Kinvara is the name of an Irish town in County Galway as well as the name of a four person band based in Portland, Oregon. They have been making music together for over 22 years and have recorded three CD’s. Band members include Grant Crowley, Sue Davis, Mark Masterson and Dennis O’Malley. They all sing and play the following instruments: guitar, mandolin, octave mandolin, fiddle, whistles, bodhran, and banjo. One of Kinvara’s claim to fame is that they offer a variety of different voices and musical arrangements to their performances. The group was first drawn to Celtic Music by listening to bands like The Bothy Band and Planxty. They had infused traditional melodies with the rhythms of rock and roll, making it more accessible to younger audiences. Kinvara plays airs, jigs, reels, as well as some of the more contemporary interpretations of Celtic Music and song by groups such as Dervish, Solas and The High Kings. They also perform songs from other folk traditions, some rock and roll favorites as well as a few original songs. Over the years, Kinvara has played at many local Irish Pubs as well as several McMenamins properties in Oregon and SW Washington. They also enjoy playing at weddings, wakes, schools and local farmers markets.