BlackEyed Dempseys

BLACKEYED DEMPSEYS FLAWLESSLY BLEND THE IRISH TRADITION WITH POWER PACKED PUB PUNK. THEIR SHOWS ARE A ROCKING CELTIC EXPLOSION HIGHLIGHTED BY MUSICAL FIREWORKS AND SKIN TIGHT PERFORMANCES.

Biography: BlackEyed Dempseys

Name your band after one of the greatest fighters in Irish history and you’d better be prepared to crank out some musical fisticuffs and all bets are off showdowns.

That’s exactly what BlackEyed Dempseys do and why they are fast becoming a favorite in the Northern California music scene. Now they are bringing their punk-Irish-vision to ever increasing audiences.

BlackEyed Dempseys blend traditional Celtic playing skills with rock 'n' roll hooks. Their sound has the familiarity to be instantly recognizable. When you hear them you know it is the Dempseys. They are engaging, and appealing to fans of all ages. Their live shows bring a raucous energy that cannot be denied. The Dempseys are proud to say that they have fans in Ireland and America and BlackEyed Dempseys have the support of Guinness/Diageo USA .

Stage presence, brilliant arrangements, traditional tunes and original compositions is what BlackEyed Dempseys deliver each time they take the stage. Their distinctive sound and command of their instruments combined with the band's enthusiasm and desire to connect with every member of the audience sets them apart.

The melodies of Mark Repking (banjo) and Keith Jukes (accordion); harmonies of Moe Crummet (guitar); the driving bass of Quinn Brentson and the rhythm of Josh Wagner’s drums meld with Jamie Hill’s bar hardened vocals and searing guitar to prompt a new look at Irish tradition.

Originally formed in 2008, BlackEyed Dempseys are one of the hottest, up and comers in California Celtic rock. Working class musicians from Northern California have come together to create and perform a brand new version of hard-edged, politically tinged songs of freedom and love to the alternative Celtic-rock music scene.

BlackEyed Dempsey’s connection with their audience is a palpable thing. They bridge the gap from traditional arrangements to Dempsey original songs with a take on the politics of Ireland that is current and insightful. They bring their varied and powerful styles to the forefront of the current Irish-inspired music boon.

Six paths came together:

Hill started BlackEyed Dempseys and was looking for an accordion player. He met Keith Jukes at a Flogging Molly show. Keith’s dedication and desire to “be a Dempsey” took over and soon Keith and his accordion were an integral part of the band. Keith brings the traditional and new to a melting point with brilliant and insightful style.

At that same show Jamie met Moe Crummet. Moe would later join the band after a Dempsey show at the Powerhouse Pub. Moe left the cutting edge band “Shadowbox Theory” to play with the Dempseys. His driving rhythm guitar and stellar harmonies are hallmarks of the Dempsey sound.

The Irish banjo and mandolin is governed by Mark Repking. Listening to Mark play the banjo is a devil of a thing. His speed and skill is matched by his natural understanding of Irish melodies. Mark became a Dempsey after Keith introduced him to Jamie. One jam session and it was a done deal.

Josh Wagner is the drums. Another day job connection brought Josh to the band. He drives the Dempseys from start to finish at every show. Josh brings a keen ear for arrangement and orchestration. His sound can be heard throughout the Dempseys songs.

Quinn Brentson is the most recent Dempsey. A classified ad found Quinn in Southern California and a little over a year later he was headed for Northern California and the Dempseys. Quinn boasts an impressive musical pedigree. He has worked in the studio with Michael Boddicker, keyboard artist with Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind and Fire, and Mariah Carey. He has also done studio work with Jim Fuller lead guitarist of the legendary So-Cal surf band, the Surfaris. Quinn is the deep and quiet man that produces the sonic landscape of bass guitar so much a foundation of the BlackEyed Dempseys.

Jamie Hill’s work on guitar wows crowds. His ability to connect with an audience with hard driving songs and a sense of humor is a key. Jamie’s years playing the bar circuit gives him the straight ahead power and experience to sing the Dempseys songs and carry the message home. His skill on guitar is a mix between thunder and sweet rain.

Laura Winn, writes for the SF Examiner, “With a kilt-wearing accordion player center stage, this band was either going to be truly awesome or truly horrible. Within 30 seconds of their set, BlackEyed Dempseys had filled the dance floor with their "rebel Irish music" in the vein of Flogging Molly. This band is wicked cool... Lead by Jamie Hill on guitar and vocals, the band stole the show with a mix of covers by the likes of The Pogues and Flogging Molly and originals including their own pub anthem, which stood up to their great rendition of "What's Left of the Flag."”

Eileen Wilson, for the Folsom Telegraph, “When feet are stomping, hands are clapping, and everyone is sporting a grin, you know a great band is on the stage. It’s no wonder audiences love the roaring yet rhythmic sounds that emanate from the six-member group… the band knows how to get a crowd going…Those who are familiar with bands like the BlackEyed Dempseys or Flogging Molly will know that traditional Irish music, with punk and rock vibes, can get an audience out of their seat and ready to rock. This isn’t a band that is meant to be watched, while quietly sipping a cocktail. This is a band that makes fans want to participate; to have a connection with the music; an exchange between audience and band members that will leave fans with an experience rather than a mere performance.”


BlackEyed Dempseys are quickly establishing themselves as a memorable team of musicians - bridging the boundaries of independent rock 'n' roll and Celtic music.



Where BlackEyed Dempseys have performed:

CLUBS:

Irelands 32, San Francisco Ca

The Powerhouse Pub, Folsom Ca

The Boxing Donkey Irish Pub, Roseville Ca

The Purple Place , El Dorado Hills Ca

O’Mally’s Irish Pub, Sacramento Ca

The Fire Escape, Citrus Heights Ca

The Distillery, Sacramento Ca

The Power Club, Auburn Ca

Vega's Nightclub, Old Sacramento Ca

Constable Jack's, Newcastle Ca



FESTIVALS AND EVENTS:

The Celtic Faerie Festival, Fair Oaks , Ca

The Natomas Country Club, Sacramento Ca

Neillo Volkswagen Fun Run and Car Show, Roseville Ca

De Vere’s St. Patrick’s Day party in the park. Cesar Chavez park Sacramento

The All Hallows Fantasy Faire, Sonara Ca


TELEVISION:

Good Day Sacramento, Channel 31. Morning news and entertainment 3/17/2011

Good Day Sacramento, Channel 31. Morning news and entertainment 6/25/2011