BNTB at the First street community center
Fresh off of tour, BNTB returns home to Mount Vernon – and this time they’re bringing friends from the legendary Celtic folk band, House of Hamill!
Whether they’re ripping through a set of original jigs and reels, adding lush three-part harmonies into upcycled folk ballads, or cracking up a crowd with stories from the road, House of Hamill puts on a show that captivates audiences from the very first note.
Join both bands for a fabulous evening of folk music and stories!
Tickets: Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or at the door.
Refreshments: Bring your own beverage to enjoy during the concert in the Uptown Theatre cup (purchase a cup for $5.00).
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About BNTB:
BNTB (formerly Blame Not the Bard) is a dynamic Celtic folk band that has been engaging audiences with their fiery instrumentals, captivating stories, and heartfelt song since 2015. Whether performing traditional Celtic songs and tunes with a refreshing and modern twist, or breathing life into their own original compositions, BNTB is connecting their songs and stories with audiences around the world.
Throughout the years, BNTB has played hundreds of shows, lighting up stages in nine states with venues ranging from intimate listening rooms to major festivals including the Kansas City Irish Fest and main stage appearances at the Iowa Irish Fest. Boasting multiple media appearances, BNTB has been featured 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 full-length Greetings from Iowa PBS special.
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About House of Hamill:
House of Hamill owes its existence – almost entirely – to a series of cancelled flights.
Rose Baldino and Brian Buchanan first found themselves onstage together at the 2014 Folk Alliance International conference in Kansas City.
Rose’s band Burning Bridget Cleary was scheduled to perform, but inclement weather prevented two of her bandmates from flying. Desperate to salvage the showcase, Rose approached Brian, who she knew fronted Canadian celtic rock band Enter the Haggis. She thrust a guitar into Brian’s hands, pulled him onstage, and the two just clicked.
Four years and hundreds of shows later, the duo was booked to play a closing slot at a Colorado festival, so they hired a bass player and drummer to fill out their sound. By the oddest of coincidences, their hired bandmates’ flights were canceled the day of the show. A frantic Facebook post introduced Brian and Rose to local musician Caroline Browning, who joined them on bass for the weekend. Once again, the chemistry was undeniable, and House of Hamill became a trio.
Today, Pennsylvania-based House of Hamill is a fixture on festival stages across the US, and have shared their music and stories on the country’s premier folk stages. Their original song “Banks of the Brandywine” was a Grand Prize winner in the 2024 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and the video for their all-violin cover of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” amassed over 16 million views on Facebook, where it was shared over 400,000 times.
The band’s newest release, “Wildfire,” marks House of Hamill’s most compelling work to date. Featuring their strongest and most exciting songwriting, “Wildfire” is filled with lyrical depth, sophisticated vocal and instrumental arrangements, and hooks that are simply irresistible. This album captures the vibrant energy and creativity that have become the hallmarks of a House of Hamill live show.
Whether they’re ripping through a set of original jigs and reels, adding lush three-part harmonies into traditional folk ballads, or cracking up an audience with stories from the road, House of Hamill puts on a show that captivates audiences from the very first note.



