The Derry Aires

The Derry Aires formed in 1994 as part of a Saint Patrick's Day show. Amidst all the serious traditional Irish musicians, there were few singers and none that wanted to perform the songs most requested by the audiences of the time, the true Irish schmaltzy songs like “Danny Boy” and “Galway Bay.” Following their initial performances, they found themselves in high demand for not only their Irish repertoire, but their tight harmonies and irreverent humor. Over nearly 25 years and several personnel changes, they have retained their original charm and added a myriad of styles to their shows, ranging from contemporary to Celtic and blues to jazz. But all of it with a dash of humor.

Originally a trio, this cult phenomenon has become an amorphous performance ensemble of solo artists that likes to expand to quintet status whenever enough of them are in town. The core quartet is comprised of Erin Alexander Ingle, Emily Joyce, Peggy Monaghan, and Nancy Steely. They bring a huge diversity of styles to their recordings and shows. Though essentially an a cappella ensemble, you just never know what these women will do on stage. Their shows feature a mix of instruments from kazoos and penny whistle to guitar and piano. Their fine musicianship, humor, and gracious classiness have made The Derry Aires a much anticipated highlight of many Anchorage productions. Fellow musician Robin Hopper calls them "Stellar." Their 2000 release, Cheek to Cheek, met with rave reviews as has their 2006 release, Built for Comfort. Their 2011 release, Frozen Assets, is a not to be missed collection of gorgeous holiday tunes. Their later release Bottoms Up! is a celebration of their wry and benevolent take on the human condition.

The Derry Aires are available to perform a wide range of songs and styles at public and private functions across Alaska and beyond. To book The Derry Aires for your next event, please contact Arctic Siren Records at:

(907) 245-7311
[email protected]

SHOP CDs

SHOP DIGITAL ALBUMS

MEET THE DERRY AIRES!

PEGGY MONAGHAN

VOCALS, GUITAR, AND FEARLESS LEADER

The founding member of The Derry Aires, Peggy's experience and knowledge of performance and production have made her a much sought after participant in shows from San Francisco to Anchorage. Raised in Alaska, she spent a few decades in the Bay Area but has returned to her native soil and currently teaches voice in Anchorage. She was coordinator and producer of the Alaska Song of the Year Contest and a founding member of the Irish Music Festival and Turnagain Community Arts Alliance. Her 1990 release Lullaby on Pacific Artists Records was re-released in 2008 on the Arctic Siren label and her 1994 release Seasons of the Witch on the Arctic Siren Records label is in its third edition. Her most recent CD, Elements and Elementals, was released in 2016. All have met with local and national acclaim.

ERIN ALEXANDER INGLE

VOCALS, SUNSHINE, AND SMILES

Erin brings her crystalline voice, 20 years of experience, and an eager excitement to the stage. A life long Alaskan, Erin’s quick wit and perfect pitch are the perfect foil for this association.
Rooted in her need for speed, her early dream of becoming a fighter pilot and moving on to the NASA space program have translated into her out-of-this-world work with The Derry Aires. Always a questing sort, her passions now center on work with animal sanctuaries. And there is nothing quite like a Derry Aire rehearsal to resemble both the animal and the sanctuary in that phrase.
Her beguiling smile and girl-next-door sweetness belie the determination and resolve she brings to her craft. When the rest of The Derry Aires are sporting baffled looks as to what is next, Erin has the pitch and lyric at the ready. Her hard work and unruffled aplomb are a welcome addition to the lineup.

EMILY JOYCE

VOCALS, VIOLIN, AND CLASSINESS

Emily grew up overseas, but Alaska has been her home for the past 28 years. She has been directing orchestras for the Anchorage School District for fourteen years. She loves to teach middle school students the joys of playing with a group. She has a bachelors degree in Music Education K-12 and a masters degree in Conducting.
A multi-instrumentalist (16 instruments - 17 if you include the nose flute), she is pursuing the acquisition of a hurdy-gurdy. Emily loves to learn new instruments, travel the world, and fill in for Disney princesses when time and good hair days allow. We are researching her suspected relation to James Joyce.

NANCY STEELY

VOCALS, TAMBORINE, AND SULTRY SOUNDS

As a speech language pathologist, Nancy brings a keen analytical mind and a pencil to every rehearsal with The Derry Aires. She has been in all 50 of the United States and is also a scuba diver, thus furthering the ability to hold her breath when necessary, a skill she uses often in rehearsal. She is a yoga enthusiast, runner, and rides Harley Davidson motorcycles. She also has 40 years of harmony singing under her size 6 belt. 40 years in 50 states. We’ll let you do the math. She aspires to an empty nest syndrome and world travel. She will, of course, bring her pencil.