After much speculation, the Bethany student body was finally introduced to the band of faculty members Josh Weaver and Craig Mast. Last week’s chapel featured music by the celtic group, which (somewhat humorously) dons the name “Not Your Mother’s Irish Band.”
The performan
ce was extremely well received by students. Sammy Kauffman (‘14) described the group as “awesome,” praising the unique instrumentation. Katie Shank (‘14) was impressed by Mast’s accent and how it added to the authenticity of the musical style.
In fact, through conversation with many throughout the student body, it is obvious that everyone took something different away from the performance. This interest in the band among the Bethany community has everyone wondering: Just where did they come from?
The origins of Not Your Mother’s Irish Band can be traced back two and a half years ago, when Bob and Colleen Rademaker moved in next door to current Spanish teacher Craig Mast. The husband and wife duo had previously participated in other musical groups that specialized in Irish music, so the idea of an Irish band was nothing new to them.
As they began to play in downtown Goshen, the need for a guitar player became increasingly apparent. New neighbor and friend Craig was happy to oblige, and it wasn’t long before local musician Kent Dutchersmith found his way into the ensemble as well.
Current math and social studies teacher Josh Weaver was the last to join the band, bringing his percussion skills to the mix about three or four months following the group’s formation.
The First Friday event, Electric Brew, Goshen theater, and Fiddler’s Hearth were the first venues to get a taste of this new musical talent. Later, the group played a set at Constant Springs bar on St. Patrick’s Day. “The whole event was a trainwreck,” said Mast, “The sound and sound system were terrible. Bars are not good for acoustic bands.”
As a result of this “trainwreck,” Not Your Mother’s Irish Band has resorted to playing mainly in the popular public venues from which they originally debuted. The ensemble claims their musical style to be Celtic, though not specifically Irish. Many of the songs are traditional tunes hailing from Scotland and England.
So, what will the future hold?
“I have no delusions of grandeur that I will end up being a professional musician,” said Mast, “but it’s a fun excuse to get to know people. We perform because we enjoy it, not because we’re the absolute best at what we do.” Weaver confirmed this mindset, claiming, “It’s all fun. Stressful at times, but fun. With so much work here at school, the band is one of my few chances for artistic expression. I love it.”
The group will continue to perform their catchy music locally, but it doesn’t seem like a significantly larger fanbase will be established anytime soon. Not Your Mother’s Irish Band has no desire of making it big in the music industry. However, their music will continue being appreciated by those who hear it, as the band remains, according to their Facebook page, “a little piece of Ireland in Goshen, Indiana.”
Not Your Mother’s Irish Band can be found on their Facebook page. A video excerpt from the band’s chapel performance is available below. If the video does not load properly, click here.
~Jesse Bontreger