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The RavensFire Band: Judy – bodhrán and harmony, Melissa – mandolin, whistle and vocals, and Larry – guitar and vocals, Guy – publicity.

The RavensFire band plays Irish traditional music, folk songs, instrumentals and original music in the style of familiar Irish tunes.

Larry and Melissa Schmidt have been professionally singing and playing music together ever since they met. They still love every minute performing. Judy is the new member of the band.

Larry and Melissa were original members of the popular and award-winning Welcome Home bluegrass band. Then they founded the Irish Minstrels (voted Best Band of Bluff Country 3 years in a row) and performed around the area and toured Ireland twice. Recently, they formed RavensFire with good friend Judy Havelick on Irish drum (bodhrán) and vocals, and her husband Guy tending to the technical side. Some of their concert audiences have numbered in the thousands, some just a few hard core fans, but no matter the size of the crowd, there’s always much foot-tapping and hand-clapping and many smiling faces. This band is fun to listen to.

Larry’s guitar playing is strong and smooth, making a nice foundation for Melissa’s quick and light mandolin and sweet penny whistle tunes. Judy adds the essential and contagious rhythm with the bodhrán. All thee voices blend together seamlessly in beautiful harmony. With his camera always ready, Guy preserves the wonderful performances, sharing the memories on Facebook and the website.

Some songs will make you smile, some will remind you of the good old days, and others will bring a tear to your eye. You will hear songs from far back in Irish and American history. Melissa wrote several songs not that long ago to tweak your heart or bring back memories of a celebration. The lively instrumental reels, jigs, waltzes and polkas will go straight to your feet. There will be no dull moments listening to, singing with, or dancing to the music of RavensFire.

After serving in the Air Force, Larry earned a degree to become a Certified Luthier – building and selling high-quality hand-made mandolins and guitars, and repairing stringed instruments. On stage, Larry’s jokes and wise-cracks will raise a shout of laughter.

An accomplished songwriter, Melissa creates her own beautiful unique songs and tunes, winning first place in an international songwriting competition, rewarded with a trip and a recording contract in Dublin, Ireland.

A musician since childhood, Judy has sung harmony for years, picking up the bodhrán after watching an Irish band at her high school reunion. Joining RavensFire has been an exciting and fun experience for her. Audiences immediately pick up on the fun and excitement.

RavensFire will play for all kinds of events … festivals and concerts, pubs and clubs, family celebrations, wakes and weddings, church services, nursing and retirement homes, schools … almost anywhere. Whatever the occasion, this lively and appealing group will be the perfect entertainment.

You can reach the band on email, Facebook, or send us a direct message:

Booking information