The band's MySpace page says, "Sing with us, drink with us, sleep with us." That's a telltale sign that this isn't your lilting, Enya-esque Irish music.
If you want some bawdy tunes to raise a pint to on St. Patrick's Day, then check out The Unlucky Charms all around town. Russ Lamkin fills us in on the ways of this five-man Irish band that will get you singing along, drinking and stomping your feet this St. Patty's Day!
Meet the Band:
Russ Lamkin: vocals, guitar, bodhran
Jeremy Kristofferson: mandolin, banjo
Patrick Quinn: fiddle
Dustin McKeehan: drums
Keith Sullivan: bass
How would you describe the sound of The Unlucky Charms, and why is it great to party with you on St. Patrick's Day?
Far from the soft-spoken lullabies people normally expect from Celtic music, the actual end product of The Unlucky Charms is something akin to a Viking victory party fueled by Jameson and Guinness! It's not rock, it's not punk - it's rowdy acoustic energy.
How does the band prepare for the craziness of St. Patrick's Day?
Drink beer, practice a few songs, drink beer, practice a few songs, repeat till the beer is gone or Dustin falls over his drum set. We like to think of the liver as an instrument. Much like the banjo, it requires constant tuning.
What is the band's schedule like the rest of the year?
We book shows throughout the Tristate area year-round. Some of our steady gigs include both Claddagh Irish Pubs in Mason and Newport on the Levee, The Oak Tavern in Oakley and Arnold's Bar and Grill downtown. We're sham-rocking on St. Patty's Day night at the massive Irish pub in (Mason) called the Brazenhead. In the future, you can find us playing at any bar where Guinness is served.
What's the craziest thing that's ever happened or that you've ever done at a St. Patrick's Day gig?
The craziest thing is happening this year when we play at Fountain Square after the St. Patty's day parade at 1 p.m. We like to make our shows memorable, so we're always pulling funny stunts like handing out boxes of Lucky Charms cereal signed by the band.
What's your favorite thing about St. Patrick's Day?
Christmas has toys. Thanksgiving we eat turkey. St. Patrick's Day? It's all about the beer. Oi!
WHERE TO SEE THEM
When: 9 p.m. Friday, March 13
Where: Back Door Saloon, 19 Eswin St., Forest Park
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14 (following parade)
Where: Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, downtown
When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14
Where: Claddagh Irish Pub, Newport on the Levee, Newport
When: 9 p.m. Monday, March 16
Where: Claddagh Irish Pub, 5075 Deerfield Blvd., Deerfield Twp.
When: Noon Tuesday, March 17
Where: Molly Malone's Irish Pub, 112 E. Fourth St., Covington
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 17
Where: Brazenhead Irish Pub, 5650 Tylersville Road, Mason
