Florida Lads

In 2020, two graduates of the Dámh Chruinne Éireann (or in English, Irish World Academy) embarked on a voyage to bring the best traditional Irish dance music possible to an underrepresented population during a global pandemic.

Together, Matt Saunders and Emri Stenn performed all over the state of Florida at various venues: 3 Keys Brewing (Bradenton), An Tobar (Maitland), The Claddagh Cottage Irish Pub (Orlando), The Cottage Irish Pub (Melbourne), Hogan’s Bar (Cocoa Beach), James Joyce Irish Pub & Eatery (Ybor City), Jupiter Irish Festival (Jupiter), The Lucky Leprechaun (International Drive), McGrath’s Irish Ale House (Bradenton), Meehan’s Irish Pub and Seafood House (Saint Augustine), Meg O’Malley’s Restaurant & Irish Pub (Melbourne), Micky Finn’s Irish Pub (Clermont), Raglan Road Irish Pub (Disney Springs), Strandhill Public (Tampa & Brandon locations), and Walking Tree Brewery (Vero).

Many people told us it couldn’t be done. The reality is that there is a market for Irish music everywhere, there are plenty of great musicians here, and there are many wonderful patrons who support our traditional music all over the state.

The Florida Lads isn’t just for lads, we have entertained audiences with powerful women performers such as singer Colleen Jordan and fiddler Tiffany Boucher who has toured with Celtic Angels and Rhythm of the Dance. We regularly enlist the help of our dear friends who live in Florida or are visiting for a time to play first-rate trad music.

With experts like Breandan De Faoite on the bodhrán (that he made himself!) and Benny O’Carroll of Sessions from the Hearth on nylon guitar in the rhythm section, a night with the Florida Lads guarantees a lively dance for all.