BAND SPOTLIGHT | The Emerald Underground

From origins as one of the first groups in central Illinois to play Celtic music with a rock feel, The Emerald Underground has evolved for over a decade, continuing to be a steady and vibrant force in our area music scene. With alterations made in 2013, TEU approaches the “High Holy Days” of the St. Patrick’s Day stretch of 2014 revitalized and ready to present Celtic-influenced and Irish-driven music to the masses. With Nat Radwine (drums, percussion), Theresa O’Hare (flute, piccolo, Irish whistles, percussion, vocals), Bill McKenzie (bass, acoustic guitar, vocals), Lori McKenzie (vocals, percussion, keyboards), Chas Blythe (electric guitar, vocals), Tom Irwin (acoustic guitar, harmonica, vocals) and the newest member of the ensemble, Megan Turner (fiddle, vocals) joining together, the group performs Celtic music in various styles from folk to rock. A set list includes Celtified versions of Jimi Hendrix and Woody Guthrie songs, traditional Irish numbers, old fiddle tunes and new originals, all done with Irish lilt and Celtic conundrums, plus a certified central Illinois rock infusion to weave the sounds into a cohesive unit.