This review of Three Pints Shy at Under St. Mark's Theater was written by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens and published in Volume X, Issue 6 (2016) of the online edition of Applause! Applause!
Three Pints Shy
With David Anthony Wayne Anderson,
David Mikofsky, Jonathan Siregar & Robbie Taylor
Under St. Mark's Theater
94 St. Mark's Place
New York, New York 10009
Reviewed 9/12/16
Three Pints Shy performs Celtic-style folk songs and drinking songs in a high-energy, fast beat style that might remind you of a raucous Irish Pub band. There are stories to be told and fun to be had as David Anthony, in particular, brings the energy level up in the theater and, by the end, is literally bouncing off the walls! The audience is fully engaged - stomping their feet, clapping their hands, and cheering with fanatical abandon having been whipped up into a frenzy by band members committed to making sure their fans get more than their money's worth. Sometimes they even climbed into the audience singing and playing directly to randomly selected individuals only inches from their face. Other times, Jonathan Siregar, Robbie Taylor, David Mikofsky and David Anthony rapidly moved around the stage, changing positions, doing dance steps, singing harmony and interacting with one another all while playing their musical instruments, introducing some of their original songs, and explaining the history of the band. While few of the band members appeared to be of Irish descent, they clearly love the music they perform and, at least, each wore a green tee-shirt instead of a dress shirt under their suits. I felt transported to a pub in Dublin where I used to drink rounds of pints while enjoying the camaraderie of old and new friends.
A few years back, I caught Three Pints Shy performing at the New York Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo, New York. I was impressed then but this concert at Under St. Mark's Theater exceeded my expectations. They brought with them an infectious joy that captured the attention of the audience and drew them into a circle of good feelings. The theater was bursting with energy. Audience members were gripped with happy emotions and applauding with approval throughout the length of the show. Three Pints Shy deserves an A+ in terms of showmanship and entertainment value. All the band members were completely committed to the material and to putting on the best show possible. They worked up a good sweat playing with passion and gusto resulting in the audience's palpable appreciation for the group. If there is an Irish Pub in Heaven, Three Pints Shy will be found playing there.
Jonathan Siregar (playing the Bodhran - pronounced "bow-rahn") founded Three Pints Shy in 2003. Robbie Taylor (on guitar) is one of the original members and David Mikofsky (on mandolin and guitar) was the last person to join. David Anthony Wayne Anderson (on tin whistle/penny whistle) uses his charisma and talent to draw the attention of the audience making them feel engaged and welcomed. This particular evening, Three Pints Shy performed "Streams Of Whiskey", "Lily The Pink", "The Regular Army-O", "Dirty Old Town", "Sally MacLeanane", "Tim Finnegan's Wake", "If I Should Fall/I'll Tell Me Ma", "Irish Lad Who Played In F", "Raise A Glass", "Mari Mac", "Galway Girl", "Play The Last Gig", "Downtown Girl", "Faulk The English Rye", "Johnny Jump Up" and "Paddy Murphy". The band has four CDs are available for sale on their website: Waking The Dead (recorded in 2005), Another Long Dangerous Year (which added David Anthony to the mix for the first time), The Burlap Album (containing newly created material just for this CD), and after five years, And We'll All Be... which was recorded as a toast to the audience when drinks are present. They may not be the best musicians or singers in the world and sometimes they fail to enunciate the lyrics well enough for the audience to understand them, but all is forgiven because they are such likable guys with whom you wouldn't mind having a few beers. Indeed, the audience found it difficult to leave the theater afterward, smiling and looking as if they just didn't want their visit with Three Pints Shy to end.
If you are looking to forget your troubles for a few hours, I strongly suggest you go see Three Pints Shy sometime soon. They will lift your spirits and put a broad smile on your face. You will feel a joy and lightness that comes when you spend time with good friends and hear interesting, upbeat songs in an atmosphere which exudes love and acceptance - all without having to get drunk (although drinking is not discouraged). While one of their concerts may contain a ballad or two, most songs are a lively and fun affair, performed as if tailor made for the pubs of Dublin. If you are looking for a happy ride, climb aboard, sit back and let these lads pleasure you. You won't be disappointed! For more information about Three Pints Shy, visit http://www.threepintsshy.com/
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