Windy City Irish Radio

This week on Windy City Irish Radio, Tim and Mike pay tribute to the great saint of Ireland, St. Brigid of Kildare in honor of her upcoming feast day. As the patron saint of babies, firemen, printing presses, brewers, chicken farmers and scholars, to name just a few, Brigid is second only to St. Patrick himself as the patron saint of Ireland. Tune in as the boys tell tales of Brigid and play music from Cleveland rockers, Marys Lane with Martin Furey, Irish Canadian folkers Rant Maggie Rant, Carlos Núñez, Tim O'Brien and Lúnasa, Christy Moore, Dónal Clancy, Mundy with Róisín O, Solas, Damien Rice and The Merry Ploughboys in advance of their upcoming concert at Chicago Gaelic Park. Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor this and every Wednesday evening on WSBC 1240AM Chicago from 8pm to 9pm or listen to the podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com

With names like Hinky Dink, Old Smoke and Bugs, there are many colorful characters populating the Irish underworld. This week, from the mean streets of New York City to the humble studios of Windy City Irish Radio​, Mike and Tim get all literary welcoming best-selling author T.J. English​ onto the show to discuss his new book, Where the Bodies Were Buried: Whitey Bulger​ and the World that Made Him. In advance of his book signing at the Irish American Heritage Center​ and his opening stint for The Westies​ at City Winery Chicago​ this Friday night, English regales the lads with stories of the Irish mob spanning over 150 years of crime and cronyism. And in keeping with the outlaws theme, Mike and Tim spin a few prison/outlaw favs by the Blaggards​, Runa​, Chris Thile​, Chris Eldridge​, Marcus Mumford​, Tommy Makem​, Black 47 and Johnny Cash​. Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor this and every Wednesday evening on WSBC 1240AM Chicago from 8pm to 9pm or listen to the podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com

Sadly, the stars do indeed look very different today. He was born to the world as David Jones to his Irish mother, Margaret Mary Burns, and English father, Haywood Jones. We knew him as Ziggy Stardust, The Thin White Duke and of course, David Bowie. This week on Windy City Irish Radio, tune in for an Irish tribute to the late rocker with songs from Glen Hansard and Bowie himself along with music from Prince Edward Island trio Ten Strings And A Goat Skin , St. Paul, MN band The Hounds of Finn, a classic from Silly Wizard and The Wailing Jennys. The boys also welcome radio sister and musician, Kathleen Keane along with Dennis Cahilll into the studio to play a couple of tunes and discuss the rousing success of the Thursday night sessions at @The Irish American Heritage Center Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor every Wednesday evening on WSBC 1240AM Chicago from 8pm to 9pm or listen to the podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com

As they turn the page on the year that was, the lads begin 2016 by taking a look back to some of their favorites tunes from some of their favorite artists with new releases in 2015. Featuring a couple of tracks Live in Galway from We Banjo 3 and Sharon Shannon with Alan Connor and including songs and tunes from recent releases from Socks in the Frying Pan, The Led Farmers, Scythian, Open The Door For Three, Gaelic Storm, and Derry teen sensation SOAK. Also listen for selections off of brand new albums from local favorites Katie Grennan and Aislinn Gagliardi. Happy New Year from Windy City Irish Radio! Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor every Wednesday evening on WSBC 1240AM Chicago from 8pm to 9pm or listen to the podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com.

What are you doing New Year's Eve...Eve? Tune in to Windy City Irish Radio and send off 2015 in style. This week the boys welcome the lovely Kathleen Keane - Irish Musician & Musical Director of the Fifth Province into the studio to ring in the New Year and talk about the exciting new Thursday Night Irish Sessions at the Irish American Heritage Center. With songs from her recent album, Where the Wind Meets the Water. and a tune or two from her own fiddle and flute, Kathleen brings some much needed grace to the program! Add champagne on ice and music from Mairi Campbell, County Down man, Harry Connick, Jr., Dónal Lunny, Zoe Conway, Máirtín O'Connor, Kennedy's Kitchen and Kyf Brewer from Barleyjuice and a Happy New Year is sure to be had! Join Mike and Tim this New Years and every Wednesday evening on WSBC 1240AM Chicago from 8pm to 9pm or listen to the podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com

