Today we’d like to introduce you to Declan Houton.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I arrived from Ireland in April of 2000 and played with numerous bands in Boston before forming Devri in 2008. I always wanted a band that could mix Irish Music with Country and Rock, and I’m honored to be surrounded by such musicians as Chuck Parrish, Steve O’Callaghan, Larry Flint, and Martin McPhelimy who are not only great musicians, but also great guys. Since then the band has performed at festivals throughout New England, tons of weddings, and our pub gigs in local establishments such as Mr.Dooleys, The Black Rose, Paddy Barry’s etc……We recently returned from performing on a Caribbean Cruise ( our third to date )…have been honored to have performed at both the 10th & 15th Anniversary of 9-11 in Times Square as guests of The NYPD, and we are currently working on our second CD.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Our band is lucky that we all love playing music, and realize that we are fortunate to be able to entertain people by doing something we love doing. There will always be ups and downs, but it’s amazing the doors that music opens for you, and we feel very fortunate to have performed at some very prestigious events, such as both the 10th & 15th Anniversaries of 9-11 in Times Square as guests of the NYPD
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Devri – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Devri is a 4/5 piece band which likes to blend Rock & Country Music into a solid Irish foundation, honoring the old Ballads and tunes from Ireland while mixing in everything from The Beatles to Johnny Cash, U2 to Chuck Berry….but always keen to be known as an ‘Irish Band’ …..3 out of our 5 members were born in Ireland.
What makes us most proud is that fact that over the years we have been lucky to have been able to raise money for numerous charities in The Boston area such as Veterans Affairs, Cops for Kids with Cancer, and our favorite…..Lucyslovebus which helps Kids suffering from the horrible disease that is Cancer. Our Annual Hawaiian Themed Irish Music Booze Cruise on Boston Harbor on the last Saturday of July raises an average of $6000 for The Lovebus each year.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Immediate plans are to record another CD. This recording will have as many original of our original songs as possible on it, with a few instrumentals and one or two favorite covers thrown in for good measure!.
Over the past few years we have become very busy performing at weddings all over New England and farther afield, in fact this Fall we will travel to Philadelphia to perform at a wedding. To perform at somebody big day is a huge honor for us, and we have developed a system over the years where we provide both live band and DJ for wedding parties, plus up lighting, Ceremony Music, and Cocktail Music if needed…..basically they entire package!.
We always talk about bring a tour back home to Ireland for a trip…..I’m from Donegal which is Ireland’s most Northerly area, and our Drummer Steve hails from the southernmost area of Kerry, so a West Coast of Ireland tour will take place one of these years!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.devriband.com
- Phone: 6173471260
- Email: info@devriband.com
- Facebook: DevriBoston
- Twitter: @DevriBoston
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