Learn about the Band Memebers
Patrick Reidy
Lead Vocals, Piano, Guitar
When and why you joined the group?
The beginning of The Lads was a gradual process. The origin took place St Patrick’s Day 1996. Kevin Walsh and I got together to celebrate that grand day at the Beirstube on Rhomberg Ave in Dubuque. One might ask, why did we choose a German restaurant for a St Patrick’s Day celebration? The answer is simple, it was the only place that had a piano! We enjoyed similar values: a love of family and music, strong Catholic background, a deep appreciation of all things Irish.
What instrument you play?
I share playing the piano Kevin and at time play rhythm guitar. In addition I sing lead on a variety of ballads and rebel songs and harmonize on some others.
Your favorite memory of the band?
There are so many great memories I guess one of the best took place on a road trip to St Paul, MN where we played Tiffany’s Pub. At that time we were just figuring out our sound and learning what our strengths were. We started playing early that day, around 11:00 AM and at one point late in the gig, I realize Kevin (who sings harmony on one of the songs) wasn’t with me nor on stage.. When the song was over, I inquired via the mic asking for Kevin? He calmly, but with a hint of humor, answered from one of the booths in the back that “Well we’ve been playing for 7 hours now, I”m tired, and thirsty and he needed a break.” I had no idea we had been playing for that long, it was such a good time!
Why do you enjoy being Irish?
I come from a large Irish Family (one of nine kids). My parents instilled into my siblings and me a deep appreciation of being Irish. My father was extremely proud of this heritage and that our roots were in Shanty Irish. For those that are unaware, “Shanty” is a very nice way of saying we were the blue collar Irish. My Mother made sure we knew what it meant to be Irish, taught us how to sing, appreciation of music and the story of the Shamrock. Both were talented entertainers. My mother was a first rate musician as she played the trombone and piano. My father was a fantastic story teller and singer. A Reidy family party was full of music and laughter.
Fun fact about yourself ….
I’m probably the only one of the group that doesn’t read music… I know, strange right?
The beginning of The Lads was a gradual process. The origin took place St Patrick’s Day 1996. Kevin Walsh and I got together to celebrate that grand day at the Beirstube on Rhomberg Ave in Dubuque. One might ask, why did we choose a German restaurant for a St Patrick’s Day celebration? The answer is simple, it was the only place that had a piano! We enjoyed similar values: a love of family and music, strong Catholic background, a deep appreciation of all things Irish.
What instrument you play?
I share playing the piano Kevin and at time play rhythm guitar. In addition I sing lead on a variety of ballads and rebel songs and harmonize on some others.
Your favorite memory of the band?
There are so many great memories I guess one of the best took place on a road trip to St Paul, MN where we played Tiffany’s Pub. At that time we were just figuring out our sound and learning what our strengths were. We started playing early that day, around 11:00 AM and at one point late in the gig, I realize Kevin (who sings harmony on one of the songs) wasn’t with me nor on stage.. When the song was over, I inquired via the mic asking for Kevin? He calmly, but with a hint of humor, answered from one of the booths in the back that “Well we’ve been playing for 7 hours now, I”m tired, and thirsty and he needed a break.” I had no idea we had been playing for that long, it was such a good time!
Why do you enjoy being Irish?
I come from a large Irish Family (one of nine kids). My parents instilled into my siblings and me a deep appreciation of being Irish. My father was extremely proud of this heritage and that our roots were in Shanty Irish. For those that are unaware, “Shanty” is a very nice way of saying we were the blue collar Irish. My Mother made sure we knew what it meant to be Irish, taught us how to sing, appreciation of music and the story of the Shamrock. Both were talented entertainers. My mother was a first rate musician as she played the trombone and piano. My father was a fantastic story teller and singer. A Reidy family party was full of music and laughter.
Fun fact about yourself ….
I’m probably the only one of the group that doesn’t read music… I know, strange right?
Kevin Walsh
Lead Vocals, Piano
When and why you joined the group?
I’ve been with the band from the beginning. It all started as a couple of us getting together to celebrate St. Paddy’s day back in 1998. Since then, it has blossomed and grown into what it is today. We wanted to celebrate our Irish heritage in a special way, so we came together to share songs, stories, and Irish “culture”.
What instrument you play?
I share the piano duties with Pat, and sing on most of our vocals. For some reason I tend to have the lead on our “Ballads”, with the other guys leading on more the “Raucous” songs! (Does that mean I’m more mature?)
Your favorite memory of, or reason for, being in the band?
Growing up in a musical household, I have had a great love for music since my early childhood. My father was a great lover of music and passed that on to all of his children. We all took various music lessons and were involved with band and choir throughout our school years. I’ve continued to sing and play music throughout my adult life. I see my participation in The Lads as a continuation of my great love for music. The bonus I get is to share that music with a group of very special friends. We enjoy just coming together as a group and share friendship, laughter, and some great music!
Why they enjoy being Irish?
Being the “Irish” band, we love to party and seeing folks enjoying the music and having a great time!
Fun fact about yourself...
