Wolfstone
Shank Hall , Milwaukee, WI- 3/26/2004

This year the Lienie's Celtic Rock Stage at Milwaukee's Irish Fest will celebrate fifteen years of great music. One of the best bands that we had at the stage was Wolfstone. They were so much fun! Does anyone remember when they brought the sofa up onto the stage and jammed with More Power to Your Elbow? Unfortunately after their last appearance at the festival we heard many rumors about the band breaking up. Ivan Drever left and he was more or less the leader of the band back then. Within the last two years we began to hear good things about them again. Their appearance at Shank Hall on Friday, March 26, 2004 assured us that they are indeed back and as good as ever. Only two original members are in the band but the five-piece outfit has picked up three other excellent musicians. If I had to critique the original lineup it would be that they didn't do enough vocal selections. This group definitely has improved on that. Good harmonies and some fun lyrics for the fans to sing along with. Great energy. We'll be checking them out again at the Dublin, Ohio festival this August.

Opening up for Wolfstone was the Sandcarvers. They've been around for about eight years but within the last couple of years have gone more Celtic. They have fun and their music is a soft Celtic Rock which will appeal to all ages. Tony Guinn, from Belfast, Northern Ireland has a great smoky voice. I believe their first CD is on sale now.

Barry Stapleton

Barry Stapleton, Director - Ward Irish Music Archives