JAMIE O'BRIEN (guitar, vocals)
co-founder of the Laune Rangers and legal resident alien in the US.
Since forming in 1997, the band has gained a fine reputation for its dynamic approach to celtic music. Featuring fiddle and guitar based instrumental work along with vocals, the musicians have developed a wide repertoire which revolves around mainly Irish tunes and songs.
Jamie (vocals, guitar) is usually accompanied away from home by the traveling Launies, featuring Henry Koretzky, John Winship and Chad Shambaugh:
HENRY KORETZKY (mandolin, guitar, vocals) also plays with Rootbound, Sweet Nothings, Sink or Swing, the Ken Gehret Swing Band and various other groups. His dynamic musical skills and eclectic tastes are a great asset to the band. His former bands include the Old World Folk Band (klezmer) and Cornerstone (bluegrass/newgrass);
JOHN WINSHIP (fiddle, concertina, vocals) has played American old-time and Irish music for 30 years, performing and recording with the West Orrtanna String Band, the Orrtanna Mountain Steamers, Wherligig, the Barnstorm Melodeers, and Pennyroyal; he has played everywhere from the Iron Horse Cafe in Northampton, Massachusetts, to the Carter Family Fold in southern Virginia, from the vice-president’s residence in Washington D.C. to the studios of National Public Radio;
CHAD E. SHAMBAUGH (bodhrán) has been playing ‘the skins" of one type or another for 17 years. Some years ago, while honeymooning in Ireland, things took a turn for the worse ... he bought his first bodhrán and hasn’t put it down since. With influences like Tommy Hayes, Colm Murphy and Johnny McDonagh, Chad is on his way to being one of the most musically gifted, well respected bodhrán players in the area, often being invited to sit in with other performers. (Chad plays bodhráns made by Albert Olfonso & Remo Drums).
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When Jamie plays in central Pennsylvania, he is usually accompanied by the hometown Launies. This lineup features Ryck Kaiser and Craig Zumbrum
CRAIG ZUMBRUM (vocals, guitar, bodhrán) is also a member of Gladly Plays With Strings and is a former member of the Arcona Reel Band, which he helped form.
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Jamie's other music projects include:
SLINGO - Central Pennsylvania's foremost traditional Irish band
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SHADES OF GREEN & BLUE - presenting the music of Ireland and Appalachia
featuring KJ (vocals, guitar, bodhrán)
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SEMANON - State College-based traditional Irish music and more...
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MEDICINAL PURPOSE - Harrisburg's contradance and old timey band.
RYCK KAISER (fiddle, vocals),
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THE RYCK KAISER TRIO - contradances and concerts:
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Jamie can often be found accompanying various musicians including:
Bruce Young (fiddle, guitar, vocals)
and many more.
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But, back to the Launies...
The Laune Rangers have played extensively throughout Pennsylvania and further afield, including Europe, at festivals, clubs, pubs and private parties as well as in concert.
Click here for a list of selected performances and more irrelevant, but interesting, trivia.
and Click here for a list of the different musicians who have been involved in the band since its formation in 1997.
Or, of course, you can always go home.
Jamie O'Brien
at (717) 795-8278
or send an email
RYCK KAISER (fiddle, vocals) also plays in the Yard Dawgz as well as a number of other bands; he and Jamie have also worked as a duo since 1990.
featuring John Winship (fiddle, concertina),
Jamie O'Brien (vocals, guitar),
Matt Willen (vocals, mandolin, bouzouki),
John Dreibelbis (pipes, flute, whistle) and
Dan Diviney (bodhrán, whistles)
Henry Koretzky (vocals, mandolin, guitar) and
Jamie O'Brien (vocals, guitar)
BRUCE YOUNG (vocals, guitar, fiddle),
JAMIE O'BRIEN (vocals, guitar),
ERIC BARTHMAIER (bass) and
TOMMY KOCHEL (vocals, bodhrán, whistle)
the big band:
HENRY KORETZKY (vocals, mandolin, hammered dulcimer),
CAROL WHITFIELD (clawhammer banjo, concertina, percussion) and
JAMIE O'BRIEN (vocals, guitar)
with bassist (usually Bruce Campbell, BJ Driscoll or Vinnie Hunter)
Ryck, Henry and Jamie also play as a trio.
RYCK KAISER (fiddle),
JILL SMITH (keyboards) and
JAMIE O'BRIEN (guitar) or
HENRY KORETZKY (mandolin).
Ryck Kaiser (fiddle)
John Winship (fiddle, concertina)
Jim Eagan (fiddle)
For for booking and for more information on the Launies, contact: