Astor Street Agency

08/05/2024

Introducing: The Kings of Connaught!
A vibrant traditional Irish folk and ballad group from the west of Ireland has signed with Astor Street Agency.

We are pleased to announce the latest addition to Astor Street Agency: The Kings of Connaught, who create a vibrant musical experience that immerses listeners in the heart of Ireland's green valleys and rich history.

The Kings of Connaught, a three-piece Folk/Ballad/Trad ensemble, have enchanted audiences since their inception in 2012. Initially a six-member group, the trio consisting of Mark Costello (Vocals/Guitar), Liam O’Grady (Vocals/Banjo), and Thomas Ryan (Whistle/Mandolin) draws inspiration from prominent Irish artists like Luke Kelly and The Dubliners.

From humble beginnings performing in schools and local pubs, their distinctive sound has propelled them to larger stages across Europe and, more recently, the US, where they have collaborated with renowned figures such as The Wolfe Tones and Leo Moran (of the Saw Doctors).

Their modern twist on the classic Irish song "The Rocky Road to Dublin" boasts over 11 million listens on YouTube and Spotify, showcasing their significant digital presence.

Today, the band continues to resonate with fans worldwide, fostering a community eager for their melodic storytelling and musical prowess.

The band will be starting their US tour on August 16th in Springfield, MA, and will be working their way to the Peoria Irish Fest. Make sure to catch them on the road by checking out their tour dates.

We at Astor Street Agency are thrilled to share that we'll be booking The Kings of Connaught for a tour across the US in 2025! We're eagerly looking forward to seeing them hit the road and share their incredible talent at a variety of festivals and music venues. Be sure to stay connected and follow them on social media, and check out their website for all the latest updates and show dates!

07/25/2024

We are thrilled to announce Beatallica as the latest addition to Astor Street Agency! This globally touring band is renowned for their unique mash-up of The Beatles and Metallica, making them the world's first live "bash-up" band. With sharp wit and creativity, Beatallica transcends musical boundaries while paying homage to these legendary groups.

Their debut mash-up album, Sgt. Hetfield’s Motorbreath Pub Band, soared to #9 on Billboard’s comedy chart in the US and topped Tower Records in Japan upon its 2007 release. Hits like “Revol-ooh-tion” and “A Garage Dayz Nite” remain fan favorites.

In 2008, they pushed the envelope with All You Need is Blood, a maxi-single in 14 languages, and in 2009 released Masterful Mystery Tour, marked by brilliant tracks like “Here of the Day Tripper” and “Got to Get You Trapped Under Ice.” The hilarious animated video for “Hella Day for Holiday” became a comedic metal classic.

2013 introduced Abbey Load, featuring Beatallica's signature blend of rock medleys and sonic power. Following an extensive US tour interrupted by the pandemic, they refined their craft and released The Devolver Album through Metal Assault Records. Standout singles like “Wherever and Everywhere” promise to be live staples, attracting media attention from outlets like Blabbermouth and Brave Words.

Beatallica has performed alongside icons such as Sammy Hagar, Clutch, and Steven Adler, headlining festivals in the US and Europe while earning acclaim worldwide for their musicianship and originality.

Beatallica continues to reshape the music landscape globally. Join us in welcoming them to Astor Street Agency, as we book their upcoming US events! Follow them on social media for the latest show updates. Let’s rock out together!

07/17/2024

Introducing Steph Geremia! A talented Irish flutist & singer who has signed with Astor Street Agency.

Acclaimed Irish singer and flautist, Steph Geremia mixes powerful instrumentals and songs from the Irish, folk and Americana traditions as featured on her new album, If Tomorrow. Performing internationally for the past 17 years with artists including Eddi Reader, Alan Kelly Gang, The Chieftains on their 2007 tour of America in partnership with all female group Líadan, Lúnasa and Connla, Steph is perhaps best known for her vibrant Irish flute playing as displayed on her sparkling 2018 release Up She Flew: “Exceptional skill and musicality… a masterclass in Irish flute. Folkworld ★★★★ Songlines ★★★★ RnR. July 2023 marked an exciting new chapter with the release of her first solo album fully dedicated to song, produced by renowned Scottish multi-instrumentalist, John McCusker (Mark Knopfler Band) and which received national attention with a Recommends from RTE Radio 1 and Album of the Week by Marty Whelan on RTE Lyric FM.

