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Michael McNulty is a Montana singer/songwriter and retired teacher who got his start in 1979 playing at Luke's Bar and the Palace Saloon in Missoula, Montana. He went on to perform extensively in Alaska and in the gold fields of the Yukon. Mike was born in 1954, the son of a New York Irishman and a Montana hi-liner in Chicago, Illinois and grew up living all over the US. Family legend has it that the first time he came to Montana on a train from Chicago, Grandma took one look at his frilly city baby clothes and said, "Looks like a girl". She put him in boots and jeans and he's been that way ever since. His Irish grandmother from New York was a singer and his grandfather, like many an Irishman, was a poet. His Montana grandfather, a WWI veteran, was a mandolin player. Needless to say, he came by his talent honestly and continues to represent his musical lineage today.

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Olga Sklyar was born in the closed Soviet city of Dniprodzerzhinsk, Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine in 1960. Her parents survived two famines brought on by both Hitler and Stalin. Her father lost a leg fighting the Nazis in WW2. He played guitar and mandolin. Olga taught piano and voice in the Ukrainian public schools for 30 years. She has a  grown daughter still residing in Ukraine. She had never even been in a drinking establishment before coming to Mike's solo gigs. Now she has been in half the breweries in Montana and plays every gig.  In October 2019 Olga became a naturalized US Citizen. I am so proud of her!

Mike and Olga bring a balanced blend of original and cover songs to the stage, from Beatles to Bach and McNulty too, and have performed together all over the state of Montana. We have a home on 11 acres of turkeys in the Bull Mountains near Roundup, Montana. As of Fall 2019, Olga has taken a job teaching music in Wolf Point, Montana. We do a lot of flying back and forth; an adventure in of itself. We will be exploring new venues in the central and eastern parts of the state. Thank you all for your support in Western Montana and perhaps we will see you again next summer.
Mike & Olga McNulty November, 2019

Olga is also available for solo piano work.
Email mikemcnulty54@gmail.com
or call 406-217-4266

                  McNulty duo release                          first album, "Grandson of              an Irishman"

                                       

Pete Swanson, For the TribunePublished 8:00 p.m. MT Oct. 26, 2017

(Photo: Courtesy) CONNECTTWEETLINKEDINCOMMENTEMAILMORE

 

The husband-and-wife musical duo Mike and Olga McNulty recently released their first album, “Grandson of an Irishman.” The recording contains 13 songs of original music penned by Mike.

“First of all, it’s not an Irish album,” Mike jokes. “It’s more folkish than anything, I guess. It’s singer-songwriter genre.”

“Grandson of an Irishman” was recorded and mastered during August this year at the McNulty’s home studio in Vaughn. The album features Mike on acoustic guitar, harmonica and vocals and Olga on piano. In addition to its folk roots, the album adds some country flavors, according to Mike. He previously has released eight solo albums.

Mike explores a variety of topics and themes within “Grandson of an Irishman.” The title track is an account of Mike’s paternal grandparents’ journey to America in the early 1900s, and how Mike grew up surrounded by Irish culture but considers himself an American. “Home to Montana” is a humorous anthem to living in Montana that employs country stylings. “My Daughter’s Wedding Song” is a self-explanatory folk ballad dedicated to Mike’s daughter who lives in Seattle. The comical, up-tempo folk tune “No One’s as Perfect as Me” was inspired by an audience member.

“This is about being single and you’re meeting people and they never quite meet your expectations,” Mike explains.

“Montana Spring” is a folk ballad written in the month of March about yearning for springtime. “Highwood to Helena” is a love ballad dedicated to Olga. “These Old Smokey Walls,” an introspective ballad, recounts Mike’s career playing music in bars for the past 40 years.

Purchase “Grandson of an Irishman” online at www.mikemcnulty54.wixsite.com/mysite.

Mike was raised in a number of communities across the U.S.; he came to Montana via Missoula in 1979. A retired public school teacher, Mike taught at C.M Russell High School for 20 years. Olga is a classically trained pianist who immigrated to the United States in 2016 from Ukraine where she taught music and voice for 31 years.

