In 19th-century Dublin, a union of cobblers (known as "waxies" for the wax they used to waterproof their stitching thread) watched a caravan of rich townsfolk leave for their annual picnic on the River Dargle, and they got an idea. With cries of "Tuppence, an' up with yeh!" they loaded cart after cart with family and friends, carried them off to a grassy plane outside the city, and had a party of their own. The annual bash grew famous among the commonfolk as the Waxies' Dargle, inspiring the popular Irish pub song of the same name.

Then, in 21st-Century Grand Rapids, a new incarnation of The Waxies got together to share the same spirit of fun with their own brand of traditional Irish music. An Irish folk-rock lineup combined with modern punk-rock energy make for a knock-down, drag-out, hell-of-a-good-time show. Undying traditionals like "Rocky Road to Dublin" and "Fields of Athenry" receive new life, while originals like "Drunkard's Lament" and "The Way Back Home" draw lines between young and old, here and there, all the same in spirit. Equally at home at an Irish family picnic as a raucous rock-n-roll bar, The Waxies always get feet moving.

Though the lineup has changed often since The Waxies' birth in 2007, their continued success is ensured by their enthusiasm for good music and good times, their loyal West Michigan fanbase, and their niche in the indie-folk-rock genre currently burgeoning in popularity. In 2009, The Waxies were named "Best Celtic Rock Band in Michigan" at the Ionia Free Fair Celtic Battle of the Bands (judged by audience enthusiasm and hosted by Waxies godfather Liam the XL Leprechaun) and in 2011, voters from all over Michigan awarded The Waxies a Shammy Award for "Favorite Irish Rock Act in Michigan."

With a busy spring schedule and plans for a second studio album, The Waxies show no sign of slowing down.

Brendan Malloy

• mandolin
• banjo
• guitar
• vocals

Mack Adama

• drums
• vocals

Conor Bardallis

• bass
• guitar
• vocals

Michael Prokopchuk

• fiddle
• accordion
• viola

Miles Anderson

• guitar
• bass

Mikay McKibbin

• penny whistle
• clarinet
• vocals

Jesse Powers

• banjo
• mandolin