About the Boys • The Whiskey Boys

The Boys in General

The Whiskey Boys are a Boston based band led by Berklee graduate, David Delaney. They tour the Northeast and have sold out such notable folk venues as the legendary Club Passim in Cambridge, MA and the Firebox in Hartford, CT. They have opened for national acts such as Lori McKenna, Man Man, and four-time Grammy nominated country artist, Trace Adkins. The Whiskey Boys performed at the Berklee International Folk Festival in 2009, Joe’s Pub’s 2010 and 2011 Make Music New York Festivals, the 2011 and 2012 New England Americana Festivals, the 2012 Jamaica Plain Music Festival, and the 2012 North Branch Bluegrass Festival. In 2010, they were the featured entertainment at the National Governor’s Association annual conference held at Fenway Park, and in 2011 and 2012, the Whiskey Boys were selected as the premiere country act at the Music Mountain Chamber Music Festival where, in 2012, they were joined by Banjo player Pete Kelly, formerly of Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper.

On television, the Whiskey Boys have appeared on the morning shows on FOX-61 in CT and FOX-25 in MA and “Better Connecticut” on WFSB in CT. On the airwaves, they have been heard on programs such as “Tangled Roots” on WHUS and Chris Tesky’s show on WPKN in CT, “In the Tradition” on WCUW, “Droppin Knowledge” on WMBR, and “The Boston Local Music Show” on Unregular Radio in MA. Their song “Washington is Coming” was featured on WICN of Worcester’s “Folk Revival” program during host Nick Nobel’s “Presidents” show.

Among their other accomplishments, The Whiskey Boys hold the title of “Most Romantic” from the Unofficial Boy Band Competition at the Clifftop Music Festival in West Virginia for their performance of “The Rolling Rock Bottle Song.”

The Boys Specifically

David Delaney

David leads the Whiskey Boys with his fiddle, combining Irish, folk, and Americana to craft the band’s signature eclectic sound. With the Whiskey Boys he has released three albums: First Day, Mary Come to Boston, and 2012’s Crescent Moon, writing and performing much of the music on each and building the band’s reputation as an exciting and powerful new voice in today’s Americana scene.

Michael Warren

Michael Warren’s guitar playing brings an eclectic mix of traditions to the Whiskey Boys’ sound. He began picking on his dad’s guitar before he was big enough to hold it, and by high school was playing in several bands, and teaching dozens of students in greater New London area of Connecticut, many of whom went on to study at Berklee College of Music. Michael also attended Berklee, where he focused on jazz guitar, business, and education. Now, combined with the fiddling genius of David Delaney, he is bringing the world of jazz, blues, and rock into the traditional styles of Irish, folk, and bluegrass.

Mark Whitaker

Mark is a Boston-based banjoist who has performed extensively throughout New England. Originally trained in classical piano, Mark began playing banjo while attending Earlham College in Richmond, IN where he earned his B.A. in Philosophy. He performs his own original music as a solo artist and also frequently plays banjo with The Whiskey Boys and Hickory Strings. In 2011 he was the winner of the Tony Trischka Deering Banjo Contest. He holds a Specialist Certificate in Music Theory from Berklee College of Music and currently resides in Boston, MA.

Jon Polit

Jon plays electric bass with the Whiskey Boys, bringing a modern twist to the traditional bluegrass instrumentation. Originally from MA, he played classical clarinet seriously throughout high school.At Oberlin College he played extensively with jazz groups, brass bands, and klezmer ensembles. During this time he picked up the bass, and began playing out with folk and rock bands shortly after graduation. Jon now resides in Cambridge, MA, and contributes his broad musical background and education to the Whiskey Boys.

Jeff Butcher

From an early age, Jeff Butcher became fascinated with 60′s british invasion rock, soon picked up a guitar and a mandolin, and they decided his fate. It was while studying roots music and songwriting at Berklee that he was introduced to bluegrass and other americana styles. A Studio musician and multi instrumentalist, Jeff has heavy roots in early folk, old time/americana, rockabilly, rock and roll, and country music, and songwriting chops to boot. Other than pickin’ instruments he also repairs and custom builds string instruments for clients in his workshop.

