The Wee Heavies Electronic Press Kit

"Having the opportunity to hear such fine singing is a treasure and these lads have a very bright future indeed."
-Brian McNeill, Internationally Acclaimed Scottish Singer, Songwriter and Performer

THE WEE HEAVIES
Jay Harkey
Peter Merideth
Steve Neale
Aaron Schiltz

An off-the-wall a cappella band dedicated to the music from and influenced by the Celtic tradition. . .and whatever they feel like singing next

The Wee Heavies' harmonies are an enhancement rather than a detraction; their voices are full, sure, and gorgeous. These guys follow the noble tradition of a cappella groups such as the Voice Squad and the Watersons, letting the songs and the voices work together for the best advantage of both. The Wee Heavies love their songs, know where they come from, and get them out there, for the delight of folk and classical audiences as well. A Wee Heavies performance is alternately fun, moving, awe-inspiring and a true delight.
-Judy Stein, artistic director of The Focal Point, St. Louis, MO

“It had been a long time since we had presented an a capella group here, because great ones are hard to find. The Wee Heavies are a great one. The four voices are strong and the harmonies are unbelievable. And they’re funny! They were the talk of the festival and one of the most entertaining groups we’ve ever had the good fortune to showcase. Some of the best audience response we’ve seen. Suffice to say they will be returning.”
-Sheri Bush, entertainment director, North Texas Irish Festival

"With their great sound and original arrangements, The Wee Heavies offer the freshest take on Scottish music we've heard in years."
-Diane McCullough, Artistic Director, Scottish Partnership for Arts and Education (SPAE)

Official Website
www.theweeheavies.com

BIO (short)

The Wee Heavies (Aaron Schiltz, Peter Merideth, Jay Harkey, and Steve Neale) started singing together in the Shaw Neighborhood of St. Louis in 2013. The mostly a cappella band has won a following with their mix of Scottish, Irish and American folk music that combines tradition with innovation and weaves together a unique take on the songs they sing. With their voices (and occasional instrumental accompaniment) the Heavies create a sound rich in harmony with unexpected twists and an energy that has their audiences clapping, stomping, and singing along. Between songs, the lads are just as entertaining through their humorous rapport and engaging storytelling. The band has released two albums: a self-produced self-titled first album, and "Times Long Gone" their second album, produced by Brian McNeill.

BIO (long)

The Wee Heavies* began singing together in 2013 after observing a distinct lack of a cappella Celtic music at charitable events. The all male mostly-a cappella band specializes in (but are not limited to) folk music from Scotland, Ireland and England. And maybe Wales at some point…though some of those words are awfully tricky to pronounce. They hit all of the lyrical touchstones of Celtic folk music-- namely Drinking, Women, Fighting, and the manly pursuit of Whaling. In their personal lives, they tend to stick to just Drinking and Women. They are all happily married, so don't get the wrong idea about the Women thing. Their wives (The Wee Hotties) are the only women for them. They do, however, hold no loyalties or covenants when it comes to Drinking.

While famous for harmonies so close you couldn't slip a shilling between them, they are also quickly becoming well-known for their hilarious unscripted banter between songs. Audiences erupt with laughter one minute and then are next moved to tears by the Heavies’ original arrangements and moving interpretation. They will have you stomping your feet, singing at the top of your lungs, and raising a glass with them at their next show. You'll think you're in a Glasgow pub wi' yer mates! Slàinte!

*The Wee Heavies (pronounced "Wee" and then the plural of a thing that is heavy) are named after a variety of Scottish beer that they unanimously don't recommend trying. It makes a great band name, though.