The Walsh Family Band has roots in the Newfoundland fishing community of Bay de Verde, NL, Canada – a community rich in musical heritage, culture and history.
Formed in 1995, the band’s repertoire includes a blend of traditional Newfoundland, Irish, Scottish vocals and instrumentals as well as original material influenced by the place and people they come from – particularly that of their home community.
The band appears regularly at folk festivals and concert venues throughout their home province and have released three independent recordings. Band members have also been featured on compilations and projects by other Newfoundland and Labrador artists.
In addition, they have worked on local and national radio and television broadcasts, feature films and DVD’s, have toured extensively with other groups/musicians and have over 15 years of experience playing together as a family band.
Band members include:
Piano accordion, button accordion, keyboards, guitar, vocals.
A founding member of the group, Ray Walsh is one of the best known and most recognized accordion players in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Fiddle, tenor banjo, mandola, guitar, mandolin, percussion, vocals
A multi-instrumentalist and contributor of original songs to the group, Greg is also a founding member of the Walsh Family Band.
Vocals and keyboards
The youngest daughter of Ray, Michelle is an award-winning vocalist and also one of the original members of the Walsh Family Band.
Acoustic guitar, vocals, button accordion
Gerard Walsh - one of Ray's younger brothers from Bay de Verde, is another seasoned performer, having joined the Walsh Family Band in 2001.
Acoustic and electric bass, vocals
Nephew of Ray and Gerard and cousin of Greg and Michelle, Neil Hyde rounds out the group on bass and vocals.