Currently Playing at McGurk's: 

Interested in playing tunes at McGurks?  We would love to hear from you, please contact us here. 

Alan Murray, Dan Lowery, & Isaac Alderson

May 7th - June 1st 2013

Dan Lowery is originally from Dallas, Texas and has been playing Irish music for nearly twenty years. He is one of the top flute players in the U.S. today, as well as an accomplished guitarist and singer. A full-time musician, Dan currently divides his time between playing with Isaac and Alan in St. Louis and Las Vegas, staying up all night playing tunes in New York City, and touring with legendary Irish singer Derek Warfield of the Wolfetones.

Guitarist, bouzouki player and singer Alan Murray hails from Glasgow, Scotland, where he grew up playing Irish music and Rock n’ Roll. His talent was recognized early on by the local ceili band, and he was invited to join them at the young age of 12. Eventually moving to New York City, he has established himself as an in-demand guitarist on the Irish music scene, playing and touring around the world with many of the finest traditional musicians today.

Isaac Alderson began playing the uilleann pipes (the Irish bagpipe) at the age of 13, studying the instrument under some of the best pipers in Ireland and the US. At 16, he took up the Irish flute, playing in a style derived from the old flute masters from the North of Ireland. In 2002 he was named the All-Ireland Senior Champion on the pipes, flute, and tin whistle. In addition, he plays tenor saxophone and occasionally sings lead vocals.

“St. Louis is known for its hearty Irish and Americana music scenes, but no group in town bridges the gap like Joe Stickley and Sean Canan.

The two veteran musicians have been holding down a weekly [Sunday] residency at the legendary McGurk's Irish Pub for [going on four] years, honing their highly original take on chanteys, ballads, rousing sing-alongs and daring instrumental flights.”

This isn't quaint acoustic music; this is acoustic music with guts and chops to burn.”
- Roy Kasten, 88.1 KDHX

Every Monday Night
Kevin Buckley and Ian Walsh

Although only in their early 30s, Kevin Buckley and Ian Walsh have over 20 years of experience playing together, most of which they attained on stage at John D. McGurk’s. Walsh grew up playing Traditional Irish fiddle in both St. Louis and his father’s home in Ireland. In more recent years, his expanded interest in Bluegrass music culminated in a 2011 Rocky Grass fiddle championship. Buckley, another St. Louis native, has had similar competitive success, including an All-Ireland fiddle title, and accolades as a singer/songwriter and guitarist in more recent years with his band Grace Basement. Utilizing fiddles, bouzoukis, mandolins and guitars, both musicians play Irish music fluently in the Traditional style while incorporating other elements of folk and acoustic music into their performances to form a thrilling and unique take on age old traditions as well as modern sounds.  

Their debut album, Keeping it Reel, was released in 2011 to critical acclaim:

 “It’s a fine one, with an interested collection of tunes and songs…it’s all well played and well sung, with a nice opportunity for those less familiar with Irish music to explore unfamiliar waters."       -Bluegrass Unlimited (2011)

Likewise, Monday nights at McGurk’s will cater to Traditional Irish music connoisseurs as well as those less versed, seeking the cultural and musical experience that has made McGurk’s one of the most famous Irish pubs in the world. Slainte!