BRISTOL — A Bristol man is understandably busy during the month that feature’s St. Patrick’s Day, a touchstone for all things Irish.
Reagh Greenleaf Jr. is the founder of Irish-Americana band The County Down and creator of Vermont Celtic, a producer and retailer of art, apparel and gifts with Irish-American themes.
This month Greenleaf is sharing his music and products at more than 15 events celebrating Irish heritage throughout the state.
A singer and player of the bodhran (traditional Irish drum), Greenleaf attended the Tommy Makem International School of Song in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, in 2000. He has performed in Irish bands throughout New England.
Since moving to Vermont, he’s joined forces with Gypsy Reel and Craic agus Ceol. In 2014 he founded The County Down with Killington music veteran Daniel Brown. Teaching the audience choruses and singing along is a favorite part of his shows, Greenleaf said.
In addition to performing, Reagh brings a portable shop of original Vermont-themed Celtic T-shirts and de?cor, all printed locally. He also frequently collaborates with author Liam McKone, an authority on the Fenian Brotherhood and Irish in the Civil War for educational programs.
Among the biggest events he will perform are the Burlington Irish Heritage Festival and the 1st Annual Killington Irish Festival, which will take place this coming Friday and Saturday. A full calendar of events to see Greenleaf perform is at www.ReaghGreenleaf.com/calendar. Information on Vermont Celtic is www.VTCeltic.com.