Windy City Irish Radio would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Join us as we Deck the Halls and Roast the Chestnuts and celebrate the holidays as only we know how. There are so many presents under the tree for you including an exclusive holiday tune from Makem & Spain and music sure to make you merry from The Elders, Kiltartan Road with Kathy Cowan and Andrew Bird, The High Kings and brand new Cherish the Ladies. And there's more from Irish Comedian Frank Kelly, current Irish chart leader and Tupelo lead man James Cramer with Eleanor McEvoy, The Irish Rovers, The Saw Doctors, Ashley MacIsaac, The Coronas, The Mullarkeys, and the Wild Colonial Bhoys. Plus a holiday classic from the Pogues with Kirsty MacColl, and tunes from Gemma Hayes with Richard Egan, Rhiannon Giddens with Caitriona O'Leary and an old Christmas favorite from our friend, Michael McDermott. Join Mike and Tim this Christmas and every Wednesday evening on WSBC 1240AM Chicago from 8pm to 9pm or listen to the podcast at w

The Christmas Spirit is alive and well on Windy City Irish Radio as Tim and Mike welcome Chicago Irish troubadour, Joe McShane, in to the studio to play songs of the season in advance of his performance as part of the St. Stephen's Day/Wren Day celebration at the Irish American Heritage Center on the 26th of December. Hear stories and songs from Joe and holiday music from The Saw Doctors, the great Tommy Makem, Cherish the Ladies from their brand new album Christmas in Ireland, Milwaukee's own The Gleasons and, of course, Donegal country music legend, Margo O'Donnell. As an added treat, in light of the worldwide premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the lads offer up this little question, May the Force Be.......Irish? Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor each Wednesday night in December as they spread their particular brand of Irish holiday cheer on WSBC 1240AM Chicago from 8pm to 9pm or listen to the podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com

The sleigh bells ring a-ding-ding this week in the Windy City Irish Radio studios as the boys tell the story of Old St. Nick and pay tribute to Ol' Blues Eyes, Frank Sinatra, on his 100th birthday. Join Mike and Tim as they go a-wassailing and play holiday music from The Henry Girls, We Banjo 3, Declan O'Rourke, Luan Parle, WALLIS BIRD Official Page, Eileen Ivers, The Gothard Sisters, Allison Kraus with Yo-Yo Ma and Natalie MacMaster and Father Ray Kelly. There's also a tribute to one of our greatest songwriters, John Lennon, on the 35th anniversary of his tragic death with music from U2 and Larry Kirwan. Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor each Wednesday night in December as they spread their particular brand of Irish holiday cheer on WSBC 1240AM Chicago from 8pm to 9pm or listen to the podcast here at windycityirishradio.com.

It's the start of a holly, jolly Christmas season as Makem & Spain join the boys in the Windy City Irish Radio studio! Tune in as Rory, Liam, and Mickey tell tales of Christmas past and sing songs of the season in advance of their holiday concert at the Irish American Heritage Center this Friday night. Mike and Tim also spin a variety of tracks from the brand new Makem & Spain album, Four Pounds a Day, set to be released in January (copies will be available at the show this weekend.) Tune in as Christmas comes early and enjoy the season all month long each Wednesday night on WSBC 1240AM Chicago from 8pm to 9pm and listen to this week's podcast here at www.windycityirishradio.com

This week on Windy City Irish Radio. Mike and Tim reflect on all they have to be thankful and prepare a feast of musical interludes sure to spread the holiday cheer. With a Thanksgiving repast including Irish raconteur Dustin the Turkey, Ronnie Drew, The Saw Doctors, Glasgow's SKERRYVORE OFFICIAL with Sharon Shannon, Hothouse Flowers, John McEuen, Maeve McGivern and David Brophy, Four Celtic Voices with Celeste Ray, The Irish Rovers, the late great Johnny Cash, Makem & Spain, and Theresa Horgan. And you can't forget The Cranberries on Thanksgiving!! Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor each Wednesday night on WSBC 1240AM Chicago from 8pm to 9pm or listen to the podcast here at www.windycityirishradio.com

