The Band

This metro-Detroit Irish traditional / folk music group plays a variety of venues, including house parties, fundraisers, Masses, and weddings. Tom Dooley, Marilyn Hotaling, and Icie Marie Frady-Alley look forward to the opportunity to share their musical efforts with you.

The name translates to "island music" in Irish Gaelic. Although performing mostly Irish selections, its repertoire includes many Scottish tunes and songs, and those from other parts of the Celtic world.

Before Inis-Ceol, each were members in the Detroit Chapter of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ - Irish Musicians Association) between 1988 and 1997.

Formed originally under the name of The Shillelagh Saddle Tramps, the group coalesced into its present form in 1993, and continues to be a part of the Detroit Irish music scene today.

A fifth-generation railroader of Irish descent, Tom Dooley played drums in a rock band in high school, eventually re-discovering the Irish music of his boyhood during his college years. As lead vocalist in Inis-Ceol, Tom gives the rich vocal base for the group.

Contact Tom via email, call 248-691-6950 or 248-288-3483

Icie Marie has been a part of the Detroit music scene for many years, having performed with well-known local performers, including Jim Buckingham, Larry Larson, Jim Perkins and Walter Walsh. She has performed on stage at the Dublin Inn, Tipperary Pub, AOH, the Detroit Gaelic League, and the Innisfree Inn in Chicago, and more. She is active in many things Irish: history, culture, language, and of course, music and song. She was honored in 1997 with a nomination for Grand Marshall of the Detroit St. Patrick's Day Parade.

As the keyboard player, a whistle player and a vocalist in the group, she adds full, rich harmonies beneath the songs and tunes, which helps give Inis-Ceol its unique sound. Her bodhran also lends verve and authenticity to the tunes.

Icie Marie provides lessons to those interested in learning to play the bodhran (Irish drum) and whistle. Contact her via e-mail or call 313-386-3643.

Originally trained as a classical violinist, Marilyn Hotaling began her traditional music playing with the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club in 1984. She became interested in Irish music with her participation in Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Marilyn has a degree in Stringed Music Education from Michigan State University, and gives private violin and fiddle lessons. As the lead instrumentalist of the group, Marilyn provides the tunes as well as an occasional whistle and guitar accompaniment for the songs.

Contact Marilyn via e-mail or call 248-549-6520.