Band Profile: Slainte

Sláinte’s vibrant performances of toe-tapping music takes audiences back to the heart of Ireland’s culture and history, compelling audiences to dance a jig, clap their hands or sing along. 

The Hervey Bay band formed more than 20 years ago when like-minded musicans Ross Hamilton and Tony Friel teamed up. Chris and Amy Brennan joined some time later, and Ben Cakurs in 2017. 

The name Sláinte (pronounced ‘Slawn-che’) is a Gaelic word meaning ‘health’ most commonly used when toasting people in company. The complete phrase is ‘Sláinte brea’, meaning ‘good health’.

Sláinte is regularly invited to perform at Fraser Coast festivals, Gatakers Artspace (Maryborough) and Hoolihan’s Irish Bar and Restaurant (Hervey Bay) as well as weddings and anniversaries.
Using a variety of traditional instruments including fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bodhran (Irish goat-skin drum), whistle and harmonica, Sláinte is a band that knows how to entertain. 

Members draw their repertoire from centuries of traditional Irish music, although they have also been known to launch into contemporary folk and jazz from time to time. 

Crowds enjoy Sláinte’s laid-back sessions that allow for friendly banter with the audience and the opportunity to dance to their music. 

Sláinte plays simply for their members’ own enjoyment and for the enjoyment of others.