ABOUT US
No Strangers Here is an Irish Folk Band that started in 2012. We love to play Irish/Celtic music as well as music from the 60’s, 70’s and today. We grew up listening and playing to some of the most popular music of our time. Over the years, all members of the band have visited Ireland while bringing Celtic music back to the states for all to enjoy. We’ve played at some of the best live music venues in Northeast Ohio as well as on the Lake Erie Islands. No Strangers Here have also played at several Celtic and International Festivals and Benefits. The band also brings their music and talents to our Senior Citizens throughout the year. There is nothing better than hearing a voice in the crowd joining us in song or even a person kicking up their heels in dance. Slainte!
All musicians are on vocals and can be heard harmonizing on many of our songs. The group produced a CD in 2014 called “Let the People Sing”. A few of the songs can be heard on our home page, enjoy.
Pat Hoynes - plays the guitar, Irish bouzouki, banjo and vocals. Pat started out as a solo artist in the early 70's after serving his country in the military. He was then joined by a husband and wife duo to form the group The Fox River Trio from the period of 1973 until 1980. In 2001 he and three other musicians formed the band Wasted at the Wake. After three of the original members of the group decided to leave and go their separate ways Pat, Bob and Larry decided to change the name to "No Strangers Here".
Bob Crawford - plays the bass guitar, bodhran and vocals joined the band Wasted at the Wake in 2004, later to be known as No Strangers Here.
Larry Bachtel - plays the bagpipes, bass guitar , drum and vocals. Larry has been very lucky to have great teachers and directors in his musical career. There have been only a few years throughout his life that he has not been involved in a musical group. He began his music career with the St. Joseph’s Boy’s and Men’s choir in Massillon Ohio with his brother and Dad, then at Canton Central Catholic High School, under the direction of Richard Blaumeiser in the Advance Chorus and Mixed Ensemble. On to 4 years in JCU Men’s Glee Club followed by some 30 years in the St Margaret Mary Choir & Men’s Ensemble under the direction of Gail Shirley who always managed to keep his interest by great song selections, changing ensembles, proving that practice could create a wonderful and enjoyable choir experience. In 2001. He joined the East Side Irish American Club Pipe & Drums Band under the direction of Bruce Greig opening new doors and experiences. For almost two years he was part of a singing group, a spinoff of the Pipes & Drums that became the Terriers. Then in 2011 he joined the group Wasted at the Wake with Pat and Bob. In 2012 the three changed the name of the group to No Strangers Here.
