The Jump

Since forming in 1998, The Elders have set the American music scene on its ear, thanks to a skillful mix of amped-up roots rock, augmented with powerful vocals, blazing instrumentals and top-notch song writing  


The line up consists of a group of wicked-fine Kansas City musicians with a passion for Celtic music, and a charismatic Irishman with a love of all things American. This combination makes for cross-pollination that is high octane and progressive, yet rooted in tradition.


These six gentlemen collectively create original music that transcends & endures - music that is unaffected by fads, trends and the giant maw of mind-numbing commercialism. The songs are mystical, comical, political and cultural while covering a wide variety of topics such as poverty, civil war, family bonds, spirituality, love and friendship. They speak of generations of immigrants, and address their heritage through songs and stories of history, characters, places and events - some distant, some recent, some real and some imagined.


The Elders continuously attract capacity crowds throughout the US and abroad. Their fan base is ever-expanding, consisting of people of all ages, from all walks of life, many who follow the band from gig to gig, sometimes driving for hundreds of miles to see their energetic performances. One needs only to visit the Fan Mail page to see the extraordinary effect their music has on people


The Elders are fronted by Ian Byrne from County Wicklow, and backed by guitarist Steve Phillips (The Rainmakers), bassist Norm Dahlor (Tommy Shaw Band), violinist Brent Hoad, drummer Tommy Sutherland, and keyboardist Joe Miquelon (Asleep at the Wheel.) All are well-known veteran musicians having played in numerous recording and touring bands before forming The Elders.

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

"Named the Elders for good reason. Decades of combined experience have taught the band smart stagecraft, superb showmanship and taut professionalism. Many superstar acts would envy the level of audience participation the Elders achieve."
Tim Finn, Kansas City Star

"The Elders are simply the best contemporary Irish band in America! Beyond that, they are simply just a GREAT band!! See them live and you’ll understand why they have such a following everywhere they’ve played."
Doug Clifton, Program Director: KCUV radio in Denver

"The Elders music is far from common. the lyrical and musical excellence of their songs will stick in your mind long after the final track has played." GOLDMINE Magazine

"The key to the band's success is their ability to write original songs that sound as timeless and authentic as the ancient jigs and reels that have inspired them."
PASTE Magazine

"These guys really do play a style of music fused in a fashion no others have captured quite so well. The Elders are marrow deep in their unique art, and it's not only pleasing as hell, but infectious."
Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange

"Racing the Tide is a thrilling, pulsing, propulsive title tune to a fantastic Celtic-pop collection. These six Kansas City guys are a real find ... a band to shout from the rooftops about."
MUSIC ROW Magazine

"The Elders possess a wondrous and authentic Irish sound."
DISCOVERIES/ Krause Publication

"A solid 11.5 on the 'rollicking' end of a scale from 1 to 10."
The Humm / Almonte, ONTARIO