Meet The Band

Brian McCoyFlutes, Whistles, Pipes

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Brian McCoy’s family hails from Ballaghaderreen, a small Irish town that is the birthplace to many legendary musicians such as Matt Molloy of the Chieftains, Seamus Tansey, and Paddy Killoran who’s family lived next door.  Brian spent countless hours learning from the locals there, while visiting family in Ireland through his formative years. Academically, Brian won a full tuition scholarship to Nortwestern University from the Chic Evans Foundation, and earned a Masters Degree in Computer Science before moving to Ohio, home of the Dublin Irish Fest.

Throughout the years, McCoy has often won the American Irish Music Competitions (Fleadh Ceols), and has also served as an Adjudicator for the event.
In Ireland, Brian McCoy has performed live on Radio Clare, played at the Willie Clancy Week Flute Recital, and has been featured in Irish Music Magazine – the “Rolling Stone” of the traditional music scene. He has also performed with such luminaries as The Makem Brothers, Gaelic Storm (from the movie, “Titanic”), Tempest, recorded for Windham Hill Records with members of the Doobie Brothers, performed for the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra, and appeared with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.


 

Kim RattanVocals, Guitar, Mandolin

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Kim continues to thrill audiences with her powerfully intricate guitar work, and her world-class captivating vocals. Actually you’ve already heard her on many commercial radio and TV spots. Rock, Pop, Celtic, she masters it all. She has the personality and warmth of a close friend, and the power and kick of a whole band all to herself. Raised on Bluegrass, Kim hails from a long line of great musicians. Her father, who is (according to Kim) one of the most accomplished guitarists this side of Nashville and he is of course, one of her favorites. At the age of 74 he is still gigging at least twice a week, picking & grinning in Central Ohio. Following in his footsteps, Kim’s acclaim is as rich as her music.

In 2010 Kim competed in Irish music Midwest Fleadh Ceol for accompaniment and was given 1st placement . This provided an opportunity to compete in the all Ireland. She visited the World Championship competitions in Ireland and received 4th place in her competition representing the United States. She continues to play Bluegrass with her brother and his band Meig’s Creek in South Eastern Ohio when time permits. She will be performing with Aoife Clancy (of the Clancy brothers fame) this summer for a night of Irish women singer songwriter house concert (Summer 2011).


 

Doug RudyMandolin, Banjo, Fiddle, Vocals

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Doug is a multi-instrumentalist who has strong roots in both types of music: Bluegrass and Greengrass (Irish).   He adds a voice to tunes and songs that evokes moods and creates textures which would otherwise be left unstated.  To be honest, his musical breadth ranges from Beethoven to the Dixie Dregs, includes piano and guitar, and all that during his school years, during which he also received a mandolin and fiddle as gifts.  Doug became enamored with The Bothy band and Seamus Egan’s banjo picking and eventually created a homemade tenor banjo with an extra low B string.  Doug was a member of the well known Yankee Celtic Consort band.  Doug and his wife Debbie are very active in their church, especially in their college based ministry. We have the privilege of having Doug share his musical gifts in The Kells as everyone’s schedule permits.


 

Eddie Cotter, Jnr.Bodhrán

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Eddie has been a premier bodhrán man for about 30 years. It’s true he used to sleep with his head under a bodhran “just to soak it all in”. He was a founding member of Irish bands Inisheer, Gabriel Hounds, and The Kells. In his twenties Eddie co-founded and was the drummer for the popular rock band The Bellows.

Eddie has played and recorded with numerous notable Irish musicians and taught bodhran workshops at many Irish festivals including Dublin and Milwaukee. Born a proud “West-Sider” from Columbus, Ohio (his brothers-in-law are the famous/infamous Byrne boys of Byrnes Pub!), his strong Irish roots hail from Rathcormac, County Cork – Diocese of Cloyne. Eddie lives in the beautiful state of Wisconsin which he fondly refers to as “New Ireland”.

Eddie re-joins The Kells as his schedule permits him to, as leader of the world apostolate, Dead Theologians Society. Eddie adds energy and passion to any gig he plays, and is always an exciting addition to any lineup he performs with!