I know it’s hard to believe, but I’m the most “Senior” in the group, which means it’s my responsibility to keep these “Younger” hooligans in line!! (Nearly impossible most of the time!)
We have grown individually and as a group in our musical skills, and always look forward to our next opportunity to share what it’s like to be Irish!!
"ERIN GO BRAGH!"
I’ve been with the band from the beginning. It all started as a couple of us getting together to celebrate St. Paddy’s day back in 1998. Since then, it has blossomed and grown into what it is today. We wanted to celebrate our Irish heritage in a special way, so we came together to share songs, stories, and Irish “culture”.
What instrument you play?
I share the piano duties with Pat, and sing on most of our vocals. For some reason I tend to have the lead on our “Ballads”, with the other guys leading on more the “Raucous” songs! (Does that mean I’m more mature?)
Your favorite memory of, or reason for, being in the band?
Growing up in a musical household, I have had a great love for music since my early childhood. My father was a great lover of music and passed that on to all of his children. We all took various music lessons and were involved with band and choir throughout our school years. I’ve continued to sing and play music throughout my adult life. I see my participation in The Lads as a continuation of my great love for music. The bonus I get is to share that music with a group of very special friends. We enjoy just coming together as a group and share friendship, laughter, and some great music!
Why they enjoy being Irish?
Being the “Irish” band, we love to party and seeing folks enjoying the music and having a great time!
Fun fact about yourself...
I know it’s hard to believe, but I’m the most “Senior” in the group, which means it’s my responsibility to keep these “Younger” hooligans in line!! (Nearly impossible most of the time!)
We have grown individually and as a group in our musical skills, and always look forward to our next opportunity to share what it’s like to be Irish!!
"ERIN GO BRAGH!"
Rob McCullough
Lead Vocals, Irish Whistle
When and why you joined the group?
(In 1998) My family and I had just moved back to Dubuque from the Milwaukee area. Kevin Walsh invited me to come along for a little fun on St. Patrick’s Day. I joined that day willingly and had a great time! I had been wishing for a way to have fun with Irish music and play the Irish whistle. I was just good enough with the whistle at that time to be barely heard as background noise. I’m only slightly better now but it sure was a good thing we had no way of amplifying what I played on that first day!
What instrument you play?
I play the Irish whistle and occasionally get the crowd going with a bit of Irish "Raucous" singing that Kevin refers to!
Your favorite memory of, or reason for, being in the band?
Lots of great memories. Lots of reasons. Hard to pick just one. There was a time when my part in the band only involved playing the Irish whistle. I had no part in providing any vocals. That was fun but I had always thought it would be fun to try and sing as well. A couple years ago when we started adding new material to our song list the opportunity came and now I am very grateful to be able to sing quite a few of our selections. That has really added to the fun of it all.
Why they enjoy being Irish?
I really appreciate my own family, our personal heritage and history. I have both Irish and Luxembourg roots. As it happens, the Irish side of me gets expressed much more. I suppose it’s because being primarily of Irish decent that I find Irish culture and history so intriguing. Knowing all of that makes me proud and grateful.
Fun fact about yourself…
I have been fortunate to have traveled to Ireland on three occasions. All very interesting and each trip was a very different experience. We did not take a planned tour but rather spent our time in rural areas with regular country folks. There is where we found the true treasure of Ireland, the Irish people.
(In 1998) My family and I had just moved back to Dubuque from the Milwaukee area. Kevin Walsh invited me to come along for a little fun on St. Patrick’s Day. I joined that day willingly and had a great time! I had been wishing for a way to have fun with Irish music and play the Irish whistle. I was just good enough with the whistle at that time to be barely heard as background noise. I’m only slightly better now but it sure was a good thing we had no way of amplifying what I played on that first day!
What instrument you play?
I play the Irish whistle and occasionally get the crowd going with a bit of Irish "Raucous" singing that Kevin refers to!
Your favorite memory of, or reason for, being in the band?
Lots of great memories. Lots of reasons. Hard to pick just one. There was a time when my part in the band only involved playing the Irish whistle. I had no part in providing any vocals. That was fun but I had always thought it would be fun to try and sing as well. A couple years ago when we started adding new material to our song list the opportunity came and now I am very grateful to be able to sing quite a few of our selections. That has really added to the fun of it all.
Why they enjoy being Irish?
I really appreciate my own family, our personal heritage and history. I have both Irish and Luxembourg roots. As it happens, the Irish side of me gets expressed much more. I suppose it’s because being primarily of Irish decent that I find Irish culture and history so intriguing. Knowing all of that makes me proud and grateful.
Fun fact about yourself…
I have been fortunate to have traveled to Ireland on three occasions. All very interesting and each trip was a very different experience. We did not take a planned tour but rather spent our time in rural areas with regular country folks. There is where we found the true treasure of Ireland, the Irish people.
Jim Mueller
Guitar, Vocals
When and why you joined the group?
I had a passion to play guitar since I was young. I joined Pat Reidy, Kevin Walsh and Rob McCullough during a St. Patrick’s gig at the Bierstube which was a German bar! The fun we had and memories we provided for so many that attended was the start of the Lads.
