Windy City Irish Radio

It was 40 years ago this week that Elvis Presley passed away at Graceland. For a generation of fans, August 16, 1977 is their day that will live in infamy. This week on Windy City Irish Radio, Mike and Tim explore the Irish roots of The King of Rock n Roll with tales of 18th century County Carlow man, William Presley, Elvis' great-great-great-great grandfather, and his journey to America under unfortunate circumstances. Yes, as often is the case on this show, tonight is the night that the lads reveal that Elvis was indeed Irish. Tune in for some hip-shaking, boot-stomping tunes from Elvis himself and Elvis tributes from Richie Kavanagh, Liz Carroll and Richard Thompson plus music from The Tossers, in advance of their Halfway to St. Patrick's Dayevent on September 15th at the Irish American Heritage Center. Also listen for music from Horslips, The Pogues, The Gleasons, The Go Set, Damien Dempsey with Imelda May, The Jeremiahs, and Carlos Núñez. You can hear it all right here at www.windycityirishrad

As part of the famed Wrecking Crew, he played on recordings for The Monkees, Dean Martin, Merle Haggard and Elvis Presley. He was the guitar man on Frank Sinatra's Strangers in the Night and the The Irish Rovers Unicorn Song. He acted alongside John Wayne in his Oscar-winning role in True Grit. For a time, he was a freaking Beach Boy! As host of his own prime time television show, Glen Campbell worked with writers, Steve Martin and Rob Reiner, and with hits like Wichita Lineman, Gentle on my Mind and Galveston, Campbell was one of the biggest stars of the 1970s. Tonight on Windy City Irish Radio, Tim and Mike pay tribute the late great Rhinestone Cowboy with covers of his Jimmy Webb-penned classics from Dublin rockers Villagers and Little Green Cars, a John Hartfield tune made famous by Glen from Luka Bloom, and music from Glen himself covering U2. If that is not enough, tune in for a special preview of the Milwaukee Irish Fest with lots of music from the likes of Tyrone/Armagh band Cúig, We Banjo 3, The

It's a big night in the Windy City Irish Radio​ studio as the lads welcome The High Kings​ Brian Dunphy​ in to tell stories and play some tracks off of the band's latest album, Grace & Glory, prior to their show at the City Winery in Chicago​ this Thursday August 10th. Tim and Mike also debut the BRAND new single from Van Morrison with his special guest, Jeff Beck,​ set for a September 22nd release. Also, songs and music from FullSet​, Skerryvore​, Cúig​ and from Limerick's Hermitage Green​ in advance of their Wednesday August 23rd performance at the Irish Irish American Heritage Center​. Tune in to WSBC 1240 AM from 8PM - 9PM each and every Wednesday and listen to this week's podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com

The summer winds keep a blowin' in the Windy City Irish Radio studios as Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor spin some of their summery songs and tunes from Milwaukee's own Paddygrass, Portsmouth, New Hampshire's Òran Mór. Neil Byrne and Ryan Kelly of Byrne and Kelly fame, Armagh and Derry native Connla ahead of their upcoming show at the Irish American Center on July 29th, Limerick and Clare based, Hermitage Green, Scottsman, Kris Drever, Celtic Woman's Chloe Agnew, that Cape Breton girl, Natalie Mcmaster and former member of the Dubliners, Ronnie Drew. It's a festival in the studio. Join us each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm on WSBC 1240AM or check out the podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com

The Windy City Irish Radio​ studio supplies shelter from the storm for Mike and Tim this week and they drown out the thunder with the best in Irish music and a whole lot of it! Listen for tracks from Dublin folk rockers, I Draw Slow​, Donegal fiddle virtuoso Damien McGeehan​, Tuam's own, The Saw Doctors​, Dublin rockers Bagatelle​, NYC's finest, Black 47 and Kansas City favorites, The Elders​. Tune in for music from our very own Pauline Conneely​, Virginia singer-songwriter, Ben-David Warner​, John O'Shea Guitar​, Cleveland rockers, Marys Lane​, The Dubliners and Damien Rice​. Windy City Irish Radio airs every Wednesday evening, rain or shine, from 8PM - 9PM on WSBC 1240 AM and you can catch this week's crackling podcast here www.windycityirishradio.com.

The post-Irish American Heritage Festival buzz continues in the Windy City Irish Radio studios after the incredible success of The Irish American Heritage Center's 32nd year featuring music from Tupelo, Scythian, We Banjo 3, and Nolan Lazewski. Also featuring music from recent releases from Coast, The Nesbitt Family, Jim Sharkey, Sharon Shannon and much, much more. Don't miss Tim Taylor and Mike Shevlin each and every Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm on WSBC 1240AM CHICAGO or on our website at www. windycityirishradio.com.

