Darren Crossey : (Vocals, Guitar, Banjo)
Born in Armaugh Ireland Darren began playing it the age of thirteen his first instrument was the guitar. He now plays guitar, five string banjo, and the bass guitar, in addition to his impressive vocals. Darren moved to the U.S. in 1999 with his partner Barry Kerr and then toured mainly in the Midwest playing primarily in Saint Louis and Omaha. When Barry Kerr returned to Ireland Darren did some solo work as well as some performing with some great regional players before starting with the Irish brigade. Joining a band that had been on the road for over twenty years could be a call order but Darren was up for the task. A dream come true for Darren the chance to joining the Irish Brigade in 2001 was an opportunity he gladly seized. In the few years Darren has been on the road with Mike and Sean he is truly enjoyed being part of a band with these two veteran stage performers. Having fun on and off the road, on and off the stage, collecting a lifetimes worth of great stories, collecting two great friends, and finding the joy that comes with being part of a great team only begins to describe Darren’s experience with the Irish Brigade.

Darren’s take on the Irish Brigade’s sound is that it sounds like they’re having fun on stage, most likely because they are. Performing a large range of music from traditional Irish to folk to country and rock-n-roll the brigade has a great way of making each song their own. With influences from bands like the Wolf Tones to The Dublin City Ramblers, Van Morrison, Johnny Cash, The Clancy Brothers, Merle Haggard, Christie Moore, The Beatles and more each night is different. Beyond the influences that affect the band Darren’s personal musical influences include Tommy Byren of the Wolf Tones. Luke Kelly, Christy Moore, Planxty, with a very special nod to the many great local musicians he grew up with in his home town of Lurgan. Before coming to the U.S. Darren competed in several competitions in Ireland taking gold and silver awards for singing in the Feis in Armaugh, for Scor NA NOG (Ballad group), and Guitar accompaniment in the Feis. In his short time in the United States Darren has produced two great CDs Pubtown, and Coming Home and is due out early in 2007 with his latest CD comprised mostly of his own original material so keep an eye out for that.

You can find Darren on My Space at www.myspace.com/darrencrossey