Local Irish band get (er, give) an earful

Local Irish/Celtic band The Blarney Rebel Band has made it all the way to Texas and New Orleans - well, kind of. The band's song "Stand With Me, Boys" recently garnered the top spot in the Best of 2009 Listener’s Poll on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast, broadcast from Texas and New Orleans.

The podcast presents twice-monthly broadcasts of Celtic and Irish music by the best independent Celtic music groups from around the world. At the close of each show, listeners are asked to vote for the favorite song on that show.

At the end of the year, all of the year’s winners of the listeners’ poll are featured as the best of 2009, with listeners once again asked to vote for their favorite tune.

The Blarney Rebel Band is made up of Mark Sisti, Al Sisti, Dan Sisti, Jessica Voce and Amanda Straney.

Check them out from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Elks Lodge, 1315 Champlin Ave., Utica during the Butler-Sheehan Academy of Irish Dance Third Pub Night.
Tickets are $12 in advance ($15 at the door); available at www.gonefishin.com, Valley Music, Nail Creek Pub or Piggy Pat’s.