"The Whiskey Boys, led by the ever-talented frontman David Delaney, sound better than they ever have. Mixing traditional Americana, Country, Celtic and sea shanties, their sound is full, loud, fast and fun. This band has one of the most eclectic sounds out there today and they are a blast to listen to. The Music is steeped in richness and completely delightful to the ear, yet still edgy and passionate. The band's banter back and forth between songs has the audience in stitches, while their songs have the crowd on the edge of their seats, hanging on every lyric. The band debuts a bunch of new tunes, making me think that they are the band to watch for in 2013."

—The Noise Live Music Reviews

The Whiskey Boys bring a striking and powerful sound to traditional-style music which touches on themes both old and new. Their passionate approach combines with genuine talent to create an unforgettable musical experience.

—Nick Noble, Host of The Folk Revival

WICN, Worcester Public Radio

It was blind faith, a couple of positive write-ups and a music sampler that led me to the Whiskey Boys. I was not disappointed! These talented musicians played and entertained an enthusiastic crowd at Brainerd Library in Haddam, CT last year with original and intricate songs as well as some classic folk/bluegrass songs. Take a chance like I did and you and your patrons will not be disappointed. Once again, I cannot say enough positive remarks about these talented young men and the energy, professionalism and love that they put into the show that we had at our library. Book them before they become famous and you can’t afford them!

—Dave Matthews

Adult Programmer, Brainered Memorial Library

The Whiskey Boys can play their instruments as well as most people can walk down the street. Their Bluegrass influenced songs are lively and upbeat with a hint of sarcasm and a healthy dose of fun mixing equally Celtic, Folk and Americana musical styles. The Whiskey Boys make a wonderful combination, each playing in a very complimentary style that sure to get your shoe tapping and your spirits lifted; whether that means your mood or your beverage is up to you. This CD is chockfull of hypnotizingly addictive songs that you will find yourself singing along in no time. These guys are making big waves in the New England folk scene. With music like this, I understand why. Pour yourself a tall glass of the Whiskey Boys and enjoy!

—Spare Change CD Reviews

The Whiskey Boys' sound is a infectious mix of Old Time Bluegrass, Irish folk tunes and original melodies with a great pop sensibility. Their songs will leave your foot tapping and a smile on your face!

—Sara Beesley, Programming Manager at Joe’s Pub in NYC

Joe's Pub

...Building on Beantown’s penchant and support of all things folk and acoustic, the Boys’ bluegrass fiddle/acoustic guitar/banjo twang and vocal harmonies waft through the air like a steady stream of corn mash smoke from a frothing still in the woods. This is a noble little EP, and at the end of three nicely built songs, you want … just a bit more. “Pass me that bottle once more, grandpa!”

—Mike Loce, Noise Magazine

The Whiskey Boys bring the spirit of Celtic folk music to the forefront on their debut CD, Mary Come To Boston. Delaney is a fine fiddler in the Irish tradition as Killianski adds percussive and rhythmic accompaniment with his acoustic guitar to this fine collection of nine originals and two covers. The duo displays their considerable musical prowess and understanding of the Celtic idiom on the songs "Madeline The Quaker," "Carolina Blue" (written by Margaret Mackay & Jeff Butcher), and "The Sad Reel." Next time your in the city on a beautiful summer day and you hear the sounds of a fiddle and guitar piercing the air, go and check it out. Chances are, it will be The Whiskey Boys pouring listeners a finely concocted elixir of Celtic lore. Good stuff! [D.S.]

—Metronome Magazine

With just a fiddle, guitar and their voices, The Whiskey Boys filled the stage with an apparent zest and love for their music. Their fine technical skills are quickly evident, but their music had the depth and character that only comes from a true appreciation of its history. The best thing we can say, is that when their set was over, we both were smiling and were sad that it had ended.

—Lynn Tapper

"One of the most common responses that I got after the Whiskey Boys played at our house was 'that was awesome, but how exactly do you get a band to play at your house?'. It really was as easy as sending an email and finding dates that work. They show up, set up and facilitate a great time. Don't think of it as hiring a band, think of it as having a bunch of friends over that happen to all be really really talented musicians and really great people."

—Zac S.

"The Whiskey Boys played to rave reviews at Farmington Libraries in Connecticut in March, 2011. The audience quickly became enthusiastic supporters and cheerleaders for the passionate musicians who gave a stellar performance that could be likened to a well-woven tapestry. Combining fast and slow tunes that were sometimes witty, sometimes sad, sometimes haunting and sometimes jazzy, the duo was so popular, requests were made for an encore performance. As a result, The Whiskey Boys will be presenting an outdoor concert on the grounds of The Barney Library in August!"

—Kathy L.