Folk Music from the Celtic Nations and Appalachia
Check out our latest music and upcoming events!
Check out our latest music and upcoming events!
The Shire Rats is the passion project of Nick Conte and Bobby Baxmeyer. With a deep love for the traditions of American Mountain music and the folk tradition of Ireland, England, and Scotland, The Shire Rats seamlessly blend the two styles into one sound. Both Bobby and Nick are multi-instrumentalists and vocalists, giving each song its own unique character and life.
Bobby Baxmeyer is a multi instrumentalist based in NJ. Over a long career spanning several decades he has recorded and performed on stage and in Broadway orchestras with a widely diverse array of artists including Paquito D’Rivera, Charanga America, Jose Fajardo, Ray Martinez, Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul and Mary), Sam Moore (Sam and Dave), Christian McBride, Tony Trischka, Sally Van Meter, Steve Martin, Mike Munford, and many others. He has held chairs on Broadway for the shows Rent, Shrek, Motown, and Bright Star, as well as having toured and subbed for many others. He can be heard on the Broadway cast albums of Shrek, Motown, and Bright Star.
In addition to his work with the Shire Rats he can currently be heard as a member of The Stonethrowers from Philadelphia, Magnolia Street String Band from central NJ, Music From The Shed from south NJ, Dan O’Dea and Eagle Ridge from north NJ, and freelancing for many others. He is featured on the new CD from Magnolia Street String Band, released this past June. He can also be found picking at bluegrass jams in NY, NJ, and PA.
Nick Conte is a multi instrumentalist based in NJ. He grew up heavily involved in his Irish heritage, surrounded by the culture and music. For a decade he has been performing in the tri-state area sharing the stage with the likes of Tony Trischka, Alex Hargreaves, and Mike Munford. He has also opened up for national touring acts such as The Jeff Austin Band, Big Brother and the Holding Company, and Mark Karen of Bob Weir and Ratdog. Outside of the Shire Rats, Nick can be seen performing with several bands based in North Jersey including Brother John Brown, Dan O'Dea and Eagle Ridge, and Blue Plate Special. He has also hosted the Jersey City Bluegrass jam for over five years.
Sign up to hear upcoming shows, albums, and events.