The Drowsy Lads thunder in for March 15 show
Based in Central Ohio, Irish-American Folk powerhouses The Drowsy Lads are in the thick of “green season,” putting on scores of shows throughout February and March, gearing up for the much beloved St. Patrick’s Day.
The Holland Theatre is lucky to score the five talented lads from the group proclaimed the Best Irish American band by Irish American News in 2018 with their “dare you to hold still” dance tunes and other favorites just prior to the holiday for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15.
Fiddler Phil Franck of Westerville said the band, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary in the fall of 2024, is looking forward to playing at the Holland Theatre for the first time. He noted their audiences and Irish music in general has a wide-ranging appeal.
“You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy it. It’s for literally everybody,” said the 64-year-old Westerville resident, who grew up in a musically-inclined family, with both of his parents performing in the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.
“We see young, old and all ages in our audiences. You’ll find grandparents with their grandchildren, and college age students and parents alike.
“We’ll play anything from jigs and reels to really old fiddle tunes, old ballads and light-hearted songs that run the gamut. No wonder when people hear it, they want to move; there’s lot of toe-tapping. Our name is a little ironic, as we’re anything but drowsy, from the first note to the last.”
Fellow member Bryan Brookes helped to draw The Drowsy Lads’ attention to the Holland Theatre, as he recently attended some concerts at the venue and enjoyed the atmosphere, Phil noted.
“Bryan’s been to see several musical acts at the Holland, and shared with us about his experiences. We love being able to perform at carefully-restored theaters and to see the character of these historical buildings. It is just fantastic that they’re being brought back to life. We’re eagerly anticipating the show.”
In addition to their “green season” spent performing at venues like theaters and pubs around Ohio and other states, The Drowsy Lads also stay busy during the warmer months, performing at various festivals, including the Dublin (Ohio) Irish Festival for 20 years running, along with the Dayton Celtic Festival, Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival, Pittsburgh Irish Festival, Kansas City Irish Fest and Irish Fest of the Fox Cities in Wisconsin as well. The Christmas season also features special holiday concerts by the group performed in the Central Ohio area.
A web of lifelong friendship and family join the band members together, with Phil noting that his son, Josh Franck, invited him to join The Drowsy Lads about 18 years ago after their previous fiddler left to pursue overseas missions work.
Josh plays the button accordion, bouzouki (a string instrument) and bodran Irish drum, while his father also plays the five-string banjo, bouzouki and a number of other instruments.
Fellow members include brothers Daniel and John McKewen and their longtime friend Bryan, with Daniel and Bryan beginning their friendship way back in preschool, Phil related.
Bryan is a flutist and has played the instrument from a young age. His father influenced his musical future by taking him to a traditional Irish concert featuring the Chieftains in Columbus when he was 10 years old. About a decade later on a whim, Daniel and John asked him to join The Drowsy Lads.
Daniel plays the guitar, Uilleann bagpipes (or Irish bagpipes) and bodhran, while his brother plays the tenor banjo and bouzouki.
“All of the guys in the band play multiple instruments, and we’re continually switching off, so it brings a lot of fun and variety to the show,” said Phil, who majored in music theory and composition at The Ohio State University and recently retired from his career as a chaplain at a senior living center. He came to the Irish music genre originally through its “kissing cousin” bluegrass, which has influences on The Drowsy Lads as well.
The band members have each enjoyed several trips to Ireland themselves as well, where they’ve been invited to join in with musicians there when visiting local pubs.
“It’s always amazing getting to visit Ireland and each time, we come away with new music while we’re there,” Phil said.
At the Holland Theatre concert, the band will have their four albums for sale, including their 20th anniversary two-disc album, “Time Flies,” that was released in August 2024, and features 20 favorite studio tracks, memorable live sets, and newly recorded songs, along with favorite musicians and collaborators.
To learn more about The Drowsy Lads and check out their music, visit https://www.thedrowsylads.com/. For concert tickets, visit https://theholland.org/.