the Launies
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Bruce Young (fiddle, guitar, vocals) - Jamie O'Brien (vocals, guitar) - Bruce Campbell (bass) - Henry Koretzky (mandolin, guitar, vocals)
See the Launies (Jamie O'Brien, Henry Koretzky & Ryck Kaiser) perform live at the YorkFest (2013) -
click here
Bruce has established himself as a fine, Sligo-style fiddler. He also adds guitar and is a strong vocalist.
Based in State College, Pennsylvania, he travels frequently performing (solo and with his trio, Smash the Windows) and teaching.
He has added many of his original Irish style tunes to the band's repertoire. He's also able to turn to his vast repertoire of songs
from Irish and British traditions, both witty and uplifting as well as sad and moving.
A multi-instrumentalist and singer, Ken adds much to the band with his many talents and extensive repertoire. Over the years, he
has performed in numerous styles - country, jazz, bossa nova, bluegrass and, of course, celtic - and performed with countless
musicians from diverse genres all over the country.
Henry has made a name for himself in the world of acoustic roots music, performing in a variety of
different styles: bluegrass, old-time, swing, klezmer ... and of course, celtic. Over
the years, he's performed with a wide range of musicians throughout the US and Europe.
He played mandolin and guitar with the cutting-edge bluegrass band Cornerstone from
Ithaca, NY, and has made countless appearances and recordings in an extensive array
of genres. Henry is currently singing and performing at festivals, concert venues,
and contradances with groups such as The Harrisburg Mandolin Ensemble, The Contra
Rebels, and Rootbound.
He adds a contemporary twist to the Launies' original sound. Henry is also able to
draw on his extensive repertoire and contribute songs from Appalachian and other
American traditions, as well as some of his own original songs.
Paul is a multi-instrumentalist who has also produced Jamie's last two albums in his studio, Celtic Light. He
occasionally adds his many talents to the band's live performances.
When Debbi performs, she brings in a wonderful extra dimension to the band with her beautiful vocals and strong guitar and bodhran
accompaniments. She is also able to reach into an extensive repertoire, bringing many new songs to the band.
JOE DeCRISTOPHER (bass) falls into the same category as Bruce Campbell - an excellent bassist who becomes an
essential part of the band when available.
LJ PALMER plays bodhran and cajon and can often be heard with Ken Gehret's band, Irish Mist
CHAD SHAMBAUGH is a master bodhran player and percussionist. He first played with the Launies around 2001 and
can still be found joining the ranks.
video courtesy of Peggy Addleman Shutes - thanks, Peggy!
Jamie formed the band as a fiddle/guitar duo in 1997. Since then, he has seen musicians come and go ... but mostly they've stayed, if
only as part-time members.
His enthusiasm for the music is contagious and in spite of moving from the Harrisburg area of Pennsylvania to Tucson, Arizona, the
band has kept going, still loved and still greatly in demand. The band appears as a trio, quartet or quintet, depending on
requirements
JAMIE O'BRIEN (guitar, vocals):
BRUCE YOUNG (fiddle, guitar, vocals)
KEN GEHRET (fiddle, guitar, vocals)
RYCK KAISER (fiddle)
Ryck has often played with the band since its founding, appearing on the debut CD, "Launie Tunes" and on many occasions in concert
and at festivals. A fine musician who has established himself in a variety of styles, including old timey, swing and celtic.
HENRY KORETZKY (mandolin, guitar, vocals)
PAUL McKEOWN (guitar)
DEBBI KAUFFMANN (vocals, guitar, bodhran)
BRUCE CAMPBELL (bass) performs in a variety of styles with a number of bands. When available, he's a welcome
addition to the Launies.
