About

In 2011 The Beggarmen celebrated their tenth year as one of the region’s best Irish music ensembles. Since their first performance at a small pub in Iowa, the band has gone on to headline at folk festivals and concert halls throughout the Midwest, greeting audiences with their unique style of Irish folk music.

2011 brought many new opportunities for the band. In February, members Tara Dutcher and Keith Reins performed with the University of Northern Iowa Symphonic Band in a performance of Percy Grainger’s “Lincolnshire Posy.” In April and May The Beggarmen joined the University of Iowa’s Symphony Band led by Mark Heidel in a performance of “Minstrels of the Kells” by composer Dan Welcher. Also in May the University of Iowa’s theater program staged performance of “A Rogue’s Dance” written by Iowa Playwrights Workshop author Janet Schlapkohl with music composed and arranged by Beggarmen founding member Brad Pouleson. And in October, Iowa City's Riverside Theatre staged a production of "The Cripple of Inishmaan" by Martin McDonagh featuring the music of The Beggarmen.

2010 saw the release of the band’s third studio CD titled “A Soft Day.” This recording was funded by a Major Grant from the Iowa Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. The CD has been garnering glowing reviews and features many original compositions by members Brad Pouleson and Keith Reins. Also in 2010, The Beggarmen were selected to the Iowa Arts Council’s Performing Artist Roster .

The Beggarmen have performed live on radio many times, including Iowa Public Radio programs “ Live from Studio One” with host Karen Impola and host Ben Kieffer’s show “Java Blend”. In addition, their music has been aired on radio stations in several states in the Midwest as well as numerous online podcasts.

Critics have said,
- “This Iowa City-based quartet are experts with their craft and wield their instruments with the confidence that comes only with ability,” Catherine L. Tully – Celtic MP3 Music Magazine
- “The Beggarmen combine technical precision with a sense of playfulness,” Kent Williams – The Little Village
- “The ensemble playing is organic, buoyant and graceful,” Jim Musser – Iowa City Press Citizen.
-“The Beggarmen are out to change the way people listen to Celtic Music. And they’re doing it right.” - Marc Gunn of Celtic MP3 Music Magazine