Windy City Irish Radio

Tonight on Windy City Irish Radio the lads tell you why you can thank the Irish for your nice long Labor Day holiday weekend! Twas a Maguire as in Peter or a Maguire as in Matthew, depending on who you ask, who started the movement for the Labor Day celebration and the Irish have made a huge contribution to the Labor Movement in this country with names such as Mary Harris "Mother" Jones and Mike Quill playing a part. Tune in for tributes to the working man from Luke Kelly Music and Shane MacGowan and a live in-studio performance from local Irish folk music troubador Bill O'Donoghue in advance of his appearance as part of the famed Salon Concerts Chicago at the Irish American Heritage Center with Larry Nugent. Also featuring music from Dublin folkers The Led Farmers, Luka Bloom, and Anish plus a brand new single from Andy Cooney and His Band. 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 ww

Irish treasure Van Morrison celebrated his 70th birthday on Cypress Avenue in Belfast this week and tonight on Windy City Irish Radio, the lads celebrate along with the Belfast Cowboy as they pay him tribute. Featuring Celtic Soul from Van the Man, himself, collaborating with The Chieftains, Mary Black, Maura O'Connell, Moya Brennan, the late great Ray Charles and Robbie Robertson with The Band and covering early hits with 60s rock band Them to classic croons over the decades, the Belfast Cowboy influenced scores of musicians and songwriters. You'll also hear tributes from Dexys Midnight Runners, Glen Hansard, Maria McKee, Michael Bublé and John Mellencamp. Happy Birthday Van! 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'RE TWO! Time sure does fly when you're having fun and this week on Windy City Irish Radio Tim and Mike reminisce about all the fun they've had over their two years on the air on the anniversary of their very first show. Yes, we've hit the (hopefully not so) Terrible Twos and tonight we celebrate with a special 90 MINUTE BIRTHDAY BROADCAST. Tune in as the boys remember in-studio highlights from Chicago poet, songwriter, and chanteuse Jamie O'Reilly, troubadour Kevin Flynn & The Avondale Ramblers, Sones de Mexico Ensemble with Sean Cleland Music, singer/songwriter extraordinaire Michael McDermott, Windy City Irish Tenor Mark Piekarz, Sligo Trad favorites Téada, fiddle masters Liz Carroll and Maurice Lennon, the Bard of Windy City Irish Radio, Rory Makem, Academy of Irish Music, Steve Davern from 'Cash for Kids' Chicago's Johnny Cash Festival and Pin Drop Theatre, and Kati Maloney, Katriona Byrne and Brendan Byrne from the The Chancey Brothers. Join Mike Shevlin and

This week on Windy City Irish Radio, Tim and Mike are taking care of business with an Irish tribute to the the King of Rock and Roll, ELVIS PRESLEY. Join the boys for stories, tunes, and songs from Maura O'Connell, Open The Door For Three, The Waterboys, Liz Carroll, Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones, Barleyjuice, The Gothard Sisters, Thin Lizzy, The Makem and Spain Brothers, Sinead O'Connor, the King himself, Elvis Presley, and a very special Windy City Irish Radio exclusive from Michael McDermott and Heather Horton. Tune in to hear 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.

This week on Windy City Irish Radio​, the lads visit with new Irish American Heritage Center​ President, Gene Cooney, and get an update of new initiatives and big events coming soon at the IAHC! Tune in for toe-tapping favorites from Tommy Makem​, The Fureys​ with Davey Arthur​, The Chieftains​ with The Rolling Stones​, Dropkick Murphys​, Altan​, and Roger McGuinn​ plus a preview of this weekend's 35th Annual Milwaukee Irish Fest​ with Screaming Orphans​, The Kilkennys​, The High Kings​ and Socks in the Frying Pan​. 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, we welcome Cliff Carlson from the Irish American News into the studio as the talk turns to IBAMChicago 2015. Featuring the 100th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising, iBAM presents a comprehensive weekend of Celtic culture in all its flavors starting with a Gala Awards Dinner on Friday, October 9th and a two-day program Saturday October 10th and Sunday October 11th culminating with concerts from the great Sharon Shannon on Saturday and The High Kings on Sunday at the Irish American Heritage Center. Tune in for music from them and a brand new song from Glen Hansard plus songs and tunes from Galway's Morga and We Banjo 3, Eileen Ivers with Tim Shelton, Steve Earle, Scythian, FullSet, Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy. 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.

