Blame Not The Bard

Come and see the HOTTEST Celtic band in Iowa!!

Blame Not the Bard is on a mission: to bring alive the songs and stories of Ireland. Expertly blending their captivating storytelling and historical knowledge with fiery instrumentals and musical prowess, Blame Not the Bard’s high-energy show will get your hands clapping and feet tapping through a night of down-to-earth entertainment you won’t soon forget!

Blame Not the Bard was formed in 2015. Since then, they have played hundreds of shows across the midwest, lighting up the stages in intimate lounges and major festivals including the Kansas City Irish Fest and main stage appearances at the Iowa Irish Fest. Boasting multiple media appearances, including a 2021 feature in Little Village Magazine, an artist feature on KDEC 100.5 and numerous appearances on the award-winning Irish and Celtic Music Podcast, Ceolplay with Colum King, and a 2022 full-length Greetings from Iowa PBS special, Blame Not the Bard is sharing their songs and stories around the world. They have shared festival line-ups with the likes of Gaelic Storm, Scythian, Talisk, Aoife Scott, The Dublin City Ramblers, The Elders, The Red Hot Chili Pipers, Jig Jam, and the High Kings.

In August of 2023, Blame Not the Bard released their sophomore album "Now and Again," which features their current lineup of Andrew Philbrick, Corey Baker, Nicole Philbrick, along with their newest member, Dan Vaughn. Having performed for years as a trio, this album is a rest stop between old and new, reimagining the songs that Blame Not the Bard fans know and love before venturing further into their sound as a quartet.