featuring Renée de la Prade
Fierce like their namesake, Cu Chulainn, Culann’s Hounds have built a reputation for stage shows filled with high-energy and a ruthless dedication to rocking their audiences. Folk melodies, sensibilities, and stories permeate their music with original in Ireland, France, and early America This mash-up of tradition and energy is at once thought-provoking, accessible and infectious. The Hounds original material is a mirror of their lives, tales of distant lands, love, elation, and loss.
Steve Gardner brings his virtuosic violin style uncut. With seeming effortlessness he plays Irish traditional music, Cajun, country and rock pairing with the accordion at breakneck speed. Steve also grabs the guitar and sings his irreverent brand of classic and original songs. Steve is a teacher of music and the artistic director for Rooms Music Marin.
Mike Kelleher sings from the gut, giving his own songs and those of centuries past a particular urgency. A key to The Hounds’ tireless rhythm, Mike’s guitar playing cuts to the core of song, strongly framing the vocals and the traditional melodies.
Renée de la Prada is a show within the show. Her ability to rip melodies in unison with Steve, sing in different patios’ in English and French, dance, and deliver her own songs with remarkable emotional depth leaves audiences stunned and enthralled.
At bigger venues and louder parties, the Hounds also bring in a drum and bass rhythm section to rock at their peak.
When The Hounds play, they take more than just the stage. They take control and male you love them. Give in to screamingly high energy, dance with wild abandon, and connect to music of the people made on real instruments in front of your eyes.
