“Bitten by radioactive bagpipes” 10 years ago, the Wee Heavies are a local, mostly a cappella group dedicated to performing Celtic music. Band members Jay Harkey, Peter Merideth, Steve Neale and Aaron Schiltz joined St. Louis Public Radio contributor Charlie McDonald for a conversation on Friday’s St. Louis on the Air.
From music festivals to more intimate gatherings, the band blends Scottish, Irish and American traditional folk music with modern sounds to give audiences an insight into a musical tradition that began as working songs – stories people would sing after a long, hard day at work.
The local band’s name is influenced by a style of Scottish beer known as “wee heavy.”
“But there is nothing ‘wee’ about it. It’s a thick, chewy beer. Actually, we can’t stand it but it makes a good band name,” Schiltz said.
The members talked about their band’s origin, their performance styles and influences and even gave a special live performance in the talk show studio.
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Related Event:
What: The Wee Heavies at the Sheldon
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Where: The Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Mary Edwards, Alex Heuer, Evie Hemphill and Lara Hamdan give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.
