Former Black 47 livewire Chris Byrne fronts the only Celtic-influenced hip-hop band on either side of the Atlantic. Seanchaí (pronounced shan-a-kee) and the Unity Squad take the stage each week with their mix of hip-hop, rock, reggae, and traditional Irish music.
"I'd been hoping for a band ... that might serve as a symbol of what Irishness has become in the intense crucible of urban New York, and as I watch and listen it turns out that's exactly what I've got." - Pete McCarthy, "The Road To McCarthy"
"... the Unity Squad are made in New York, and look for rebel inspiration not (only) back down along history but out wide across the world, which of course is well represented within the city limits. This is an east Clare céilí fuelled by ... hip-hop battered out on and off bodhran, killer-riffs coaxed from uillean pipes ... a come all ye shout to the brothers off the block ... " Eamonn McGann, Hot Press
"This is one residency that outshines others in its originality. Miss it at your own peril." -- Irish Voice
Check out Seanchaí online at seanchai.com or visit their MySpace page.
Chris Byrne and Andrew Harkin from Seanchaí and the Unity Squad stretch their musical muscles, playing traditional songs and more. Stick around after the readings and enjoy the craic!
Those strolling along Red Hook’s Van Dyke Street on a Wednesday evening are likely to hear the sound of fiddle, flute and banjo coming from Rocky Sullivan’s. That’s because the cozy bar is now host to a thriving traditional Irish music session, every Wednesday night, 9PM to midnight.
What is an Irish music session? It’s more of a social gathering than a concert. There is no stage. The musicians simply sit at a table, enjoying a few pints, and trading jigs, reels and banter. Every now and then, the room grows quiet to better hear a singer unaided by a microphone.
Led by Matt Diaz on flute and Dave Keener on banjo, the musicians range from touring professionals to dedicated students. On a typical night, instruments will include fiddle, banjo, bodhran (a hand drum), flute, guitar, bouzouki, and whistle.
New players are welcome to sit in, but a knowledge of Irish music is required. As for the customers, some listen the music and interact with the players. Others enjoy it as background music for a great pint and a plate of bangers and mash.
“The Safe Session,” takes its name from its original home, Safe Haven Bar & Grill in Park Slope. The session thrived there for a year, but was forced to find a new home when the pub closed its doors in January. After two months of wandering, the musicians are happy to have a new home, especially one like Rocky Sullivan’s with a strong reputation for Irish music and culture.
To learn more, visit safehavenirish.com. You can also become a fan of the Safe Haven Irish Music Session on Facebook or follow @safehavenirish on Twitter.
Be sure to visit the
archives for a taste of artists who have graced the Rocky Sullivan's band stand in the past.
