Dave McGrath
Raised in New Haven Connecticut, an Irish American bastion, home of the Knights of Columbus. St Brendan School, Notre Dame High School. Band nerd and closet step dancer. Grew up to play the mandolin, inspired by the Bothy Band, Wolfetones, Dubliners, and more recently by Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphy and Danu.
For the last year, I have been learning and playing Irish, Scottish, and English trad on a Yamaha NP30 Portable Piano, which is a 76 key, but its best feature is that it only weighs 12 lbs/5.5 kg! It gives the session a strong bass rhythm which causes dancing to break out at the pub every week.
I am part of a widespread traditional music and dance conspiracy, stretching from Tampa to Naples on Florida's southwest coast. We have been fortunate over the years to play with dozens of folks from all over the world who visit during the season and I hope to see you if you pass this way.
Favorite Band: The Ventures
Favorite Fiddler: Natalie McMasters
Favorite Session Drink: Isabella Rosellini (Shirley Temple with a dash of Campari)
Tunes in Dave McGrath's tunebook: 139