Brendan Loughrey

Born a son of Ireland in June 1970, this County Donegal native has witnessed first-hand the reality and hardships of life along the North-South divide. Combined with a strong family tradition of music, song & storytelling, these experiences have provided Brendan with the foundation which has now evolved into his vicously passionate and authentic songwriting and performances. Buying his first guitar at age 15 he quickly became a local favorite, known and loved for his heartfelt renditions of the ballads and rebel tunes he'd grown up listening to. Soon he found himself "on the road" and over the past 24 years has performed in just about every pub, club & venue in Ireland.

Brendan established a reputation of remaining un-compromisingly true to his music, and it wasn't long until he earned the extremely prestigious position of House Musician at The Largest Irish Pub in The United States, the 42,000sq foot Seanachie Irish Pub (Shawn-A-Key), in Nashville, TN. It was there that he started attracting serious attention on the local scene. Collaborating with infamous musicians such as John Prine, Dennis Locorriere (Dr. Hook) and Bob Saporitti (Vice President, Warner Bros. Nashville), these drunken, impromptu jam sessions led to the release of Brendan's first solo CD "Atlantic Breeze" which featured Fran Breen (The Waterboys - THANKS FRAN!) on Drums/Percussion, Bob Hatter (Vince Gill Band - THANKS BOB!) on guitars and immaculately produced by Mark Niemeic from Atlantic Records (USA) (AMAZING WORK MARK - THANKS!). This instantly successful debut album contained Irish classics and Brendan's 1st Original songs and fueled his popularity throughout the USA.

Currently based out of Chicago, IL, Brendan has had the great honor of playing major festivals throughout the country and has opened for many celebrities including Chuck Berry, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Lorrie Morgan and more. Brendan has released 5 more CD's including "No Irish Need Apply" and "Last Set Of The Night" voted No.13 and No.12 Albums of the Year 2006 & 2007 respectively by Paddy Rock Radio listeners. A young man who cares deeply and sincerely about preserving the songs and stories of Ireland and it's tumultuous past, Brendan aspires to carry the torch from his greatest influences, Tommy Makem, Christy Moore and The Wolfe Tones long into the future and he was very proud to have been granted personal permission by Brian Warfield (Wolfe Tones) to re-record & release "Joe McDonnell" for the 25th Anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strikes.

Bold, passionate and committed, Brendan Loughrey is a truly professional entertainer who appeals to every crowd young and old alike and will add a stylish, exciting and authentic presence to any event.