French author, Victor Hugo, wrote “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.” Tonight on Windy City Irish Radio, Tim and Mike take a break from the craziness of the world around them and let the music do the talking. Tune in for music from Bono and the boys, Kevin Burke Fan Page, Christian Lemaître, and Andre Brunet, Rig the Jig, Luka Bloom, The Frames (Official), The Led Farmers, Derry's new sensation SOAK, Hozier, Finbar Furey, Natalie MacMaster, the late great Luke Kelly on his birthday and a finishing touch from Michael McDermott and Heather Horton. Don't forget to join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor each Wednesday night on WSBC 1240AM Chicago and WCFJ 1470AM Chicago Heights from 8pm to 9pm. Listen to the podcast here www.windycityirishradio.com

In his Veteran's Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery in 1961, President John Kennedy said, "In a world tormented by tension and the possibilities of conflict, we meet in a quiet commemoration of an historic day of peace. In an age that threatens the survival of freedom, we join together to honor those who made our freedom possible." Tonight on Windy City Irish Radio, we salute our veterans near and far with music from The Fureys, Steve Earle and the Pogues, Open The Door For Three, Carbon Leaf, Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones, James Cagney, Mark Knopfler, Emish, Bruce Springsteen, and The Scottish Bagpipe Players. Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor each Wednesday night on WSBC 1240AM Chicago and WCFJ 1470AM Chicago Heights from 8pm to 9pm or listen to our podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com

Tonight on Windy City Irish Radio, the boys pay tribute to Hollywood legend and Irish heroine, Maureen O'Hara, and take the rocky road through Dublin with music from natives I Draw Slow, FullSet, James Cramer of Tupelo and Glen Hansard. Tune in as Mike and Tim update you on the latest dietary improvement to the pint of Guinness and find out how to get free tickets to a preview screening of Brooklyn Movie.They also spin tracks from the father-son birthday combo of Tommy Makem and Rory Makem of Makem & Spain,Chicago's own Paddy Homan, Gemma Hayes, Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros, and a special track off of the new CD from the Irish Heritage Singers before their annual concert this weekend at the Irish American Heritage Center. This show is truly jam packed with good tunes for all to enjoy! Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor each Wednesday night on WSBC 1240AM Chicago and WCFJ 1470AM Chicago Heights from 8pm to 9pm or listen to our podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com

We ain't afraid of no ghosts! It's a spooky Samhain Eve in the Windy City Irish Radio studios as Tim and Mike have a devilishly ghoulish time with the traditions of this ancient Celtic holiday season. Samhain is known to be the night when the barrier between worlds is whisper-thin and the spirits mingle among the living and all sorts of mayhem ensues. Join the boys as they tell tales of ghosts, banshees, and the Undead with fiendishly fine music from Dallahan, Shane Mcgowan, Marc Gunn, Rosemary Clooney (Official), Sinéad O'Connor, Lonnie Donegan, Van Morrison (Official), Credence Clearwater Revival, The Cranberries, Moya Brennan with Cormac de Barra, Bing Crosby, Tommy Makem, Dusty Springfield, Megan Mullally and the Man dressed so appropriately in Black, Johnny Cash. It's a special 90 minute holiday extended podcast sure to summon the spirits and get them dancing on their graves! Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor each Wednesday night on WSBC 1240AM Chicago and WCFJ 1470AM Chicago Heights f

Hailing from County Clare, Sharon Shannon has performed with a veritable who's who of rock, folk and Irish music heroes over the years. From her start in legendary trad band Arcady to her stint as one of The Waterboys to her collaborations with the likes of Jackson Browne, Sinead O'Connor, Dónal Lunny, Steve Earle, Elvis Costello and so many more, she has delighted us with nearly three decades of eclectic genre-bending music and songs culminating with her award at IBAMChicago 2015. Tune in tonight as she adds Mike and Tim to her esteemed list of collaborators! Sharon stops in the Windy City Irish Radio studios and charms the lads with stories and songs from her long and illustrious career including recent partnerships with The Waterboys, We Banjo 3 and John Prine and tracks off her brand new album and DVD set, In Galway with Alan Connor. Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor each Wednesday night on WSBC 1240AM Chicago and WCFJ 1470AM Chicago Heights from 8pm to 9pm or listen to our podcast at www.windyci

