About Crystal Swing

 

Crystal Swing comprises Mary Murray-Burke and her son and daughter, Derek and Dervla Burke.

Since the band's video of the song, 'He Drinks Tequila' was posted on YouTube in January, 2010, the band has become an international hit - its website and YouTube videos attracting millions of hits, to date, from across the globe, while Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites are all in animated discussion about the band.

The band has also been a hot topic on both Irish national and local radio and press, while its three appearances on Ireland's flagship TV programme, RTÉ's The Late Late Show, is the highlight of the band's career to date in Ireland.

When top US TV chat show host and American Idol judge, Ellen DeGeneres found them on the internet she liked them immediately. She blogged about the band and featured it on her St. Patrick's Day celebratory video on 17/3/2010 - link.

No doubt the pinnicale of Crystal Swing's success to date was their live appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show recorded in Hollywood on 8/4/2010 and which aired on 12/4/2010. After an interview with Ellen and a performance of 'He Drinks Tequila', Derek did his trademark Hucklebuck - moving through the audience and dancing with Ellen. The band went down a storm with the American audience who gave them two standing ovations.

On its return from Hollywood, the band undertook an extensive tour of the major venues in Ireland with a top class, five-piece band and support acts and has sold out shows across the length and breath of the country. An appearance in their own Cork Opera House was a highlight of course. The band has appeared with stars such as Lilly Allen and Bonnie Tyler as well as most of the home-grown Irish stars of the music industry.

Since then Crystal Swing have continued to tour and have featured in many TV and Radio shows including Living with Lucy, Celebrity Bainisteoir, Driving me Crazy, Republic of Telly, Celebrity Head Chef, Charity ICA Bootcamp, Mastermind and many, many more.

Crystal Swing continue to perform its unique show in major venues and theatres across the length and breath of the country as well as abroad, having performed in Dubai, The Caribbean, London, Portugal and The Caribbean.

The band caters for all settings and all ages, young and not so young. The show can can be tailored for all tastes from the large theatre setting to the family wedding or party while corporate functions are also a speciality.

Get to know the Band Members

Mary Murray-Burke
On stage since childhood, Mary lives for the bright lights. She began her entertainment career seriously over a decade ago and with her son and daughter, Derek and Dervla, formed Crystal Swing about seven years ago.

Mary provides great variety in her repertoire which is drawn from the Country and Irish genres, in the main.

Keyboardist, vocalist and musical director in the band, Mary accomplishes all with ease. She insists on good performance, good sound and value for money for her clients and audiences. Together with Derek and Dervla, she makes Crystal Swing synonymous with fantastic, professional entertainment.

 

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Derek Burke
Derek shares the vocals in the band and is also an accomplished guitarist. He has a great love of the showband era and takes his inspiration from legendary performers such as Elvis Presley, Michael Bublé, Olly Murs and many, many more.

A rock n'roller at heart, he adds a comedic and energetic element to his entertaining performances and is a favourite with audiences, far and near, who absolutely love when he takes to the stage.

 

 

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Dervla Burke
While Dervla has a unique singing voice, her rendition of Bonnie Tyler's famous hit, 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' and the more recent 'How Great Thou Art', shows that there is variety in this woman's repertoire.

She has received several awards over the years and has taken on many different roles in drama and singing.

With an outstanding singing voice and sparkling stage presence, Dervla is a natural and is, already, a favourite with her many fans throughout Ireland and beyond.

The Irish Daily Mail (click photo to enlarge)

 

 

 

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