NORWICH – The Ryan Clan – an Irish band deeply rooted in the community – is set to perform at 7 p.m., Thursday, at The Blarney Stone Pub in downtown Norwich for a St. Patrick’s Day show.
“We have such a devoted following that has been coming to hear us year after year,” said band member Frank Revoir Jr. “Even though we venture out of the area from time to time, it is our local fan base which inspires us to continue performing.”
Not only does The Ryan Clan perform on St. Patrick’s Day, the group also is known for its ‘Halfway to St. Patty’s Day’ shows.
“Our experience performing around Chenango County reminds us that regardless of all the negativity out there in the world, this is still a great place to live and raise a family and none of us regrets the choice we made to stay,” said Revoir.
Revoir explained that he thoroughly enjoys the music, and cannot imagine not performing on St. Patrick’s Day.
“Every year since 1980 – except one – my cousins and I have performed Irish music somewhere, even if it was in our own homes at a private gathering,” Revoir said. “The one year we all chose to take a break was a terrible mistake. Every one of us vowed we would never do that again, as it was too painful.”
The Ryan Clan is just that – a group comprised of family members.
The band consists of brothers Tim, Pat, Tom and Dan Ryan; cousin Frank Revoir Jr; and brother-in-law Bill Scranton (married to the Ryan's sister).
“We have all been playing music together since we were kids,” added Revoir. “We started playing Irish music in the early 1980s. We were not The Ryan Clan until approximately 9 years ago. For several years, we performed under other names such as ‘The Sons of Ireland’ and ‘The Wild Colonial Boys.’”
“Before being dubbed ‘The Ryan Clan,’ band members included the likes of Ed Leahy, Jack Frink, George Echentile, George Carnrike Sr., Mike O'Connor, Dan Collins, and of course, our good friend, Mike Carnrike who served as the band leader and singer from the very beginning,” said Revoir. “Much of the song material we use to this day we learned under Mike Carnrike's tenure. Mike decided to venture out in a different direction and he now performs Irish music with Dan Collins, Mike O'Connor and Mike's daughter, Patti Carnrike. Their band ‘Glenravel’ is well known throughout the area.”
Revoir added that during their shows they like to engage their audience. “We talk with them,” he said. “Tell jokes. And of course, our songs require the audience to sing refrains, clap, yell, etc.” He said that the band is continuing to learn new material to play at shows.
“We generally perform a significant number of gigs in March, as that is when everyone wants to hear Irish music,” said Revoir. “During the rest of the year, we tend to perform at private events. We have begun to venture into the Irish Festival scene as well.”
“We look forward to St Patrick's Day all year,” said Sarah Woods of The Blarney Stone Pub. “The Ryan Clan is great, it's a fun night to have a pint and dance a jig.”
There is no cover charge for tonight’s performance at The Blarney Stone.
“We will never stop performing for our home base in Chenango County where it all began,” said Revoir. “We are family entertainment. We play many functions at schools and other community centers, that are alcohol free events and fun for all ages.”
Tonight’s free show is for patrons 21 and older. The Blarney Stone Pub is located at 26 South Broad St. in downtown Norwich.