What sets Steph apart is not only her technical prowess but also her ability to infuse her performances with a unique blend of emotion and innovation. She effortlessly weaves traditional melodies with her own artistic interpretations, resulting in captivating and evocative musical arrangements. Her touring line-up boasts members including Scotland’s bouzouki powerhouse, Aaron Jones (Old Blind Dogs) and Ireland’s piano accordion maestro, Alan Kelly.

Astor Street Agency is thrilled to have the opportunity to book, Steph Geremia for future events in the US. She is looking forward to touring and performing at various festivals and music venues. Stay in the loop about her upcoming shows by following her on social media and checking out her website for all the latest updates and upcoming show dates!

07/10/2024

Introducing The Murphy Sisters!
We are so excited to announce our latest addition, a sister trio of talented musicians and songwriters has signed with Astor Street Agency.

Hailing from the West Coast of Ireland, The Murphy Sisters are a dynamic trio of musicians/songwriters with a unique sound that is thrilling audiences around the world. Their songwriting style is rooted in their beginnings in traditional Irish music and has evolved to encompass folk, country and pop influences. Their unique blend of harmonies, lively music and humour, captures the pure essence of their close family bond and brings the audience on an unforgettable musical journey. Songs such as ‘Fallen Leaves’ and ‘Nightmare’ reflect this in a very personal way as the sisters recall life’s hard knocks.

The Murphy Sisters are an extremely hard working band that have travelled far and wide to perform their songs to large audiences such as at the Festival Interceltique du Lorient in 2018/2019 and in Nantes where they headlined the Urban Voices Show. They regularly perform in Dublin and have showcased their talents at the famous Whelans venue and 'The Button Factory. Their music has also been featured on Netflix. The three sisters are currently working on their new EP which they will showcase on a tour of North America next year.

We at Astor Street Agency are excited to have the opportunity to book, The Murphy Sisters for their upcoming gigs. They are looking forward to hitting the road and performing at various festivals and music venues. Stay in the loop about their adventures by following them on social media and checking out their website for all the latest updates and upcoming show dates!

For booking inquiries, please email: [email protected]

06/28/2024

Congratulations to Marques Morel Music on the new album! We are spinning it all day today!

06/26/2024

We are so excited to announce our latest addition to our singer-songwriter family at Astor Street Agency!

Marques Morel is an American songwriter/storyteller, midwestern-twanger/folksinger, guitar-thumper/harmonica wailer, street-performer/wandering troubadour, steadfast woodcutter/migrant worker, a father, a son, and a friend to all.

Originally from the Illinois corn country, he has performed just about anywhere that anybody would listen: big city street corners around the world, county fairs, folk festivals, hole in the wall taverns/dive bars/honky tonks, cabin porches, backyard barbeques, listening rooms, theatres large and small, and beside many campfires and woodstoves with and amongst the ghosts of his heroes.

Marques has released four original albums to date: "Live and Raw in Rockford" (2013) and "Searching for America" (2014) were recorded bare bones with passion before his disappearance from from the muse for about 6 years before returning to the studio for "Trail of The Ghost" (2021) and "Wind and Rain" (2022). Morel recorded his yet unreleased “Tales and Telling’s” record at Bomb Shelter studio in Nashville, TN. It was produced by the legendary Andrija Tokic (The Deslondes, Alabama Shakes, Ian Noe, Luke Bell, etc.) and is projected to be released in June of 2024.

Known for his intense and infectious energy on stage and his gritty and honest songwriting and delivery, Marques Morel has been described by his fans as “raw and rustic,” “guts on the floor,” and “wild, dark, fun and unpredictable.” He has been compared to icons such as John Prine, Woody Guthrie, Johnny Cash and Townes Van Zandt. Marques currently plays around 150 shows a year and will be found performing either as a one man show accompanied only by his old guitar, harmonica on the rack, and makeshift kick drum, or with his dynamically spirited band, The Midnight Wind.

