Blackthorn has spent more than 20 years at the forefront of the Philadelphia
music scene. They continue to draw record crowds in Pennsylvania, New Jersey,
New York, and Delaware. “It's been an amazing journey, I had no idea when all
this started that we would still be doing this today,” says John McGroary, button
accordion player and one of the founding members of Blackthorn. He adds, “I
think we have a special connection with our audience. On any given night you can
find several different generations at our gigs. They like the music but I think they
also like being part of the Blackthorn family.” Keyboardist Johnny Boyce agrees
with McGroary saying, “I always feel I'm part of something special when I get on
stage. The best part about it is the thousands of people we meet each year and the
sense of community that has built up around Blackthorn.”
“Blackthorn has more than five albums to their credit. The first album, It's An
Irish Thing was an instant hit with their fans with songs like “Celtic Symphony”
becoming and anthem of sorts in the Philadelphia Area. Within a few years, the
band was back in the studio recording Here We Go Again, the CD that cemented
Blackthorn as the premiere Irish Band in PA. Drummer, Mike O Callaghan says,
“Those first two albums were really important in establishing us as a different
kind of Irish Band. We still paid homage to the influences of the past like the
Clancy Brothers and the Dubliners, but we did our own version of the songs using
a more contemporary approach.”
In recent years, Blackthorn has recorded three CDs: The Other Side, Ratty Shoes
and Push and Pull -- each of which has gotten extensive airplay in the North East.
They have extended their reach beyond the traditional Irish venues and have
gained a huge following with the college crowd. Just go to one of their show in the
Jersey shore and you will find hundred of Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y
singing along to their songs.
Of the very few bands that make it to the level of Blackthorn, even fewer last more
than a few years. Their music continues to evolve and the community that they
started in small bars around the Philly area in the 90s continues to grow.
Blackthorn is not just a band, it's a sub-culture of genuine people with a love for
Irish heritage and tradition. There are always five super talented musicians on the
stage, but they speak with one voice. ..
Photos… www.irishthing.com/home.html
Music…www.myspace.com/officialblackthorn#!http://www.myspace.com/officialblackthorn#!