Performing at the upcoming 32nd Annual Irish American Heritage Center's Irish Fest, The Boils bring their funkified Celtic music and mystical magic to the Windy City Irish Radio Studios. Songwriter, singer, guitarist Mike Callahan, percussionist, Mike Austin, and harmonica and tin whistle virtuoso, James Conway, join Mike and Tim for an hour of The Boils twist on Irish/Celtic classics. Tune in for a music, magical, humorous hour of Windy City Irish Radio. Check out the podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com

On July 4th, Uncle Sam celebrates his 241st birthday as a free nation and we have the contribution of the Irish to thank. The Irish were some of the first settlers in the 13 colonies and played an important role in The War of Independence. Join Mike and Tim for an Independence Day, Windy-City-Irish-Radio style featuring patriotic music from the Narrowbacks, Leaping Lulu, The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem, The Wolfe Tones' Derek Warfield, George M. Cohan, James Cagney & Ray Heindorf Orchestra, Girsa, We Banjo 3, Project West, The Makem and Spain Brothers, Bing Crosby and the Andrew Sisters and Anthony Kearns. It's a patriotic birthday bash you don't want to miss. You can listen to this week's podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com.

Deeply entrenched in the summer season, our eyes and ears turn to the Irish American Heritage Center's Irish American Heritage Festival running from July 7th through July 9th. Mike and Tim feature music from bands performing at this year's Irish Fest including We Banjo 3, Kennedy's Kitchen, Makem and Spain, Tupelo, James Cramer, Runa, Scythian, The Gleasons, BUa, The Great Whiskey Project, The Dooley's, Dylan Walshe, and a Windy City Irish Radio exclusive track from Michael McDermott and Heather Horton. It's a festival of music Windy City Irish Radio-style! Join Mike and Tim each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm on WSBC 1240AM or check out the podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com.

Every so often, the lads get their Bloomsday on and celebrate James Joyce’s 1920’s novel, Ulysses, with a salacious selection by Aedin Maloney and her father, Paddy Maloney. And if that’s not enough, Tim and Mike get all “Yeatsian” on their listeners featuring music by De Dannan, Cherish The Ladies with Aiofe Clancy and the Waterboys in celebration of William B. Yeats 152nd birthday. With Fathers Day rapidly approaching, Mike and Tim honor dear old dad’s across the nation with music from The Fureys, Johnny Cash and Fiona Apple, Micheal McDermott and the Makem and Spain Brothers. It’s a JAM PACKED poetic-literary-Father’s Day extravaganza. Join us each and every Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm on WSBC 1240 AM or catch our podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com.

This week on Windy City Irish Radio, the boys continue to celebrate the 2017 Class of Inductees to The Irish American Hall of Fame in part two of a two part series. The purpose of the Irish American Hall of Fame is to preserve the “story” of the Irish in America and their bountiful contributions to this country and to our society. The Induction Gala will be held this Saturday night in front of a sell out crowd at the Irish American Heritage Center. Tune in for tributes to this year's class including author and scholar Larry McCaffrey, astronaut twin brothers Captain Mark Kelly and Captain Scott Kelly, hotelier/philanthropist John Fitzpatrick, actor/comedian Bill Murray, and Chicago's very own Hometown Heroes Flood Brothers. With brand new music from Sharon Shannon and Finbar Furey, a track from Dublin Gospel Choir with Paddy Casey, Wild Colonial Bhoys, Andrew Bird, The Chieftains with both astronaut, Cady Coleman, with guitar legend, Chet Atkins, and an apt closing number from Clancy Brothers and To

In its seventh year, the Irish American Hall of Fame will honor eight new inductees to the Irish American Hall of Fame and the 2017 class doesn't disappoint. Tim and Mike pay homage to this year's inductees to the Irish American Hall of Fame in part one of a two-part series honoring Arts & Humanities icon, Martin Sheen, Religious Service inductee, Fr. Mychal Judge, sports legend, Maureen Connolly and decorated war hero and singing cowboy, Audie Murphy. Also featuring music from Chicago native, Emily Cavanaugh and County Offaly born, Mundy, ahead of this Friday's show at Schubas in Chicago as well as music from Moving Cloud, Daniel O'Donnell and Scythian. Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm on WSBC 1240AM or on our on our website at www.windycityirishradio.com.

For most Americans, the summer seasons kicks off with back yard barbecues, opening of the summer cottage, and busting out the ol' fishing tackle. But for Irish Americans, the summer kick-off starts with a 31-staple on Chicago's southwest side, The Gaelic Park Irish Fest. This summer classic runs from Friday, May 26th through Monday, May 29th. Join Mike and Tim as they feature music from Gaelic Park Irish bands such as Socks In the Frying Pan, Makem and Spain, JigJam, Joe McShane, Chicago Reel, and The Fenians plus music from upcoming concerts including Byrne and Kelly, Coast, Mundy, Emily Cavanagh, and a Memorial Day classic from the Elders. The season kick off is right here, on Wednesday nights on 1240AM or on our website at www.windycityirishradio.com.

