Celtic Folk Rock from Hawai`i
Hailing from the land of volcanoes, swaying palms and Mai Tais, The Kilt Lifters bring an edgy, excitable and progressive curve to traditional Celtic music. The Kilt Lifters perform centuries old Celtic and modern Celtic songs combining grand storytelling, captivating vocals and virtuoso musicianship while delivering robust, fervid, if not dominating arrangements to the main stage.
Not your traditional Celtic trad!
The Kilt Lifters are like no other, highlighting four musicians at the top of their game; Chris Carr with his soaring vocals and impeccable guitar work, Carr is the band’s fortitude and steadfast leader. With his alluring tenor Chris Carr has captivated audiences across the globe. Morgan O’Shaughnessey and Arthur Stephano form the core of the Kilt Lifters unique instrumental essence. Each on extended range instruments Mr. O’Shaughnessey on the seven string violin and Stephano playing his six string bass. Together they are the ultimate wingmen, complimenting each other and the rest of the band. Morgan and Arthur bring a “turn it inside out” style to Celtic instrumentalism. Joe O’Laughlin, rounding out the Kilt Lifters pulverizing punch, a literal siege engine behind the kit. Mr. O’Laughlin delivers the pulse of this backsword of a Celtic rock band with amusement, delight and raillery.
As longtime Celtic music enthusiasts, these four men, influenced from favorite performers across genres, fashion the uncommon sound that is The Kilt Lifters. As students of history, The Kilt Lifters understand that the stories behind the music are the crucial component being shared with audiences, followers and fans.
Band Briefs
Band Location: Hawai`i Island, Hawai`i, USA
Performing Since: 2015
Genre: Celtic Folk Rock, Progressive World Folk
Band Members:
Chris Carr: Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Flute, Banjo
Morgan O’Shaughnessey: Violin, Nyckelharpa
Arthur Stephano: Bass
Joe O’Laughlin: Percussion
Notable Performances:
American South tour 2023, Highlands & Islands, Celt Cruise Alaska, Hawai`i Pirate Festival, Ireland Tour 2018, Westin Hapuna Resort, Mauna Lani Resort, Hilton Waikoloa Resort, Tacoma Highland Games, Oahu Scottish Festival & Highland Games, Hawai`i Irish Fest, Celtic Bash, Oceanfront Music Festival
A Celtic Band from Hawai`i?
Yes! Hawai`i has a vibrant and active Celtic community, with several cultural organizations and numerous events throughout the year. The Hawaiian Scottish Association hosts an annual Highland Games and Scottish Festival in Waikiki and for more than 50 years an annual St. Patrick’s Day parade has taken over the streets of Honolulu. It is not an accident, there is a long connection between the Celtic nations and Hawai`i. Beloved Hawaiian Princess Ka`iulani, the last heir to the monarchy, was half Scottish. Scottish and Irish sailors were among the earliest western explorers to make contact in Hawai`i, many of whom settled here and became integrated in the local community. The Celtic community in Hawaii lives on as a group, who like the native Hawaiians, work to stay connected to their culture and history.
Press
The Kilt Lifters have appeared on numerous blogs and programs, including Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, 67 Music Podcast, Maui Celtic Radio, Windy City Irish Radio and were featured in Irish Music Magazine. Click here to read the article!
Press Photos
Hi Resolution Photos Available for Download Here
Song Samples
Audio Downloads Here