Playing Irish music with a "dare you to sit still" fervor for 20 years now, The Drowsy Lads' connection actually goes back much farther. The lineup includes two brothers, a father and son, and a web of lifelong friendships, and you can hear those bonds in every sizzling reel and joyous singalong. Headlining festivals and packing out theaters with high-energy performances that earned them honors as 2018's Best Irish-American Band, the Lads continue to be one of the genre's must-see live acts. This is spirit-lifting, body-moving, hell-of-a-good-time music, and it's never sounded more alive.

"The best Irish American band in 2018" - Jack Baker - IRISH AMERICAN NEWS

“These guys are SMOKIN’!” - Live Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

“Your toe will be tapping and there will be a smile on your face for a long time after. Keep an eye and ear to the ground. You will be hearing a lot about these lads!” - Maryann McTeague Keifer - Ireland Tonight

“They cover all bases which results in Standing Ovations and calls for MORE” - Maureen A. Kennedy - Founder of the Irish Center Cincinnati

The Drowsy Lads thundered onto the Irish music scene in the US over 20 years ago and have become fan favorites at every turn. Sticking to traditional roots the Lads bring a fire and excitement that has enchanted audiences everywhere they go. 2018 brought the release of their 4th album, Everyone In, and the distinction of “Best Irish American Band of 2018”. With an undeniable genuineness that flows from their live performances, the Lads released their 4th album in 2024: a double-disc commemoration of their 20 years playing together.

Ohio brothers John and Daniel McKewen, father and son Phil and Josh Franck, and lifelong friend Bryan Brookes bring to the stage a concoction of “we dare you to hold still” Irish dance tunes as well as a full emotional gamut of songs and good humor. Their authentic approach and deep enjoyment of people is a refreshing surprise to both casual music-lovers and those steeped in hardcore Trad.

Besides packing out theaters, concert halls, clubs and pubs, the Lads are lighting up Irish festivals including Milwaukee, Dublin, Dayton, Indianapolis, Buffalo, and Michigan. They are regular guests at theaters including the Murphy Theater, and Lakeside Ohio’s Chautauqua Concert Series, and were guest artists with the Otterbein University Orchestra.

Each Lad is a multi-instrumentalist, and the combined lineup includes fiddle, button accordion, tenor banjo, flute, whistle, guitar, bouzouki, Uilleann pipes, 5-string banjo, concertina, and bodhran.

The Lads are fond of creating their own spirited arrangements and offering occasional original compositions, even mixing in some bits of Bluegrass or Classical. But these never get in the way of their obsession with the pure old Irish tunes, songs, wit, and friendship that has defined Irish music for centuries.