Astor Street Agency is looking forward to booking Marques wherever the road takes him. He is looking forward to playing festivals and music venues of all kinds. Stay informed about his travels by following him on his social media platforms and keep an eye on his website for upcoming dates!

06/04/2024

Hot off the presses - Wolf Loescher - album review and full page interview (with photos) in the latest edition of Irish Music Magazine!

https://www.irishmusicmagazine.com/releases/releases-july-2024/

Hot off the presses - album review and full page interview (with photos) in the latest edition of Irish Music Magazine!
👍✌🤘🤟🖖
https://www.irishmusicmagazine.com/releases/releases-july-2024/
Rich Brotherton, Beth Patterson, Tim Britton, Frances Cunningham, Kendall L Rogers, Mari Black, EJ Jones, Batcello PR, Scooter Muse, Astor Street Agency, Rob Randall

05/15/2024

We are so excited to finally announce Reilly, a Milwaukee based Celtic rock band, who has signed with Astor Street Agency!

In their own words, "Winners of the folk rock/Celtic band of the year award by Wisconsin Area Music Industry for 2019 and 2015, Reilly have garnered a reputation for being an interactive, get-off-your-chair act. The band’s circuit continues to grow along with their reputation for being a highly respected professional group. National programs such as Good Morning Ireland, Blarney on the Air, and Paddyrock internet radio have featured Reilly. Celtic Radio Music Network rates them as five out of five stars. Their ability to adapt Celtic music to an American rock audience, and include unexpected rock favorites into their set, makes them the perfect eclectic choice in today’s watered down and predictable Celtic scene."​​

Astor Street Agency has partnered with ACA Music & Entertainment for handling Reilly's bookings. ACA Music & Entertainment will serve as the contact for Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, while Astor Street Agency will be responsible for Canada and the rest of the United States. Reilly is excited about the opportunity to perform at more festivals in different states and expand their presence in the United States. They also plan to continue performing at bars, pubs, and other venues. Stay updated on their upcoming events by following them on social media platforms.

05/08/2024

We are so happy to finally announce our partnership with Irish Trio - Sorcha!

In their own words: "Sorcha is a new and exciting take on the Irish genre. The goal of Sorcha is to introduce audiences to original material that has a focus on creating an exciting live sound.. We believe we achieve this by pushing the boundaries of what a reel, jig, or a hornpipe can be. By combining fresh arrangements and technical mastery of our instruments, we put on an unique and thrilling show.

Sorcha is composed of fiddler Nikki Philbrick, guitarist Joseph Carmichael, and Dan Vaughn on tin whistle and flute. We are masters our craft and have been performing within the genre for over a decade in various groups including Blame Not the Bard and Poor Man's Gambit.

Born out of love for the Celtic and Folk genres, the goal of Sorcha is to bring originality of arrangements and instrumental material to the forefront. Inspired by the likes of legendary bands such as Flook, Solas, Lunasa, and Capercaillie, just to name a few - Sorcha is looking to put our own unique stamp on the tradition that Nikki, Joe and Dan grew up with.

We hope to captivate audiences and take them on a musical journey that will transport them through a satisfying and emotional listening experience. We can't wait to play for people around the world and connect with all of you as we continue to grow as a band and as a community. See you all very soon."

Sorcha's debut EP, "Stomp the Floor," was released on February 9th, 2024. Be sure to listen to it on Spotify or your other preferred streaming platforms!

The Astor Street Agency is pleased to arrange bookings for Sorcha at house concerts, Celtic festivals, and local venues in the United States.

04/16/2024

Check out Wolf Loescher's press release in the current edition (June, 2024) of Irish Music Magazine official!

Wolf Loescher Releases Third Solo Album : Immigrant Songs
http://wololoco.com

Colorado-based singer/storyteller Wolf Loescher released his third solo album Immigrant Songs on September 29th, 2023. The album is a collection of songs about those who have come to America seeking opportunity, security, and a better life for themselves and their families.

“The story of immigrants is the story of America,” said Wolf. “As a first-generation American myself, I have always been fascinated by the immigrant experience. You don't have to cross an ocean to be an immigrant...sometimes all it takes is moving from one part of the country to another. I moved every three to four years growing up (due to my father's job)...so home has never been a specific place for me…just wherever my family was. And wherever we were, we always had music to share.”