Inasmuch as Tim and Mike aspire to be cultured, the boys and girls from the Riverside Center for Education are the true makers of culture and bring their instrumental and singing talent to the Windy City Irish Radio studios ahead of their upcoming play, The Hedgerow. Featuring original songs, an expression of the bardic order and the intertwining of the mystical Keltori, The Hedgerow takes us back to the 1700's when Ireland was still suffering from the effects of conquest by Oliver Cromwell nearly a century prior. The British, in an attempt to subdue Ireland, outlawed education of Irish Catholics and forbade the teaching of the Irish language, culture, song and dance. The Irish people took to hiding and carried out schooling in barns, abandoned buildings, and behind the hedges. Join Tim and Mike as they host members of the cast and band of the Hedgerow. Also featuring music from We Banjo 3, Josh Dukes and Dylan Foley, Christy Moore, Planxty, Socks In The Frying Pan, The High Kings, and Roger McGuin

Every autumn, the boys show their philanthropic side by making a donation at the Trivia Night Auction for the Irish American Hall of Fame of a guest-host spot on Windy City Irish Radio. With the 2017 IAHOF Class set to be inducted on June 10th, Mike and Tim welcome back two-time winner and Windy City Irish Radio Foraging Correspondent Karen deKanter back to the studio for news on some exciting new forest foraging activities and friend and fellow donor, Margie McCartney, for her tales of her many voyages to the Old Country. Of course there's music from that other McCartney, Paul, and The Young Dubliners, Van Morrison with Mark Knopfler, Gaelic Storm, The House of Hamill, The Moxie Strings and a closing tune from Ed Sheeran. Prepare thyself for the Blarney! Join Tim Taylor and Mike Shevlin every Wednesday evening on WSBC 1240AM Chicago from 8pm to 9pm or listen to the podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com

A misty winter brings a pleasant spring, a pleasant winter a misty spring. But it's always pleasant in the Windy City Irish Radio studios. Mike and Tim kick off the spring season with songs that that return the spring to your step. Tonight we feature music from Roisin O, Project West, James Cramer, More Power to Your Elbow, Bua, Cillian Vallely, Poitin, Kevin Flynn & The Avondale Ramblers, Byrne and Kelly, Searson and Sally Wizard. Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm on WSBC or check out their podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com.

Spring fever has set into the Windy City Irish Radio studio as the lads have a spring in their step and a song in their heart. Luckily for you, dear listeners, they keep it right there and instead spin new tracks from some great young Irish bands including Dublin’s The Young Folk, Limerick’s Hermitage Green and Wexford’s Corner Boy and some of their favorite tracks from The Fureys with Davey Arthur, Leo & Anto from The Saw Doctors, Offaly’s own Jigjam, St. Paul MN folksters Hounds of Finn and Seattle’s Colleen Raney. With some button box from John Redmond, some Manx music from Isle of Man trad band Barrulle, a classic tune from the High Kings and songs from local favorites The Dooley Brothers and the Larkin-Moran Brothers in advance of their weekend performance at the Mount Prospect Irish Fest, be prepared to to get those toes-a-tapping! Tune in to WSBC 1240 AM every Wednesday from 8PM – 9PM and check out this week’s podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com

With Lenten sacrifices behind them, Mike rejoins with this beloved broccoli sandwiches and Tim ends his dancing hiatus with lively hymns and songs of the season with music by Orla Falon. And Mike and Tim remember the anniversary of the Titanic with songs from Gaelic Storm and The Cheiftains & the Decemberists plus music by Afro Celt Sound System, heartthrob, Ed Sheeran, Solas, Christy Moore, Screaming Orphans, Paul Brady, Johnny Cash, Liz Carroll, Aine O'Doherty and The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. Check out the podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com or listen live each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm.

When it rains it pours but it's warm and dry in the Windy City Irish Radio studios as Mike and Tim spin some of their favorites while they add a bit of turf to the fire and make a pot of tea. In the spirit of the season, Mike and Tim play rainy day favorites such as Mundy, Ben-David Warner, rockin' soulstress, Imelda May, Mike Hanley, The Led Farmers, Maura O'Connell, Byne and Kelly, Kevin Flynn & The Avondale Ramblers, Dexy's Midnight Runners, Sinead O'Connor, Narrowbacks, Bill Treacy and The Black Family. So, dry off, put your feet up and give 'er a listen. Sunny days are ahead! You can listen at www.windycityirishradio.com