Friends Of Celtic Culture & State Theatre Presents: Makem & Spain Brothers

Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 7:30 PM

September 14, 2008
By: Mike Bacigalupo - State Theatre

After more than 13 years, the Makem Brothers have spun into a musical cocoon and emerged as the powerhouse Irish vocal group of their generation.

During the winter of 2003 the Makem Brothers joined forces with Irish music's Spain Brothers to form a quintet as strong and unique as anything offered in Irish music today. The result is a musical act far greater than the sum of its parts and an electric onstage chemistry that few acts ever achieve.

The Makem Brothers grew up at sing-songs and sessions frequented by some of Ireland's best known and prolific singers and musicians. They have played before millions of people on both sides of the Atlantic, including national slots on American public television and Irish talk shows. From California to Ireland and from Texas to Canada, the list of stages on which they have performed is equally impressive and includes Symphony Space in New York City, the World Cup and the Guinness Fleadh.

When it comes to Irish music, the brothers are truly professionals. Their job is to entertain and they never disappoint. Audiences can expect anything from slow meaningful songs to humorous and indeed boisterous numbers. Mixed with an onstage wit to match, The Makem Brothers have become one of the most sought after Irish acts internationally.

The Makem Brothers and the Spain Brothers realized the magic that a combined live performance could possess after honing their craft at private sessions together over several years. Their subsequent polishing created a sound that is unmatched for Irish singing bands in their generation.

Their sound comes from powerfully backed, precise three-part harmonies, varied instrumentation and a strong appreciation for the history and progression of folk music. They are also talented songwriters with an ear for 'timeless' songs.

Shane, Conor and Rory Makem represent the third generation in their legendary family of Irish born singers. Their grandmother Sarah Makem was a source singer and was visited by folk music collectors from allover the world such as Pete Seeger, Diane Hamilton and Jean Ritchie for her great store of old Irish songs.

The Makem Brothers' father Tommy Makem first came to world prominence with the Clancy Brothers in the 1960s. Together the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem gave Irish music a popularity it had never seen, bringing it from Carnegie Hall to the Ed Sullivan Show. Tommy Makem continues to be one the world's top progenitors of Irish culture with public television specials, sold out shows everywhere he performs and an annual festival in Ireland named in his honor.

Mickey and Liam Spain are second-generation performers who learned songs at their father's knee in the mill town of Manchester, NH. Mick's strong baritone voice and Liam's endless skills on the guitar, mandolin and harmonica had always set the duo apart, but now have enabled a seamless transition to a five-man group.

See them live at the Bay City State Theatre, Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $ 20.00

Buy Tickets Online