Tracks on the album include American Tune (Paul Simon), American Wake (Brent Hoad - The Elders), City of Immigrants (Steve Earle), and Sutter’s Mill (Dan Fogelberg). All twelve tracks combine to tell a wider story of grit, willpower, and determination in the ongoing journey to find a place called home.

Joining Wolf on this album are long-time collaborators and friends Scooter Muse (guitar, banjo), Beth Patterson (bass, vocals), Frances Cunningham (mandolin, vocals), Rich Brotherton (guitar, vocals), Kendall Rodgers (piano, accordion), Tim Britton (whistle, Uilleann pipes), EJ Jones (Highland pipes, flute), Brian McNeill (vocals, fiddle, concertina), Mari Black (fiddle), and Leah Rankin (cello).

The album is available on Bandcamp, Spotify, or wherever you download or stream music. Find out more at wololoco.com

Wolf Loescher
Irish Music Magazine official

03/25/2024

Please welcome our first traveling troubadour to Astor Street Agency - Dave Rowe!
A singular performer and entertainer who has always approached the music business on his own terms, Dave Rowe grew up in folk music, was vocally trained by opera star, Brenda Lewis, and is a visionary folk musician, producer, and broadcaster who has released some 15 recordings over his adventurous career.

Dave embodies independence, adventure, and entrepreneurship in both his lifestyle and music. He lives on a boat, completed the year-long Great Loop boating adventure in 2020, and draws inspiration from the sea and nature. With a charismatic stage presence, Dave was featured on a network TV show for his unique voice and humor. Coming from a family of musicians, he is a natural entertainer with a strong musical foundation.

Astor Street Agency is looking forward to booking Dave wherever his boat anchor drops. Dave is looking forward to playing Irish festivals and music venues that he has played in the past while also looking forward to playing new ones as well!

03/24/2024

Wolf Loescher just started!

03/13/2024

Exciting news: Colorado-based Wolf Loescher has signed with Astor Street Agency! Wolf's versatile music draws from his diverse homes and experiences in California, Arizona, Texas, Scotland, Minnesota, and now Colorado. With over 20 years of musical storytelling, Wolf is ready to share his songs and stories with new friends around the world. Wolf performs with his talented musician friends known as "The Growlers" and is available for house concerts, festivals, and venues in the US and beyond. Stay updated on Wolf's journey by following his social media.

02/25/2024

The Astor Street Agency was fortunate to spend the last few days at our first Folk Alliance International conference. We feel very lucky to have been among talented artists and music industry members during this time. We were able to attend several thought-provoking panels during the day and then experienced performances by a spectrum of talented folk musicians at night. This is an experience we won't forget anytime soon. Thanks to all the volunteers, sound engineers, and especially the planners of FAI! You have created a wonderful community, and we are grateful to have joined it.

02/21/2024

Check out this brilliant run of shows that will take us through the end of March! With 10 shows in 4 states and some shiny new tunes just for you, this is sure to be our best St. Patrick’s Day tour yet!

Feb 25 - Little Swan Lake Winery and Bed and Breakfast - Estherville, IA
Mar 2 - Dubliner Pub- Omaha, NE
Mar 8 - The Irish Center of Kansas City- Kansas City, MO
Mar 9 - 19th Annual Irish Banquet - AOH DBQ County Division #1 - Dyersville, IA
Mar 10 - Coggon Opera House - Coggon, IA
Mar 15 - Minneapolis, MN (venue to be announced!)
Mar 16 - Wayzata, MN (venue to be announced!)
Mar 17 - Corked 101 - Burlington, IA
Mar 17 - Dunagan's ShamRocks on the Mississippi- Keokuk, IA
Mar 24 - Mount Vernon First Street Community Center - Mount Vernon, IA

Thanks to the fine folks at Astor Street Agency for collaborating on a great run of shows! Can’t wait to see you at one of them VERY soon.

01/26/2024

Here's a list of upcoming shows where you can catch Derek Byrne and Paddygrass

Here's a list of shows booked so far. Join us for a pint and a song!