The High Kings

Renowned vocalists and musicians Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey and Darren Holden have joined forces to create The High Kings. The rich Irish history and impressive resume of each of these men makes The High Kings the most exciting Irish ballad group to emerge since the folk revival of the 1960s.

For centuries Ireland was ruled by High Kings, but as their reign came to an end, their lives became only a legend told through narrative and song. The High Kings bring that legend to life as they dazzle audiences with traditional Irish songs re-imagined with a modern twist by the acclaimed composer and musical director, David Downes. The exciting repertoire of The High Kings includes: "Rocky Road to Dublin," "The Parting Glass," "Fields of Glory" and the irresistible "The Wild Rover." “I am thrilled to bring this style of music back to the United States,” says David Downes. producer for The High Kings. “Starting this spring, these four exceptional musicians will bring great music that is rich in Irish heritage to cities across the U.S. for a truly a unique music event.”

The High Kings

Finbarr Clancy from Carrick-on-Suir, is the son of Bobby Clancy, who first made his name as half of a duo with his sister Peg. Later Bobby joined his brothers Liam, Paddy and Tom in The Clancy Brothers after Tommy Makem had split from the group. Finbarr, who is blessed with the rare Clancy charm, has played all over America with The Clancy Brothers and as a solo artist, but for the past two years he has been singing and entertaining in Shanghai.

Martin Furey, who lives in Kilmoganny, Co. Kilkennny, is the son of the renowned Irish piper and singer, Finbar Furey. The musical tradition in the Furey family goes back two hundred years and multi-instrumentalist and singer Martin is proudly carrying on the musical legacy. Martin has played all over America and Europe as a solo artist and also as a duo called Bohinta with his sister Aine.

Brian Dunphy from Dublin is the son of Sean Dunphy, who was a major star of the showband era in Ireland in the 1960s. Following in his father’s footsteps, Brian has sung all over the world as a featured soloist with Riverdance. He was also one of the Three Irish Tenors, who performed successfully across America and this past summer he was the star vocalist at Doyle’s Irish Cabaret in The Burlington Hotel in Dublin.

Darren Holden, from Mooncoin in Co. Kilkenny, began his career as a singer/songwriter and has written and performed with some of the world’s top songwriters. Holden became a featured vocalist and toured the world with Riverdance for several years before landing the lead role of The Piano Man in the Broadway production of the Billy Joel musical Movin Out. Darren also toured the US, Canada and Japan for three years with this highly successful show. He is now back in Ireland, and coincidentally he was just reengaging with Irish Folk Music when he was invited to join The High Kings.

The intricate four-part vocal harmonies of The High Kings are backed by world-class musicians including: Martin O'Connor on the accordion, Nollaig Casey on the fiddle, Dave Keery and Ewan Cowley on guitars, Pail Moore on double bass and master percussionist, Robbie Harris. Also featured in the show is the acclaimed Irish dancer, Mick Donegan.