Kelly’s Wayke was actually born at an Irish wake for Mick Murphy, brother of band member Brian Murphy and family friend of the Kelly’s. So when the Kelly’s & the Murphy’s got together to celebrate Mick’s wake, all the old Irish songs our parents had taught us when we were growing up were played to celebrate Mick’s life! We were playing & drinking for about 6-7 hours in the back room of the pub, when the publican come into the room. We thought he was going to kick us out for being too noisy, but he said, No! We turned off the jukebox hours ago, we’ve been listening to guys all night! A quick phone call from Damien to Brian & Paddy the next day and Kelly’s Wayke was born! We Love to Celebrate Life and Everything in Between!
Kellys Wayke play a mixture of original songs & traditional Irish songs, so it’s the old meeting the new, it’s a joyous journey through laughter, love & Life!
Kellys Wayke is:
- Damien Kelly – Vocals, Bodhran
- Mae Traeger – Fiddle, Vocals
- Carl Pink – Guitar, Vocals
- Emma Hinchey – Piano Accordion, Tin Whistle, Vocals
- Gage Stead – Mandolin, Vocals
- Paddy Kelly – Bass, Vocals
- Paul Cooper – Banjo, Vocals
- Barry Evans – Drums
Milestones:
- 2025 Tamworth Music Country Festival, 2025 Golden Fiddle Award for the “Best Band with a Fiddler”
- Finalist in the SA Music Awards for “The Peoples Choice Award” 2025
- Released their 3rd Studio Album “Stranger than Folk”
- Played numerous festival including in SA, VIC & NSW.