North Campus Voice

Issue date: 5/19/08 Section: Entertainment

Bob Banerjee (L) and John McCann (R) of Corned Beef and Curry had North Campus students cheering and on their feet. photo/Alexis Bouvy

CCAC North celebrated St. Patrick's Day with the help of the popular Irish band Corned Beef and Curry performing their upbeat music that got students, faculty and staff out of their seats and onto their feet.

Lead singer John McCann and partner Bob Banerjee showed off their talents as well as their Irish heritage during their performance Mar. 12, 2008.

From their green polo shirts and hats to Leprechaun and clover decorations, the band not only sounded and looked great but got the audience in the mood.

"We try to get the audience involved," said McCann. "We never let things like 'taste' interfere with our act," he laughed.

With a full audience that day, the group had people actually getting up out of their seats and doing a little Irish step dancing of their own.

McCann, originator of the band, was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and moved to Pittsburgh in 1991. He soon met Banerjee and began the Irish band many know and love today.

Corned Beef and Curry is known for their upbeat, Irish and classic rock tunes. Although many of the songs they perform are ones they've written, they also perform original songs of other artists and put their own, unique spin on them.

McCann and Banerjee both have some experience in the music industry besides Corned Beef and Curry. McCann has played in several other rock, Irish and country bands in New York before moving to Pennsylvania.

Banerjee has been in even more bands than McCann. One of his most famous associations was when he played the violin for "Gaelic Storm," the musical group that played for the movie "Titanic."

McCann said his desire to be a musician dates all the way back to being a teenager when he taught himself how to play guitar and sing. He's always had a love and passion for music for as long as he can remember. His inspiration came from "The Beatles" and his Irish influence from "The Clancy Brothers."

Corned Beef and Curry play primarily in pubs and bars, but in the past few years have played several engagements at CCAC North.

"It's a big change from the pubs," McCann said. "We have been here every March for the past four years, but we rarely play in the afternoon. It's a nice change though."

Corned Beef and Curry plan on taking their musical career to the next level. Very busy with many performances at different venues, the band plays about three to six days a week and already has two hit CDs out.

"We are family guys now," said McCann. "But we will be making more CDs. We'll probably play as long as people will listen."

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