Nine of 12 Irish Tenors in harmony with fans at Bucket of Blood in Virginia City

Weekend patrons of the Bucket of Blood Saloon got a taste of Ireland along with their usual Western music this past weekend.

Nine of the Twelve Irish Tenors who are performing at the Eldorado Hotel and Casino in Reno through June 24 showed up for bit of the Old West on Sunday at the Virginia City saloon.

They spent much of the afternoon in cowboy hats, dancing with local residents, Victorian-clad patrons and tourists before they talked to anyone about their own music.

When their identities were discovered, lead singer David John of David John and the Comstock Cowboys invited them to sing a little for the bar crowd.

The Cowboys cleared the stage and fans who normally listen to "Ghost Riders in the Sky," "Orange Blossom Special," and an array of cowboy-style originals by the popular local band got to hear some classic Irish songs sung a cappella with powerful harmonies.

Among the nine were: Jon Hawkins, Joseph Pokorski, Matt Murtagh, Harvey James, Sam Attwater, Ryan McKenzie, David Hodgson and Aaron Singleton. They awed the packed saloon with renditions of "Danny Boy," "Sweet Molly Malone" and "When Irish Eyes are Smiling."

"I guess you never know who's going to show up at the Bucket of Blood," said Comstock Cowboys guitarist Dale Poune.

"Thank you Virginia City for a great time," said Hawkins, who said the group would be back next Sunday. "It's one of the best days out for us ever."

"The band's awesome," he said. "We'd love to play with them. We'll definitely be back."

Bob and Claire Ferry, of Reno, raved about the tenors. "They were wonderful," Claire Ferry said.

David John was impressed as well.

"To be able to do those harmonies with no music behind them was amazing," he said.

According to Angela Kabisch, director of advertising and public relations at the Eldorado, the Twelve Irish Tenors perform at 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturdays and 7 p.m. Sundays through June 24.

According to a press release from the hotel, the Twelve Irish Tenors include a cleverly constructed selection of Irish folk songs, big Opera numbers, modern rock classics, pop and even a special tribute to the Rat Pack and Barry Manilow in their eclectic repertoire.

Next they may add a few cowboy songs to that repertoire.

If you go

WHAT: Twelve Irish Tenors

WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays and Sundays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturdays

WHERE: Eldorado Hotel and Casino in Reno

CALL: 800-648-5966 or 786-5700 in Nevada

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.