"The Rising of the Moon" is an Irish ballad recounting a battle between the United Irishmen, led by Wolfe Tone, against British forces during the Irish Rebellion of 1798.
The song tells the story of a secret meeting between Irish…
Read moreJoe Basso and Ryan-Allen McKinney are O'McPub Band, an Irish folk duo from Hyattsville, Maryland that specializes in pub tunes, rebel songs, and Celtic inspired folk music. Once you hear a set you'll understand why many believe O'McPub Band is “probably the best guitar and bodhrán Irish duo in the DMV" (DC, Maryland, & Virginia).
This talented duo brings high energy and authentic Irish sounds to any event. With their guitar and bodhran in hand, they have become the go-to choice for Irish folk music in the Mid-Atlantic.
O'McPub Band brings a diverse repertoire of pub tunes, rebel songs, and Celtic-inspired pop music that resonates with a broad spectrum of audiences. Our performances have delighted everyone from the young to the young at heart, whether they're newcomers to Irish music or seasoned enthusiasts who sing along to every lyric. We are adaptable in many different settings, from a bustling concert hall to an intimate living room acoustic set. With experience spanning street corners, private parties, festivals, farmers markets, pubs, concert halls, weddings, retirement homes, breweries, and nursing homes, we're well-versed in a variety of venues. Regardless of the location, our commitment remains unwavering: to provide a fantastic experience while sharing the rich history behind the tunes we love.
We thrive on creating memorable experiences through themed events, and we're open to tailoring our setlist to your preferences. Here are some of the themes we've embraced in the past, but we're always eager for fresh ideas and creativity when booking us:
Irish Tunes:
Our specialty, boasting a repertoire of over 150 Irish folk and rebel songs, each with its own meaning and history that we're happy to share.
Non-Irish Songs:
We understand that not every venue or event is going to want the Celtic vibe all the time. We have plenty of folk and rock songs we can include between some Irish tunes or provide as a whole non-Irish set.
Christmas/Holiday Tunes:
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with us, as we provide a blend of Irish and American Christmas songs to enhance your holiday party.
Sea Shanties:
With Ireland being an island, our catalog includes numerous songs related to water, perfect for events by the bay, naval academy graduations, or even Talk Like a Pirate Day, evoking the allure of the sea.
Train Tunes:
Our repertoire includes a diverse selection of train-themed songs, paying homage to the Irish immigrants who helped build and operate the railways upon which many American towns were founded.
Drinking Songs:
From first sip to last call, we have a collection of songs that narrate the full journey of enjoying a good drink.
Love Songs:
We offer a variety of tunes celebrating love, even if many of them have bittersweet endings. After all, it's better to have loved and lost than not to have loved at all.
Scottish Tunes:
We've learned a number of songs from our Celtic cousins, offering a full set for a Robert Burns Supper/Night or any event where Scottish tunes add a special touch.
Looking to infuse your event with some lively Irish tunes? Look no further than O'McPub Band! No matter what kind of event you are planning, we can tailor our versatile repertoire and dedication to crowd engagement to suit any occasion. From themed pub nights to intimate acoustic sets, we bring the magic of Irish music to life, leaving a lasting impression on your guests. Let O'McPub Band elevate your next event with our vibrant melodies and unforgettable performances.
Local Establishments:
Whether you run a pub, brewery, bike shop, or bookstore, O'McPub Band is here to elevate your space with the magic of Irish music. Our adaptable repertoire allows us to craft the ideal setlist to delight your patrons, and we thrive on themed events, adding that unique and spirited touch.
Irish and Celtic Festivals:
With infectious enthusiasm for pub tunes and rebel songs, O'McPub Band guarantees to keep the energy high and the participants of your festival entertained. A set with O'McPub Band will get audiences excited about the rest of your festival and coming back to hear us again and again. O'McPub Band can also provide a more educational set where we dive into the history and context behind some of the most beloved Irish songs.
House Parties:
From electrifying the neighborhood in your backyard to delivering an intimate acoustic performance during a dinner party, we're dedicated to setting the musical tone for your social gathering. Whether we are celebrating a birthday, graduation, or because it is Friday, O'McPub Band will show you why crowd engagement and personalized set lists are our specialties.
Private/Corporate Events:
When you book O'McPub Band, you infuse your private or corporate event with an unforgettable touch. We create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere, fostering connections and leaving a lasting impression. Let our Irish melodies make your occasion truly unique.
After the Wedding Party:
You probably do not want us playing the Macarena or Chicken dance at your wedding reception. However, if you want your uncles and that weird cousin you hardly know hugging each other and singing together at the top of their lungs, hire O'McPub Band for the after wedding party. We can play all the tunes that will get people sharing family stories, celebrating their heritage, and bringing your Celtic guests together in a fun and memorable way.
Below are short blog posts about some of the tunes O'McPub Band performs with live recordings. We want people to connect with the history of these songs through our band.