Ken O'Malley with The Ne'er Duwels: Traditional Irish Music

The Ne’er Duwels are a formidable quartet of seasoned musicians, who weave seamlessly back and forth between traditional Irish melodies and urban contemporary sounds.

The "real deal" from Ireland, Ken O'Malley's rich, resonant voice and engaging stage presence have delighted audiences for over 30 years. "He holds nothing back. Whether singing a passionate ballad, playing a solo on the mandolin, or explaining the gloriously sad history of Erin, his homeland, Ken O'Malley is all-in, wide open to the world, and as true as an arrow's flight. Ken's fine tenor voice could carry him through a show all alone but he backs himself beautifully on guitar and mandolin. . .  His wonderful wit and good humor draw us in and carry us along, and the beauty of his songs, both traditional and original, fills us with irresistible joy".

Joining Ken onstage is Patrick D'Arcy, also from Dublin, one of the finest uilleann pipers in the United States. Patrick has toured extensively with many well known artists throughout the world and is also a talented pennywhistle and bodhran player. He is an expert on the culture and history of the Irish pipes and as such is a much sought after teacher and consultant. His work has been featured in many film, television and live theatre productions.

Bryan Dobbs is the “sound” of the Ne’er Duwels. Originally from New Mexico, Bryan adds the mysterious, the romantic and the attack that traverses the musical spectrum with the world techno sounds, while accompanying on the mandolin, the acoustic guitar or the very creative, innovative sounds of his Fender Stratocaster.

Grammy award winning percussionist Forrest Robinson provides the heartbeat of the ensemble. An alumni of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Forrest has traveled the globe to perform with such artists as India Arie, Victor Wooten, Arrested Development, TLC, and many others. A lover of Celtic music and rhythms, Forrest drives the rhythm that combines The Ne’er Duwel’s unique, eclectic blend of traditional Irish music and song with a modern, electronic edge.