The Broken Pokers Irish Big Band

The Broken Pokers Irish Big Band are one of Australia’s finest Irish folk and traditional outfits.

Their repertoire spans classic, rare, and contemporary Irish songs, combined dynamically with the jigs, reels and other instrumentals of the tradition. The interplay of stories and tunes in original arrangements, complete with with dazzling instrumentation and vocal harmonies, make up a show that’s thrilling, soulful and entertaining in equal measures.

Founding members Derrick Buckley (guitar/bouzouki/vocals) and Ben Christiansen (banjo/mandolin/whistles/vocals) are joined by highly accomplished Irish musicians Dympna Finch (tin whistles), Teresa Kelleher (fiddle), James Kelleher (bodhrán) & Jerry Murphy (flute), all steeped in the tradition from childhood, and brought together by the communal spirit of the music. Their shared history and friendship makes for an exciting atmosphere of collaboration and dynamism, and along with it a good dose of banter and humour to keep things lively and interactive.