He's played on the silver screen with Richard Harris​, with the Rat Pack​, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson​, and now the humble studios of Windy City Irish Radio. Spanning a career of more than 30 years, he's a composer, a poet, a shutterbug, a mentor, an iBAM award winner, and an All-Ireland champion fiddler -- but most of all, he a kind gentleman and tonight, we are honored to have the great Maurice Lennon​ in the studio performing live along with stories and an all-exclusive poetry reading from his upcoming book of poems and photography. Also featuring music by Scythian​, Morga, Natalie Mcmaster​, Liz Carroll​, Liz Knowles Music​, We Banjo 3​, and Stockton's Wing​. 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.

Warm sunny days, backyard BBQ's, the beach and festival season indicate summer is in full swing. Join Mike and Tim for an evening of summertime Irish music from JigJam​, Patrick Street, Bagatelle​, Slide​, Maura O'Connell​, Great Big Sea​, Lisa Hannigan​, The Elders​, The Chieftans​ with Ricky Skaggs​, The ShamRogues​, Horslips​, Goitse​ and The Wailin' Jennys​. Also a special tribute to St. James and another famous Irish saint, Arthur Guinness​, founder and 9,000 year leaseholder of the Guiness Brewery- Dublin, Ireland​ located on St. James Gate in Dublin, Ireland with music from The Larkin and Moran Brothers​. Join Mike and Tim each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm on WSBC 1240AM Chicago and WCFJ 1470AM Chicago Heights or listen to the podcast on our website at www.windycityirishradio.com.

30 years ago, Irish-native, Bob Geldof, and Scottman, Midge Ure, transfixed the world with the dual-venue concert, Live Aid, held on July 13, 1985 to raise funds for relief of the ongoing Ethiopian famine. Billed as the "global jukebox", the event was held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London, England and John F. Kenney Stadium in Philidelphia. It was one of the largest-scale satellite link-ups and television broadcasts of all time with an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion, across 150 nations. Tonight, Mike and Tim remember Live-Aid featuring music by Luka Bloom, Bob Geldof, The Police, and Elvis Costello as well as music from Mundy, Natalie Mcmaster, Bryan Ferry, Tupelo, Rig the Jig, We Banjo 3, and Horslips with a special tribute to birthday boy, Michael Flatley featuring music from Davy Spillane and Eileen Ivers. Join Mike and Tim each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm on WSBC 1240AM or WCFJ 1470AM or listen to their podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com.

Acclaimed author Stephen King​ has called Michael McDermott​ "one of the best songwriters in the world." Washington Post​ has said that he is "one of his generation's greatest talents." Windy City Irish Radio​ think he's a swell guy and are really happy to have him in the studio playing songs for us....and you! Tune in as Michael chats with the boys, debuts a brand new song and previews his band, The Westies​, appearance at Irish Fest at Irish American Heritage Center​ this Friday night! The show promises rollicking music from festival bands including The Westies, Kennedy's Kitchen​, RUNA, Makem-Spain Brothers​ and from The Chieftains​ with John Hiatt​ and Ed Sheeran​. Join Tim Taylor and Mike Shevlin each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm CST on WSBC 1240AM Chicago, WCFJ 1470AM or listen on our website at www.windycityirishradio.com

