Bo Fitz and the YankCelt Band are back by popular demand


(left to right) Billy Klock, Jeff Sullivan, Guy DeVito, Bo Fitzgerald, Mixie Clarke and Craig Eastman. Reminder Publications submitted photo

After a two year hiatus, Bo Fitzgerald and the YankCelt Band will reunite again this March. The band will perform a limited schedule of four shows for, what could possibly be, the last time. Bo Fitz and the YankCelt Band had become an annual tradition during the St. Patrick's season for over 15 years, last performing in 2006. Formed in 1990, the original ensemble includes Bo Fitzgerald and Jeff Sullivan from the Dustmen; Craig Eastman, LA Fiddler of the Year; and Guy DeVito of Rock Legend FAT. In 1998, Steppenwolf's Ron Hurst joined the band on drums. Billy Klock later replaced Hurst and has been with the band since 2001. In 2004, Galway, Ireland's Mixie Clarke was asked to make a guest appearance and has been making the trip ever since.

The YankCelt Band derived its name from the unusual Celtic style produced by this ensemble of American and Irish members. The blend of traditional Irish music with threads of rock, jazz and other rhythms sets The YankCelt Band apart from most other Irish music. Since it's formation in 1990, the YankCelt sound has been steadily evolving and maturing. The band has grown in popularity and has developed a large following due in part to rare opportunities to see them perform as a complete musical unit.

This rare combination of Irish music sung and played with traditional and contemporary instrumentation by these seasoned musicians' promises to deliver many delightful sounds to whoever has the good fortune to be listening.

Catch the band on one of the following dates:

March 14 at the West Springfield Elks, 7:30 p.m.

March 15, Cedars at St. Anthony's Hall, Springfield, 7 p.m.

March 17, St. Paddy's Party at the Hu Ke Lau, Chicopee, 5 p.m.