Brian Leahy
Brian Leahy has been on the Irish Folk scene since 1984, first as half of an Irish duo, and then forming Leahys Luck with his brother Tom in 1990. His musical interests started in theater during the late 60's, leading to three years with The Milwaukee Opera Company. With broad tastes in music it is not unusual to hear him breaking into his stellar rendition of the Roy Orbison classic, "Crying". Brian plays guitar adding percussion with a shaker and tambourine. His most prominent talents are his expressive vocals, storytelling, and an occasional display of sibling rivalry.
Tom Leahy
Tom Leahy has been performing Irish, world and liturgical music since 1990. He retired from FedEx in 2008 after 35 years of service with the company, and is now able to devote much more of his time to musical endeavors. He looks forward to expanding his interest in this musical venue.
Evan Leahy
Tom’s son, a world-class Irish drummer, has played internationally. While the bodhran he masters as his foundation, he continues to develop his talent with guitar and vocals. Listen for the bluegrass influences when Evan picks up his guitar.
Randal Harrison
Violinist Randal Harrison Hoecherl charms, challenges and inspires listeners of all ages. Critics have simultaneously declared him reminiscent of Nicoli Pagannini, Stephane Grapelli, Al DiMeola and Frank Zappa. His mastery of such diverse styles has garnered him an EMMY nomination for composition and three Madison Area Music Awards for Jazz Artist of the Year, Classical Artist of the Year and Blues Artist of the Year. His diverse performance credits include work with the Savannah Symphony Orchestra, jazz Bassist Ben Tucker, and legendary drummer Sam Lay of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Harrison's performances and compositions appear on over 100 recordings including works for Naxos World, SRM, Boat Records, db Musique, Spiritwood and StringFling Records. In addition to his work as performer, composer and recording artist, Randal Harrison travels as a clinician of jazz improvisation and violin studies.
Stas Venglevski
Stas Venglevski is a bayan accordion virtuoso, performing with symphonies internationally, the Milwaukee Pops Orchestra led by Doc Severinsen, has appeared with Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” and numerous venues far and near. His artistry, dazzling technical command, and sensitivity have brought Stas, a native of the Republic of Moldova, part of the former Soviet Union, world-wide acclaim. With ten recordings to his credit he has served as President of the prestigious International Accordionists and Teachers Guild. A lover of all types of music, Stas is the consumate entertainer adding his own all-world flavor to the sound of Leahys Luck.
Some of the family Charter Members return home now and then, and add nostalgia, family feeling, and their talents on occasions such as Irish Fest, St. Patrick's Day, and other holiday times. Here's what they are doing in their new home towns:
Michelle
Michelle (Leahy) Ellison is the eldest of Brian’s children. She still loves to bring her fiddle to Leahys Luck performances and joins them a couple times a year, usually for St. Patrick’s and Milwaukee’s Irish Fest. Michelle and her husband Andrew currently reside in Arizona. She attended Northwestern University and works in nonprofit fundraising.
Caitlin
Caitlin Leahy, Brian's youngest daughter, lives in the Denver Colorado area. She's able to break free from her work obligations to join Leahys Luck more frequently than her sisters. Her vocals were featured prominently in Leahys Luck latest album, Near and Far. Her interest in politics and dietetics continue to guide her career choices. Caitlin attended St. Louis University and graduated with majors in Political Science, International Studies, and Spanish.
Sarah
Sarah (Leahy) Emerson, the second of Brian’s three daughters wishes she could perform more often with her father, uncle, and family. She is currently working for Campus Crusade for Christ at their headquarters in Orlando Florida. Her role in campus ministry is quite fulfilling. Sarah’s vocals, tin whistle, and infectious smile are sorely missed in Leahys Luck stage mix. She hopes to someday move closer to the Midwest and join her family for more than just Milwaukee’s Irish Fest and St. Patrick’s Day. Sarah attended University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire earning a degree in Nursing. She married Aaron Emerson in 2003, her partner in campus ministry.
Maura
Maura Leahy Adams put away her accordion when she left for the East Coast in 2002, but she remains grateful for the father and uncle who, legend has it, bribed her into taking up that infamous instrument when she was 15 years old - for if a teenage girl can survive that humiliation, she'll never fear public speaking! Maura now lives in Concord, New Hampshire with her husband Brian. She works as environmental stewardship manager at St. Paul's School and spends a lot of time being active outdoors. Maura graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 2001 with degrees in History and Biological Aspects of Conservation. In 2005 she graduated from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies with a master's degree in Environmental Management.
Colin
Colin Leahy currently resides in the Olympia Washington. His love of nature continues to reveal itself in his dedication to forestry and landscape management. Colin’s presence with percussion can be heard on the latest album, Near and Far.
