The Hot Toddy Tour 2026:Young Dubliners/ Ockham’s Razor/ Beyond The Burren
- Phantom Light Media
- Mar 10
- 2 min read
Everyone was Irish at the Knitting Factory Saturday the 7th when Young Dubliner came through town. This is somewhat of an annual tradition in the Treasure Valley. One that I look forward to as well as many others, this one being the third time I have caught their show.
They kicked the night off with Beyond the Burren. They opened for Young Dubliners last year as well and it sounds like they may for the foreseeable future. They are a fantastic local Boise Irish band with a fiddle, 2 guitars, and bongo with a kick drum and a couple of Irish dancers, I have found them to be an enjoyable band. They do well at setting the vibe for the night.
In the past years the second support has also been local last year being The Cliff Miller Band. This year they brought with them Ockham's Razor out of Seattle. This band was amazing and I was definitely impressed. This Irish rock band brought a high level of energy to the stage. Hopefully they'll make their way back to Boise in the future. I would recommend you catch them. If you're in Seattle, show up and support them. These guys are great.
Every year when the Young Dubliners walk out on that dark lit stage they start the night off with “Abhainn Mor” . This powerful instrumental sets the mood everytime. The presentation and production draws you into a night of Irish folk and rock music. This night was no different from the past. Full of energy from the guitars, piccolo, drums, and an amazing fiddle with the occasional mandolin.
Throughout the night it did seem like Keith Roberts' voice was a little strained and tired. Whose voice wouldn't be, 19 shows in on a 31 show tour having traveled coast to coast in the middle of flu season? One of the things I have always admired about their shows is that they are very inclusive of their supporting artists. During multiple songs they share the stage with the same Irish dancers from the first act. Then later in the night after a fire guitar and fiddle duel, immediately followed by one of the best fiddle solos to be seen, they bring on all the acts to perform “The Rocky Road to Dublin” to close the night.
I look forward to this show every year. I would consider it the kick off to my concert coverage season and for me there is no better way for me to move into the busier parts of the year. Thank you Young Dubliner for always helping to kick it off on the right note.
Photos & Review By: Justin Webb
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