Arranmore

Where We Came From

The group Arranmore takes its name after an island off the Northwest coast of Donegal in Ireland. Although it started out as what can be best described an Irish pub band, over the last 15 years the group has evolved into what is better described as an Americana/Folk/Celtic music-influenced act.

The roots of the music Arranmore performs today certainly can be traced back to Ireland. But, they also can be found in the hills of Appalachia, the early "dust bowls" of the American west, the long ago weekend music that filled the Ryman Auditorium in Tennessee, as well as the gospel revival tents of America's south. The group is, in the truest sense of the definition, a "musical melting pot." Arranmore's live performance bursts forth with all these elements to cover the wide base of music preference their audience brings to the show. The group enjoys this musical diversity, and has long felt that by mixing all these music styles, they are in fact bringing an awareness of their Irish roots to a much larger, broader-range audience.

Arranmore has released several CDs all to critical acclaim. Their current CD "The Collection" is a retrospective of many of the group's best and most requested songs. Their CDs can be heard on many fine Folk/Americana/Country music radio shows both in the U.S. and Europe. Their new documentary/performance DVD "One Night" has been receiving rave reviews.

Arranmore is based in the Chicago metropolitan area. They can found frequently appearing in theater concerts, or at town festivals, private functions and selected Irish events. Arranmore is continually working on new material for their shows, sometimes adding and changing personnel as necessary to meet the goal of bringing new ideas and songs to their audience. Of course, several of the members have been with the act for over 20 years now. It is the never-ending challenge of positive change that Arranmore likes to say, "keeps us on our toes."

Yes, after all these years the story of Arranmore continues.

Press & Testimonials

"The most requested version of "Danny Boy" that we play on our show is the one done by Arranmore" - Shay Clarke co-host of "Blarney on the Air" WDCB-FM radio Chicago

"Arranmore blends traditional Irish Folk Songs with a modern Folk sensibility for an infectious hybrid sound." - Chicago Sun Times

"Truly, a Chicago staple" - Dean Richards, WGN Radio Chicago, IL

"This CD ("It all begins with a Song") marks the latest chapter in Arranmore's evolution from a traditional Irish pub band to a versatile Folk-Americana act that hasn't forgotten its Celtic roots."- Chicago Tribune

" 'Memories that Echo' captures the live performance sound of Arranmore. Great stuff!" - WDCB Radio, Chicago

"Fans of the Chicago-area band Arranmore well know that there is much more
to this band than their Irish name suggests, and all of that and more can be
found in 'Memories that Echo.' If there are any misses on this album, we
can't find them" 4-stars - Pioneer Press, Chicago

"Arranmore is a joy to listen to" - Dirty Linen Magazine

"The best version of 'Danny Boy' we have heard in years" - Roy Leonard, WGN Radio, Chicago

"Arranmore has Irish roots, but is reaching out for diversity in a mix of variety of styles on its fifth and latest release, the engaging 'Memories that Echo' " - Chicago Tribune

"A folkies' dream" - Irish American Post

"Continually draw our largest crowd" - "Sounds of Summer" music series Arlington Hts., IL

"Sold out!" - Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Arlington Hts, IL

"A talented quintet in transition, from a traditional Irish outfit to a
broader-based contemporary folk group" - Chicago Tribune

"Thank you for stopping by to perform on our show the other day. We have heard nothing but praise, praise, praise from everyone." - WGN radio Chicago, IL

"Arranmore's 'Another Chapter'all in all is a sterling effort, and one sure
to blow the cobwebs out of your speakers" - Irish Music Magazine. Ireland

"Arranmore's 'Another Chapter' has a comfortable feeling: warm, friendly
music that instantly connects between the group and the listener" - Dirty
Linen

"Nice arrangements -- love the harmonies" - WGN Radio, Chicago

" 'Memories that Echo' shows Arranmore on the brink of an exciting new era in
their musical journey" - John O'Regan, music reviewer, Ireland

" 'Memories that Echo,' what a great recording!" - John Davis, Heartfelt Music, KPFK-FM Radio, Los Angeles, CA

"Terrific performance" - WGN TV Chicago, IL

"Once again, Arranmore broke the box office attendance record" - George Brown, Maple St. Chapel Concert Series, Lombard, IL