Brendan O'Shea

Brendan grew up in Killarney, County Kerry, known for it’s scenic landscape, traditional music, poets and storytellers. He himself began to write songs and perform them on stage -- any stage. In 1997 he felt a move was to be made; Dublin or New York. He moved to New York in January '97, guitar in hand, and a pocket full of songs. Finding part time work, making enough money to pay the bills, he began performing at open mics. Most notably, Sidewalk Café in the East Village on Monday nights, where it seemed like anyone who owned a guitar was there to play two or three songs. It was a sign up and wait your turn situation. Over time, with a steadily growing following, Brendan went on to play supports in some of the most happening clubs in New York - Mercury Lounge, Arlene Grocery, Bowery Ballroom. Although mostly a solo performer, Brendan would for some shows add a bass player, a cello player and a drummer to create more colour and a bigger sound behind the songs. After receiving rave reviews from his support slots with the Cowboy Junkies, 10,000 Maniacs, and with a growing fan base, in February 2003 he released his debut record, “In the Light”, playing to a full house the night of the record release. He toured Ireland twice, in March and April '03, his first time playing back home since he left in '97, and was very well received, playing to full houses countrywide.