Traditional Irish folk group formed in 1984 after the breakup of Wry Whiskey by Bill Phelan (bass, tin whistle, electric 12-string, pedal steel, vocals), with former Hoi Polloi bandmate Pat Scally (guitar, vocals), and Kate Lissauer (fiddle, banjo, vocals). Around 1986 they added Art Levi (bass ex-Spalpeens, Gentle Times), and Phelan moved to mandolin. Joe McCusker was later added on bodhran, tin whistle, vocals.
Tara performed at McGinn’s Pub, Holiday House…
Lissauer moved to Scotland and the group continued as a trio.
Phelan, Scally, and Levi formed Bad Neighbors in 1988, although Tara continued on a limited schedule. Since 1985 Tara played every St. Patrick’s Day at the Holiday House. The lineup in 2009 featured Phelan, Scally, with Frank Murphy (guitar), Bob Hurley (fiddle), Patrick McCubbin (flute, bodhran, mandolin, guitar, banjo), Adam Minakowski (bodhran, guitar), and Ralph Reinoldi (various stringed instruments).
Levi passed away on September 23, 2009.
