The Mickey Spain Musical Jamboree

Our American Children’s folk music tradition is alive and well and has no signs of slowing down thanks to The Mickey Spain Musical Jamboree.

Have you ever wondered what the animals do on the farm once the farmer has gone to bed, wished you were a fish or thanked the big old yellow moon for guiding you safely through the night? Well you can through the imaginative lyrics and infectious melodies of these original songs by Mickey Spain.

Mickey and his band-mate and brother Liam, grew up in a very musical household. Their father, a singer and multi-instrumentalist, performed Irish and American Folk music throughout the New England area and these two apples didn’t fall far from the tree. They began performing Irish and American folk music as a duo in 1992. In 2002, they teamed up with the Makem Brothers to form the band The Makem and Spain Brothers, delighting crowds across the United States, Ireland and Canada. Mickey’s rich baritone voice and Liam’s mastery of stringed instruments have been described as “energetic” and “electrifying”.

In 2005, Mickey was asked to write a few songs for a school play in which his nephews performed. Though the response to his songs was overwhelmingly positive he did not pursue writing material for this genre until 3 years later, when he penned “Milo the Monkey” for his niece. That song lead to another and then another and, with the partnering of his brother Liam, John Doherty and Brian Richards, has now given birth to the Mickey Spain Musical Jamboree.

John “Old Daddy Bass” Doherty began playing bass at the age of 12. Since that time his curiosity in musical styles has blossomed into a myriad of passions. A self taught musician, he has had the opportunity to study under several masters and he continues to explore different musical genres as well as perform jazz, folk and bluegrass music. His deft work on the bass provides a solid musical foundation on which the band is built

Brian Richards is a talented singer and banjo player. Like all gifted musicians, his easy going, laid back style appears to be effortless and it gives the false impression that any one can just pick up the instrument and play. Just as laid back as his playing, is his singing. Brian’s natural ability to pick-up and sing the harmony line in any song is an important part of the Jamboree’s sound.

The Mickey Spain Musical Jamboree sums up all its eclectic musical parts into a sound and a show that is enjoyable for children of all ages.