O'Bradys

The O’Bradys are a lively acoustic  Irish folk band from the Lake Country region of southeast Wisconsin, performing a diverse repertoire of Irish and Scottish folk tunes, pub favorites and ballads—with a dash of Americana. Like their idols, Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem, the O’Bradys strive to create a blend of rollicking Irish tunes, humorous banter and tender ballads. 

The O’Bradys are anchored by brothers Mark and Stephen “O’Brady” Hollister. The core duo is enhanced by the dynamic fiddle playing of Jan McDonald.

The band’s name honors their dear Irish mother, Gillian Brady Hollister, an accomplished singer and pianist, who taught her children the joy of music in general and Irish culture in particular, from an early age.  

O’Bradys’ music draws heavily from the rich catalogs of the Clancy Brothers, Tommy Makem, the Dubliners, and Christy Moore: from  “Jug of Punch” to “Four Green Fields”, and a cappella classics like “Auld Triangle” and “Rocky Road to Dublin”. They also cover tunes of more current Irish bands such as the Pogues, Saw Doctors, Damien Dempsey, Declan O'Rourke, Solas, Shillelagh Law and Great Big Sea, to name a few.  

O'Bradys are available to play festivals, private engagements, Irish pubs and restaurants, Irish-related events and more. When appropriate, the band can flex down to a duo, or flex up to as many as 5 musicians.

Booking Contact: Mark Hollister at 262-442-5600.

The O’Bradys Band are: 

Mark “O’Brady” Hollister:   Vocals, guitar, mandolin
Mark is a singer, guitarist, and “the Guinness in our Irish stew”. He is our resident Irish music curator, and knows a bit of Irish poetry as well! Mark has performed previously with the classic rock band Half-life. 

Stephen “O’Brady” Hollister:   Vocals, guitar, banjo, percussion
Though the O’Bradys is his first Irish band, Steve is a veteran local musician, having worked for decades as lead singer and drummer in rock bands (Private Stock and Solstice, among others) and, more recently, with the acoustic rock/folk cover band, Barefoot ‘n Bluejeans (along with sister Megan!). He is a gifted singer and a fun-loving, energetic performer. 

Jan McDonald:   Fiddle
While not blood relation, Jan is certainly part of the O’Bradys family! Her lyrical fiddle lines add melody, counterpoint and “Gaelic” to our sound, including some exciting jigs and reels! 

Collaborators:
"3-Pint Johnny" Slein: John and Mark have played together as an off-shoot of the O'Bradys band for various events. John is a talented guitar player and vocalist in his own right. Look for "Mark O'Brady and 3-Pint Johnny" gigs in Manitowish Waters, among others! 

Megan "O'Brady" Hintz: Our talented sister Megan sings guest-spots with the O'Bradys on select occasions.