The Makem and Spain Brothers are song collectors in the spirit of their forefathers, preserving old folk songs and introducing a new generation to a rich musical history. With strong male vocals, a mix of boisterous sing-alongs and touching ballads, The Makem and Spain Brothers are, according to the New York Chronicle, “the definitive Irish folk singers of their generation.”

The Makem Brothers — Shane, Conor and Rory — were born in Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland, and raised in Dover, New Hampshire. They are the sons of “The Godfather of Irish Music” Tommy Makem, and grandsons of Irish source singer Sarah Makem.

The Makems teamed up with the Spain Brothers, Liam and Mickey, to form the group in 2002. Their combined forces preserve and advance folk music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and New England, as well as whaling, fishing and mining songs — even Australian Bush songs. Influences include The Clancy Brothers, Ewan MacColl and The Corries.

The Makem Brothers continue the lineage of one of Irish music’s dynasties, begun by their grandmother Sarah, who was sought after by song collectors for her store of traditional Irish songs. Their father is, Tommy, the modern day Bard of Armagh. Now considered an icon, he helped to bring Irish music out of the corner and into the international spotlight, where it has remained ever since.

The Spain Brothers, too, learned Irish songs at their father’s knee. Mickey’s rich, baritone voice and Liam’s mastery of stringed instruments quickly found a home when the Makems met the Spains and the brothers realized the power of their combined talents.

But folk songs are engrained in both families and their songwriting contains the timeless qualities of folk classics, songs of the worker, songs of the sea and Irish culture. They tell the tale of Ireland and its people — a culture that has undergone terrible strife, but remains strong.

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