Brigid’s Cross 30-Year Anniversary

Every band wants to build a following. Every band also wants longevity in the entertainment business. In the Irish music scene, Brigid’s Cross has managed to do both, reaching its 30-year anniverary in May 2026.

Originally based out of Cleveland, Ohio, Brigid’s Cross has seen evolutions in its members, but the fan following has only continued to grow wherever the band happens to be playing. These days, there’s a lot of time spent in the warmer Florida climate in various public houses and venues. There is also festival season, which sees the band travelling back up north to hit the circuit and satisfy fans who eagerly await their shows.

Thirty years is a long time to be playing music professionally. Unlike many bands in the Celtic scene who do what they do part-time, music is the full-time job for Brigid’s Cross. Paul Baker and Peggy Goonan-Baker started Brigid’s Cross in 1996. At the time, Wally Franz was their guitar player. After his departure, Peggy’s nephew, Richie Reece, stepped in to fill the role. Richie would eventually move on to owning and managing the Hooley House franchise in northeast Ohio. Today, it’s Paul and Peggy carrying on the music, although Richie still sits in from time to time.

It’s hard to miss this duo when they are performing. The clear tone of a violin-turned-fiddle on stage will get anyone’s attention. That sound is backed by solid keyboard playing that creates a party atmosphere for show patrons no matter the venue.

That fiddle sound is made by Paul Baker, who has been performing in bands for nearly 48 years and had even performed as a soloist as a kid. He’s a noted songwriter and composer, as well, having penned and recorded several original songs with Brigid’s Cross. He also has the ability to fit seamlessly as a guest with other bands or those who are invited on his stage.

Peggy Goonan-Baker is the other half of this dynamic pair who rocks a keyboard and vocals. She can take on the slow songs and can belt out the fast-paced tunes, all while pounding the keys to provide practically an entire backing band. She also has a wickedly quick wrist on the bodrahn that knocks out triplet strikes with precision. Her ability to provide accompaniment to a fiddle that almost always takes center stage is a testament to her musicianship.

This husband-wife team has endured and succeeded in a profession that can be difficult – even brutal – at times. In a business where you are only as good as your next gig, they have managed to make a career of musicmaking that has sustained them by keeping audiences engaged and wanting more. Longevity is the goal for musicians and bands, and Brigid’s Cross has certainly achieved that and then some. This is not an on-again / off-again band. This is a steady gig that has gone on for decades. That, in itself, is quite the achievement in the musical world.

Their shows are immersive, inviting the audience to sing along to the songs that most people know – and even the ones they don’t – to create an involved musical experience. Irish music is storytelling in one way or another. Purists will say that a band that identifies itself as Celtic should stick to the traditional stuff, but Brigid’s Cross defies that rule by inserting a mix of this and that to keep it interesting. While its feet are firmly planted in the Celtic world, there is room for a side trip into pop culture that manages to fit with whatever happens during the show. Patrons want to hear songs they know, and they are eager to participate to make that happen. Songs like “Those Were the Days” have fans la-la-la-la-la-la-ing at the top of their voices. Neil Diamond may even show up courtesy of a spangled scarf around Paul’s neck for “Sweet Caroline”, followed closely by Charlie Daniels and the iconic “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”.

Speaking of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”, it is immediately preceded by “Johnny Be Fair”, a traditional Irish tune of, well, adultery. The point is that the show is an eclectic mix of just about everything that is fun to play and sing, both from a musician and audience point of view. That is perhaps what makes the Brigid’s Cross formula successful. It is pleasing to the senses and makes people feel good. That is the entire point of going to see a show, right? We want to feel good about what we see and hear. Brigid’s Cross delivers on that desire and then some. While fans do have their favorite songs that the band plays practically every show, it remains unknown what might happen during a performance or who might show up to sit in with them or lend a tune. On the other hand, there are some things considered a tradition by Brigid’s Cross loyalists, such as the obligatory Peggy beer fountain, which requires a steady hand and great timing. It is a sight to behold and one that is an integral part of the show. Seriously, it’s quite the feat.

The fact of the matter is that Paul and Peggy know and are known to a large chunk of the Celtic industry. They have made a career out of building relationships with other musicians and bands around the world. They have done cruises, travelled to the Irish homeland, and headlined with some of the top names in the business. While their accomplishments make for a long list, they are absolutely approachable by the people who come to see them. While part of this may be knowing who butters the bread when you are in a band, it’s more about the people Peggy and Paul are. They care about the people who are in the audience and know their names. The audience gives that love right back by wearing Brigid’s Cross shirts and buying merchandise. They know all their parts to the audience participation songs, and they sing them with gusto. It is a partnership between the performers and the audience.

If you get a chance to catch their show, do it. It’s fun and entertaining, which is the whole point of performing. Brigid’s Cross has done it for 30 years. Here’s to another 30 and many more memories!