St. Louis Irish Arts www.slia.org
7480 Whitehaven Drive St. Louis MO 63123 314.849.1662 info@slia.org
A St. Louis native, Chris joined St. Louis Irish Arts as a student in 1988. Though Chris started dancing and tin whistle lessons along with the other students, he soon discovered another instrument - the bodhran.
Excelling on the bodhran - the traditional Irish drum - Chris made several trips to Ireland to compete in the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. He placed third in two All-Ireland competitions and placed second in another All-Ireland on the bodhran. Chris was also a member of the senior grupai cheoil ensemble from St. Louis Irish Arts that won the All-Ireland title in 2004. Chris travelled to Ireland again as a member of the St. Louis Irish Arts senior group that returned to compete in 2007.
Chris earned the Gold Congressional Medal in 2002. In 2006, Chris received a media communications degree from Webster University in Film Production.
Chris has played with several Irish groups over the years including The Braun Brothers and with various musicians at John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub. Chris has recorded on all four albums of St. Louis Irish Arts. He has also recorded with other traditional musicians including Peter Mayer on Stars and Stripes and Tom Hall on Down on Lee Street.
Chris is currently a Production Specialist at Fogarty Services Inc., where he recently completed a promotional video for the Congressional Award Program. It will be used by St. Louis Irish Arts and other organizations throughout the United States to inform the public about this special program. Chris enjoys teaching bodhran classes at St. Louis Irish Arts whenever his schedule allows. Chris also offers several bodhran workshops for students throughout the year.
Chris performing at Llewellyn’s Pub
Chris Weddle with Kelly Winter and Sarah Hale 2008
“The Humours of Ballyloughlin/Apples in Winter”
St. Louis Irish Arts II
SLIA Grupai Cheoil with Chris Weddle on bodhran
“The Mountain Road/Tom Ward’s Downfall/Foxhunter’s”
St. Louis Irish Arts III
featuring Chris Weddle on bodhran
