Brian Kennedy Instrument: Lead Vocals, Guitars, Banjo, Dulcimer, Penny Whistle, Kazoo, Resident Celtic Historian, Really Good BAD Jokes. Favorite Bands: Favorite Bands Favorite Songs: Favorite Songs Favorite Quote: "Favorite Quote"

Brian Kennedy is a native Bronxite (he now resdies in Winfield Park NJ) who grew up with the sounds and cadences of Irish and Scottish accents in his family. His grandfather was a singer who interested him early on in Scots ballads. Like his grandfather Brian inherited a baritone voice well suited to "belting out" rousing songs.

With the help of his Uncle Johnny who taught him the rudiments of folk-guitar, Brian was off and running at performing in his teenage years. He also taught himself a little 5 string banjo to accompany his songs. At 16 he made his official debut at St. Frances de Chantal's "Irish Night" in Throgs Neck, although he had already been entertaining his friends in front of bonfire/Schaeffer parties on Silver Beach!

Aside from musical friends and family, his major early influences came from recordings by; The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, The Dubliners, Ewan Maccoll, Jean Redpath and Lou Killen. Through the singing of the latter, Brian became interested in sea-chanties. He enjoys the poems and songs of Robert Burns and has performed for Burns' Suppers up and down the east coast from Virgina to Maine.

In the summer of 2001 Brian attended the wedding of friends in Ireland. For the occasion he penned a song; "My Home In Ballinard" to honor the bride's father's (Michael Mahony) hometown. It caused a minor sensation in and around Cordal Parish, County Kerry. (Where Ballinard is) During that 15 minutes of fame in the "ould" country, Brian was referred to by some as "The Yank that wrote the song"!...and it was mentioned on a local radio station.

Over the years Brian has kept on sharing the songs that he loves. He has studied Scots Gaelic and Irish inorder to more confidently perform selections in those beautiful tongues. He has often played solo but also with several groups and other ensembles of Celtic musicians before joining CELTOIDS.