The Dirty Pints formed in 2006 out of an Irish music session started by Alan Carrick at Ireland's Four Provinces Pub and Restaurant in Falls Church, Virginia. The group sports three traditional instruments -- fiddle, whistle and guitar -- and plays a mixture of traditional Irish tunes and songs, with the occasional American classic.
Alan O'Concarraige, on vocals, penny whistle and bodhran, is a native of Galway, Ireland and to this day considers himself still "on vacation in America." He has been playing the penny whistle since he was about seven years old (thanks to a very smart mother, Eileen). He was trained in the classical clarinet and played with The Galway Youth Orchestra for about seven years (one of the founding members). He is sometimes known to show up with his tenor sax or blues harps at other venues just for kicks. He joined The Irish Youth Choir and sang as a tenor prior to moving to the USA. Alan has played with several bands throughout the years, including The Pat and Mike Duo, The Real Men, The Chancers and Mojo.
Arlington, Virginia native Tim Griffin took up guitar around the age of twelve, influenced by classic rock legends such as the Beatles and Rolling Stones. Current influences include guitarists Richard Thompson, Mark Knopfler and Buddy Miller, and –- among Irish groups and artists in particular –- Mary Black, the Waterboys and Solas. He has accompanied numerous artists and bands in a variety of genres, including folk, rock, alternative country and Americana. He has opened for national touring artists in venues ranging from house concerts to local pubs to festivals. In addition to his work with the Pints, Tim also performs as a duo with local artist Amy J. Sullivan and in the band The Whiskeydarlings.
Marc Cheek is from Durham County, North Carolina, and has been performing music of one form or another for nearly thirty years. He played classical and acoustic guitar during his teenage years. He performed in various music ensembles, and directed a small church choir, during college. He took up the fiddle after moving to the DC area. A variety of fiddling traditions have influenced his playing, especially Irish, Scottish and Cape Breton.