About

Michael McBride
Bass

Ken Andresen
Keys, Bodhran

Art (The Force) Kohnke
Strings

Scott (Darby) Messer
Vocals, Guitar

    Darby O’Gill are an energetic stage-show band that uses fine music and cutting humor in a singularly Irish style, and are equally at home in an intimate pub setting as on a concert stage.

     Fronted by W. Scott Messer, (lead vocals, guitar, bodhran), and Ken Andresen, (accordion, mandolin, bodhran), Darby are often joined by brilliant musicians including regular appearances by the renowned master musician Art Kohnke, who has played with Darby from the begening. Michael McBride has become a regular performer on bass and vocals, and Doug Wheeler on drums. Jared Carter will frequently participate on bodhran.

     (For more information about the individual performers, click on their pictures above).

     Over the years, Darby have opened for such acts as Glen Yarborough, the Irish Rovers, the Wolfe Tones, the Kingston Trio and B. B. King.

Darby have recorded 5 albums since 1996, and have numerous awards for performance and songwriting to their credit. Their records are being played in over 40 different countries.

Darby O’Gill do not take themselves, or anyone else, very seriously at all. Their sad songs are terribly sad, their weighty ones are desperately weighty; but the mischief is innocent, and when the night is done and the show is over, everyone, (the band in especial), will have enjoyed a grand time.

Darby’s show is like the Irish People. There is cleverness, surprise, a flavor of magic and a hint of deception. Very little is done in moderation, and nothing is left unexplored, undefined or unclaimed.

Reviews

“Anyone who’s seen the Darby O’Gill band play an Irish song knows that the group captures the contrast of merriment and sorrow that fills those tunes. It’s what kept the Irish sane throughout the centuries, and what makes the band the most vibrant group in the western United States today. They have the humor and energy of a leprechaun and the spirit of a banshee”
-The Oregonian

“Darby’s lively tunes, tight harmonies and engaging repartee have made them our favorite”
-Borders Books, Tigard

“From beginning to end, Darby O’Gill leads us on a rollicking ride of Lament and merriment – with the emphasis on merriment. For those who live in the Northwest, Darby O’Gill puts on a show of Celtic music par excellence!”
-Brigit’s Feast Magazine

“Filled with song, good humor and a fair amount of blarney, it’s hard to tell who has a better time, the audience or the band.”
-Jackson Hole Brewery

“Darby O’Gill possesses a passion for the rich Celtic musical tradition, complete with superb songs and rollicking fun that makes one glad to be alive. They are energetic, fun, good musicians and vocalists, delighting people no matter what their age.”
-Positively Entertainment

“Let me tell you about the most delightful stage show I have ever seen. I was completely enthralled by them, and I asked myself, if I were to have the chance to do it all over again… oh, wait a minute. Did you say Darby O’Gill? No, I’ve never heard of them.”
-Van Morrison