Dungarvan
THE BAND BIOS UPCOMING SHOWS MUSIC PHOTO GALLERY POSTERS CONTACT

THE BAND . . .
 
   

We are…

Craig Lush – Guitar, Banjo, Vocals
Al Samms – Guitar, Accordion, Vocals
Kurt Bambury – Guitar, Vocals
Mike Slade – Drums
Chris Hodder – Bass, Vocals

The band derived its name from the town of Dungarvan, a harbour community on the south coast of Ireland in the province of Munster. The town's Irish name means Garbhan's fort, referring to Saint Garbhan who founded a church there in the seventh century.

Dungarvan has been performing in the Avalon region and around the province for more than 10 years. The band has developed a lasting reputation as a dedicated Irish roots/traditional performing group. In music circles around St. John’s Dungarvan is synonymous with simple, pure Celtic music always able to get a crowd going with a reel on the accordion; get toes tapping with licks on the banjo or bouzouki; and always able to provide a more sensual sound for those who like to waltz and slow dance.

 

In 2010, Dungarvan added a drummer, which has opened the door to a more full sound. The band has stretched its musical capabilities to include country, rock and alternative tunes. The extra percussion also enhances the Irish and traditional music, bringing with it a dynamic normally found in modern music, without detracting from the purity of the music.

Dungarvan spent the summer of 2010 playing at festivals in the Avalon region and can be frequently found on the downtown circuit. The band’s motto is to have fun by playing good music to good people. “We just want to continue to be recognized as a band that uplifts people and makes them feel good about themselves, while forgetting the stress and strain of daily living,” explains Craig Lush. “It’s amazing what a good tune can do to make you forget your worries.”

Dungarvan prides itself on being a “friendly bunch of guys” so don’t hesitate to step up and say hello when you see them performing. “Music is fun for us, so we just want the people listening to have fun too,” says Al Samms, guitarist, vocalist and accordion player with the band.