Dormont-based ‘Irishmen’ Honor Friend Through Music

The have performed on local radio stations and played for the Pittsburgh Irish Festival and Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

But on Saturday, their venue was a little smaller and their event was more personal.

The Irishmen played at Molly Brannigans in Mt Lebanon for the seventh annual George Evans Memorial Benefit.

George Evans, a friend, musician and former Keystone Oaks classmate of the band members, died in a car accident in 2004 at age 23.

“He was one of those people who connected people,” said band member Ben Jaber. “It’s just a really special event.”

The Irishmen organized the event to raise money for students at The Recording Workshop in Chillicothe, Ohio, where Evans studied music recording.

The money raised is donated in Evans’s name to help students pay for books and music equipment. Students who exhibit the most dedication and enjoyment for their work are chosen for the award, Jaber said.

In the past seven years, the band has raised enough money to help 50 students.

Because Evans loved Irish music, Doug Greer started Saturday’s show with a bagpipe performance. Steel City Slingers, Lungs Face Feet, Ragweed, Aaron Zeman and Ricky Kolling also performed. Nearly all of the musicians knew Evans personally.

Although the show is a solemn reminder of losing their friend, Jaber said the bands enjoy the experience. It’s not about the show, he said - it’s about having a good time and trying not to take themselves too seriously.

They even got their name that way. Jaber said the Bastard Bearded Irishmen named themselves as a joke, thinking the first benefit concert would be a one-time gig. But because it was successful, and because they enjoyed playing, they stuck together.

“We always try to exhibit the qualities George had,” Jaber said. “We like shaking hands, talking to people at the show. If we didn’t have fun doing this, we wouldn’t be doing it.”

To make a donation, contact the band at bastardbeardedirishmen@gmail.com.