Kevin McKrell

Legendary Songwriter • Celtic Roots Pioneer • Upstate NY Icon

Few artists have shaped American Celtic music as profoundly—or as joyfully—as Kevin McKrell. For more than four decades, his songs have traveled farther than he ever could, carried by pub singers, festival performers, and touring bands across the U.S. and around the world. On any given night, somewhere across the country or across the sea, a crowd is singing along to a Kevin McKrell song.

McKrell first made his mark in 1979 with the groundbreaking trio Donnybrook Fair, whose 1982 album Tunnel Tigers became a cornerstone of the genre—fusing Clancy Brothers tradition with the grit, humor, and heart of upstate New York. In 1998, he launched The McKrells, a powerhouse string band that blended Celtic soul with a fiery bluegrass edge. Their high-energy shows took them from local pubs to Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and major festivals nationwide.

Above all, Kevin is celebrated for his songs—modern folk standards such as “Donegal,” “Dublin Town,” “I Miss the Rain,” and the timeless “All of the Hard Days Are Gone.” These anthems have been recorded and performed by a long list of artists, including The Kingston Trio, Bob Shane, The Furey Brothers, North Sea Gas, Hair of the Dog, and many more.

With his trademark wit, booming voice, and songs that feel like shared memories, Kevin McKrell brings people together like few others can.

SAMPLE SONG

Join us for an unforgettable night with a great American songwriter, and a voice of Celtic tradition, bluegrass fire, and deep storytelling roots.

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