| Davey Arwine – Guitar, mandolin, bouzouki and vocals | |
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An accomplished Celtic musician, Davey has played with bands such as Black Jack Davey, Compass Rose, The Smokin’ Shamrocks, and 33rd County. He currently also leads traditional Celtic band, Donnybrook. In 1995 and 1996, Davey won the Midwest regional “Fleadh Ceol” on mandolin and Irish tenor banjo. After playing nearly every Irish pub in the Midwest, Davey was determined to create a band that could play to “both sides of the aisle – Rock and Celtic” hence the formation of Napper Tandy. Davey began his illustrious career during fifth grade playing in a Monkey's cover band called "Ray Reardon & the Sun Rays" (go figure). And for those more adoring fans....Davey likes long walks on the beach, honesty, and bad puns. |
| Liam Aherne – Lead vocals, Guitar and Craic | |
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Liam Aherne was born in County Limerick, Ireland. His colorful past includes two decades as front man in the hugely popular band, Nappertandy (predecessor to the current band). Liam's trademark tenor voice makes him the perfect fit for Napper Tandy's demanding vocal selections. From Bach to Rock, Liam's "your man." He lives by the adage: “Fad saol agat, gob fliuch, agas bas in Eirinn” (loosely translated, "Some days you're the pigeon; some days you're the statue.") |
| Mike Dietz – Highland Pipes, Electric Pipes | |
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Mike brings the most distinctive Celtic sounds – the pipes – to Napper Tandy. When he’s not playing with the band, Mike is busy serving as Piping Instructor for The Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society, Chicago Police. Previously, he played with Celtic Aire, the first band to combine bagpipes with good old fashioned rock and roll. Celtic Aire was on the Chicago music scene for over 10 years, put out 3 CDs, and hit top 10 in the Canadian music charts. Celtic Aire's influence can still be heard in many of today's Celtic Rock bands. Mike’s played with a number of competitive pipe bands in the Midwest, notably University of Chicago, Celtic Cross, and Chicago Caledonian. He’s also on the judging panel of the Midwest Pipe Band Association. |
| Aelric Gulbransen – Guitar | |
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Napper Tandy features Aelric on guitar, a skilled musician with forty plus years of experience on and off the stage. Having lived and performed in many parts of the world, Aelric cites diverse musical influences ranging from Hendrix to Bach. He has recorded, performed, and taught music all around the globe, acquiring a huge collection of guitars along the way. On stage he showcases exceptional talents on electric, acoustic, 12 string and "fake bagpipes" guitar. On a more personal note...Aelric says he enjoys long walks on the beach followed by generous portions of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and warm Guinness.
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| Matt Penna – Bass, vocals | |
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Former bass player with Advocate and Jabberwock which toured the Midwest, Matt has done backup and studio work with many bands including Moriah, Dan Becken & The Tourists, Greater Love, 10 to Midnight and the Larry Bemben Big Band Group. He was an actor/musician in "Smoke on the Mountain," a musical production by the Stage Door Theatre Group and musician/sideman for numerous other theatre productions. Recently, Matt has also been doing live performances with the group Mosaic.
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| Randy Cieszynski – Drums | |
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It wouldn’t be rock and roll without driving percussion. That’s where Randy comes in. Since the early 1980s, Randy’s played with many bands and projects ranging from blues to progressive rock. His most recent work includes an instrumental hard rock trio called Crimson Reign (with Napper Tandy’s guitar guru, Aelric). Musically, Randy says some of his favorite influences have been progressive rock bands like Rush, Yes, and King Crimson. When he’s not playing music, Randy’s interests in medieval armor, weapons, and architecture keep him busy. In Napper Tandy, Randy says he’s found the perfect outlet for his love of history, Celtic and traditional music, and classic rock and roll.
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