Tonight's show, Mike and Tim lobby for a new holiday recognizing St. Brendan as the true discover of American with a musical tribute by The Elders​. Also, ahead of her next week's appearance in the Windy City Irish Radio studios, Mike and Tim play a track from Sharon Shannon​'s newest album Live From Galway. Windy City Irish Radio​ welcome's some special guests for a special cause, the MS "Craic" Down​, a night of music, dance & comedy. Promoter, Stacy McReynolds Photography​, stops by the Windy City Irish Studios to promote the fundraiser to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society​ Illinois chapter. Stacy brought in musical guest Kevin Flynn formerly know as Kevin Flynn and the Avondale Ramblers, for a live performance, and photo realist artist Barry Jazz Finnegan​, both who will performing on Friday, October 16, 2015 at the Irish American Heritage Center​ along with Pin Drop Theatre​. All this and music, Gaelic Storm, Paul Brady​ and from David Power,

Tonight on Windy City Irish Radio​, Chicago Irish harpist Aislinn Gagliardi brings a much needed touch of class to the studio with classic tunes and music from her upcoming release The Thin Place. Mike, Tim and Aislinn talk about the new album and her big record release party at Chief O’Neill’s​ on October 28th. Continuing the barrage of high culture, the Queen of Knox Avenue, seanache Kathy O'Neill, regales the lads with a whimsical story of her childhood days in the Garden State. Finally, showing that we CAN have our cake and eat it too, Sean Cleland from the Irish Music School of Chicago​ joins us for tunes and updates on all that is happening at IBAMChicago 2015​ this weekend -- and featuring music from Sharon Shannon and the High Kings. All in one hours time! IBAM, do you? Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor each Wednesday night on WSBC 1240AM Chicago and WCFJ 1470AM Chicago Heights from 8pm to 9pm or listen to our podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com.

As September fades and the first leaves fall, Tim and Mike bring on the night with songs and stories to warm up the autumn air. And there's a toast to the hopeful plea to win just once that comes with Chicago baseball in October.. With music from The Fureys, The Mickey Finns, The Saw Doctors, Limerick's Goitse, Wisconsin's own, The Tooles, Mick Jagger with The Chieftains, Damien Dempsey, Scythian and The Tartan Terrors. The boys also preview the Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas concert at Old Town School of Folk Music and the The High Kings big show at IBAMChicago 2015. Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor each Wednesday night on WSBC 1240AM Chicago and WCFJ 1470AM Chicago Heights from 8pm to 9pm or listen to our podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com.

Tonight Mike and Tim are thrilled to welcome into the studio, on their first U.S. Tour and in their first stateside radio interview, Ireland's The Led Farmers! With classical training, All-Ireland winning talent and a unique sound all of their own, the lads tear up the Windy City Irish Studios with infectious musical stylings sure to get your toes tapping. From traditional Irish to contemporary songcraft to what might best be described as Prog Folk, The Led Farmers bring the party to Windy City Irish Radio and tonight we bring that party to you! Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor each Wednesday night on WSBC 1240AM Chicago and WCFJ 1470AM Chicago Heights from 8pm to 9pm or listen to our podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com.

Irish folk music legend, Liam Clancy, would have turned 80 years old this month. On tonight's show, Mike and Tim pay tribute to the man Bob Dylan called "The best ballad singer I've ever heard in my life." We also chat with former Chicagoan and Trinity Academy of Irish Dance instructor, dancer and fiddle player, Katie Grennan, and play tracks from her new release Between Worlds. Also featuring music from Mary Black, Imelda May, Eileen Ivers and an iBAM preview with Sharon Shannon and The High Kings. Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor each Wednesday night on WSBC 1240AM Chicago and WCFJ 1470AM Chicago Heights from 8pm to 9pm or listen to our podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com