This is a monthly segment streamed on Global Irish Radio as part of Tom Flannery’s Good Morning Ireland Show broadcasted live from Gaelic Park Chicago.The objective of the segment is to feature local bands who live in Chicago as well as bands who perform in Chicago from out of town.
Chicago Celtic Spotlight will include conversations and live music performances showcasing the talent, skill and passion for celtic music right under our fingertips here in the Chicagoland area. The segment will be from 2pm to 2:30pm the first Saturday each month. October 5th, November 2nd, December 7th, January 4th, February 1st, March 1st and so on.
Regina Coyle and Tom Flannery
I was asked by Tom to perform live on radio about a year ago and was able to make it happen in December with my band the Gotham Ramblers. Although it was just for fun I found the experience really inspirational and realized it was a fantastic way to share our passion for celtic music and background as a band with our listeners along with family and friends who live far away and cannot make our shows.A couple of months later, I recommended another local band called O’Learys Lantern to join Tom on his radio show. This time, I got to have the listener's perspective. I learned that listening to live music on the air is really a beautiful and rare experience. I also realized how challenging it is for musicians performing live on radio to lead an interview and simultaneously provide information on their background, upcoming events etc.
From there my idea for this segment evolved. I could recruit other bands to perform on the show and assist Tom on the radio when live bands are performing to highlight the band and lead the conversation in between songs/tunes.
In August the Dirty Wellies piloted the segment, and in September we had solo artist Adrian Rabbitte visiting from Co. Offaly, Ireland perform live on the radio. Both were a huge success.
Bands already booked for the upcoming months include The Chancers (October 5th), Bad Hand (November 2nd), Gleeson Irish Trio (December 7th), Coyote Riot (January 4th), Far Too Close (February 1st), Dr. Murphy’s Band (March 1st).
Local solo artists including Kieran Byrne, Pat Baker, Jerry Haughey and Myles McVeigh have expressed interest in joining us on the show next year.
I have been really amazed at the response from local bands who have already jumped to take on this opportunity having to make adjustments in their weekend schedules.
I truly think there is a need to spotlight bands and solo artists as there are rarely any opportunities for musicians to share their story (background) with the audience. Additionally, as a fellow musician I always appreciate learning about the origin of a song and/or why the band/musician chose to learn it.
It brings me great joy and privilege to work with Tom Flannery on this new segment and we are both excited to have this opportunity to showcase our amazing musicians here in Chicago to listeners all over the world.
Chicago Celtic Spotlight Features Local Bands on Tom Flannery Radio Show
