About BC
Brigid’s Cross – Cleveland, OH (May-Sept) / Anna Maria Island, FL (Oct-April)
For 27 years and counting, Paul Baker and Peggy Goonan-Baker have brought an eclectic and entertaining collection of music to the stage. Formed in 1996, Brigid’s Cross has played it all: true-to-heritage traditional Celtic folk, contemporary Irish music, country, rock, alternative, and originals. Truly eclectic music, with a Celtic twist! Audiences are pulled into a vortex of fine musicianship, humor, high energy and audience participation when they see a BC performance. Currently, Brigid’s Cross mostly performs as a two piece, and has for the last 15 years or so. In fact, it’s absolutely mind-blowing (for them) to realize they have performed longer as a duo than a trio. Paul (Paulie) is the Master of Ceremonies, and a classically trained violinist, to boot. He’s what is known as a “Suzuki brat.” A prodigy of the Suzuki Violin School. He first picked up the violin just before his 3rd birthday, and studied classically for 13 years. He has been performing in bands for over 40 years, and as a soloist since he was a young child, and his talent and experience certainly shine. Peggy and Paulie are both strong singers, and Peggy’s main instrument is the keyboard; she really wallops on the bodhran, (b?-ron/irish hand drum) as well, not to mention her AMAZING SUPER HUMAN BEER FOUNTAIN!!! She has been involved in music since she was a young child, and has been performing professionally for over 30 years. Paulie and Peggy’s stage banter together is often said to be one of the most entertaining parts of the show. They often utilize technology to fill out their sound, frequently using backing guitar tracks featuring their semi-retired guitarist, and nephew, Richie Reece.
Very occasionally, frown Richie still joins them onstage for certain fesitvals and for rare shows at the family’s five pubs (The Hooley Pub & Kitchen.) When Richie makes the scene, he adds his solid vocals and strong rhythm guitar style to the mix. You might even see him (or these days, more likely his kids) stepdancing! On really lucky occasions, Peggy’s father, Dick Goonan (aka The Rooster) joins the band onstage for some great vocal performances and for some funny songs, making FOUR generations of family onstage. We are happy to say at the time of this writing, the Rooster (a couple months shy of 91) is still crowing quite nicely, and strutting his stuff all around the yard. Somebody really should go out there and get him… it’s after midnight!
It has been quite a road of evolution for Brigid’s Cross since their first festival performance at the Riverfront Irish Festival in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, coming up on 27 years ago. BC has performed at festivals, concert venues, and pubs all over America. Then in 2002, when Richie joined the band, they began traveling even more, taking their act to Ireland to rave reviews. This resulted in several return appearances in some of Ireland’s finest music rooms, and also 2 appearances at the Brian Boru Festival in Killaloe, CO Clare, IRE. On either side of the “pond,” audiences have come to expect a high-energy performance and are given it without fail. Since the Hooley Pub & Kitchen opened their doors in 2008, Brigid’s Cross has performed mostly as a duo.
Brigid’s Cross spends a lot of time traveling in the summer to great spots on the East Coast, throughout the Midwest, and lots of places in between. They appear at several Irish festivals across the US. as well. When they are not traveling, they are spending time in their hometown of Cleveland, OH, playing fabulous local venues…their family owns 5 restaurant/pubs called The Hooley Pub & Kitchen, and they often play there when in town. (www.1funpub.com).
In the colder months, Paul and Peggy play a very busy schedule on Florida’s Gulf Coast. They perform regularly on Anna Maria Island at The Bridge Tender Inn, in Bradenton Beach, FL… which serves as their Florida base of operations. BC also plays shows throughout FL performing at numerous clubs and private venues as well. Give them a call or email, and get them at your next party or corporate event.
Brigid’s Cross also specializes in playing for weddings… they have the unique ability to effortlessly slide from live performance mode into dj mode, keeping the party moving and the dance floor hopping! Paulie and Peggy’s diverse repertoire, make them absolutely perfect for high school reunions and corporate events. They can literally provide music from any era or genre, making them the perfect entertainment choice for ALL THEMED events.
They have also performed on many cruises over the years, including several appearances on the Irish Festival Cruises and Joanie Madden’s Folk’n Cruises. BC has hosted their very own extremely successful Beach’n Cruise in 2016 and 2018. In 2019, they cruised with Andy Cooney’s Cruise of Irish Stars, and in 2024 will be hosting their 3rd Beach’n Cruise
Brigid’s Cross is the proud recipient of the Irish Music Association’s 2008 award for Top Traditional Group in Festival, Pub and Concert Setting, and they have won numerous other awards for their music throughout the years… They have also performed on television and radio many times in the States and in Ireland.
In 2015, they released their 12th and most recent CD, Perpetual Motion. Paulie and Peggy are in the recording process of lucky #13, yet to be titled.
They have created quite a cult-like following along the way: The Faithful. Ages ranging from 1 to 100. They’re global, stretching across the United States to Irish shores, Canada and Mexico, and they all have something in common – their love of Brigid’s Cross. All have been indoctrinated into the BC world, providing the audience participation that is such an integral part of a Brigid’s Cross show. BC followers meet at shows and festivals and on social media, and they are very friendly, so come on out and join them in their natural habitat, whether that be at a festival, pub, cruise or any other social gathering where BC plays!
https://www.facebook.com/events/2070451513325270/?event_time_id=2070451523325269
