About Us
The Full Story
(not necessarily true)
Wee FIB was established in February 2025. The band members reside and perform in the Florida Keys and some may wander to play in other parts of the country from time to time, you never know what shenanigans they are up to.
We call ourselves the Wee FIB - Fake Irish Band, because none of us are Irish! But we play Irish songs and jigs, Scottish songs and ballads, pub music, Celtic tunes, pirate and sea shanties, and other “feel good” tunes from the British Isles. A Wee Warning: some songs sound fun but there could be brief moments of humor hidden within dark lyrics of battles, sailing ships, and loss of limbs!
Wee FIB’s repertoire roams freely across musical borders, much like confused tourists with rental scooters. Sets include: Irish pub songs; Scottish ballads; Jigs and reels at speeds ranging from “lively” to “possibly illegal”; Sea shanties that make you want to swab a deck you do not own; Folk songs from places vaguely described as “over there somewhere”. They will happily follow an ancient Celtic lament with a raucous drinking song and then casually drift into something that might be Scottish, might be Irish, and might have been invented in the parking lot. They call this style Pan-Celtic-ish Tropical Rock Folk, and they stand by it. You can’t find this on a Sirius station.
Expect to see a rotating cast of fiddles, whistles, guitars, mandolins, bodhráns, and other instruments whose names sound like they were made up by someone slightly drunk—which, coincidentally, fits the theme perfectly.
Every song features at least: One enthusiastic singer; Several people singing harmonies that start in different keys; A chorus designed specifically for shouting; Participation is strongly encouraged. Musical accuracy is optional.
If you’re searching for musical perfection, Wee FIB respectfully suggests you lower your expectations and order another drink. If you’re searching for laughter, foot-stomping, shout-along choruses, and the strange joy of hearing sea shanties in a place surrounded by palm trees—congratulations. You’ve found your band. Wee FIB: Fake Irish. Real Fun. Local Legends (in progress).
Our Musical Mission
Wee FIB’s goal is to introduce another style of music to entertain both local residents and tourists in the Upper Keys, especially during Celtic festivals and holidays (there are many more of these than you might think) and St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Non Irish Band Members
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Dr Lou Pica - lead guitar and vocals
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Susan Gordon - Irish whistle, wooden flute, harmonica, concertina (squeeze box)
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Bil Brown - Irish bouzouki, mandolin, and 5 string banjo
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Kara Banks - vocals
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Len Skowronski - electric bass
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Al Aldridge - tenor banjo and guitar
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Kenbones Smith-Christmas - bones, fiddle, and bodhran
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“The ones who made me sing even though I promised myself I wouldn’t”
“Great group, go see them……they will put you in a good mood whether you like it or not” -
Roberto Pasta Pantaleo; Famous Keys Artisan
“The group with the pirate-sounding songs”