This week on Windy City Irish Radio, Yankee Doodle Dandies, Tim Taylor and Mike Shevlin, explore the Irish influence on the Declaration of Independence and the founding of these United States of America in 1776. There were eight signers of Irish descent, with names such as Carroll, McKean, Rutledge, Lynch, Thornton and yes, Taylor. The boys celebrate our nation's birth with music and songs from none other than the great Jimmy Cagney, Scythian, folk music legend Pete Seeger with The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, The Tossers, U2 and pipes n fiddle (piob agus fidil) and mark the long strange trip it's been for the Grateful Dead on the occasion of their farewell shows at Soldier Field with songs of tribute from Celtic Dead band, Wake The Dead, Socks in the Frying Pan, We Banjo 3 and the man himself, Jerry Garcia with David Grisman. Join Tim Taylor and Mike Shevlin each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm CST on WSBC 1240AM Chicago, WCFJ 1470AM or listen to the podcast on www.windycityirishradio.com

Windy City Irish Radio​ kicks off the official start of summer with a sizzling lineup of music from Paul Brady with Rodney Crowell​, Sligo's own Kieran Lunday, internet sensation Father Ray Kelly​, Flogging Molly, Dallahan​, Anthony Thistlethwaite​ with Sharon Shannon​ and Dónal Lunny​, Richie Brandt, and Hair of the Dog. And Tim and Mike again preview the upcoming Irish Fest at Irish American Heritage Center​ with Michael McDermott​ of The Westies​, Scythian​, Makem-Spain Brothers​, Kennedy's Kitchen​ and Gaelic Storm​. Join Tim Taylor and Mike Shevlin each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm CST on WSBC 1240AM Chicago, WCFJ 1470AM or listen to the podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com

Lord Stanley, who's father butted heads with famed Irish orator, Daniel O'Connell, in the British Parliament, was not at all Irish but Windy City Irish Radio salutes the Chicago Blackhawks for winning his cup. And on this week's show we celebrate with music from Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Screaming Orphans, The Corrs - Official page, Pogues, Steve Earle, Southsider Richie Brandt, and The New Blackthorn Stick-Andy Lamy Irish Traditional Clarinet. We also again preview Irish Fest at Irish American Heritage Center with songs from RUNA, Scythian, and Gaelic Storm. Join Tim Taylor and Mike Shevlin each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm CST on WSBC 1240AM Chicago, WCFJ 1470AM or listen to the podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com.

The Quest to the Fest begins tonight as the boys welcome Noel Rice of Chicago trad favorites, Baal Tinne, and the Academy of Irish Music in studio to preview their appearance this Friday, June 11th, as part of Salon Concerts Chicago and next month at Irish Fest at the Irish American Heritage Center. Mike and Tim also have a chat with William J. Kelley of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (Div.1) to promote the AOH's upcoming "Salute the Troops" fundraiser on July 2nd at the IAHC. Also featuring music from Gaelic Storm, We Banjo 3, Scythian, The Waterboys, The Tossers and a reading of William Butler Yeats by Tommy Clancy from The Clancy Brothers in celebration of the sesquicentennial of his birth. Join Tim Taylor and Mike Shevlin each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm CST on WSBC 1240AM Chicago, WCFJ 1470AM or listen on our website at www.windycityirishradio.com.

Damn right, we've got the blues! Tune in to Windy City Irish Radio as the lads get their mojo working with an evening of crackling blues from the Emerald Isle. Travel from the delta to the bog and back again with music from the late, great, Rory Gallagher, the Belfast Cowboy himself, Van Morrison (Official) with Lonnie Donegan and Dr. John, Eileen Ivers, Gary Moore, Maura O'Connell, The Chieftains with Buddy & Julie Miller, Henry McCullough, Elvis Costello, The Commitments, Rockabilly Queen Imelda May with the rock n roll Hall of Famer Jeff Beck, and a final tribute to BB King. Join Tim Taylor and Mike Shevlin each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm CST on WSBC 1240AM Chicago, WCFJ 1470AM or listen on our website at www.windycityirishradio.com.

