Join us for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration packed with Irish fun and flair featuring the traditional sounds of The Ballybogs and Talamh Dubh! 🎶
☘️ When: Monday, March 17th, 2025 | 6:30 PM
🎶 Live Music: The Ballybogs and Talamh Dubh
📍 Where: The Commonwealth Pub
Get ready for foot-stomping jigs, soulful ballads, and all the good times you can handle! It’s the perfect opportunity to dance and immerse yourself in the true spirit of Ireland with your friends. 🍻💚
The Ballybogs
“Hailing from the rugged and inspiring landscapes of Central Oregon, The Ballybogs are a traditional Irish music ensemble dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich heritage of Ireland’s musical traditions. With a repertoire that spans spirited jigs, heart-stirring reels, and soulful ballads, this talented quintet delivers an authentic Irish experience infused with fresh energy and a passion for storytelling.
At the heart of the group is Michele Sims, whose enchanting flute melodies and lively button accordion bring an unmistakable air of traditional charm. Complementing her is Jason Herzog, a multi-instrumentalist whose skill on the bouzouki, whistles, bodhrán, and vocals adds depth and a rhythmic pulse that keeps audiences moving. Amanda Wrenn weaves her magic on the fiddle, while her vocals lend warmth and lyrical expression to every performance. Rounding out the vocal harmony is Patrick Leonard, whose deft command of guitar, tenor banjo, and mandolin, paired with his engaging vocal stylings, creates a captivating blend of melody and rhythm. Lastly, Michael Long brings a dynamic mix of instruments to the stage—including the haunting uilleann pipes, lively concertina, whistles, guitar, and percussion—ensuring that every tune is delivered with both power and precision.
Together, The Ballybogs are more than just musicians—they are passionate custodians of Irish tradition, reimagining classic tunes while inviting listeners to embark on a musical journey that spans generations. Whether performing in intimate local venues or at larger community festivals, their electrifying performances offer a genuine taste of Ireland’s storied past right in the heart of Central Oregon.”
Talamh Dubh
Talamh Dubh emerges a captivating musical ensemble dedicated to preserving and reinventing the rich tapestry of Irish Traditional Music. The name, Talamh Dubh, “Dark Earth” in Gaelic, pays homage to the volcanic ground of the Cascade range upon which the musical group formed. Featured in their repertoire are the traditional styles of Ireland: jigs, reels, hornpipes, marches, waltzes, as well as songs.
Amanda Wrenn, born and raised in Anchorage, fell in love with the violin at an early age. She started by playing classical music and eventually discovered the joy of Irish fiddling at a session in Bend, Oregon in 2016. With a fondness for songs of the Celtic diaspora, Amanda also sings in the ensemble.
Patrick Leonard Fitzsimons, born in Belfast, grew up listening to Irish music and watching his mother happily dance jigs & reels. After dedicating himself as a professional musician in various genres, Patrick returned to his roots, cutting his teeth at traditional Irish music sessions, and later performing with various groups on the East Coast, including Gypsy Dargle and Nu Sean Nós. With Talamh Dubh, Patrick features on guitar and vocals.
