Blackthorn's new guitarist, Rob Dunleavy
Our roving photographer, Brian Mengini, spent a lot of time in March talking to and photographing the many Irish groups that came to Philly to help us celebrate St. Patrick’s Month. Some guys have all the luck.
Fortunately, he’s sharing some of his best photos with us at www.irishphiladelphia.com. This week, we get to see the fun he had at the Blackthorn concert at Springfield Country Club on St. Patrick’s Day. The photo on the right is of Rob Dunleavy, the newest member of this local phenom group that traces its roots to Ireland and Delaware County. Three years ago, Dunleavy, a certified public accountant who grew up in Delco, gave up the other people’s money business for the crazy no-money life of a full-time musician (and part-time music teacher). He replaces longtime Blackthorn lead guitarist Seamus Kelleher, who has embarked on a solo career but who will be guesting with Blackthorn occasionally.
The other members of the band are Delco’s finest–brothers Michael and John Boyce and button accordion player John McGroary–and Mike “Casba” O’Callaghan, the Buddy Rich-inspired drummer from Tralee in County Kerry.
Take a look at the fun they were having on St. Patrick’s Day in County Blackthorn, all captured by Brian Mengini.
