Bands Experience Major Personnel Changes In 2002 By George O'Brien
It is not uncommon for bands to have personnel changes, but 2002 was an especially turbulent year for the Phoenix Irish music scene. One major band went out of business while another went into "inactive" status. Several other bands (more than two players) witnessed some kind of personnel change.
Early in the year, bodhran player Randy Lewis replaced Caitlyn Winters in Allanah.
During the St. Patrick's Day cycle, Erin Lewis joined the McMorrows as their regular fiddle player. Erin continues to play with Allanah which primarily plays at the Renaissance Faire. (Allanah is what is called a "One Off" band in that it borrows players from other bands, most notably Paul Knight from The Clare Voyants).
In August, the Bringers went onto "Inactive Status" when Michi Regier moved to Texas and Byron Miller moved to Chicago. They may reactivate for next year's Renaissance Faire.
In early September, Greg Kozak left the band Carroll MacGreggor. The remaining band changed the name eventually to O'Carroll's Gate and added fiddler Brandy Driscoll.
Afan added mandolin player Billy Parker. Harp player John Piggot ceased being a regular member of the band.
In early November, the Hooligans broke up when Rob Roski moved to Chicago. Jerica Leather officially joined Blackwood as a regular member.
In December, the Keltic Cowboys will replace guitar player Gil Jones with Greg Kozak on fiddle and mandolin.
One final "change" was that Jane Hilton returned to being the full time fiddle player for The Clare Voyants after spending a year away at school.
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