Bantry Bay is a traditional Irish music band based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.   The band consists of Amy Otis Wilborn (Fiddle) and Patrick Daspit (Bouzouki & Guitar) sometimes joined by Sandy Weisto, their sound engineer, on guitar & vocals. The group performs throughout southeast Wisconsin for both private and public events. Frequently, friends and guest musicians also perform with the group.(see our photo gallery) . The band’s repertoire includes traditional Irish dance tunes and original melodies. Amy and Patrick are both strongly influenced by the Donegal fiddle tradition and many dance tunes from that region are to be heard in their music. Their material also includes traditional Irish songs, frequently with a maritime theme.
Photograph By: Shannon T. Rodgers

HISTORY:
Bantry Bay began with Bonnee Beth and Patrick performing as a duo, sometimes joined by Mark Polczynski on flute, whistle & pipes. Cape Breton style fiddler Kaitlin Hahn performed with the band during parts of 2003 and 2004 (See Kaitlin's Web Site). Their first CD, "Set The Sails", was released in July, 2004. Amy Otis-Wilborn, joined the group in December 2004. The group is now back to performing as a duo with Amy and Patrick. Bonnee Beth has since left the group but still makes guest appearances. Bantry Bay has performed at Milwaukee's Irish Fest, the largest Irish music festival in the world, the Maritime Heritage Festival in Port Washington, Wisconsin as well as numerous venues throughout south east Wisconsin.
 
 

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