolling hills of Ireland.
“We’re not political at all,” said Ian Byrne, lead vocals and percussion. “We tell stories. Every song has purpose and a story behind it. We don’t just write about nonsense. We’re not cursing or saying bad things about policemen.”
Their tasteful lyrics are part of the reason the band appeals to all ages.
“Kids up to grandmothers and granddads all love us for different reasons,” he said.
The band, which is comprised of Byrne; Norm Dahlor on bass, banjo, guitar and vocals; Brent Hoad, on violin, keyboards and vocals; Joe Miquelon, on keyboard and saxophone; Steven Phillips, on guitar, mandolin and vocals and Tommy Sutherland on drums and percussion, just put out a new album.
The group spent the last year and a half working on “Racing the Tide,” its sixth album. Byrne, who is from Ireland, described it as a mix of contemporary rock and traditional sounds.
“We are committed to good Celtic rock, not commercial-pop generated, bubble-gum pop and rock music,” Byrne said. “Lots of bands out there take an old traditional song from Ireland and play it fast and louder, add bass and drums, scream it rather than sing it and call it Celtic rock. That’s not what we are. We never want to embarrass or be rude to a song that’s been out there for years.”
Though all the band member are in their 40s or 50s and have families and jobs, they still know how to have a good time. When going to The Elders concert, one can expect Byrne yelling for the crowd “to get off their arse and dance.”
He said he loves coming to Colorado because the people are laid back and sincere about music. But the best feeling comes from sharing his experiences and knowledge of Ireland.
“We are inspiring people to look into the history,” he said. “That kind of thing is priceless. It’s better than drugs or sex. It’s just great.”
TO GO
- The Elders perform at 7 p.m. July 6 at the Foote Lagoon, 500 E. Third St., Loveland. Free.
- The Elders also perform at the Colorado Irish Fest at Clement Park in Littleton July 8-9. Visit www.coloradoirishfestival.org for details.
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