What instrument you play?
I play acoustic guitar and sing vocals to support the group. I am always amazed for the Harmony this group can provide.
Your favorite memory of the band...
There are many memories we all share and one of them is to get together before a gig to build a “bass” as we engage in the Irish celebration. Special places include: Pearls in Bernard, Paul’s Tap in Dubuque, and Terry’s Place in St. Paul, MN.
We all bring a special talent to the group from vocals to instruments. Laura Hess joined the group which added a true Irish sound with her fiddle. Then we added Bill Thurm on bass because it’s "all about that bass."
Why they enjoy being Irish?
I come from an Irish - German heritage. My Mother and my aunts always encouraged my musical ability. My Irish family has always enjoyed music. I enjoy looking out to the crowd to see the engagement, participation and the fun everyone is having during our performance.
Fun fact about yourself…
I have fun playing Irish music with the Lads, but I continue to sneak in traditional songs such as the Beatles and Buffet adding to the mix.
I had a passion to play guitar since I was young. I joined Pat Reidy, Kevin Walsh and Rob McCullough during a St. Patrick’s gig at the Bierstube which was a German bar! The fun we had and memories we provided for so many that attended was the start of the Lads.
What instrument you play?
I play acoustic guitar and sing vocals to support the group. I am always amazed for the Harmony this group can provide.
Your favorite memory of the band...
There are many memories we all share and one of them is to get together before a gig to build a “bass” as we engage in the Irish celebration. Special places include: Pearls in Bernard, Paul’s Tap in Dubuque, and Terry’s Place in St. Paul, MN.
We all bring a special talent to the group from vocals to instruments. Laura Hess joined the group which added a true Irish sound with her fiddle. Then we added Bill Thurm on bass because it’s "all about that bass."
Why they enjoy being Irish?
I come from an Irish - German heritage. My Mother and my aunts always encouraged my musical ability. My Irish family has always enjoyed music. I enjoy looking out to the crowd to see the engagement, participation and the fun everyone is having during our performance.
Fun fact about yourself…
I have fun playing Irish music with the Lads, but I continue to sneak in traditional songs such as the Beatles and Buffet adding to the mix.
Laura Calhoun
Irish Fiddle/Violin
When and why you joined the group?
I joined the group in 2009, after her co-worker Jim (Mueller) repeatedly talked about how fun the Lads are and that we should get together and jam.
What instrument you play?
I play the violin or fiddle depending on the type of music being played.
Your favorite memory of the band...
My favorite memory with the Lads…hard one to answer given every time we play it becomes a favorite memory..reason for being in the band..same answer.
Why they enjoy being Irish?
Well... I actually am Scottish not Irish but no one will know the difference!! (unless you play at Jink and Diddle school of Scottish fiddling)
Fun fact about yourself…
I get to travel the world for work and have 8 horses that in my spare time I try to ride.
I joined the group in 2009, after her co-worker Jim (Mueller) repeatedly talked about how fun the Lads are and that we should get together and jam.
What instrument you play?
I play the violin or fiddle depending on the type of music being played.
Your favorite memory of the band...
My favorite memory with the Lads…hard one to answer given every time we play it becomes a favorite memory..reason for being in the band..same answer.
Why they enjoy being Irish?
Well... I actually am Scottish not Irish but no one will know the difference!! (unless you play at Jink and Diddle school of Scottish fiddling)
Fun fact about yourself…
I get to travel the world for work and have 8 horses that in my spare time I try to ride.
Bill Thurm
Bass Guitar, Vocals
When and why you joined the group?
I listened to the band about two years ago and found it very interesting. I told Jim Mueller, who is my boss at my real job, that if they ever needed a bass player I would be interested. I soon was asked, auditioned and began to play.
What instrument you play?
I play the bass guitar and having been playing in bands my whole adult life. Mainly in country bands and old time rock and roll. Playing Irish music is a lot of fun, especially with the characters in this band.
Your favorite memory of the band...
Favorite memory is the first time we played outside on the Deck of the star brewery. It was a great time as is each time thereafter.
Why they enjoy being Irish?
I enjoy being Irish, in the band, mostly to be able to play the music and tasting Jameson’s Irish whiskey which I find quite harsh.
Fun fact about yourself...
Since joining the band I now know that St. Paddy’s day is always on March 17th
I listened to the band about two years ago and found it very interesting. I told Jim Mueller, who is my boss at my real job, that if they ever needed a bass player I would be interested. I soon was asked, auditioned and began to play.
What instrument you play?
I play the bass guitar and having been playing in bands my whole adult life. Mainly in country bands and old time rock and roll. Playing Irish music is a lot of fun, especially with the characters in this band.
Your favorite memory of the band...
Favorite memory is the first time we played outside on the Deck of the star brewery. It was a great time as is each time thereafter.
Why they enjoy being Irish?
I enjoy being Irish, in the band, mostly to be able to play the music and tasting Jameson’s Irish whiskey which I find quite harsh.
Fun fact about yourself...
Since joining the band I now know that St. Paddy’s day is always on March 17th