Meet the Bards
Kiernan Hamilton
Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Kiernan founded the Brooklyn Bards along with Donal Nolan back in 2013 as a duo performing the traditional Irish songs that they both grew up around, having family who had come to New York from Ireland. The rich song list and simple mix of guitar, Donal’s tin whislte and top notch vocals began the legend of the Brooklyn Bards that carries on today.
Robert Montemarano
Percussion, Djembe, Bodhran, Vocals
Robbie joined the Bards back in 2015 to add percussion to the sound of the original duo, with his vocals also bringing more texture and harmony. He was a big part of the first Bards album with his djembe drum, shakers and tambourines, and he has now added bodhran to his arsenal.
Joe Mayer
Fiddle, Mandola, Tenor Banjo, Tin Whislte, Guitar, Vocals
Joe Mayer began playing violin as a child, first learning from his father followed by classical training. He soon learned many other instruments and began playing traditional Irish music in his twenties in a band in Las Vegas, NV. He joined the Bards in 2016 to back up Kiernan on guitar for live performances but soon brought his other instruments to the party and the rest is history.
Johnny Holleran
Acoustic, Electric, and Bass Guitar, Vocals
Johnny grew up in Galway, Ireland and moved to New York back in the 00’s having been a blues and rock guitarist and songwriter with a unique voice in successful bands for many years. He started filling in with us on guitar around 2018 and now plays a majority of our shows either as guitarist or on bass bringing a new dimension and sound to the band.
John Kosciusko
Percussion, Cajon, Bodhran
John is the newest member of the Brooklyn Bards serving as our alternate percussionist. His steady rhythm, cajon and bodhran skills as well as his big personality bring a lot to the band.
Donal Nolan
Tin Whistle, Vocals
Donal was the heart and soul of the Bards from its founding until his unexpected passing in April 2022. We decided to continue the band to honor his memory and keep alive the music he loved so much. His incredible trained tenor voice is irreplaceable but Joe has picked up the tin whistle as its sound is so integral to the music of the Brooklyn Bards. Donal’s considerable talent as well as his immense wit, charm and sense of humor will never be forgotten nor duplicated.
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