Rolling Stone has called him the the uncontested poet laureate of the rock and roll era and the pre-eminent singer/songwriter of modern times. Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem called him their friend. Born May 24, 1941 in Duluth, MN, Bob Dylan looked to the Clancys and Makem for advice and to the rebel songs of Ireland for inspiration. Tonight on Windy City Irish Radio, we celebrate the birth, the career and the legacy of one Robert Allen Zimmerman aka Bob Dylan. Tune in to our EXTENDED podcast for an Irish tribute to Bob Dylan with interpretations of Dylan songs from Altan, Black 47, Danu, Flogging Molly, Luka Bloom, Glen Hansard with Markéta Irglová, The Chancey Brothers, Nanci Griffith, Christy Moore, Elvis Costello, Mary Black with Joan Baez, Finbar Furey, The Man in Black Johnny Cash and the man himself, Bob Dylan. Join Tim Taylor and Mike Shevlin each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm CST on WSBC 1240AM Chicago, WCFJ 1470AM or listen on our website at www.windycityirishradio.com.

'Twas Irishman General John A. Logan (he of Logan Square in Chicago) that led the cause for the creation of the national holiday that we call Memorial Day, a day that we remember those that have died in service of our country. With roots in County Monaghan, Logan fought in the Mexican-American War, at the Battle of Bull Run in the Civil War, and in the rotundas of the Illinois and United States Senate. Memorial Day also rings in the official start of summer, and with it, the Irish Fest at Chicago Gaelic Park​. Tune in to Windy City Irish Radio​ as the boys celebrate the sounds of Gaelic Park weekend with music from The High Kings​, Makem-Spain Brothers​, Young Dubliners​, The Larkin and Moran Brothers​, The Fenians​, and Canadian Celtic rockers Mudmen​. Also tap your feet to songs and tunes from Cathie Ryan​, Liz Knowles Music​, Gaelic Storm​, Van Morrison (Official)​, Liz Carroll​, and The Elders. Join Tim Taylor and Mike Shevlin each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm CST on WSBC 1240AM Chicago, WCFJ 147

Artemisia Theatre's long anticipated play, Belfast Girls, is finally here. Award winning playwright, Jaki McCarrick, stops in the Windy City Irish Radio studios to chat about the U.S. debut at the The Den Theatre in Wicker Park this Saturday, May 16th. Also, ahead of Chicago Gaelic Park's 29th Annual Irish Fest from May 22nd to May 25th, Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor plays songs from featured artists at this year's fest. Tune in each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm CST on WSBC 1240AM Chicago or WCFJ 1470AM Chicago Heights or listen on our website at www.windycityirishradio.com.

Artemisia Theatre's long anticipated play, Belfast Girls, is finally here. Award winning playwright, Jaki McCarrick, stops in the Windy City Irish Radio studios to chat about the U.S. debut at the The Den Theatre in Wicker Park this Saturday, May 16th. Also, ahead of Chicago Gaelic Park's 29th Annual Irish Fest from May 22nd to May 25th, Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor plays songs from featured artists at this year's fest. Tune in each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm CST on WSBC 1240AM Chicago or WCFJ 1470AM Chicago Heights or listen on our website at www.windycityirishradio.com.

April showers bring May flowers and May flowers bring festival season to the Windy City. This week on Windy City Irish Radio, Tim and Mike preview the upcoming Gaelic Park Irish Fest scene with music from The High Kings and the Young Dubliners, celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Sones de Mexico Ensemble and Sean Cleland's Academy of Irish Music, and send birthday greetings to a New York busker named Bono, the great Christy Moore, the Red-Headed Stranger himself, Willie Nelson, and folk music icon, Pete Seeger. It's a show so full of action it makes Avengers: Age of Ultron look like My Dinner with Andre! Join Mike Shevlin and Tim Taylor each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm on WSBC 1240 AM and WCFJ 1470 AM or you can listen to the podcast at www.windycityirishradio.com.