The Drowsy Lads exploded onto the Irish music scene in Ohio in 2006 and have become favorites at pubs, clubs, and festivals. Their intricate, yet molten-lava approach to Traditional Irish music has won over many fans. They recently released their CD “Wide Awake” to rave reviews.

Brothers Daniel McKewen (Uilleann pipes, guitar, bodhran) and John McKewen (bouzouki, tenor banjo, vocals) started the band with high school friend Bryan Brookes (flute, whistle, concertina). They added Josh Franck (button accordion, vocals, bodhran). Later, Josh’s dad Phil Franck (fiddle, bouzouki, 5-string banjo) joined the band.

The Drowsy Lads were featured artists at Lakeside Ohio’s Chautauqua two years in a row. They’ve played a number of Irish festivals, but their yearly favorite remains playing The Dublin Irish Festival. They’ve performed on stage with the likes of Dervish, SLIDE, John Whelan, and lead dancer of Riverdance Joe Moriarity.