The Killdares to Play Final Jigs and Reels in the Dallas Area

The Celtic Rock Fusion Powerhouse, Founded By Tim Smith in 1996, Will Perform at Arlington's Levitt Pavilion Sept. 23, Do 40 Shows at the State Fair of Texas (Sept. 30-Oct. 7) and Say Their Final Goodbyes to Fans at the Kessler Theater Nov. 18.

After 20 years, seven popular albums, thousands of electrifying performances throughout their home state of Texas, and countless U.S. tours, The Killdares wrap their extraordinary run this fall with a batch of final performances throughout their hometown Dallas area.

Following their show at the Levitt Pavilion in Arlington Friday, September 23, the cutting edge Celtic rock fusion greats extend their incredible run at the -State Fair of Texas to 17 consecutive years with 40 performances over eight days from September 30 through October 7. The band - founder/drummer/lead singer Tim Smith, six-time National Fiddle champion Roberta Rast, competition piper Matt Willis, bassist Gary Thorne and electric guitarist Mike Urness - will then say their final farewell to fans at the Kessler Theater Friday, November 18.

"Twenty years is a long time in any line of work, but especially in the music industry, where bands come and go very quickly," says Smith, who launched The Killdares' initial lineup in 1996. "As simple as it sounds, it made more sense for us to go out at a time when we've been on a creative and commercial high, rather than burning out and fading away. We wanted to ride out on a high note driven by the kind of positive success we've been enjoying for many years now."

Reflecting on the band's extraordinary run and the loyalty of their expansive fan base, Rast, who joined the band in 2002, says, "I think that it's the whole package. We perform uplifting, happy music with guitars, bagpipes and fiddles, combining traditional jigs and reels along with rock to create a timeless style that appeals to young and old fans. Because The Killdares' vibe incorporated so many unique elements, we were comfortable playing everywhere from rock clubs to family-friendly festivals. But even more, we have also enjoyed an amazing rapport with our fans, taking the time after every show - and we're talking over 100 a year for many years - to meet each and every one of them, sign autographs, shake hands and create a warm family atmosphere for everyone."

Throughout the dramatic changes in the industry and the band itself since the mid-90s, The Killdares have maintained an extraordinary commitment to the visceral, organic feel of the music - and their fiercely independent spirit and grass roots approach to developing their following.

"We were indie before indie was an actual style of music, and we've remained that way," Smith says. "We've never been ones to follow convention, and I'm proud of the fact that The Killdares built everything from scratch and sustained our DIY model for 20 years while growing as artists and pushing the envelope every step of the way."

For more, visit www.killdares.com and find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheKilldares.

Photo Credit: Gary Latronica

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