Bantry Bay is a traditional Irish music band based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.   The group consists of Amy Otis Wilborn (Fiddle) and Patrick Daspit (Bouzouki & Guitar). They are frequently joined by various friends, including Sandy Weisto, their sound engineer, and former member Bonnnee Beth on percussion The group performs throughout southeast Wisconsin for both private and public events. The group’s repertoire includes traditional Irish dance tunes and original melodies. Amy and Patrick are both strongly influenced by the Donegal fiddle tradition. Many dance tunes from that northern region of Ireland can be heard in their music. Their material also includes traditional Irish songs, frequently with a maritime theme.
Photograph By: Greg Latsch

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 no longer performs full time, but continues to make 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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