About the Band...
Intrigued by the popularity of East Coast bands like Great Big Sea, Kilt and others... the Dukes of Haggis first came together in 2003 around the idea of how much fun it would be to play a repertoire of Celtic Rock and East Coast music in Ottawa area bars and pubs. The challenge in those early days was "how were 3 guys with rock backgrounds going to cover everything from traditional Celtic to Celtic Rock, with just an acoustic, a bass and a set of drums?". Work, camaraderie and a healthy sense of humor got us where we needed to be and the Dukes first performed as an acoustic trio with Gary O'Donnell on drums, in the spring of 2004. In 2006, the band became a quartet with the addition of Keith Thoms on keyboards and guitar. Keith and Gary left in 2007 while Drew and Brian carried on with various "guest players" and ultimately, as a duo. The Dukes now play mostly as a duo (Bass, Guitar & vocals) however; guest players continue to drop in from time to time. We wish to extend our sincere thanks and best wishes to all Dukers past and present; fans, friends and family. Through it all... you're the folks who've kept us going!
About Brian...
Brian received a formal music education at an early age and by his late teens, he was singing and playing keyboards and guitar in Montreal area bands such as XS, Mad Hatter, Network and Playhouse. Brian spent later years as a freelance sound and lighting technician (with mentor Stan Smith) where he had the opportunity to work (on occasion) with artists such as Jeff Healy, Dutch Mason and the Downchild Blues Band. Album credits include Tim Karr; Rubbing me the right way, and Villain Penguin; Villain Penguin. Brian moved to Ottawa in 1991 and appeared for a time playing guitar and keyboards with Blue Express (featuring Dave Foster). About that time "the kids started coming" and family became the focus. Brian launched the Dukes of Haggis in 2004 with Drew on bass and Gary O'Donnell.
About Drew...
A versatile bass player and singer (not to mention drummer and keyboardist) Drew has been part of the Ottawa music scene for over 20+ years. He's been proud to have been an integral part with several Ottawa area bands including Blue Express (where he and Brian first met) and The Coachmen with the late great Terry Boehmer. Drew's talents have seen him performing at numerous well known landmark venues over the years including: The Congress Center, The National Arts Center, the Ottawa Civic Center, The PressClub, The Rainbow, Chateau Montebello and The Black Sheep Inn. Drew joined the Dukes of Haggis in 2004 and lists his top three musical loves as : Ampeg amps, Eva Cassidy's voice, and Tower of Power's soul. "I'm having the time of my life singing and playing in the Dukes of Haggis" says Drew. (Just ask him, he'll tell you).