Catch Mike and Olga performing live at the Celtic Cowboy on Wed., Nov. 1, at 5 p.m. Their playlist covers “everything from Beatles to Bach,” according to Mike.

Greatest Place to Hear Live Music

David Murray, dmurray@greatfallstribune.comPublished 11:57 a.m. MT March 19, 2018

                                      CONNECTTWEETLINKEDINCOMMENTEMAILMORE

                                      Celtic Cowboy

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                                       Local investors took on the task of transforming a dilapidated, 120-year-old livery stable into an authentic Irish Pub and entertainment hot spot.

The Celtic Cowboy opened in October 2013, and quickly gained a reputation as one of Great Falls' must-see destinations.

"'We never expected a place like this in Great Falls, Montana,'" said owner Wayne Thares, quoting a common remark made by guests visiting the Celtic Cowboy. "'This is Denver quality, this is Seattle quality'. That is the most gratifying thing for us."

Quality live performances were always a part of the Celtic Cowboy's business plan. What began with just three performances a week has now blossomed into seven, including a Celtic Brunch on Sundays and Thursday night Irish sessions.

However, the Celtic Cowboy's performance offerings do not stop with ballads and reels

"We feature everything from Celtic to Western," Thares said. "We've had Reggae bands, blues - a little bit of everything. We try very hard to really run the gamut."

The Celtic Cowboy is now a sought out venue for artists traveling through the area.

"Especially during the summer months there are so many touring acts doing a little bit of everything," Thares commented. "They reach out to us and we've been able to take advantage of that. We've also got a very, very active local music crowd. There's four Celtic bands here in Great Falls that play traditional Celtic and pub music."

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Winner: Celtic Cowboy, 116 1st Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59401, 406-952-0393, www.thecelticcowboy.com

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Finalists: The Do Bar; The Sting Sports Bar & Casino; The Back Alley Pub; The Flamingo Bar; Force Nursery

(Photo: Mike and Olga McNulty)

Mike and Olga McNulty at The Front April 6
The husband-and-wife duo Mike and Olga McNulty make their first appearance at The Front Public House on Thurs., April 6, from 6 to 8 p.m.
With Mike on guitar, harmonica and vocals and Olga on keyboards, the act performs folk, rock and country from the 1960s and ‘70s as well as original material penned by Mike. His music is a blend of folk, rock and country.
Mike has been writing songs and performing in Montana since the 1970s, starting out in Missoula.
“I write about people, mostly,” Mike says. “I find people make the most interesting subjects.”
Olga immigrated to Montana from Dnipro, Ukraine, in 2016. She is a classically trained pianist and former music teacher.
The McNultys plan to release their first album, titled “From Highwood to Helena,” early this summer.
Pete Swansonis a local musician and freelance writer. Reach him at 727-0438.

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Mike McNulty Concert in the Park

SAT, MAY 12, 2018 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Join us in the Main area of Giant Springs State Park for an evening of music and fun. Presenting our 1st concert of the summer, we bring you Mike McNulty on Saturday, May 12th. Mike will begin his musical stylings at 5:30 pm and finish around 7:30 pm. 

“Michael McNulty is a Montana singer/songwriter and retired teacher who got his start in 1979 playing at Luke's Bar and the Palace Saloon in Missoula, Montana. Mike was born in 1954 in Chicago, the son of a New York Irishman and a Montana hi-liner. His Irish grandmother from New York was a singer and his grandfather, like many an Irishman, was a poet. His Montana grandfather, a WWI veteran, was a mandolin player. Needless to say, he came by his talent honestly and continues to represent his musical lineage today.” ~ Mike McNulty’s website (mikemcnulty54.wixsite.com/mysite)

The music and atmosphere are going to blow you away, the green grass, springs, Missouri river, what else could you want for an outdoor venue? Bring your blankets, chairs, family and friends for this amazing event. Loosen up after a long week with some music and food. Williams and Robert’s Fine BBQ will be available. Alcoholic beverages are permitted and dogs must be on leashes. Event is free for MT residents and normal park fees apply for non-residents. Concert may be re-scheduled due to inclement weather. 

This event is sponsored by Pepsi Cola of Great Falls.

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