Music
SYR
Returning to Irish Fest Camden for the 8th year is SYR (pronounced "sire"). The crowd favorite, Celtic folk rock band from Columbia takes inspiration from Celtic history, stories, and myth. SYR blends their own unique background to create powerful songs with themes like battle, love, heritage, and victory, celebrating the rich heritage of the Celtic Nations in a contemporary style with broad audience appeal. SYR's reputation for a high-energy performance has made them a welcome addition to many Celtic festivals and events, building a following across the U.S. and internationally.
Their much anticipated third CD dropped in January 2022. The band consists of siblings Kyle (lead vocals, guitar) and Laurel MacCallum (vocals, percussion), Kelly Vance (bass), Greg Vance (drums), and Worth Lewallen (violin).
For more information, visit their official website at www.syrmusic.com.
Inspired by the rich heritage of Irish traditional music, On The Lash brings a fresh and vibrant approach to timeless melodies. The band is dedicated to reinvigorating classic Irish songs with original interpretations, while also crafting their own unique compositions that stay true to the genre's essence. Their music is a testament to the enduring energy and adaptability of Irish musical traditions.
Embracing the spirit of Irish music, On The Lash seamlessly blends the old with the new. The band's performances are characterized by amazing vocal harmonies and precise musicianship. Their diverse setlist appeals to a wide range of audiences, from dedicated music enthusiasts to casual listeners. Described as 'mesmerizing', their live shows captivate audiences with a blend of skillful play and heartfelt passion.
On The Lash's unique style of Traditional Celtic music provides a refreshing experience for their listeners. This is especially notable in venues like pubs, where they have been praised for bringing something different to the table. Despite occasional tiredness from rigorous schedules, their performances never wane in quality. The band's talent and graciousness are frequently highlighted, making their shows memorable experiences that resonate with audiences for years.
EJ Campbell was born into Irish music. Raised on albums from the Wolfe Tones and Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, his parents laid the groundwork for what turned into a lifelong passion for Irish music, history, and culture. When he finally learned guitar at 17, teachings from mentors
Dubliner Willie Lynch and Kevin Guerin from Clare brought his love for Irish music to life. EJ went on to hone his craft playing pubs and clubs in
central and northern New Jersey.
Now, a multi-instrumentalist, EJ strives to keep traditional Irish music alive in the US, and odd performance or two in Ireland. He loves to take his audiences on a musical tour of all 32 counties with timeless folk tunes, rousing rebel hits, beautiful love ballads, and who doesn’t enjoy a good drinking song? A lover and student of Irish history, EJ proudly
highlights Ireland’s ongoing struggle for freedom and independence.
EJ’s pride for his ancestral home shines throughout his performances. He’s
“absolutely tickled” to return “home” each year to Irish Fest Camden, his
favorite weekend of the year!
Raised on a farm near Camden, South Carolina, Carroll’s first music influences were church music and night time radio. His mother was the church pianist and taught him his first chords on the guitar. Traditional southern gospel and bluegrass would give way to Jim Croce and James Taylor as he entered college. The first paying jobs paid college tuition but would pave the way for his life’s work. He first tested the waters in New York but opted for Nashville, Tennessee. There, he worked with songwriters and music publishing and in various studios recording and helping produce nationally released records.
Family matters and money matters brought him back to South Carolina in 1981. He settled in Charleston, where he started a recording studio and music publishing business. A steady gig at the Mills House Hotel helped to pay for his growing family and the dream that refused to die. His family roots include Irish blood and his intense interest in the Irish music led to hosting annual visits to his ancestral homeland.
Today Carroll and his wife live on the family farm in Kershaw County where he was raised. Not much time for farming, but the gift of music his mother gave him is still his passion. He is still performing full time in venues and festivals around the southeastern U.S. and he is still writing songs and releasing new recordings.
Carroll’s albums and his performance schedule are on his website at www.carrollbrownmusic.com. You can learn about his overseas tours at www.facebook.com/4bigfun and catch his weekly live stream from the farm on his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/carroll.brown.161.
