STATE FAIR of TEXAS - 2005
The Killdares
State Fair of Texas ‘05
September 30 – October 23, 2005
168 Shows to Glory
What do you think of when someone mentions the State Fair of Texas? If
you’re like most people, the State Fair conjures up images of midway
rides, new cars, corny dogs and funnel cakes. But for an increasing
army of loyal fans, the fair means another thing all together: Celtic
rock and roll! This year the Killdares played the fair for a record
seventh straight year. That’s twenty-four straight days with seven
rockin’ shows a day. A grand total (and you can check the math) of 168
concerts! Only Big Tex and perhaps those annoying kitchen blender shows
can beat that. Through scorching heat in September, all the way to an
Artic blast on closing day, the Killdares have found an annual place to
stand and pump out their unique power Celtic sound.
Even though the band line-up has changed through the years, the same
Killdares’ sound is what keeps the people coming back for more. The
band was fantastic in the past, but it just seems to be getting better
with age. The new line-up of musicians is probably the strongest ever
for the Killdares. The heart and soul of the group is of course,
founding member, Tim Smith. Tim provides a major part of the signature
Killdares’ sound with his forceful, and often raw lead vocals, as well
as his steady beat behind the drum kit. Rounding out the percussive duo
is Jim Dawson pounding out some wicked licks on his faithful bass. You
think you’ve seen some great guitar players? Well, Brek Lancaster’s
style and expertise ranks him among the best. Playing rhythm, leads,
and using effects that lift the music to a new level, Lancaster
completes the rock and roll core of the band. Maybe the Killdares could
be a hot, power trio, but it doesn’t end there. What really makes the
band unique is the last two musicians. What would a Celtic band be
without a bagpiper? Well, it wouldn’t be a Celtic band worthy of its
corned beef and cabbage. Award-winning piper, Matt Willis, fits the
bill as he adds a mystical touch with his own style on the highland
bagpipes. The final ingredient may be the best of ‘em all. Drop in a
world-class fiddler that has more national titles than she can probably
remember, and you have Roberta Rast. You don’t have to listen very long
before you realize that this woman can flat-out play the fiddle. With a
wry grin and a twinkle in her eye, Roberta launches into some of the
best fiddling this side of the Grand Old Opry (where she has actually
performed). She has a style that first hooks you and then reaches right
to your core. She’s really that good. Put all the parts together and
you have a musical experience that is a must see for any fan of rock
music.
At first thought, you might wonder if all these diverse instruments
could fit together into a tight, rock sound. It not only works well,
it’s perhaps even hypnotic. Just watch what happens to passersby at the
fair when they chance upon the band. Normal, ordinary people begin
skipping, laughing, perhaps dancing a jig and more often than not, are
drawn magnetically towards the stage. Another fan has been won!
So, even though it’s more than 300 days until the opening of the 2006
State Fair of Texas, do yourself a favor and plan to include the
Killdares in your future. And don’t miss the final show on the closing
day of the fair; that’s when the band pulls out all the stops and it’s
unbelievable. Next year, when Big Tex bellows, “Howdy Folks,” you can
bet the Killdares will be warming up for another 168 free shows. Who
knows, maybe even Big Tex will be wearing a kilt next year.
If you can’t wait until September 2006 to catch The Killdares, click on
their website at www.killdares.com and check out their concert
calendar.
Kirk deCordova
dallasmusic.com
dallasmusickirk@hotmail.com