Black Irish Band Members(aka The Hooligan’s)
Patrick Michael Karnahan:
Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar, Trumpet, Concertina,Button Accordion, Vocals.
Patrick is the founder, leader, and principal songwriter for the band. At the age of eight Patrick began his musical journey. Starting on the trumpet and then the French horn, Patrick performed from grade school to college. In his twenties he lived in Westport, County MayoIreland teaching art. While living in Ireland Patrick developed an interest in Irish Music. The first instrument he picked up was the Octave Mandolin and then the Banjo. What followed would be the root instruments of the present band, Button Accordion and Guitar. Through the Trumpet is still featured in the band, the French horn has been at the core of some of the original song recordings. To date Patrick has written and recorded 86 of his original songs with the Black Irish Band.
Richard Restivo:
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass, Trumpet, Baritone Horn, Vocals.
Like Patrick, Rick started out learning Trumpet at age 7. Rick’s parents were both born in Sicily and it was from then he developed a love for Italian Music. His joy of music would lead him to a college degree in Music Theory. At present Rick has been employed as the band teacher at SonoraGrade School for 29 years. In his course of study Rick has learned over 20 instruments and has developed the skills of arranging for orchestra. This talent has been very helpful to the bands projects.
Steve McArthur:
Piano, Piano Accordion, Mandolin, Tenor Banjo, Guitar, Vocals
Steve joined the band about two years after its creation. His background in music started at church singing in the Sunday Mass. Through his high school years Steve played in several bands that performed Rock & Roll. In his college years he lived in Bend,Oregon and performed in Country Western Bands for five years. Piano was his main instrument in the beginning with the Guitar following some years latter in the band. It was at the time that Steve experimented with the Mandolin that his interest was sparked by Irish & Folk Music. It was a perfect way to join the Black Irish Band, and he is still at it almost 16 years now!
David Rainwater:
Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals.
Dave started the Fiddle in his late teens. Over the year he has become a master of the art form. A few years back he won 1st place at the largest Fiddle Competition in Galax, Virginia. David has won numerous awards over the years and has toured with Randy Sparks & the New Christy Minstrels form 1999-2005. On Mandolin, Dave brings a rich Italian flavor to many of the bands songs as well as some hard core Bluegrass picking. Dave’s fiddle also been at the core of the bands traditional Irish Dance tunes
Jim Nelson:
Banjo, Guitar, Acoustic Bass, Vocals.
Jim started late in life as a musician though you would never know it. His voice has been described by many as on of the best ballad voices around. His sound is unique for it conjures up the sounds from the past. Some have noted that his voice is like a landscape full of earth & soul. At other times Jim’s mood will change and he will fool the listener and do some old fashion Yodeling. Jim specializes in Maritime Music and performs on the 5-String Banjo. He enjoys all types of Banjo playing styles, but likes the Old-Time Americana sound the best! To date Jim has sung lead on twenty of the bands original songs.