Local Celtic Trio hitting its stride, reuniting for concert

By Jeff Korbelik

Lincoln Journal Star

The start of 2001 has been good for Paddywhack.

First, The Cheiftains invited the local ensemble to play with them during sound check prior to their sold-out concert at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, then asked the trio – Chris Sayre, Terry Keefe and David Marsh – to join them on stage for their final number.

"That was the thrill of our life" Keefe said. "There’s nobody like them."

As if that wasn’t enough, just last week Paddywhack released its first CD, "Whacked Out."

Available at local record stores, the disc features the trio with former member Dan Newton, who came back from his home in Minnesota to record with the others. The CD also boosts some funky cover art by Steve Copple.

"All of us wanted to do it for awhile," Keefe said. "We finally got it done this winter. It’s really exciting, people seem to like it."

Now the four are reuniting under their former name, North Wynd, to play a concert sponsored by the Lincoln Association for Traditional Arts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the 7^th Street Loft, 504 S. Seventh St.

North Wynd was a local favorite during the late 1970’s and 1980’s. The group is known for its spin on Celtic favorites and British Isles traditionals, ranging from drinking songs to sea chanties to jigs to reels.

"When we were doing the CD, half the time we were laughing and kidding around and half the time playing," Keefe said. "I’m sure the concert will be like that as well. We get a little silly when we get together."

Should make for a good time.

Paddywhack’s concert highlights a strong weekend of performances by local talent.