Around a kitchen table in Galway, Ireland, two sets of brothers decided to combine their individual musical talents and form a band called We Banjo 3. The quartet features brothers Enda and Fergal Scahill and Martin and David Howley on banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bodhran and foot percussion creating a wholly unique sound. Their virtuosic instrumental playing is enhanced by the lilting lead vocals of singer David Howley and backed with harmonies only brothers could create. Since that day in 2012 around their kitchen table, We Banjo 3 has toured extensively around the world and is one of the leading bands in the acoustic music scene.
“What we try to do is take traditional elements Irish and bluegrass music and make it accessible to people who may not necessarily be aficionados of either genre, we make the audience a focus of the evening and we absolutely guarantee a good night out,” Enda Scahill said.
We Banjo 3 made their Owensboro debut at ROMP in 2017, quickly becoming a crowd favorite with their energetic performance. The band returned in 2018 for another main stage performance solidifying their celtgrass style of music amongst the traditional bluegrass, newgrass and jamgrass featured at the festival. Enda Scahill has fond memories of the festival joking about the intense rain their first year causing their van to be stuck in the mud and the extreme heat the year after.
“It is one of our all-time favorite festivals, the audience is incredible as are the other musicians there,” Edna said.
We Banjo 3 will make their debut performance at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum Saturday, as part of the fall concert series. Marketing Director, Carly Smith says ticket sales have been strong, “Based on the responses thus far and their reception at ROMP we fully expect Saturday’s performance to be a sell-out.”
We Banjo 3’s energetic music and stage performances resonate with themes of love, joy, empathy and compassion. Songs like Hold Onto Your Soul, Don’t Let Me Down and Haven captivate audiences and bring forth attention to mental health awareness, something both sets of brothers are deeply passionate about.
“We found we have this gift of the opportunity to give people a couple of hours of really great entertainment, joy and a break away from the world. We found by openly sharing our own experiences that it resonates with people and it means an awful lot to some folks who come to the show.” Enda Scahill said.
Their support for mental health awareness continues off stage, through the donation of $2.00 from each cd and t-shirt sold to Mental Health America. A nonprofit founded in 1909, Mental Health America focuses on mental health needs in America. At the conclusion of their 2019 winter and spring tour, We Banjo 3 presented Mental Health America with a check for $2500.00.
“We hope to raise $10,000 by the end of the year.” Enda Scahill said.
We Banjo 3 will perform at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum Saturday. Tickets are $27 for VIP and $24 for reserved seats.
