Electronic Press Kit
From a casual jam session at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) to becoming a popular favorite at Celtic festivals across the Midwest, CrossBow has been humbled and excited by every turn on their musical journey.
Co-founding fiddlers, Steve Lesko and Carly Meloche, met in their high school Celtic band, the Chelsea House Orchestra. This extracurricular group also produced fiddlers Wes Fritzemeier (formerly of The Kreellers), Kiana Weber (formerly of Gaelic Storm) and Diana Ladio (of The Moxie Strings and The Elders), among many other talented musicians.
Since 2011, CrossBow has been carving out their place and following in the Michigan
Celtic scene and have ventured out to the rest of the Midwestern states and broader music festivals. Some of their highlight festivals appearances include the Michigan Irish Music Festival (2013-Present), La Crosse Irish Fest (WI), Ford Arts, Beats and Eats, (MI, 2016-2018), and the Detroit Highland Games, the oldest continuous games in North America (2017-2018).
While CrossBow can be heard at music festivals and Irish pubs across the Midwest, much of the thrill in experiencing a CrossBow performance actually transcends the music itself. This excitement stems from the contagious joy and camaraderie shared between the players, and communicated directly with their audience.
Apparent from the moment they hit the stage – these high-energy musicians naturally feed off of one another, creating a dynamic, wholly unique performance that shouldn’t be missed. By incorporating pop and classic folk tunes into their set list, today CrossBow delivers a distinct, eclectic vibe that still remains true to their Celtic roots, appealing to audiences of all ages.
With the combination of their distinctive sound and attention-grabbing stage presence, they're able to draw a crowd almost anywhere they play. Whether it's opening or closing the entertainment at a festival, rocking weddings and private house concerts, or taking over a pub, they're right at home wherever they perform.
"Vibrant, high-energy and instantly enthralling. One of the hottest bands to emerge."
Robert Heuston - Irish Music Magazine
“CrossBow are pros. They bring the party wherever they play and audiences love them. They were a (Michigan Irish Music) festival favorite from the first time they appeared. They have a fun show with lots of variety and they execute flawlessly.”
Tom Schaub - Michigan Irish Music Festival Entertainment Director
"When I'm looking for an act for one of my shows, I look for both musical performance and stage presence. There are many really good musicians available to hire, but few that are what I call "a show!" CrossBow is a great show that happens to have some really good musicians in it! They are not just great to listen to, they are fun to watch! (And great to work with, too!)"
Liam Lynch - Giant Leprechaun Productions, Entertainment Director, "Irish on Ionia" and Sparta Celtic Festival
"CrossBow, with their many members and instrumentation, are able to deliver a wide variety of Celtic music that can and will appeal to everyone. Their music is formidable, dynamic and expressive.
Working with CrossBow on their submission for The Celtic Music Journal was a fun experience, a hit with our viewers and we continue to be impressed with their talent!"
Steve Behrens - 67 Music, Celtic Music Promotions
"It has been a true delight to watch this band grow into a group of world class Irish Musicians. It's rare for me to find a CD that doesn't have a bad song on it. Theirs is one of the exceptions. From Devil's Dream to John Ryan's Polka/Bonaparte's Retreat, you will hear an excellent variety of Celtic tunes that will leave you with a smile on your face and the desire to listen to it again and again! And, when it comes to live shows, it doesn't get much better than CrossBow!!!"
Bill Marshall - MC of the Michigan Irish Music Festival, Host of Sounds Like Ireland
“It's great to hear a Celtic band in America keeping it traditional, but with a high energy contemporary feel to their music. CrossBow will be getting regular airplay on the Maui Celtic Radio Show.”
Hamish Burgess - Host and Producer of the Maui Celtic Radio Show
"CrossBow is one of the most talented Irish bands that I have seen in quite some time. High energy instrumentals with a nice blend of vocals assures that this generation of Irish music is in great hands. Future Irish festival headliners. Don't miss this band when they play near you."
Patrick Johnson - MC of the Motor City Irish Fest, Host of the Michigan Irish Music Cafe
For more information, please click the "Promotional Materials" button above, or email us at xbowmusic@gmail.com
