IAN BYRNE

Music has always been a passion in Ian Byrne's life. It didn't matter if he was playing the guitar or the drums or just clicking out a beat with his fingers, Ian was always making music. In fact, even before he bought his first kit of drums for $180 at the age of 14, Ian was already a self-taught musician who would use whatever he could find to drum out a beat. And in the village of Avoca, in County Wicklow, Ireland, where Ian was born, there was no lack of beats… from jazz, country, traditional Irish, rock and the big band sound…Ian grew up in a rich musical environment.

Ian Byrne's musical career was launched in the Father Redmond Memorial Pipe Band during the early 70's. Although the bagpipes and a kilt weren't Ian's first choices-----(the band already had enough drummers)---Ian didn't mind, as long as he was doing what he loved to do. In fact, Ian wrote the bagpipes into The Elders' tune, "Men of Erin", for a special effect.

In 1972, Ian and his life-long friend to this day, Fran Harper, formed their first band called "Plug". Ian's sister, Andreina, was the lead singer while Fran played guitar and Ian banged away at the drums. And even though "Plug" only had a couple of gigs, some school dances, the band definitely reinforced Ian's dream of playing music. Ian is just glad to know that there are no known recordings of "Plug" in existence today!

Through the years Ian has played with a wide variety of musicians in Ireland, Scotland and now in his adopted home of Kansas City, Missouri. The Cantons played ballads, Avoca was traditional Irish, Black Velvet had the big band sound, Renegade was basic heavy rock, Regent Street and The Street were adult rock and The Classics played cover songs from the 50's-90's. Byrne toured the United States and Ireland with many of these bands but his biggest musical accomplishment was breaking into the top 10 of the Irish charts with three singles from Regent Street.

In 1986 a recording and touring deal with a major Irish artist would have cinched his musical career but it would also have taken him away from his newborn son, Kian. Ian decided touring wasn't for him and instead moved his family to the United States where he concentrated on his other creative outlet….Byrne Custom Woodworking.

Ian loves working with his hands and creating unique pieces of furniture. In 1989 his company started out of a two car garage and today it's grown to a 30,000 square foot underground facility, where he designs custom furniture. Ian has also worked at creating two lovely daughters, Kaitlin and Andreina, both accomplished Irish dancers. All three of Ian's children share in his love of music as Kian and Andreina play the violin, while Kaitlin plays the piano.

In November of 2001 Ian decided to record a CD of his favorite Irish songs with his old friend Fran Harper. They spent one month in Ireland recording The Valley Project which includes other well-known musicians. But little did Byrne realize that while he was away making music in Ireland, a life-changing plan was evolving at a soccer game in Leawood, Kansas.

Two soccer moms, who had never met before, would strike up a conversation as they watched their daughters play. The two moms had a lot more in common than they realized… both had kids at the same school, both had worked in television and both had husbands who were musicians. It didn't take long for these two to put it all together…one husband's band The Elders was losing a lead singer and the future lead singer, Ian Byrne, was just a drum beat away.