This edition of "MIDWEST BEAT with Tom Lounges was originally broadcast on March 1, 2019 on 89.1FM - Lakeshore Public Radio
MUSICAL GUEST: SWITCHBACK
SWITCHBACK is the award-winning duo of Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack. Switchback draws on traditional Celtic music and original Americana songs that reflect their Irish heritage and Midwestern roots. Playing an exciting mix of mandolin, guitar, and bass, their harmonies have won them comparisons to famous duos, such as the Louvin Brothers, Everly Brothers, & Simon and Garfunkel.
Their Celtic music is authentically Irish, drawing praise from such traditional players as Matt Molloy of the group the Chieftains. Ireland has taken Switchback to her heart, with performances at art centers throughout the country and appearances on RTE (Raidió Teilifís Éireann). At the same time, their music is modern Celtic, with songs capturing the Irish of today as accurately as the Pogues and singer-songwriters like Christy Moore.
But to pay attention only to the Celtic side of Switchback would be a disservice to the unique American roots music crafted by FitzGerald and McCormack.Switchback tours throughout the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Netherlands playing over 200 engagements a year.
On top of their usual tour schedule, Switchback regularly presents outreach programs for schools, community events, senior citizen groups, and special needs audiences.
Unusual, honest, heartfelt, humorous, personable, talented, spiritual, and spirited – these all describe the band Switchback.
You can check out Switchback live Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 7:00 pm for their St. Patrick’s concert at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Rd. Munster, IN. They will also return to TATC for their Rivers, Rails and Rodeos, An Americana Musical Evening Sunday, June 9, 2019.
