Blame Not the Bard

Blame Not the Bard is on a mission: to bring alive the songs and stories of Ireland. Expertly blending their captivating storytelling and historical knowledge with fiery instrumentals and musical prowess, Blame Not the Bard’s high-energy show will get your hands clapping and feet tapping through an afternoon of down-to-earth entertainment you won’t soon forget!

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Blame Not the Bard was formed in 2015. Since then, they have played hundreds of shows across the midwest, lighting up the stages in intimate lounges and major festivals including main stage appearances at the Iowa Irish Fest in Waterloo, IA and an anticipated debut at the Kansas City Irish Fest in September 2023. Boasting multiple media appearances, including a 2021 feature in Little Village Magazine, an artist feature on KDEC 100.5 and numerous appearances on the award-winning Irish and Celtic Music Podcast with tunes from their debut album, Soundcheck, and a 2022 full-length Greetings from Iowa PBS special, Blame Not the Bard is sharing their songs and stories nationwide. They have shared festival line-ups with the likes of Gaelic Storm, Scythian, Ian Gould, The Dublin City Ramblers, Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones, The Red Hot Chili Pipers, Friel Sisters, Socks in the Frying Pan, Jig Jam, the Fitzgeralds, Aoife Scott, and the High Kings.

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In August of 2023, Blame Not the Bard released their sophomore album "Now and Again," which features their current lineup of Andrew Philbrick, Corey Baker, Nicole Philbrick, along with their newest member, Dan Vaughn. Having performed for years as a trio, this album is a rest stop between old and new, reimagining the songs that Blame Not the Bard fans know and love before venturing further into their sound as a quartet.

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Current Roster

Corey Baker - Guitar, Vocals, and Percussion

Andrew Philbrick - Vocals, Tenor Banjo, and Bass Guitar

Nicole Philbrick - Fiddle, Vocals, and Mandolin

Dan Vaughn - Whistle, Flute, and Guitar