Ian Byrne of the Elders Talks About Their Performance at Martin City’s Irishpalooza

The world-famous Irish rockers perform after the parade.

Ian Byrne of The Elders On Their Performance after Martin City’s Parade on Sunday

By Bonnie Mentel

The nationally recognized Irish band, The Elders, will perform immediately following Martin City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade (around 3:30) in a full-length concert

The Elders is a local band that is passionate about Americana and Celtic folk music.

Lead singer, Ian Byrne, who at one time had a woodworking shop in Martin City (Byrne Custom Woodworking), said that he’s looking forward to being part of the parade, both as the Grand Marshall and as a performer.

“It’s just a great time. Martin City is that city away from the city and it’s got a very country-family feel. Everybody knows everybody. I think that’s why it’s so appealing. It’s a great spot. I’m very excited to play there this year,” said Byrne.

Byrne said that some of the band’s most popular songs are “Men of Erin,” “Moore Street Girls,” and “Building a Boat.” He said that “Men of Erin” is an acapella song that is known all over the world and that he has received thousands of emails about how that song has affected people’s lives.

One reviewer, Shay Clarke, said, “The Elders have songs of magic and mayhem and of better days ahead. It’s contemporary Irish Folk Rock at its very best.”

When asked what it is he looks forward to on St. Patrick’s Day, Byrne said, “It’s a time for all Ireland and all America to celebrate its Irish heritage. I think that people who have never even been to Ireland are walking around with shamrocks tattooed to their backsides. Everyone turns into a clover on that day.” He finished with a laugh.

The concert is sponsored by FishTech Labs, 13324 Holmes Rd. “FishTech is proud to sponsor Kansas City’s world-famous Irish rockers during this fun community event,” says Jennie Hanna, spokesman for the company. “We look forward to helping Martin City and its St. Patrick’s Day parade, grow over the next 30 years.”

The free concert will at the Premier Mazda Event Tent, 400 E. 135th Street. For more information about the parade and events that day, including accessing registration forms, please visit www.irishpalooza.com.