Group started out as a guitar/vocal acoustic rock and bluegrass duo called Bob & Dan playing regularly at the Angel’s Grotto in Towson. Bob Smith had formerly been a member of Hoi Polloi, and Dan Cummins was a fellow alumnus of Loyola College. In June 1979 Bill Phelan (ex-Hoi Polloi) joined on bass guitar and vocals and the trio became known as Wry Whiskey. They were often joined by Bob Hurley (fiddler for Irish band Tom O’Bedlam).
After a fire closed the Grotto, the group began playing Irish music regularly at McGinn’s, and the Cat’s Eye Pub. In the Irish lineup Smith played mandolin, banjo, guitar, and tin whistle. Cindy Kirshner joined on fiddle. She was later replaced with Donna Long (flute).
Phelan later with Tara…
