The four ladies of Banshee in the Kitchen give traditional Celtic music a modern edge, elevating their regal now to their then. It's been six years since they last spoke to the News, and as they play Boulevard Music this week, we caught up with them to find out what's next…
What have you been up to since we spoke in 2017?
We had a gig on March 16th, 2020. It was a little wine bar in Kernville, and it was full of friends and family. It was a really nice place. The next day, everything was closed. All our gigs were canceled. Jill, whose birthday is March 17th, says it was the first time in 25 years that we hadn't played music with the band on that day. It was pretty bleak. And then, at some point in 2021, we decided to make our own quarantine pod. The first day we finally all got together and practiced was just bliss. Our first performance after the pandemic was on St. Patrick's Day 2022. It was in the expansive garden attached to Baco's wine bar. And the wine bar. Hmm.
We've been performing pretty regularly since then, including a tour in 2023 through Northern California and Oregon that was a lot of fun, playing every kind of venue: backyards, barns, concert halls, taverns (the taverns had a really great sound system and a strip pole front and center), and more.
Describe your sound…
It's fun. I love taking traditional songs from all over the Celtic world and injecting other elements into them. I might put a fiddle tune over a Sweet Home Alabama riff, or I might start a set with the word “Wizard” in the title with a homage to Harry Potter and feature a “Celtic” xylophone. I might change keys mid-song. Combining something really old with something modern, etc.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Well, it's hard to beat a Strip Tease pole…
Is there any new music recorded?
Since we last spoke, we've released a recording called “The Last Pint — Not” and we're thinking about what will go on the next album.
What is your favorite memory from playing at Boulevard?
Mike is the sound guy. He really gets the most out of our instruments. I caught up with Gary and heard some dad jokes. I watched this place transform from a full-fledged music store into a concert hall.
What can audiences expect from this set?
A bunch of new concoctions, and some old ones that we really love.
What else do you have planned?
We'll be attending the Scottish Highland Games in San Diego the weekend of June 22-23. That's our next big event.
Banshee in the Kitchen will play at Boulevard Music on Saturday, May 25th at 8pm. Visit boulevardmusic.com for more information on the show and bansheeinthekitchen.com for more information on the artist.
Elsewhere this week
of Culver Hotel Guest appearances include Sylvia & the Rhythm Boys and Scotty Brammer. For more information, visit culverhotel.com.
A full musical program Cinema Bar This week is business as usual. Los Angeles' Hot Club plays every Monday, with Wednesdays being singer/songwriter and open mic night. Other artists performing this week include Captain Danger, Patrolled by Radar, Mike Stinson and KKAT. Visit thecinemabar.com for more information.
