Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters

A Firestarters live show looks absolutely exhausting to perform. "I'd say exhilarating!" laughs Drawdy. "Being able to write my own stuff and have these guys interpret it with such passion is amazing. When you play it six nights in a row, it could get old. But seeing the audience responding to something you've written is inspiring; it gives us all energy." (EW) - CityBeat Magazine, October 2005

Drawdy's Theatrical vocals and lyrical bent is of the big emotional kind, half Mike Scott's romanticisim, and half Luka Bloom's sensuality. The band kicks up it's storms with choppy rhythms and air punching acoustic rockers." - Irish Music Magazine, October 2003

"Although The Firestarters use traditional Irish instruments, and the influence of Celtic music cannot be denied, there is a definite rock element to the group's songs..." "If that sounds appealing at all, you should check out this crew. You won't be disappointed." (DT) - Dayton Daily News, November 2008

"Since the group's inception at the turn of the millennia, Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters have captivated listeners with world, roots and folk rock music, as they address the international need to care for the environment. Hallowed Ground offers a warm, earthy sound and a message about change." - Dave Brown, IMAX Theater, November 2007

Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters have been one of the most asked for artists at the Dayton Celtic Festival since the festival's inception in 2002. The band was instrumental in the festival's successful layout changes in 2009 and the festival committee received numerous compliments about the band's performance from sponsors and festival attendees alike. The band continues to innovate and grow in popularity every year. - Dayton Celtic Festival

Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters give exciting, eye-opening performances at our annual Sunshine Concert Series. Their songs are soulful, powerful, and entertaining; as is the band and their performance. I highly recommend Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters for a powerful representation of authentic Celtic Rock. - Mason Sunshine Concert Series

Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters have been one of the most asked for artists at the Dayton Celtic Festival since the festival's inception in 2002. The band was instrumental in the festival's successful layout changes in 2009 and the festival committee received numerous compliments about the band's performance from sponsors and festival attendees alike. The band continues to innovate and grow in popularity every year. - Dayton Celtic Festival

The Firestarters set the stage on fire with their mix of traditional and original material. The crowd awarded the band with a rare standing ovation, everyone wanted more! - Behringer-Crawford Summer Concert

Thank you for another OUTSTANDING performance at our festival. Your band and your music energized our festival. You are an audience favorite and hopefully we will see you at Old Boston Music Revival next year, and beyond. Thank you for the giving of your time to support our local charities. Your fantastic show made the day of many of our patrons, who continued to sing the praises of your music, showmanship and the band's musical abilities throughout the event. Thank you so much! - Old Boston Music Revival

The Firestarters set the stage on fire with their mix of traditional and original material. The crowd awarded the band with a rare standing ovation, everyone wanted more! - Behringer-Crawford Summer Concert

It has been five years now since I first signed Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters to appear at the Savannah Irish Festival. It was one of the easiest and best decisions I have made for our festival. The Firestarters have since performed four times in those five years and the reasons to bring them back just keep growing. Roger Drawdy has been on a creative tear for some time now and he shows no sign of slowing down. The fire within burns fiercely still and a good band has become a great roots band over the years with Ric Smith, John McBride, Eric Sayer, Mark Milliron and Keri McBride. They light up the stage with original songs, excellent musical skills and pure joy. This band is about passion and engagement with the audience. If you want to make your festival better, sign the Firestarters. They will bring an audience of their own and win the rest. - Jimmy Buttimer, Entertainment Director

It has been five years now since I first signed Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters to appear at the Savannah Irish Festival. It was one of the easiest and best decisions I have made for our festival. The Firestarters have since performed four times in those five years and the reasons to bring them back just keep growing. Roger Drawdy has been on a creative tear for some time now and he shows no sign of slowing down. The fire within burns fiercely still and a good band has become a great roots band over the years with Ric Smith, John McBride, Eric Sayer, Mark Milliron and Keri McBride. They light up the stage with original songs, excellent musical skills and pure joy. This band is about passion and engagement with the audience. If you want to make your festival better, sign the Firestarters. They will bring an audience of their own and win the rest. - Jimmy Buttimer, Entertainment Director

"Firestarters is right: This band's hallmark is it's high-powered energy. It's an energy that never over powers the music or the lyrics, though, and there are lyrics in plenty on this baker' dozen of original Celtic-framed tunes. Drawdy sings lead and plays guitar, with backing vocals from his bandmates, who add fiddle, mandolin, bodhrán, and bass as well. This fourth band recording shows the Midwest-based group's growing skill at serving the music and at serving up music that's worthy to be heard. The group has recently been the talk of Irish festivals. This is why." (KD) - Dirty Linen Magazine, June 2006

"Firestarters is right: This band's hallmark is it's high-powered energy. It's an energy that never over powers the music or the lyrics, though, and there are lyrics in plenty on this baker' dozen of original Celtic-framed tunes. Drawdy sings lead and plays guitar, with backing vocals from his bandmates, who add fiddle, mandolin, bodhrán, and bass as well. This fourth band recording shows the Midwest-based group's growing skill at serving the music and at serving up music that's worthy to be heard. The group has recently been the talk of Irish festivals. This is why." (KD) - Dirty Linen Magazine, June 2006