BBI

Irish bands are indeed a rare thing. Especially decent sounding Irish bands. Now of course, we all know and love bands like Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys, and The Dubliners. But there is one band that falls into this category that we may not be so familiar with. This band is called Bastard Bearded Irishmen. Not only do they have a bad ass name, but they back it up with equally good vocals and rhythms.
One of the things we love about Irish Bands is the variety of instruments used to create this unique type of sound. I’m constantly delighted when I hear an unexpected instrument when I’m so used to constant guitars and bass from most rock type music. Bastard Bearded Irishmen (or BBI) incorporates banjo, mandolin, and fiddle in their songs which helps create a truly unique sound.
BBI is a band from, and located in Pittsburgh. They got started in 2008 playing in local bars and venues. Since then, the band has built up to playing events like the Irish Festival (you can catch them there this year as well, on September 7th).  Can’t wait until then? Check out their calendar of upcoming events at http://bastardbeardedirishmen.com to see when you can get your Celtic music fix.
Playing in the band is Jimmy Bastard, doing guitar, banjo, and lead vocals. Danny Rectenwald, doing mandolin, banjo, and vocals. Rectenwald also has a Master’s degree in classical guitar. Rachel Karras, who fiddles on the viola, and is actually a classically trained violinist. Ben Jaber, doing bass and vocals. Jon Pitcher, doing guitar, whistle, and vocals, and Dan Stocker playing drums.
Bastard Bearded Irishmen plays classic Irish style songs we all know, like “Whiskey in the Jar”. Beyond that, they have great original music, which further sets them above and beyond. BBI also has received great reviews from concert goers of all kinds. Find them on facebook, or go directly to their website. Whatever you do, make sure you check out BBI in all their bastardly bearded Irish glory.